Ella Fitzgerald at Festival de Wiltz on 15 June, 1969. / © eluxemburgensia.lu
The "Festival de Wiltz", founded back in 1953, has mesmerized audiences for decades, bringing together legendary performers from all corners of the globe.
Some of you may already know the festival, but did you also know it showcased some of the most iconic figures in the music industry?
Legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and José Carreras have graced the festival's stages, leaving those fortunate enough to witness their performances in awe. (Lucky them)
Don't be fooled by its relatively small size! This quaint Luxembourgish town has managed to attract stars from around the world. The allure lies not only in the stunning backdrop of the town (featuring a beautiful castle), with its charming streets and historic architecture, but also in the festival's commitment of combining both theatrical performance and music.
For over half a century, the festival has managed to treat its audience to a unique program, with musical theater productions, captivating plays and memorable performances.
Read also: Celebrating 70 years of music and theatre in the charming north of Luxembourg
Swing and boogie-woogie time with Oscar Peterson at the Festival de Wiltz in 1975. / © eluxemburgensia.lu
To see this year's program follow the link to their website here.
When Ella came to town
The American Ambassador George Feldman and the Austrian Ambassador Dr. Franz Weidinger in conversation with Ella Fitzgerald (1969). / © eluxemburgensia.lu
"She came, she sang, she scored!" reads the opening line of Ella Fitzgerald's concert review by Wort in 1969.
The city of Wiltz was abuzz at the opening of Wiltz festival on 15 June 1969, when around 1200 guests came to witness the greatest vocalist that had emerged from jazz music until then.The unusually high admission prices (500Fr.) did not stop the Luxembourgish people from coming to see the great performer sing live.
The opening of the festival was a star-studded affair, counting numerous honorary guests. Among them were State Minister Pierre Werner, Ministers Jean Dupong, Eugène Schaus, Gaston Thorn, and Marcel Mart, Professor Alphonse Arend, and Director Georges Hausemer from the National Tourism Office.
The municipal administration hosted an elegant reception at the City Hall, where artists mingled with the esteemed guests, creating an atmosphere of glitz and glam. Mayor Merres personally presented a bouquet of flowers to the iconic Ella Fitzgerald, whose enchanting voice had captivated hearts around the world.
During Ella's performance of the ballad "Devil Moon," she couldn't help but notice the incessant sounds of the numerous photographers taking photos, which clearly disturbed her. She couldn't resist remarking, "clic, clic, clic... don't you hear the concert?" Her words resonated with every music enthusiast present, as they too believed that this sublime ballad, with its enchanting lyrical beauty, deserved to be savored without any interruptions.
The 1969 lineup featured Ella Fitzgerald concert, a Bach concert, Prinz Friedrich von Homurg opera.
