Luxembourg shines on the international stage
Eric Thill
Minister of Culture
Stability, international standing, and innovation: these are the three pillars that define Luxembourg’s identity over and above its economic dynamism. The same three attributes apply equally to the country’s growing role on the international musical scene. While the Grand Duchy’s prestige in the business world may be a well-established fact, that prestige now unquestionably extends to the musical world as well, thanks in particular to the Philharmonie and the Luxembourg Philharmonic.
Stability first and foremost because the orchestra, which was founded under the auspices of Radio Télévision Luxembourg (RTL), has been active without interruption since its creation in 1933. During that time, only eight music directors have come and gone, the most recent being Gustavo Gimeno, who has been with the orchestra for a decade. As this long and fruitful collaboration draws to a close, we eagerly await the arrival of Martin Rajna, who will take over at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Next comes international standing, which has two facets: with its world-class programming, the Philharmonie features some of the biggest names in international music and has established itself as a landmark in the world of music, while at the same time, the Luxembourg Philharmonic has taken on the role of a recognised ambassador, performing in leading venues: its triumphant tour of South Korea in May 2023 is a good example.
Finally, there is innovation. In addition to the traditional concerts, there are an increasing number of original projects aimed at all age groups, most of which combine outreach and music. And of course, there is the commissioning of new works from both Luxembourgish and international composers, notably in the framework of the rainy days festival, whose renewed format bears witness to the institution’s bold and innovative mindset.
In the heart of Kirchberg, the European quarter of Luxembourg’s capital, the Philharmonie team invite you to experience musical moments par excellence.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Music Lovers,
Europe! Particularly nowadays, when it inspires such widespread uncertainty, the notion of «Europe» is both central and divisive. Of course, the term is mainly used in political or economic contexts; and it would be hard to imagine a better place to come to grips with the concept than Luxembourg, home to many of the European Union’s institutions and administrations – a country which, if only because of its geographical location, is ideally suited to offer a comprehensive perspective. And in a way, that is exactly what the Philharmonie’s programme for the 2025/26 season sets out to do: to provide a bird’s eye view of just how far today’s Europe has evolved as a concept, both in historical terms and as a model of progress.
European history is a cultural history that draws its unity from its diversity – a unity that in turn gives rise to even greater diversity. With the world’s most renowned and tradition-rich orchestras playing at the Philharmonie this season, we will be plunging headlong into that history and the cultural achievements of our continent.
Still today, the continent unites a wide variety of cultures and landscapes, creating a diversity that continues to inspire composers to expand their musical horizons, so that in the space of two hours, the concert hall will enable you to travel not only through several centuries of the history of Western music, but also from Sicily to the Norwegian fjords via Vienna and Saint Petersburg.
Needless to say, the Philharmonie and the Luxembourg Philharmonic also look beyond Europe – for instance, South American music and Arabic influences are a regular feature. This year, we want to take you even further afield, with Indian music.
Join us as we explore Europe and beyond!
Welcome
Pierre Ahlborn
President of the Conseil d’Administration
Stephan Gehmacher
Director General
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