Philharmonie Luxembourg
Encyclopedia
The Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte Concert Hall is a concert hall located on the Kirchberg
plateau in the City of Luxembourg
. Opened in 2005, it now plays host to 400 performances each year and is one of the main concert halls in Europe.
(OPL - Orchestre philharmonique du Luxembourg). With the privatisation of RTL
in 1992, the channel was no longer obliged to support an orchestra. The Luxembourg State decided to take the orchestra over and place it in the responsibility of an establishment specially created for this purpose, the Henri Pensis
Foundation. This step acted as the catalyst for political action in favour of ensuring the construction of a suitable concert hall.
In 1995, Luxembourg was nominated European Capital of Culture
. The great success of this initiative demonstrated the need for cultural facilities to be further developed. In the same year, the Luxembourg Parliament made the decision to construct, amongst other new structures, a concert hall.
’s project was selected at the end of the international architectural competition launched by the Administration for Public Buildings. The construction work for the new concert hall was carried out between spring 2002 and summer 2005.
On the evening of 26 June, the Salle de Concerts Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte was officially opened in the presence of the Grand Duke Henri, high-profile representatives of the State and guests of honour from Luxembourg and abroad in an official ceremony to mark the end of Luxembourg’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a world premiere, the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra performed Symphony No. 8 by Krzysztof Penderecki
, commissioned by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for the occasion.
’s initial idea was to mark the entrance into the world of music through a natural filter. This idea became reality in the form of 823 facade columns made of white steel, arranged in three or four rows. The interior row of columns containing technical facilities, the second supporting the windows, and the third being of a static nature.
Between the filter of columns and the central nucleus, a vast peristyle constitutes the foyer, enveloping the Grand Auditorium. Ramps, stairs and footways lead into the concert hall, surrounding it and linking it to the boxes.
The Salle de Musique de Chambre, the ticket office and access to the underground car park are not within the main building, but are next to it outside within two aluminium-covered shells which lean against the filter of columns.
The acoustic design of the three halls is the work of Chinese-born acoustician Albert Yaying Xu with AVEL Acoustique [Jean-Paul Lamoureux et Jérôme Falala].
The reverberation
time is 1.5 to 2 seconds. The acoustics
can be adapted to different musical demands, thanks to the flexibility of the stage curtains and the installation of an adjustable acoustic reflector composed of three parts. Situated above the stage, the reflector directs the sound towards the public and enables the musicians to hear each other better.
The technical design of the stage, with 21 modifiable platforms, allows for numerous stage variations depending on the formation of the concert.
situated above the stage reflects the architectural concept of having towers of boxes. Instead of fitting into one frame, the pipes are grouped into different «houses». Created by the Berlin organ builder Karl Schuke, the instrument has 6,768 pipes in total and can perform both the classic and symphonic organ repertoires.
in permanent residence, of which Emmanuel Krivine
has been its musical director and conductor since 2006.
A large part of the programme also revolves around public concerts for the young, with different series of shows adapted to each age group, given in several languages (depending on the show: French, German, Luxembourgish):
Two festivals are linked to the Philharmonie:
Furthermore, the Philharmonie also welcomes many concerts and events run by external organisers.
In 2009, more than 400 shows were performed at the Philharmonie.
Kirchberg
-Austria:*Kirchberg am Wagram, a town in Lower Austria*Kirchberg am Wechsel, a town in Lower Austria*Kirchberg an der Raab, a town in Styria*Kirchberg bei Mattighofen, a town in the district of Braunau, Upper Austria...
plateau in the City of Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg , officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg , is a landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. It has two principal regions: the Oesling in the North as part of the Ardennes massif, and the Gutland in the south...
. Opened in 2005, it now plays host to 400 performances each year and is one of the main concert halls in Europe.
Origins
The inspiration for constructing a concert hall in Luxembourg is closely linked to the old RTL Symphonic Orchestra, now known as the Luxembourg Philharmonic OrchestraLuxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra
The Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra , abbreviated to OPL, is the national orchestra of Luxembourg, and is based in Luxembourg City. The orchestra formerly performed at the Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg and the Conservatoire de Luxembourg...
(OPL - Orchestre philharmonique du Luxembourg). With the privatisation of RTL
RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg
RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg is the main television channel in Luxembourg, broadcasting in Luxembourgish.The small television market in Luxembourg led to a unique system in Europe: Luxembourg remains the only country in the world to run television stations in both the PAL and SECAM formats. Originally, both...
in 1992, the channel was no longer obliged to support an orchestra. The Luxembourg State decided to take the orchestra over and place it in the responsibility of an establishment specially created for this purpose, the Henri Pensis
Henri Pensis
Henri Pensis , was a Luxembourgish conductor, composer and violinist.Pensis was born on in the Pfaffenthal quarter of Luxembourg City. In 1933, he founded and became the first conductor of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra...
Foundation. This step acted as the catalyst for political action in favour of ensuring the construction of a suitable concert hall.
In 1995, Luxembourg was nominated European Capital of Culture
European Capital of Culture
The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by theEuropean Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension....
. The great success of this initiative demonstrated the need for cultural facilities to be further developed. In the same year, the Luxembourg Parliament made the decision to construct, amongst other new structures, a concert hall.
Construction
In 1997, Christian de PortzamparcChristian de Portzamparc
Christian de Portzamparc is a French architect and urbanist. He graduated from the École Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris in 1970 and has since been noted for his bold designs and artistic touch; his projects reflect a sensibility to their environment and the town is a founding principal of his...
’s project was selected at the end of the international architectural competition launched by the Administration for Public Buildings. The construction work for the new concert hall was carried out between spring 2002 and summer 2005.
Opening
On 26 June 2005, the Philharmonie opened its doors to the public for the first time. 222 young musicians from different bands in Luxembourg participated in the creation of a sound installation by composer Renald Deppe. With two other creations performed on the same afternoon, this piece of work marked the start of 8 days of festivities, during which 750 musicians performed in front of more than 15,000 visitors.On the evening of 26 June, the Salle de Concerts Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte was officially opened in the presence of the Grand Duke Henri, high-profile representatives of the State and guests of honour from Luxembourg and abroad in an official ceremony to mark the end of Luxembourg’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a world premiere, the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra performed Symphony No. 8 by Krzysztof Penderecki
Krzysztof Penderecki
Krzysztof Penderecki , born November 23, 1933 in Dębica) is a Polish composer and conductor. His 1960 avant-garde Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima for string orchestra brought him to international attention, and this success was followed by acclaim for his choral St. Luke Passion. Both these...
, commissioned by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for the occasion.
Architecture and Acoustics
Architect Christian de PortzamparcChristian de Portzamparc
Christian de Portzamparc is a French architect and urbanist. He graduated from the École Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris in 1970 and has since been noted for his bold designs and artistic touch; his projects reflect a sensibility to their environment and the town is a founding principal of his...
’s initial idea was to mark the entrance into the world of music through a natural filter. This idea became reality in the form of 823 facade columns made of white steel, arranged in three or four rows. The interior row of columns containing technical facilities, the second supporting the windows, and the third being of a static nature.
Between the filter of columns and the central nucleus, a vast peristyle constitutes the foyer, enveloping the Grand Auditorium. Ramps, stairs and footways lead into the concert hall, surrounding it and linking it to the boxes.
The Salle de Musique de Chambre, the ticket office and access to the underground car park are not within the main building, but are next to it outside within two aluminium-covered shells which lean against the filter of columns.
The acoustic design of the three halls is the work of Chinese-born acoustician Albert Yaying Xu with AVEL Acoustique [Jean-Paul Lamoureux et Jérôme Falala].
Grand Auditorium
Designed on the concept of a «shoebox», the Grand Auditorium has a volume of almost 20,000 m3 and can welcome up to 1,500 listeners. To overcome the constraints of a rectangular room and to meet optimal acoustic conditions, eight towers of boxes are located around the stalls in an irregular fashion and contribute to uniform sound distribution. Like in Shakespearian theatre, the public is involved in the show with a stage visible from all sides and a choir area that can be adapted into additional seating.The reverberation
Reverberation
Reverberation is the persistence of sound in a particular space after the original sound is removed. A reverberation, or reverb, is created when a sound is produced in an enclosed space causing a large number of echoes to build up and then slowly decay as the sound is absorbed by the walls and air...
time is 1.5 to 2 seconds. The acoustics
Acoustics
Acoustics is the interdisciplinary science that deals with the study of all mechanical waves in gases, liquids, and solids including vibration, sound, ultrasound and infrasound. A scientist who works in the field of acoustics is an acoustician while someone working in the field of acoustics...
can be adapted to different musical demands, thanks to the flexibility of the stage curtains and the installation of an adjustable acoustic reflector composed of three parts. Situated above the stage, the reflector directs the sound towards the public and enables the musicians to hear each other better.
The technical design of the stage, with 21 modifiable platforms, allows for numerous stage variations depending on the formation of the concert.
Salle de Musique de Chambre
The Salle de Musique de Chambre (Chamber Music Hall) can welcome up to 313 people. Two rounded walls in the shape of a shell and the reflector placed above the stage guarantee optimal sound distribution. Visitors access the hall through the walkway running alongside the curved wall.Espace Découverte
Situated in the basement of the Philharmonie, the Espace Découverte (Discovery Space) stands out with its technical equipment and great versatility, and can welcome up to 180 people. Its acoustics can be modified thanks to removable walls. This space is used for experimental and electronic music, projects in the fields of film, art or video, for workshops, and for a large number of concerts and performances for children and young people.Organ
The organOrgan (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
situated above the stage reflects the architectural concept of having towers of boxes. Instead of fitting into one frame, the pipes are grouped into different «houses». Created by the Berlin organ builder Karl Schuke, the instrument has 6,768 pipes in total and can perform both the classic and symphonic organ repertoires.
Organisation
The administrative structure of the Philharmonie is outlined in the 21 November 2002 law relating to the construction of a public establishment named Salle de Concerts Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte. The President of the Board of Directors is Damien Wigny, and the Managing Director is Matthias Naske.Orchestra in residence
Since its opening, the Philharmonie has been the home of the Luxembourg Philharmonic OrchestraLuxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra
The Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra , abbreviated to OPL, is the national orchestra of Luxembourg, and is based in Luxembourg City. The orchestra formerly performed at the Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg and the Conservatoire de Luxembourg...
in permanent residence, of which Emmanuel Krivine
Emmanuel Krivine
Emmanuel Krivine is a French conductor, the son of a Polish mother and a Russian father. He studied the violin as a youth and was a prize-winner at the Paris Conservatoire. He later studied at the Queen Elisabeth School in Brussels....
has been its musical director and conductor since 2006.
ECHO
In November 2005, the Philharmonie rejoined the European Concert Halls Organisation (ECHO). As a member of this network bringing together the largest European concert halls, the Philharmonie notably organises the 'Rising Stars' series in which young musicians sponsored by the network are invited to perform in the various halls.Programme
Since the launch of its first season in September 2005, the Philharmonie Luxembourg has welcomed international artists as part of a varied programme:- orchestraOrchestraAn orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
- chamber musicChamber musicChamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part...
and recitals - jazzJazzJazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
, world musicWorld musicWorld music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...
and easy listeningEasy listeningEasy listening is a broad style of popular music and radio format that emerged in the 1950s, evolving out of big band music, and related to MOR music as played on many AM radio stations. It encompasses the exotica, beautiful music, light music, lounge music, ambient music, and space age pop genres... - new musicContemporary classical musicContemporary classical music can be understood as belonging to the period that started in the mid-1970s with the retreat of modernism. However, the term may also be employed in a broader sense to refer to all post-1945 modern musical forms.-Categorization:...
A large part of the programme also revolves around public concerts for the young, with different series of shows adapted to each age group, given in several languages (depending on the show: French, German, Luxembourgish):
- 1.2..3…music (0-3 years)
- Loopino (3-5 years)
- Philou (9-12 years)
- Miouzik (9-12 years)
Two festivals are linked to the Philharmonie:
- rainy days: hosted since 2005 by the Philharmonie, this contemporary music festival takes place each year in November
- Luxembourg Festival: organised in collaboration with the Grand Théâtre of the City of Luxembourg since 2007, it takes place at the beginning of the new season.
Furthermore, the Philharmonie also welcomes many concerts and events run by external organisers.
In 2009, more than 400 shows were performed at the Philharmonie.
See also
- List of concert halls
- The information contained in this article is partly from the brochure «Philharmonie Luxembourg», edited by the Ministry for Public Works / Administration for Public Buildings (2005) and from the Philharmonie Luxembourg 2008 Company Report.