Berlin  - One of the world's greatest orchestras, the Berlin Philharmonic, has taken the unusual step of appointing a German television producer to take over as its new general manager, the orchestra announced on Friday.

The appointment of 49-year-old Martin Hoffman would help "to redefine the role of the orchestra in the 20th century" said the Philharmonic's chief conductor Simon Rattle.

Up until now Hoffman has been better known in Germany for heading up the television production company MME, whose programs included court room and crime dramas.

Prior to working at MME, Hoffman was chief executive of the leading private German TV operator ProSiebenSat1.

He takes over from Pamela Rosenberg as philharmonic general manager in 2010. US-born Rosenberg had already indicated that she did not plan to extend her contract beyond next year with the orchestras and wanted to pursue other projects.(dpa)