(CS) The 2012/13 season, the first with the Orchestre Philharmonique Luxembourg under the roof of the Philharmonie and the first following the OPL's re-branding, is the “most exciting” to date with the orchestra stretching its wings to new heights.

As Artistic Director Stefan Rosu explained at the presentation of the orchestra's activities on Friday, the OPL is treading new terrain and exploring uncharted territory with the new programme. With the orchestra's history stretching back to the 1930s, Philharmonie General Director Matthias Naske added that this was the “most exciting” season yet, a mix of continuity and innovation.

Not only is the OPL offering a host of concerts and activities, not just in Luxembourg, but it is also expanding its repertoire and building on its recordings. With 98 musicians under the direction of Emmanuel Krivine some 190 events are planned.

Some of the programme's highlights include:

• Aventure+ : This four-concert series gives audiences the chance to experience the music in three parts. In the first and second, different pieces of music will be brought into play with one another, revealing inspirations, continuity and innovation in composition. Following the concert, the orchestra will be available for a chat and music lovers can get up close with the artists and find out even more about what they just heard.

• Dating: Have you ever wanted to date one of the great composers? The OPL is offering audiences the chance to meet the men behind the music in a series of concerts dedicated to Debussy, Moussorgsky and Borodine. Offered with English subtitles this kind of “speed dating” will introduce newcomers to their music and connoisseurs might also still discover something new about their favourites.

• Family: Three family concerts will offer audiences young and old the chance to find out more about classical music, the instruments and composers. All concerts are offered with English subtitles, and the “Very British” show next April is the ideal chance for expats to learn more about classical music from the UK.

• Opera: The OPL is collaborating with the Grand Théâtre and the Opéra Comique in Paris for a series of operas. On the menu are Cendrillon, Il segreto di Susanna, La Voix humaine, Parsifal and a concertante performance of Manon.

On top of this are the “usual suspects”, such as matinées and holiday concerts, cinema concerts, and activities for children and teenagers.

So, while the programme of the Philharmonie tempts music lovers with first class talent from around the world, it is well worth taking a closer look at Luxembourg's own philharmonic orchestra. And the 2012/13 season seems just the right time to (re-)discover the new OPL.

For more information visit OPL.lu

The OPL's new logo - more modern and colourful, just like the orchestra's new programme

Photo: OPL.lu