Orchestre National des Jeunes du Luxembourg

The project

After seven years of existence, the pioneering “Summer Orchestra Luxembourg” format had reached its limits. But as the potential of the projects was enormous, we completely rethought and restructured the project, and from these reflections was born the Orchestre National des Jeunes du Luxembourg (ONJ).

As the name suggests, this is an orchestra whose aim is to bring together young people from Luxembourg and abroad through a lively exchange. Musicians and their future in the music world are at the heart of our projects. It's important for us to bring them together in various phases of their musical education: music school pupils are just as welcome as university students.

The realization

It's the details that take the longest. For example, we still need to expand our activities in terms of organizing project weeks.

On the other hand, managing such a project means a heavy workload, and we're still looking for a sustainable solution. We were always very flexible and able to react at short notice. Looking back on the Covid situation, I can say that it was one of the biggest challenges we had to adapt to.

We're now in our first season, which stretches over two calendar years, and we're making really good progress and getting good feedback from the music community.

I remember with pleasure the moment just before our first concert in November 2021. It was a Saturday night and everyone was excited and happy to get up on stage: a special atmosphere. Then, after the concert, the whole team was waiting for the musicians backstage to applaud them… It was very emotional.

Objective

Bringing together young musicians, strengthening the Luxembourg music scene with a high-profile project, encouraging exchanges between generations and promoting the talents of young musicians – this is what matters most to us.

After just a few months in existence, we can see that our project has already made a difference. Exchanges with partners are going very well, whether with music schools and conservatories or professional orchestras, the interest of young musicians is growing, the project is being welcomed with open arms everywhere, and the team is working well. It all adds up to envy!

Whether as a musician in the orchestra or as a passionate listener – everyone is welcome to attend our concerts, rehearsals, masterclasses or workshops at the Mierscher Theater (available in Luxembourg only.