Ahead of the Te Deum celebrating Grand Duke Guillaume's accession, the Maîtrise Sainte-Cécile of Luxembourg Cathedral, joined by a military band, prepared a rich programme blending classical and contemporary works.
The Maîtrise ( choir school) Sainte-Cécile of Luxembourg Cathedral prepared the musical programme for Te Deum of the throne accession celebrations held on Sunday, performed in collaboration with musicians from the Luxembourg Military Band.
A Te Deum is a traditional religious service of thanksgiving held to mark major national occasions in Luxembourg, including the accession of a new monarch. The ceremony takes its name from the Latin Christian hymn Te Deum laudamus (We praise thee, O God), long used in Catholic liturgy to celebrate moments of state or communal significance.
The collaboration between the military musicians and the cathedral choir began a week before the festivities, while the Maîtrise had started rehearsals several weeks earlier to ensure a harmonious and solemn performance worthy of the occasion.
With around fifty choristers, the ensemble held its final rehearsal on Wednesday evening, 1 October, before heading to the cathedral's choir loft for the general rehearsal. Accompanied by several brass players and a percussionist from the military orchestra, as well as the cathedral's regular organist Paul Breisch, the choir refined every detail of the repertoire.
The programme featured a range of pieces, from national works such as the Wilhelmus and Sonnerie Nationale, to classical compositions by Mozart, and more contemporary creations. Among them was the brand-new "Domine Salvum Fac" by Roland Wiltgen, the winning piece of a composition contest launched by the Maîtrise specially for the accession of Grand Duke Guillaume.
The work received its world premiere during the Te Deum. Marc Dostert, conductor of the Maîtrise, described Wiltgen's composition as blending "contemporary interludes with classical elements", including two fugues that merge into a double fugue.
Speaking with Dostert before the event, he said it carries a special significance. He explained that while the choir was accustomed to performing at major ceremonies such as the traditional National Day Te Deum or last year's papal visit, this one "feels even more exciting" due to its international dimension and the fact that it honours the new Head of State.
Organist Paul Breisch echoed that sentiment, calling it "a once-in-a-lifetime occasion" comparable to a royal wedding. He noted that everyone involved is aware of the importance and uniqueness of the moment.
Watch and listen to the rehearsal below:
