AN ORCHESTRAL EPIC
The Orchestre National de Lille was created through the joint efforts of the Nord-Pas de Calais Region, which later became Hauts-de-France, the French State and Jean-Claude Casadesus, and gave its first concert in January 1976. Since then, it has established itself as a leading orchestra, defending excellence as well as reaching out to all audiences. Today, with 100 musicians and, since September 2016, driven by the communicative energy of its Music Director Alexandre Bloch, the Orchestra has continued to develop an ambitious project around symphonic music.
A RICH AND VARIED PROGRAMME
True to its mission of promoting music, the Orchestra performs the great symphonic repertoire, the lyrical repertoire thanks to its collaboration with the Lille Opera, as well as the music of our time by welcoming composers in residence. In all aspects of its programming, the Orchestra invites international conductors and soloists as well as young talents to bring the repertoire to life: baroque, classical and contemporary.
At the same time, it programmes concert cycles and events aimed at all audiences: film-concerts, Flash concerts at lunchtime, Famillissimo. Each year, the Lille Piano(s) Festival offers a highlight, with an eclectic programme dedicated to all keyboards.
Don't miss "Les Nuits d'été", our summer event in July. Around the concerts, the National Orchestra of Lille offers many events: musical preludes and conferences, "If I were a composer..." by Julien Joubert, meetings with soloists and conductors at the edge of the stage, open rehearsals... An opportunity for convivial exchanges!
THE ORCHESTRA FOR ALL
In order to open up to as many people as possible and to develop a mixed audience, the Orchestra offers innovative formats. From early-learning music workshops for the very young to student concerts, the ONL has always placed tomorrow's listener at the heart of its project by developing relevant, fun and educational moments around music. It is this same spirit of openness that drives the workshops offered for people with disabilities.
AN AMBITIOUS AUDIOVISUAL STRATEGY
The Orchestra has recorded more than thirty critically acclaimed and often award-winning opuses. Strong partnerships with regional, national and cross-border media enable it to benefit from regular relay and (re)broadcasting of concerts, which multiplies its audience. The Orchestra has a high-tech digital audiovisual studio that broadens its horizons in terms of recording, broadcasting and innovation.
EXEMPLARY OUTREACH
Every year, the Orchestra performs in the Auditorium du Nouveau Siècle in Lille, in the region, in France and abroad. Since its creation, it has provided musical support to more than 260 municipalities in the Hauts-de-France region in an exemplary decentralisation approach. As a true ambassador of its region and of French culture, it has been invited to perform in over 30 countries on four continents.