Large Fire damages Berlin Philharmonie

The AP and International Herald Tribune, BBC and other European papers are reporting that the famed Philharmonie, home of the Berlin Philharmonic, caught fire today, hours before 720 people were expected for a rehearsal of Berlioz' Te Deum, including children.

Musicians rushed to save their priceless instruments, but larger ones, such as pianos and timpani, had to be left behind.

The landmark building, built in 1963 and famed for its fine acoustics, was one of the first of Europe's modern concert halls. More than 100 firefighters were said to be battling the blaze.