The festival presented its programme at a press conference on Monday morning, held in the Philharmonie's boiler room as a nod to the theme and to an unusually hot summer. Festival curator Catherine Kontz said "heat" in music can evoke a wide range of associations, from passion, love and desire to global warming, friction, conflict and war, topics that continue to dominate the headlines.
Kontz said she chose a theme broad enough not to constrain artistic expression, letting performers and composers interpret "heat" in many ways. Its universality, she said, leaves room to address taboo or complex issues and encourages reflection.
The festival runs from Sunday, 17 November to Friday, 22 November, with contributions from national and international musicians. The Philharmonie remains the main hub, while partner venues such as the National Theatre and Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain will host performances and installations.
The TNL Atelier will stage the musical theatre piece "L’enfant soldat née musique" on Sunday, 17 November and Tuesday, 19 November. Inspired by the life of African musician and singer Oumar Kouyaté, it tells the story of a young woman who escaped war as a child.
Casino Luxembourg will host two exhibitions on the theme of heat, including the sound installation "Crickle Crackle Pop. (Rush Roar)" on Monday, 18 November.
Kontz also pointed to several standout events: the opening orchestral concert, with a varied programme; a minimalist work by the ensemble United Instruments of Lucilin on Sunday evening; and, on Saturday night, RAFTSIDE, an innovative pop project led by Filip Markiewicz, performing with the Young Orchestra Academy. The concert aims to bring contemporary and popular music together under the Rainy Days banner.
Kontz will herself premiere a new work with the Eunoia Trio, for percussion, piano and voice. It draws on an interview with former Culture Minister Erna Hennicot-Schoepges and is performed in Luxembourgish, with Louisa Marxen incorporating real roses into the performance.
The children's programme is smaller this year. A German-language opera for ages five and up, "Der kleine Drache Immer-Heiss" (The Little Dragon Always-Hot) will be staged on Thursday, 14 November and Friday, 15 November, just before the main festival dates, as an introduction to music for young listeners.
The festival will also offer events in the Philharmonie foyer, including a sound installation suitable for children.
Full programme details are on the festival website.
