The Philharmonie's approach to making classical music more accessible

When I came to Luxembourg, it became a small tradition for me to spend this time there, to see more of the people of this new city I moved. Later on, when I met my future mother-in-law it became our small tradition to go to these concerts together. It helped us spend quality time together without the pressure of finding something to talk about when you don’t know someone all that well yet. The experience starts when everyone walks into the Philharmonie, still wrapped up in their daily hustle and bustle as they walk into the magnificent building. Some have travelled conveniently by tram, while others are working in one of the European Institutions or one of the countless other major businesses in the Kirchberg district.

With a quick glance at the program, people make their way to the grand auditorium, aiming to find a good spot. Approaching closer, bankers, art history club members, lawyers and European Institutions workers slowly merge together into that day's audience.

"I'm not a huge fan of Wagner, how about you?"

"I am quite fond of how his music resembles film music."

"Did you know that the Grand Duke sits up there in the private gallery when he is in watching a concert? I've seen him twice already!"

At this point, everyone takes their seats, breathes deeply, and soaks in the refreshing change of pace of the busy week. The conductor walks in, followed by the grand orchestra – all dressed in street clothes! I had never seen this before and was quite shocked. This made the entire experience so much more familial and friendly. Quite frankly, this small detail quickly makes classical music approachable, not an adjective often used in the context of this art form. After all, it is their practice time and you are invited for this special little glimpse into all that goes into preparing for a concert.

The rehearsal commences and you are transported into the word of music, this month featuring Wagner's compositions. Emerged in the atmosphere and enjoying the experience all of the sudden, abruptly, it is interrupted."Good good, but let's start over from the previous page." And they continue from the midst of the previous piece. This once again brings us closer to the people on stage, the orchestra, who usually feel so different from us in terms of the work we do. After all, I had to change a few slides for the fifth time just before the concert too.

While it is just 30 minutes, this time always changes the pace of my entire week to come. You can use this brief moment and share it with a friend, a colleague, or just with yourself. Art is a universal language and often shows us how we might have more in common with someone than we expected.

Walking out of the Philharmonie, I can't help but think about how the lunch concert is such a different event than a regular concert – not only due to its duration and approachability but because of how meaningful just 30 minutes of art can be in one's routine. As I make my way back to my desk, I quickly go to the website of the Philharmonie and pencil in the next lunch concert to remember to gift myself this little piece of serenity.

I will save you some time, the next one will take place on 27 February at 12.30pm.

See you there.

More from the Philharmonie

Explore the world of classical, jazz, and international music and listen to interviews with performers and musicians in Today Radio's In Tune. This collaboration with the Luxembourg Philharmonie, presented by Eva Klein, offers insights into the classical music industry, alongside a carefully curated playlist.