Gast Waltzing, one of Luxembourg’s best-known musicians, celebrated his 70th birthday with a concert at a sold-out Philharmonie, joined on stage by both national and international artists.
The concert, titled Gast Waltzing and Guests, looked back on a long and successful career spanning almost 64 years.
Waltzing recalled several major milestones, from filling Melusina three times with jazz band Atmosphere, to performing with Park Café in front of 10,000 people on Place Guillaume II. His work in film music through Andy Bausch also marked an important turning point, followed later by his collaboration with Angélique Kidjo, he said.
Since the 1980s, Waltzing has shared both his life and his work with his wife Maggie Parke. Together, they run their own record label and recording studio. Parke described him as highly professional, someone who knows exactly what he wants, has a clear vision, and works hard until he reaches his goal.
Another key figure in his career is Angélique Kidjo. Together with the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, the two won a Grammy in 2016.
Kidjo recalled that Waltzing had approached her with the idea of creating symphonic versions of some of her songs. At first, she thought the idea was crazy, but told him to prove it. Once he began working on the arrangements, she said, the music carried her along.
Among Waltzing's more recent projects is his collaboration with jazz musician Kyle Eastwood, the son of actor Clint Eastwood.
Eastwood explained that he wanted to create a project combining jazz and symphony orchestra, performing music from his father's films as a tribute to him and his career. For that, he needed someone who could conduct the project and create the arrangements.
The birthday concert also featured many Luxembourgish musicians who have worked with Waltzing over the years. Some see him as a mentor, including jazz guitarist David Laborier, who was already his student in the 1990s.
Around 2001, the two began working together at the Conservatoire de Luxembourg, before Laborier later joined Waltzing's group Largo. Since then, they have collaborated on numerous projects and even founded a big band together.
For Waltzing, the concert was the best birthday present he could have wished for. He said there could hardly be anything better than being surrounded on stage by friends, artists he deeply respects, and an orchestra that gives him the opportunity to bring such projects to life.
