ROYAL ARTS VISIONS; Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa host prestigious cello dinner for German-speaking heads of state

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa 

host prestigious cello dinner for 

German-speaking heads of state

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Queen Mathilde of Belgium meet in the evening in the salon of Berg Castle (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

At the end of the day, this Monday, September 16, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa organized a dinner at their home. As perfect hosts, the Luxembourg sovereigns had prepared a prestigious dinner for their counterparts, preceded by a concert by cellist André Mergenthaler. King Philippe of Belgium, the German President, the Swiss President and Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein concluded their first day of the 20th informal meeting between German-speaking heads of state, with the captivating sounds of the musician's contemporary reinterpretations.

Small evening reception before the concert. Grand Duke Henri chats with his guests (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

A day between heads of state of German-speaking countries that ends with a prestigious dinner

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On September 16, 2024, it was the turn of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg to organize the annual meeting between heads of state of German-speaking countries. The German head of state and his counterparts from (almost all) neighboring countries, which have German as one of their national languages, have a tradition of meeting once a year in an informal context to discuss the national and international situation, while strengthening the bonds of friendship between the leaders of these six countries. The spouses of the leaders are also invited.

Aside during the cocktail party between the King of the Belgians and the German Federal President (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

Swiss President Viola Amherd with Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Elke Bündenbender with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duke / Kary Barthelmey)

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg welcomed King Philippe of Belgium and his wife, Queen Mathilde, to their home at Berg Castle. German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, were of course present. Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation, was the only unaccompanied guest.

The heads of state of the German-speaking countries, their representatives and their wives, gathered for a concert (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

The Austrian President cancelled his visit due to the federal elections that will be held in his country in a few days. Finally, as always, it was Hereditary Prince Alois, eldest son and heir of Sovereign Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, who represented his father and the Principality. The future head of state of Liechtenstein was accompanied by his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie.

Heads of State discover talented Luxembourg cellist André Mergenthaler (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

After an initial meeting in the library of Berg Castle, the guests continued their discussions and reunions in the castle gardens. In the evening, the Luxembourg sovereigns had reserved a beautiful musical program for their guests. As evening attire required, the guests changed to attend a concert organized on the sidelines of the dinner.

André Mergenthaler demonstrates his “cello-loop” (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

The Grand Ducal couple brought together their German-speaking counterparts for a concert (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

Concert by cellist André Mergenthaler at Berg Castle 

The Grand Ducal couple had invited the Luxembourg composer and musician André Mergenthaler. 

The multi-instrumentalist is best known as a cellist and his interpretations of "cello-loops". Using a "looper", the musician reinterprets great classical works in an offbeat and captivating way. The device records musical sequences live and repeats the sequences while applying effects.

The Belgian royal couple and the German presidential couple come to greet the musician at the end of his concert (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

The heir to the throne of Liechtenstein and his wife, niece of the Duke of Bavaria, meets André Mergenthaler with the Swiss President (Photo: Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

Le couple héritier de Liechtenstein semble conquis par le musicien (Photo : Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey)

After the concert, the presidents and sovereigns were able to chat with the talented Luxembourg musician, then they shared a dinner. The meeting continues this Tuesday with a visit to the University of Luxembourg, where they will discuss the subject of disinformation.

Nicolas Fontaine