L’Orchestre du Nouveau Monde, a youth ensemble co-founded by conductor Étienne Jarrier and friends while still teenagers, gained attention for performing during student protests in France as tear gas canisters landed in double-bass cases, according to The Guardian.
The newspaper reported that the orchestra treats music not as a sacred object but as a tool for struggle, combining civil disobedience, school outreach, demonstrations and concerts. The ensemble performs works including Dvořák’s New World Symphony, La Marseillaise and protest songs at locations ranging from Place de la République to glaciers, judging performances by consciousness-raising impact rather than technical precision.
The Guardian noted that the ONM’s approach echoes earlier radical ensembles. The Scratch Orchestra, founded in 1969 by composers including Cornelius Cardew, aimed to make music accessible to participants of all abilities. The Portsmouth Sinfonia had musicians perform classics on instruments they did not know how to play.
Current UK groups similarly prioritize social engagement, The Guardian reported. The Multi-Story Orchestra in Peckham amplifies student voices as performers and composers. Inclusive ensembles led by disabled musicians, including the National Open Youth Orchestra and Paraorchestra, merge social activism with orchestral music. Contemporary Music for All creates repertoire for non-professional players.
For more information, visit theguardian.com.