Camille Kerger Wins 2nd Luxembourg Music Prize

Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture has announced that, on 19 December 2024, the Philharmonie welcomed the national music scene for the evening of the awards of the second Lëtzebuerger Musekspräisser (Luxembourg Music Prize). 

The ceremony, organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Philharmonie, was moderated by Elsa Rauchs in front of a packed house. Among the audience were the Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, representatives of political life as well as numerous artists and representatives of the music and cultural sector. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the winners of the various categories, while paying tribute to all the artists who make up the diversity and richness of our musical landscape.

In his welcome speech, Minister Thill emphasised the strengths and vitality of the national scene: “The music sector is a field in perpetual movement. In a time of rapid change and a hectic pace, music is the soundtrack of our lives for all of us, accompanying us through times of happiness and sadness.” He added “this music that touches us so much is created and produced by the many professionals we are honouring tonight, across seven award categories. We will continue to support these creative and innovative players in the music scene.” In this context, the Minister announced new objective criteria for the allocation of financial support to music festivals, accompanied by a dedicated envelope of €200,000 for 2025, aimed at creating even more “live” opportunities, allowing artists to meet their audiences.

From the passionate commitment of those who dedicate their free time to music, to the award celebrating emerging talent, to the support professions that boost a thriving local industry, each award highlights an essential aspect of this ecosystem. The “Op der Bün” prize recognises excellence in live performance, divided this year for the first time into three different musical styles, while the National Music Prize (Nationale Musekspräis) honours a person’s life’s work and commitment to the development of the indigenous music scene.

Musical interludes by a quartet from the Luxembourg Philharmonic Academy, as well as Bartleby Delicate, Veda Bartringer Quartet and Them Lights punctuated the ceremony between the awards, which were presented in seven categories for this second edition. The winners were presented with a trophy created by the artist Laurie Lamborelle.

The winners of the 2024 edition

- Nationale Musekspräis, winner: Camille Kerger; The National Music Prize honours an exceptional work and career in the service of the Luxembourg music scene, this prize is worth €10,000.

- Lëtzebuerger Musekspräis, category Nowuesstalent, winner: Daniel Migliosi (€2,500); this prize rewards a promising career that stands out for the dynamism of its career and the excellence of its recent achievements.

- Lëtzebuerger Musekspräis, category Op der Bün - amplified music, winner: Francis of Delirium (€3,500); this prize rewards one or more artists (performers and authors/songwriters)

- Lëtzebuerger Musekspräis, category Op der Bün - classical music, winner: Francesco Tristano (€3,500); this prize rewards one or more artists (performers and authors/songwriters) who have made a significant contribution to the classical music sector in the last two years.

- Lëtzebuerger Musekspräis, category Op der Bün - Jazz/blues/world, winner: Pol Belardi (€3,500); this prize rewards one or more artists (performers and songwriters) who have made a significant contribution to the jazz/blues/world music sector in the last two years.

- Lëtzebuerger Musekspräis, category Hannert der Bün - backstage prize, winner: Nina Schaeffer (€3,500); this prize honours the creative work of a person or team behind the scenes over the last two years (sound engineer, lighting technician, manager, show producer, booker, publisher, administrator, etc.).

- Lëtzebuerger Musekspräis, Fräizäitmusek category - outstanding non-professional engagement award, winners: Hunneg-Strëpp (€2,500); this prize rewards the exceptional merit and lasting commitment of one or a group of people who are remarkably involved in music during their leisure time, without pursuing a professional career.

Composition of the jury

The jury for the 2024 edition of the Lëtzebuerger Musekspräisser was composed of:

- Pit Brosius, conductor of the National Youth Orchestra and professor at the Conservatoire du Nord,
- Vanessa Cum, cultural coordinator of the City of Luxembourg and president of the non-profit organization Fête de la musique,
- Thomas Faber, Maz Universe, professional musician and winner of the 2022 edition,
- Marie Trussart, classical music editor at Radio 100.7 / Opus 100.7,
- Georges Urwald, musician, composer, arranger and music education teacher.

The selection of the artists on the shortlists is done in a two-round procedure. For the first round, 84 "nominators", music professionals, were invited to submit their favorites. On the basis of these nominations, shortlists were established with the names of the most cited artists. In a second stage, the jury, after deliberations and votes, selected the winners. The awards in all categories except the Nationale Musekspräis refer to an outstanding production over the last two years. Eligible are actors or personalities active in the music sector in Luxembourg, of Luxembourgish nationality, residents or with a strong cultural anchorage in the country.

The National Music Prize (Nationale Musekspräis) is designated directly by the jury and is awarded to an artist from the sector to reward his/her career, work and commitment to Luxembourgish music.