Concert for Lycée technique du Centre students; Credit: Philharmonie Luxembourg / Alfonso Salgueiro

Since 19 June 2021, the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg (OPL) bus has been on the road again for a musical mission, travelling to schools and public spaces across the Grand Duchy.

This year, “Net ouni meng Musek” (not without my music) meant not only welcoming music lovers to Philharmonie Luxembourg, but also taking music outside its walls. Over the past weeks, the OPL bus, specially designed for this purpose, has taken small sets and crossed the whole country, giving small open-air concerts in public places as well as in retirement homes and schools. With a varied programme offered by the OPL Jazz Ensemble and Brass Quintet, these whirlwind tours provided entertainment for all ages. 

Luxembourg's Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, who attended Wednesday's concert at the Lycée technique du Centre Kirchberg, noted: “Music is a language that doesn't need words. It connects human beings, allows us to leave behind for a few moments the efforts of the past school year to enjoy a shared moment. With the OPL bus, we make music accessible to hundreds of students and end the school year in a very special way”.

Through the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, all secondary schools were invited to express their interest in welcoming the bus. Eighteen establishments registered in the end.

Teachers praised the initiative of the Philharmonie and the Education Ministry. “We are delighted that the bus has come to us and happy with this initiative, especially for the students. We have already visited the Philharmonie several times but this was not possible for a while and we are therefore very grateful to have been able to experience music again”, explained Karolina Markiewicz, a teacher at the Lycée technique du Centre Kirchberg.

Max Fischbach, Deputy Director of the school, added: “After such a long and difficult period, these little moments are very precious to disconnect for a few minutes. The programme was suitable and everyone participated enthusiastically. Too bad it was only a short concert, we hope that the project will be renewed”. 

During these small concerts, the OPL musicians were joined by two percussionists, Eric Gherardi and Sven Kieffer, who also also encouraged students to participate.

The following eighteen schools took part this year:

  • Deutsch-luxemburgisches Schengen-Lyzeum
  • Atert Lycée Redange
  • École de commerce et de gestion Luxembourg
  • EIDE Esch-sur-Alzette
  • EIDE Differdange
  • Lycée Aline Mayrisch Luxembourg
  • Lycée Bel-Val Esch
  • Lycée classique de Diekirch
  • Lycée classique d'Echternach
  • Lycée de garçons Esch
  • Lycée des Arts et Métiers Limpertsberg
  • Lycée des Arts et Métiers Dommeldange
  • Lycée Edward Steichen Clervaux
  • Lycée Guillaume Kroll Esch
  • Lycée Josy Barthel Mamer
  • Lycée Mathias Adam Lamadelaine
  • Lycée Nic-Biever Dudelange
  • Lycée technique du Centre Kirchberg
  • Lycée technique du Centre Limpertsberg