Orchestre de Paris

Despite lacking the extensive tradition found among many peer ensembles across Europe, the Orchestre de Paris has drawn exceptional musicians and contributed significantly to Parisian cultural activities from its establishment in 1967 onward. An affiliated vocal ensemble, the Chœur de l'Orchestre de Paris, came into being in 1976 and earned substantial acclaim. The ensemble originated following the collapse of the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, an organization with roots extending to 1828 that had faced monetary challenges. Charles Munch, previously a conductor with the defunct group, conducted the selection process for the fresh orchestra and retained fifty musicians from its predecessor; nevertheless, most personnel were newly recruited, and the ensemble's immediate excellence stemmed from Munch's prominence. Munch passed away in 1968, after which Herbert von Karajan took over in the capacity of musical advisor instead of holding the title of permanent music director. During its initial seasons, performances included distinguished visiting artists such as Mstislav Rostropovich. Subsequent leaders maintained an equally distinguished profile: Georg Solti from 1972 to 1975, Daniel Barenboim from 1975 to 1989, Semyon Bychkov from 1989 to 1998, Christoph von Dohnányi from 1998 to 2000 in another advisory artistic role, Christoph Eschenbach from 2000 to 2010, Paavo Järvi from 2010 to 2016, and Daniel Harding from 2016 to 2019. Thomas Hengelbrock has served as principal guest conductor beginning in 2016. Although performances have remained focused in Paris, the group's base has shifted repeatedly during its relatively brief history. For an extended period, concerts occurred at the historic Salle Pleyel, which underwent sale in 1998 and eventual closure in 2002. Over several years, the orchestra alternated between the Théâtre du Chatelet and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, with a short return to the refurbished Salle Pleyel. In 2015, it relocated to the newly constructed Philharmonie de Paris, where it serves as the resident group. The Orchestre de Paris maintains an extensive discography, highlighted by a 1982 rendition of Ravel's Boléro that achieved popularity on the Dutch pop charts. Its recordings have primarily appeared on Deutsche Grammophon, Philips, Erato, Warner Classics, and Harmonia Mundi, including a 2018 version of Stravinsky's L'histoire du soldat on the latter label.