50 years ago, Karsten Witt founded the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie with the visionary goal of reshaping the symphony orchestra into a self-governed collective of musicians. This innovative concept has since given rise to several prominent freelance ensembles, each owned and operated by its members. Notable examples include Ensemble Modern, Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Freiburger Barockorchester, and Ensemble Resonanz. Today, as we reflect on this original vision pioneered by figures like Pierre Boulez and Ernest Fleischmann, we are prompted to consider the contemporary relevance and evolving role of the symphony orchestra. Karsten Witt engages in a dialogue on these profound questions with Simon Webb, the former chairman of the self-administered London Philharmonic Orchestra and presently the Head of Orchestras and Choirs at the BBC and Fiona Stevens, CEO from Concerto Köln.