More than fourty years after it was created, in 1978, the Orchestre de chambre de Paris is considered one of the reference chamber groups in Europe. Profoundly reinvigorated in the past few years, today it comprises a new generation of French musicians, becoming the youngest permanent orchestra in Île-de-France and the first French orchestra to achieve full gender parity.
The orchestra performs throughout metropolitan Paris with concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris, where it is in residence, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, at the Théâtre du Châtelet and at MC93, as well as chamber music concerts at Théâtre 13 and the Salle Cortot. It is part of opera and dance productions at the Opéra-Comique, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the Paris Opera, as well as more intimate venues in the city, while also travelling in numerous international tours, most recently in Germany and Spain.
An engaged musical presence in the inner-city and council estates, the orchestra has developed a community initiative for all listeners, including overlooked populations or those in precarious positions. Several musical creations conceived with audiences in emergency housing centres or detained in the penitentiary centre of Meaux-Chauconin are a shining example.
After five years of remarkable work with Douglas Boyd, in 2020 the Orchestre de chambre de Paris welcomes a new musical director, the internationally known conductor and pianist Lars Vogt. With him, it is reinforcing its original artistic vision and its resolutely chamber music style. The orchestra collaborates with acclaimed conductors and soloists, pursuing the development of its repertoire and protecting the original chamber music performance intended for it. The ensemble bestows a significant portion of its concentration to new music, commissioning contemporary composers.
The Orchestre de chambre de Paris – which holds the distinction of Orchestre national en région – thanks the City of Paris, the Culture Ministry (Drac Île-de-France), partner companies and the Orchestre de chambre de Paris donors’ circle accompagnato for their support, as well as Sacem, which contributes to composer residencies.