During the first full orchestra rehearsal, everything takes shape within minutes. Young musicians, most of whom have never met before, take their seats, tune their instruments, exchange a few glances, and then the music begins. Gradually, a shared energy emerges and a collective is formed. This moment, repeated at every session, lies at the heart of the "Orchestre National des Jeunes du Luxembourg" project.

The orchestra’s origins go back to the Summer Orchestra Luxembourg, its predecessor, which began as an informal summer ensemble bringing together a small group of musicians with a shared enjoyment of playing together. Over time, artistic ambitions grew, as did the expectations of participants, highlighting the need for a more structured framework.

The Covid period marked an important step in this development. It offered the team an opportunity to step back and rethink the project as a whole. It was in this context that, in 2021, the "Orchestre National des Jeunes du Luxembourg" was created, with the aim of providing young musicians with an environment that is both demanding and accessible.

Between the end of secondary school, the transition to higher education and the first steps into working life, many young people face a lack of opportunities to continue developing within an orchestral setting. The ONJ responds to this need by bringing together musicians from diverse backgrounds and encouraging exchanges with international profiles, ensuring continuity in musical pathways.

Twice a year, participants come together to work on demanding programmes, guided by professional musicians and led by the Artistic and Musical Director of the ONJ, Pit Brosius. The project weeks combine rehearsals, workshops, masterclasses, chamber music and shared moments in an environment that balances artistic excellence, support and a sense of community.

The impact of the project can be seen on several levels. Musically, participants develop their practice and gain experience. On a personal level, they build connections, discover different paths and gain confidence in their ability to grow within a professional environment.

For some, this experience has played a decisive role in their future. Several young musicians have chosen to pursue higher education in music, noting that their time with the ONJ contributed to this decision.

Today, the project relies on a committed team and a network of partners who help create a coherent working framework. The team’s dedication and complementary skills, supported by strong volunteer involvement, enable the ONJ to sustain its activities with flexibility and continuity.

Feedback from participants consistently highlights the balance offered: an environment that is demanding yet accessible, allowing each individual to progress at their own pace while being part of a collective dynamic.

At medium and long term, the ONJ aims to strengthen its visibility and presence within Luxembourg’s musical landscape and to further develop international collaborations. The objective remains the same: to provide young musicians with a structured yet open framework that supports a key stage in their artistic development and contributes to the country’s cultural vitality.

“Musicians come first”: an approach that guides the project and underlines that behind every performance lie individual journeys, encounters and shared human experiences.