Orchestre National de Jazz Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Special Events in Paris

Paris – 06/13/2026: The Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ) celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend with a series of events at the Théâtre Silvia Monfort. Led by composer and flutist Sylvaine Hélary, the ONJ showcases a program connecting the past, present, and future of jazz.

The festivities began on Friday, June 12, 2026, with a festive dance evening in Parc Georges Brassens. Sylvaine Hélary and four other orchestra soloists invited the audience to dance to jazz hits from the 1960s to the 1980s. This evening blended traditional pieces with well-known melodies, appealing to spectators from all generations.

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, a special conference and a concert titled “L’ONJ, un orchestre pas comme les autres” were featured. Organized by students of the Conservatoire à rayonnement régional (CRR) of Paris, the event highlighted the unique characteristics of the ONJ. The CRR big band, led by Cyril Galamini, performed works by former artistic directors, including François Jeanneau, Claude Barthélémy, and Laurent Cugny. A subsequent discussion with past artistic directors rounded out this insight into the orchestra’s history.

Another highlight was the concert “Notre Sacre” on Saturday evening. Under the choreography of Lou Cantor and Clarisse Chanel, and the composition of Sylvaine Hélary, it offered an innovative performance reflecting the development of jazz over four decades. The performances in various time slots allowed the audience to deeply experience the diverse facets of jazz.

The Orchestre National de Jazz was founded in 1986 and has evolved into a significant force in the French music scene. It is distinguished by its openness to contemporary composers and various art forms, attracting especially a young audience. With Sylvaine Hélary, the first woman at its artistic helm, the ONJ continues its tradition of presenting and advancing jazz in all its diversity.

The anniversary events at the Théâtre Silvia Monfort provide not only a look back at the orchestra’s history but also a view towards the future of jazz in France. The ONJ invites all jazz enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the vibrant and dynamic world of this genre.

For those who missed the celebrations, the ONJ continues to offer numerous concerts and educational programs. These initiatives aim to make jazz accessible to a broad audience and to support the next generation of musicians. Further information can be found on the orchestra’s official website.

The Orchestre National de Jazz remains a symbol of the vitality and diversity of jazz in France and continues on its path to inspire people with its music and keep jazz culture alive.