For more than 40 years, Echternach Music Festival has been held every year in May and June. After highly successful early editions, visitor numbers gradually declined over the years and the festival’s future became increasingly uncertain.
Organisers ultimately cancelled last year’s edition and used the time to give the festival a general makeover. Luxembourgish jazz musician Maxime Bender is the main person behind the revamped festival. He has worked at Luxembourg’s music school for many years and knows Echternach well.
One of Bender’s main changes: Reducing the festival’s duration from a couple of weeks to only four days and consequently boosting the line-up’s attractiveness.
The name of the festival was also changed and Echternach Music Festival became Echterlive. Organisers hope that the new yearly festival will reclaim its place in Luxembourg’s cultural scene.
Echterlive will take place against the backdrop of Echternach’s historic abbey and offer more diverse music genres than ever before. From Luxembourgish music to jazz, pop and soul (Joss Stone is one of the major headliners), there should be something for every musical taste bud.
Another headliner is Donny McCaslin, an American jazz saxophonist who came to international prominence when rock legend David Bowie hired his ensemble for “Blackstars”. Apart from bringing international big names to the Grand Duchy, organisers also made sure to include Luxembourg’s own music scene. Local bands along with Luxembourg’s music school and secondary school students will all be able to claim the stage.
Echterlive will take place from 11 to 14 July. Apart from concerts, there will also be various other activities, video shows and a food and art village.
Interested? Check out the festival’s line-up!
