Orchestre National de Jazz Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Special Event in Paris

Paris – June 13, 2026: The Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ) celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend with a series of events at the Sylvia Monfort Theatre. Under the direction of composer and flutist Sylvie Ellary, the ONJ presents a program that connects the past, present, and future of jazz.

The celebrations began on Friday, June 12, 2026, with a glamorous dance night at Parc Georges Brassens. Sylvie Ellary and four other soloists from the orchestra invited the audience to dance to jazz hits from the 1960s to the 1980s. This night blended traditional tunes and well-known melodies, resonating with audiences of all generations.

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, a special lecture and concert titled “L’ONJ, un orchestre pas comme les autres” (“The ONJ, an Orchestra Unlike Any Other”) took place. Hosted by students of the Paris Regional Conservatory (Conservatoire à rayonnement régional, CRR), the event highlighted the unique features of the ONJ. The CRR big band, conducted by Cyril Garamini, performed works by former artistic directors François Junot, Claude Barthelemy, and Laurent Cuny. A subsequent dialogue with the former artistic directors deepened insights into the orchestra’s history.

Moreover, the Saturday night concert “Notre Sacre” was another highlight. Choreographed by Lou Cantor and Clarisse Chanel and composed by Sylvie Ellary, this work offered an innovative staging reflecting 40 years of jazz development. Performances at different times provided the audience with an opportunity to deeply experience the diverse facets of jazz.

The Orchestre National de Jazz was founded in 1986 and has grown into an important presence on the French music scene. Known for its openness to contemporary composers and various artistic forms, it particularly appeals to younger audiences. Together with its first female artistic director, Sylvie Ellary, the ONJ continues the tradition of showcasing jazz’s diversity while evolving constantly.

The commemorative events at the Sylvia Monfort Theatre not only look back on the orchestra’s history but also offer a vision for the future of French jazz. The ONJ invites all jazz lovers to enter this vibrant and dynamic world of the genre.

For those who missed the celebrations, the ONJ continues to offer numerous concerts and educational programs. These initiatives aim to bring jazz to a wide audience and to nurture the next generation of musicians. More details can be found on the orchestra’s official website.

The Orchestre National de Jazz remains a symbol of the vitality and diversity of French jazz, captivating people with its music and keeping jazz culture alive and vibrant.