Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu
On Thursday 4 December 2025, non-profit organisation SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde (SOSVEM) hosted its 49th Gala Concert at the Philharmonie in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, with the funds going to support its programmes in Guinea.
The concert featured young Dutch pianist Nikola Meeuwsen, winner of the 2025 Queen Elisabeth Competition, along with the Luxembourg Philharmonic orchestra, conducted by Italian conductor Riccardo Minasi.
The artists performed Piano Concerto No 2 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891 - 1953) and Symphony No 6 "Pastoral" by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827).
The evening brought together the organisation's friends involved alongside the association for vulnerable children around the world. The funds raised during the event this year will support development programmes in Guinea that focus on children's rights, youth protection and youth employability.
The concert opened with an introductory speech from the president of SOSVEM, Nathalie Hoffmann-Dondelinger who expressed gratitude to donors, partners and long-standing supporters. She noted that programme teams working across fifteen countries have collectively supported more than 60,000 children this year.
The programme continued with a short documentary in Luxembourgish with English subtitles, showcasing life in Guinea, stressing the importance of the local organisations as 37% of children are unable to attend school and highlighting local "income-generating activities", including farming initiatives and small beauty salons.
In an earlier video shared on the SOSVEM Facebook page, pianist Nikola Meeuwsen expressed how fortunate he feels to "play in beautiful concert halls and be surrounded by beautiful music" while so many "horrible" things are happening in the world. He added that although performing does not directly help the children in Guinea, he is grateful to play even "such a small role" in contributing to the cause.
The main musical programme began with the pianist performing Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No 2 alongside the orchestra and conductor. Gentle opening lines gradually intensified through the Andantino and Allegro, before closing with a delicate Cadenza. The audience’s ovations continued for several minutes.
Talking with Chronicle.lu after the concert, Nikola Meeuwsen highlighted: "My first experience playing in Luxembourg has been wonderful, because the orchestra is amazing, the hall is incredible and the conductor is incredible as well. I am also lucky to have some friends in Luxembourg." Asked about his feelings on stage, he said he had not felt worried or stressed, noting that the orchestra made him "feel so relaxed and calm."
For the second part, the central grand piano was removed, and the orchestra performed under the conductor's lead alone. This section featured five works by Beethoven with calmer and more measured passages, which were equally appreciated by the listeners.
Maurice Bauer, First Alderman of the City of Luxembourg, also attended the event. Speaking to Chronicle.lu, he commented: "It is a wonderful moment, because people come not only to enjoy the music but also to show their solidarity and support for SOS Children’s Villages."
The initiatives implemented by the organisation aim to help initiatives, active in the country for 40 years, in four regions/localities in Guinea - Conakry, Kankan, Labé and N'Zérékoré.
About the musicians
Born in Rome, Riccardo Minasi is an internationally recognised baroque violinist and conductor who has performed with leading ensembles such as Le Concert des Nations, Accademia Bizantina and Il Giardino Armonico. He has held prominent conducting and teaching roles across Europe and beyond.
23-year-old Nikola Meeuwsen is a laureate of several international competitions and has performed with leading orchestras across Europe. He has gained recognition for his interpretations through his competition achievements and numerous international performances.
EO
(Picture 1: Nikola Meeuwsen, Dutch pianist; Picture 2: Maurice Bauer, First Alderman of the City of Luxembourg, and guest; Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu)
