1933
The repertoire becomes impoverished: Hindemith, Schönberg, Toch, Mendelssohn Bartholdy and others are no longer allowed to be played. ‘Non-Aryan’ musicians are dismissed and the orchestra's financial situation becomes catastrophic.
1934
After an impressive performance of Beethoven's Ninth, Paul van Kempen becomes the new artistic director. He avoids open conflict with the regime, but follows his artistic convictions in terms of repertoire and instrumentation.
From 1939
The orchestra is engaged for Wehrmacht concerts and performances in armaments factories as well as concerts in occupied territories. The Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and Paul van Kempen take part in the feature film ‘Symphony of a Life’ and travel to Berlin several times for the filming from May to July.
After difficulties with the Nazi authorities, Paul van Kempen leaves Dresden. The Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra is now conducted by guest conductors, including Eugen Jochum, Willem Mengelberg and, time and again, Carl Schuricht.
Goebbels verfügt die Schließung aller Konzerthäuser und Theater. Das Orchester gibt keine Konzerte mehr, viele Musiker werden zur Wehrmacht oder in die Kriegsindustrie eingezogen.
Bei den Luftangriffen wird das Gewerbehaus zerstört. Noten, Instrumente, Möbel und das Archiv der Dresdner Philharmonie gehen dabei verloren.