The Opéra National de Paris, in collaboration with its Academy, has announced the first lyrical youth orchestra.

The ensemble will be a joint partnership with 11 conservatories throughout Paris and the Seine-Saint-Denis regions. The conservatories include Conservatoire du 11e Charles Munch, Conservatoire du 12e Paul Dukas, CRR 93 Conservatoire à rayonnement régional in Aubervilliers – La Courneuve, Conservatoire Erik Satie de Bagnolet, Conservatoire de Bondy, Conservatoire Joséphine Baker du Pré Saint-Gervais, Conservatoire Jacques Higelin de Pantin, Conservatoire Nina Simone de Romainville, Conservatoire de Montreuil, Conservatoire Nadia et Lili Boulanger de Noisy-le-Sec, and Conservatoire Gabriel Fauré des Lilas.

Entitled ADO, the goal is to encourage students between ages 12 and 18 to develop their musical skills while discovering the operatic and ballet repertory. As such, the program will be tuition-free and there will be a total of 150 students accepted into the program. Students will get a chance to participate throughout the entirety of the school year, engaging in rehearsals and workshops at the Opéra. They will also be allowed to visit the two theaters and attend performances.

The program will culminate with a performance at the Opéra Bastille on June 16, 2024. Three days prior to the concert, students will engage in an intensive series of rehearsals to prepare.

Victor Jacob will conduct the ensembles. There will be a beginner’s orchestra and a more advanced group.

“Developing tomorrow’s artists is at the heart of Opéra National de Paris’ mission,” said General Director Alexander Neef in an official press statement. “This free program is not just a supplementary aid for students seeking to become professionals, but to allow them to discover the specificities of our repertory and theaters.”