In Paris, a unique movement is unfolding where music meets activism. The Orchestre du Nouveau Monde, led by conductor Étienne Jarrier, uses classical music as a powerful tool to support student protests and raise awareness for social and climate justice.
- Orchestre du Nouveau Monde plays protest music supporting student movements.
- Music acts as a ‘Trojan horse’ to bring climate and social justice messages.
- Performances include community workshops and public protests.
What happened
In October 2026, as half a million young people in France protested rising living costs and challenges in education, a special orchestra gathered in Paris to amplify their message. The Orchestre du Nouveau Monde, a group mostly composed of young musicians and volunteers, performed El Pueblo Unido Jamás Será Vencido, a Chilean anthem of resistance. Their symbolic conductor, disguised as Darth Vader, led the ensemble in front of the Hôtel de Ville, making a striking scene that blended art and activism.
Founded in 2022 by clarinetist and conductor Étienne Jarrier, the orchestra deliberately takes classical music out of traditional concert halls to public spaces like streets and schools. They aim to reach audiences who might not usually engage with classical music, using performances and accompanying activities like climate workshops and film screenings to foster open conversations.
Why it feels good
This inventive form of ‘artivism’ touches people on emotional and intellectual levels, offering more than just protest slogans. Music’s universal power helps convey complex concerns about climate change and social justice in ways that scientific papers or political speeches often cannot. For many involved, such as Jarrier, this approach revitalizes activism by introducing creativity and shared human experience into movements that can sometimes feel overwhelming or disconnected.
The orchestra also provides a platform for scientists and activists to express their frustrations and hopes visually and sonically, like during a recent performance of Verdi’s Dies Irae on the eve of COP30, where 150 scientists joined the musicians to protest climate inaction. It’s a rare form of collaboration that inspires both participants and audiences, fostering empathy and collective resolve.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on future performances of the Orchestre du Nouveau Monde as they continue bringing classical music into unexpected venues around Paris and beyond. Their residency projects often include workshops and discussions encouraging community involvement and action. These events provide inspiring ways to experience music while engaging with pressing social issues.
For those interested in how art can spark social change, exploring this orchestra’s work offers a hopeful model of how culture can support movements for justice and sustainability. Watching their blend of artistic passion and activism encourages audiences everywhere to consider creative approaches in their own communities.