How a Parisian youth orchestra is using classical music to bridge divides and inspire change

Key Takeaways

• Founded in 2022 by Étienne Jarrier, the Orchestre du Nouveau Monde blends classical music with social and environmental awareness.

• The ensemble takes symphonic performances directly to public squares, schools, and divided communities to spark constructive dialogue.

• Committed to sustainability, the musicians travel exclusively by train, share plant-based meals, and host interactive climate workshops.

Striking a chord for positive change

In public squares and busy city streets across France, a vibrant musical collective is proving that classical music can be a powerful catalyst for unity and social engagement. Founded in 2022 by clarinetist and conductor Étienne Jarrier, the Orchestre du Nouveau Monde (New World Orchestra) began as an intimate circle of 20 friends. Today, the ensemble has blossomed into a dynamic community of around 150 musicians and supporters dedicated to “artivism”—the fusion of creative expression and civic dialogue.

By deliberately stepping outside the confines of traditional, formal concert halls, the orchestra brings sweeping orchestral arrangements directly to the public. The ensemble performs everywhere from student gatherings in front of Paris’s Hôtel de Ville to the foot of melting glaciers in the French Alps. They blend masterworks by Verdi and Purcell with contemporary theatrical elements and international anthems of solidarity, making classical arrangements accessible to everyday listeners while drawing attention to pressing issues such as climate awareness and educational access.

Rather than using art solely as a means of protest, the orchestra sees it as an open invitation for conversation. Production manager Zoé Lienhard notes that hearing a live ensemble outside creates an inviting space of vulnerability and joy, softening ideological divides. During a visit to a rural French municipality where political polarization ran high, the group opened their presentation with a live performance that earned a standing ovation from hundreds of residents, transforming skepticism into heartfelt conversation about nature and shared community values.

The group also walks the talk when it comes to sustainability and social connection. Members rehearse in community spaces, travel strictly by train and public transit, and incorporate educational workshops, screenings, and communal meals into their residencies. As the ensemble looks ahead to visiting new communities, their goal remains simple yet profound: creating harmonious spaces where people can listen to each other, discover common ground, and rediscover hope.