1933,Founded by violinist Henri Pensis as a radio orchestra
1996,The Luxembourg Philharmonic becomes independent from Radio-Télé-Luxembourg (RTL)
2012,The Luxembourg Philharmonic becomes part of the Philharmonie
Now 90 years and counting, the Luxembourg Philharmonic finds the verve to shape its future in its roots.
The Luxembourg Philharmonic was founded in 1933 as part of the broadcasting activities of Radio Luxembourg (RTL) and has been publicly administered since 1996. In 2005 it took up residence at the Philharmonie Luxembourg with which it forms one legal body since 2012. With its 99 musicians hailing from more than 20 nations, the Luxembourg Philharmonic has developed its own orchestral sound over the course of its almost one hundred years of existence, reflecting the open-mindedness of the Grand Duchy and its key role in the process of European integration. The orchestra was shaped by its successive chief conductors Henri Pensis, Carl Melles, Louis de Froment, Leopold Hager (conductor laureate since 2021), David Shallon, Bramwell Tovey, Emmanuel Krivine and Gustavo Gimeno. From 2026/27 onwards, Martin Rajna will be the orchestra’s chief conductor.
The Luxembourg Philharmonic is subsidised by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and also receives financial support from the City of Luxembourg. Major sponsors are Cargolux, Bertelsmann, BGL BNP Paribas and Mercedes-Benz. The orchestra is grateful to BGL BNP Paribas who kindly put at its disposal the cello «Le Luxembourgeois» built by Matteo Goffriller (1659–1742). Since the 2022/23 season, the Rosemarie and Hartmut Schwiering Foundation has generously provided the orchestra with a violin by Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae (1711) and another by Gennaro Gagliano (1750).
Meet our Music Director
Martin Rajna, one of the most talented conductors of the younger generation will take on the role of Music Director of the Luxembourg Philharmonic starting in the 2026/27 season.
Wonder how an orchestra works? What's the difference between a piccolo and a banjo? Who are the Luxembourg Philharmonic's 99 musicians? Explore their biographies and instruments here.
The orchestra’s ample discography includes ten albums for the Pentatone and four for harmonia mundi France, the most recent of which features Ein Deutsches Requiem by Brahms.
Did you know?
We've recorded many albums over the decades and even won a Grammy!
You’re a professional musician, looking to join an orchestra? We have some open positions in the Luxembourg Philharmonic! Click below to check the current vacancies and apply.
