Classical music in Luxembourg

An eclectic mix of concerts

Luxembourg has a considerable number of concert halls of varying sizes, as well as auditoriums at its music conservatoires and theatres and concert halls at local and regional cultural centres. Concerts are also regularly held in churches and castles, featuring both internationally renowned stars and more local ensembles.

The Philharmonie Luxembourg is a hub for the country's classical music scene. Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc and acoustic engineer Albert Xu, it is located on Place de l'Europe in the Kirchberg district of Luxembourg City. The Philharmonie is home to the Luxembourg Philharmonic (Orchestre philharmonique du Luxembourg or OPL) and also hosts top orchestras from around the world as well as leading soloists and chamber music ensembles. The Philharmonie organises concert cycles featuring classical music, jazz, world music and even pop music, with special programmes for children and teenagers.​ 

Regional cultural centres located all around Luxembourg are responding to the growing demand for classical music. Although their programmes are generally wide-ranging, they often include outstanding classical concerts in intimate settings, so it's well worth exploring some of these lesser-known venues around the country.

Here is a list of Luxembourg's regional cultural centres:

• Cube 521 in Marnach.
• CAPE – Centre des Arts Pluriels Ettelbruck.
• Mierscher Theater in Mersch.
• Kulturhaus Niederanven.
• neimënster Cultural Exchange Centre, located in a historical abbey in the Grund district of Luxembourg City.
  
• opderschmelz Regional Cultural Centre in Dudelange.
• Kulturfabrik Cultural Centre in Esch-sur-Alzette.
• Prabbeli Regional Sociocultural Centre in Wiltz.
• Trifolion in Echternach.
• Kinneksbond Cultural Centre in Mamer.
• Aalt Stadhaus Regional Cultural Centre in Differdange.

A wide range of festivals and events

Throughout the year, Luxembourg is home to a packed programme of classical music festivals and events, both in Luxembourg City and also in the country's other regions.

Each year, the Philharmonie hosts the Rainy Days contemporary music festival.

Every July, the Kinnekswiss loves event is an opportunity to enjoy classical music in the open air, in the attractive green setting of Luxembourg's Municipal Park.

Outside Luxembourg City, there are a number of festivals and events across the country showcasing different styles of classical music, including:

• Echter'Classic Festival, featuring a wide range of musicians and concerts, some held in magnificent heritage sites that are among the oldest in Luxembourg;
• The Festival de Musique au Château de Bourglinster, which runs throughout the year with a line-up of national and international musicians performing in a mediaeval castle;
• De klenge Maarnicher Festival, a regional festival in the Luxembourg Ardennes with a dozen concerts each year;
• Rencontres Musicales de la Vallée de l'Alzette, a festival focused on early music, with a series of concerts held along the Alzette Valley in Luxembourg;
• Catch Music Festival, founded by talented artists Cathy Krier and Laurence Koch and held each spring.

These events are not just an opportunity to shine a light on local talent; they also feature internationally renowned artists, helping develop the country's cultural landscape.