The Orchestre National de Jazz was created in 1986 by the French Ministry of Culture as a strong political statement of its desire to recognise jazz and its ever-expanding musical output. This unique orchestra has seen a succession of 12 musical and artistic directors, welcomed over 200 soloists and invited numerous international artists, performed in concert on every continent and produced 33 albums. Throughout its history, the ONJ has played a major role in promoting jazz and improvised music by offering a vast panorama of French creation.

Appointed Artistic Director of the Orchestre National de Jazz in March 2024 for a four-year term, renewable for a further two years, flutist and composer Sylvaine Hélary will inaugurate her project in 2025.

A key figure on the European jazz scene and a singular artist who for many years has stood out for her work at the confluence of jazz, rock, chamber music and experimental music, Sylvaine Hélary has come up with two creations for this launch year, bringing together almost thirty artists of all generations: The first, ‘With Carla’, revisits the protean universe of Carla Bley in a delightful tribute to this great iconoclast of jazz; the second, aimed at teenagers and adults alike, takes the 1973 cult film ‘La Planète sauvage’ and offers a hybrid, immersive show in which a unique cinematographic and musical heritage coexists with contemporary art.

In addition to its creative work, the ONJ’s mission to raise awareness and pass on its musical heritage remains an essential one, notably through new initiatives aimed at young people, remote audiences and the representation of women in jazz.

In addition, two flagship projects are continuing to develop: the Orchestre des Jeunes – currently conducted by pianist and composer Sophia Domancich on Didier Levallet’s repertoire – will open up to other personalities who have played in or composed for the ONJ over the course of its history; and the Académie de Composition, which continues to create a framework conducive to sharing knowledge and expertise in the fields of jazz writing and contemporary music.