This note by the celebrated Belgian pianist, conductor and composer Arthur Greef was not officially branded «Top Secret», but it could have warranted such a mention since, for all its look of haste and informality, it conveyed sensible information to a rather special recipient: Henri Pensis, founder and first musical director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Radio-Luxembourg, which later went on to become our very own Luxembourg Philharmonic.

At the time of writing, the orchestra was still in its infancy. Founded in 1933, it can’t have been much older than a year when Pensis received the news that he had been selected to appear at an upcoming «exhibition» of seemingly great importance…

We will go back to the exact nature of that special event shortly but first, let’s pause and consider what such a nomination means. In very little time, the orchestra and its conductor had obviously made quite a name for themselves in the Grand Duchy. And no wonder: they were the first ensemble of their kind around here, specialising in playing concerts that were broadcast live on the radio. Talk about breaking new ground!

Now, 1935 might not ring any particular bells at first. An odd year it seems, right in the middle of a decade marked by economic uncertainty and the rise of fascism in Western Europe, which would eventually lead to the outbreak of another world war. Yet, amid those crises, an extraordinary event took place: the Brussels International Exposition.

Six months, millions of visitors and 25 countries showcasing their identities and treasures. The Grand Duchy was one of them and here is how the National Library of Luxembourg (BnL) recalls the event: «Luxembourg's significant presence at the 1935 Brussels International Exposition was characterised by an imposing pavilion boasting contemporary architectural features, and showcasing all of the country’s economic, social and artistic activity».