Orchestre national des jeunes du luxembourg

Mission

The National Youth Orchestra of Luxembourg (ONJ) brings together young musicians from Luxembourg and its surroundings, offering them a space to grow through new musical and human exchanges. Under the direction of their dynamic Artistic and Music Director Pit Brosius, these young musicians — at different stages of their musical education — meet several times a year to prepare demanding programs, all united by one goal: to make music at the highest level.

The ONJ seeks to bridge the gap between school and university, and between studies and professional life for young musicians. It aims to provide opportunities and perspectives for those considering further studies in music (or other cultural fields), to serve as a meeting point for students in higher education, and to bring together young professionals.

Since its foundation in 2021, the ONJ has collaborated with renowned artists such as Johannes Moser, Joseph Moog, Marie-Andrée Bouchard-Lesieur, Sava Vemić, and Hyung-ki Joo. The young musicians are guided by tutors from leading institutions, orchestras, and ensembles in Luxembourg and beyond — including the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg, United Instruments of Lucilin, Orchestre National de Metz, and the Conservatory of Amsterdam.

During each project week, participants benefit not only from sectional and full rehearsals but also from workshops, masterclasses, and numerous shared moments of musical and personal exchange.

Inspiring a passion for orchestral music among young musicians is one of the ONJ’s main missions. Playing music together is a vital part of in-depth musical education and contributes significantly to the development of essential skills — both artistic and human.

Orchestre-National-des-Jeunes-du-Luxembourg-ONJ-Mierscher-Kulturhaus-Hyung-ki-Joo

Residence

The Orchestre National des Jeunes du Luxembourg is in residence at the Mierscher Kulturhaus, which makes a significant contribution to the orchestra’s training and development.

History

The predecessor of the ONJ, the Summer Orchestra Luxembourg (SOL), was founded in 2014 by a group of young student musicians with the aim of organizing, twice a year, an orchestral project consisting of a week of rehearsals followed by a concert. The ensemble was composed mainly of students, supported by a few professional musicians.

SOL collaborated with internationally renowned soloists such as Alena Baeva, Sandrine Cantoreggi, and Guilhaume Santana, received support from the Ministry of Culture and the Banque de Luxembourg, and established partnerships with Radio 100,7 and the Mierscher Kulturhaus.

Over the course of six years, the Summer Orchestra Luxembourg gradually evolved into a respected and well-established ensemble. Its growth was such that the existing structure could no longer meet the ambitions of the musicians and the organizing team. The decision was therefore made to create, on the foundations of the Summer Orchestra Luxembourg, a new and more professional orchestra offering broader opportunities.

Thus, in September 2021, the Orchestre National des Jeunes du Luxembourg (ONJ) was born.