Orchestra Gassed While Performing at Paris Protest

The Orchestre du Nouveau Monde (ONM) was co-founded in 2022 by conductor Étienne Jarrier, a 25-year-old self-taught conductor. The volunteer group, composed of hundreds of young professional and amateur musicians, has previously performed at a melting Alpine glacier, outside the headquarters of the far-right Rassemblement National, and at a television station welcoming RN leader Marine Le Pen.

The Guardian

On Saturday, Jarrier invited musicians to gather at Place de la République ahead of an official march that began at 1 p.m., organized by high-school students and unions protesting the education system and broader government policies. Between 400 and 500 musicians assembled, and Jarrier told police they would be present and performing, asking to be warned of any planned use of force.

The Guardian

While rehearsing, teargas canisters were launched into the square. Jarrier reported that canisters landed in double-bass and music-stand cases, igniting small fires that musicians had to extinguish. After the crowd dispersed, the CRS riot police continued to fire teargas for about 20 minutes, forcing the orchestra to cease playing. Musicians described themselves as “stunned” and “truly shocked,” and security volunteers formed a human chain to protect the players.

The Guardian

The French Ministry of Defence and the Paris police prefecture were contacted for comment on the police’s use of teargas at Place de la République. Neither agency provided a response.

The Guardian

• “We’re very happy to play at demonstrations,” — Étienne Jarrier, conductor, Orchestre du Nouveau Monde

The Guardian

• “It was a day of what we call a convergence of struggles,” — Étienne Jarrier, conductor, Orchestre du Nouveau Monde

The Guardian

• “We are very angry about what happened,” — Étienne Jarrier, conductor, Orchestre du Nouveau Monde

The Guardian