Photo : Louise Frago, Sylvaine Hélary, Solene Cairoli
Jazzwomen Roundtable | Monte le son Festival 2026 "Ô féminins"
The Médiathèque musicale de Paris - Christiane Eda-Pierre, the Conservatoire à rayonnement régional de Paris - Ida Rubinstein, and the Conservatoire du 11e - Charles Munch are partnering to offer a series of six events on French jazz, from November 2026 to April 2027. The first evening honors women with a roundtable bringing together three jazz musicians.
Médiathèque musicale de Paris – Christiane Eda-Pierre
About
Sylvaine Hélary, Louise Frago, and Solène Cairoli are the three musicians invited to discuss their paths and engage with the second-year students of the specialized cycle of the jazz department at the CRR in Paris.
Each at different stages of their career, each with their own musical background and experience as a student, leader, teacher, conductor, or composer, they will take part in answering the questions of their younger counterparts. A moment of transmission and sharing prepared by the students, accompanied by their jazz history and analysis professor Stéphane Audard and Laudine Lemancel, librarian at the MMP.
Sylvaine Hélary, composer, flutist, and singer, is the first woman appointed to lead the Orchestre National de Jazz. In this position since January 1, 2025, she focuses on new generations and tackles the major themes of our time: ecology, gender equality, and creation for youth.
Louise Frago is a saxophonist and composer who develops her personal projects and teaches at the Paris city conservatories.
Solène Cairoli is a double bassist. She studied jazz at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Returning to France in 2023, she develops an uninhibited, energetic jazz influenced by the musicians who have marked her, from Keith Jarrett to Maurice Ravel, including Igor Stravinsky, Pat Metheny, and Airto Moreira. She is also a teacher at the Paris city conservatories.
Our take on this event
Step behind the scenes of the French jazz scene as three brilliant musicians share their unique creative journeys and experiences. This conversation cuts through the myths, offering an intimate look at the evolution of jazz from the perspective of those who are currently redefining it. It is the perfect opportunity to get inspired by bold artists who bring fresh energy and vision to the stage.
The Médiathèque musicale de Paris – Christiane Eda-Pierre hosts a roundtable dedicated to women in jazz on Thursday, November 26, 2026. From 19:00 to 21:00, discover the inspiring journeys of musicians Sylvaine Hélary, Louise Frago, and Solène Cairoli. This discussion, organized in partnership with the jazz department of the CRR de Paris, provides a unique opportunity to explore the realities of being a professional musician, bandleader, and educator. Attendance is completely free, inviting everyone to participate in this special session of artistic exchange and transmission located in the 1st arrondissement.
As part of the 2026 'Ô féminins' Monte le son festival, three prominent jazz figures share their expertise at the Médiathèque musicale de Paris – Christiane Eda-Pierre. Composer and flutist Sylvaine Hélary, saxophonist Louise Frago, and double bassist Solène Cairoli engage in a conversation with second-year jazz students from the CRR de Paris. The event is curated by the students themselves, with support from their jazz history professor Stéphane Audard and librarian Laudine Lemancel.
The discussion highlights diverse career paths: Sylvaine Hélary, the first woman to lead the Orchestre National de Jazz, discusses contemporary themes such as ecology and creation, while Louise Frago and Solène Cairoli share their experiences as teachers within the Paris conservatory system. Solène Cairoli specifically draws on her studies at the Manhattan School of Music to provide insight into her energetic approach to jazz.
The session takes place on November 26, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. The event is free of charge and open to anyone interested in music and the role of women in the jazz scene.
