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 subsidized by the Grand Duchy’s Ministry of Culture and supported financially by the City of Luxembourg. The orchestra is sponsored by the Banque de Luxembourg, BGL BNP Paribas and Mercedes-Benz. Since 2010 the cello «Le Luxembourgeois», built by Matteo Goffriller is at the orchestra’s disposal, thanks to generous support from BGL BNP Paribas. Since the 2022/23 season, one violin by Giuseppe Guarneri filius Andreae and one by Gennaro Gagliano are being played in the orchestra, generously on loan from the Rosemarie and Hartmut Schwiering Stiftung.
Meet the musicians
United in continuity
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 Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 by Beethoven and Violin Concerto by Lentz.
Did you know?
We've recorded many albums over the decades and even won a Grammy!
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.
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.
Fancy meeting musicians of the orchestra around a relaxed chamber recital and chat over a drink! Discover the Concert-apéritifs in our Sundays at the Phil programme.
