Former Philharmonie director honoured by Culture Minister

(CS) Matthias Naske, under whose leadership Luxembourg's Philharmonie flourished into a renowned concert hall, has been honoured by Culture Minister Octavie Modert following his departure for a job in Vienna.

Naske was the Philharmonie's managing director from 2003, two years before the concert hall even opened, until September 2013.

The Austrian native left the Grand Duchy to return to Vienna, where he had been offered to lead the famous “Konzerthaus”. He is succeeded by German national Stephan Gehmacher, who officially took up his post last month.

On Monday, Luxembourg's Culture Minister awarded Naske with the Grand Ducal Order of the Oak Crown. Naske received the title of Commander for his contribution to Luxembourg's cultural landscape.

Modert honoured Naske's commitment to building the Philharmonie and promoting it on a national and international level. She also praised his efforts to promote musical education and the recognition of the Grand Duchy's cultural scene both in Luxembourg and abroad.

The former director also managed the difficult task of integrating Luxembourg's Philharmonie Orchestra (OPL) and the Philharmonie, the minister added.

Modert concluded that Naske had played a key part in making the Philharmonie a renowned concert house, winning not only the government's trust but also that of the public, which has embraced the Philharmonie over the years.

Members of the Board and members of the Philharmonie staff joined the ceremony on Monday.