Jess Bauldry: What is the Luxembourg Wind Orchestra and what makes it different from other orchestras in Luxembourg?

Philippe Noesen: The Luxembourg Wind Orchestra (LWO) is a national wind instrument band that was founded this year. It is composed of a number of highly talented amateur musicians as well as professional musicians active in the Luxembourg music scene. There are obviously many wind bands performing locally in Luxembourg, but apart from the Military Music Band we do not have any wind bands performing on a professional level. Hence our name “Luxembourg Wind Orchestra”: we are trying to promote Luxembourgish wind band music both nationally and internationally, or at least make people aware of its existence.

Why did you decide to create this orchestra?

Well, my colleagues and I wanted to give those music teachers who play in many different bands the opportunity to explore and also perform wind band music--and this on a high and demanding level. Furthermore, this new orchestra could generate and establish interesting contacts and joint ventures not only among music teachers but also among members of the Military Band, OPL musicians and gifted amateur players.

How is the orchestra funded?

A number of businesses are willing to sponsor the orchestra, but of course we are always open to new ideas concerning financial aid.

Your inaugural concert takes place on 8 October. What can audiences see and hear at this concert?

Our audience will experience a world premiere: Marco Pütz, a well-known composer in Luxembourg and abroad among wind band afficionados, has written an ouverture called “Trigger”, especially for us. The programme will continue with a selection of traditional pieces of wind band music. Another highlight will be the soloist performer Marc Meyers, trombonist and headmaster of the Luxembourg City Conservatory, who will play the T-bone concerto by Johan de Meij. Our concert will conclude with a popular medley of Queen compositions arranged by Jörg Murschinski.

Are you taking new members and, if so, how can people join?

As a start the orchestra is coming together for our first concert, but naturally our plan is to continue working with the same members. There may be the occasional comings and goings of performing artists, in which case our organising committee will try to find and select substitute players.

Catch the LWO’s first concert at 5pm on 8 October at the auditorium of the Conservatoire de Luxembourg Ville. The concert will be conducted by Philippe Noesen with Marco Pütz, Satoshi Yagisawa, Johan de Meu, Philip Sparke and Jörg Murschinski. Entry is €12. Click here to find out more.