Martin Rajna has very clear memories of his first encounter with the Luxembourg Philharmonic: «The first time I stepped on to the stage of the Philharmonie, I immediately felt at home.» At the time, the Hungarian conductor had no idea that, just a few weeks later, he would be signing a contract to become the orchestra's next Music Director.

The young musician attracted attention in 2023 when, at the young age of 27, he was appointed Principal Conductor of the Hungarian State Opera, following in the footsteps of Gustav Mahler, who took up the same position at the same age in 1888. In Martin Rajna's view, the fact that his Austrian predecessor worked in the same office lends the position a special sense of responsibility. Having recently mainly been conducting operas, he is looking forward to emerging from the orchestra pit to stand «on the stage». But the co-artistic director of the Budapest Wagner Days definitely intends to keep his ties with opera going. He will be providing a taste of this in the Grand Auditorium in April, when he directs both the Siegfried-Idyll and the first act of Die Walküre.

Martin Rajna has directed many leading orchestras as guest conductor, but he says that being Music Director of the Luxembourg Philharmonic is «a totally different story». He stresses that he will not be launching a «new era»; rather, he would like to «build on the values and skills which Gustavo Gimeno has imparted to the orchestra» whilst opening up new repertoire for the audiences in Luxembourg. Notwithstanding this modest approach, he is making a «statement» with his first programme: György Kurtág's Stele and Gustav Mahler's Symphony N° 1 «Titan», the first version of which was premiered in Budapest, mark the start of his tenure. Another composer who maintained links with Hungary is at the heart of the season in his anniversary year: Ludwig van Beethoven. In Luxembourg alone, Martin Rajna is performing three of Beethoven's symphonies, two of his piano concertos and his one violin concerto with the soloist Leonidas Kavakos. So there are plenty of opportunities to welcome him to his new home!