Photo : Demos Paris Nuit de l'Ourcq Gala Reportage © D-Allard
Démos Orchestras
Prepare to be swept away by the infectious enthusiasm of the Démos orchestras. Witness these young musicians breathing new life into classical masterpieces through a level of collective harmony that is truly moving. It is a brilliant opportunity to experience the pure, raw potential of up-and-coming talent in full swing.
Philharmonie de Paris (Paris 19th)
About
The Orchestres Démos project arrives at the Philharmonie de Paris from 17:00 to 20:00, between June 17 and June 20, 2027, to showcase the power of classical music education. Aimed at children aged 7 to 12 from urban priority areas or remote rural zones, this national initiative provides instruments and expert guidance to foster creativity and self-confidence. With the support of patrons like Lilian Thuram and pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, the program has already empowered over 13,000 young musicians. This celebration of collective learning is free to attend and open to the public in the 19th arrondissement.
With a comprehensive pedagogical and artistic approach, it offers classical music education to children who do not have easy access to this practice for economic, social, or geographic reasons. The project is aimed at children aged 7 to 12 living in disadvantaged urban areas (QPV) or rural revitalization zones (ZRR) far from centers of practice. Each child is entrusted with a musical instrument for three years. Guided by music and social work professionals, the various groups of children that make up an orchestra attend weekly workshops of 3.5 hours on average, divided into instrument families, and gather regularly for full ensemble rehearsals.
The program owes its success in particular to adapted educational supervision, cooperation between cultural and social stakeholders, the development of a specific collective pedagogy, and ongoing training for instructors.
Changes in attitudes toward learning, self-confidence, concentration and listening skills, respect for others, creativity... The benefits of Démos are numerous and more than 13,000 children have already benefited from it. Initially focused on the Île-de-France region, the program expanded nationwide starting in 2015 and now includes nearly fifty orchestras spread across the entire French territory.
Coordinated by the Philharmonie de Paris, Démos is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Territorial Planning and Decentralization / National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (ANCT), the Ministry of Overseas Territories, and the Family Allowance Funds (CAF). In addition to this, there is the decisive funding of more than 300 local authorities involved that host the orchestras, and a community of committed patrons. It is sponsored by Lilian Thuram, President of the Foundation for Education Against Racism, pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne, and cellist Astrig Siranossian.
Our take on this event
Managed by the Philharmonie de Paris, the Démos program promotes social inclusion through music. Since its expansion in 2015, it has focused on children aged 7 to 12 who lack easy access to classical music practice. Each student is entrusted with an instrument for three years, benefiting from weekly 3:30 workshops led by both music and social professionals. These sessions balance instrument-specific training with full orchestra rehearsals.
The initiative emphasizes personal growth, teaching discipline, concentration, and collective respect. Supported by a wide network of public ministries, local authorities, and private patrons, Démos currently sustains nearly fifty orchestras across France. The project is proudly championed by patrons including philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne and cellist Astrig Siranossian, who recognize the profound impact of artistic practice on youth development.
Experience these performances at the Philharmonie de Paris in the 19th arrondissement from June 17 to June 20, 2027. Admission to this showcase is entirely free.