Natural disasters are escalating globally, prompting significant concern for ecological impact. In response, Étienne Jarrier founded the Orchestra of the New World in 2020, aiming to use music to raise awareness and inspire action for ecological change. The orchestra performs in diverse settings, adapting their repertoire to engage various audiences. By revitalizing classical music and integrating it into activism, they seek to convey profound messages about pressing societal issues and foster deeper connections through emotional expression.
Natural Disasters and the Need for Change
The world is experiencing an alarming increase in natural disasters, including droughts, floods, and storms. These catastrophic events result in billions of euros in damages, displace millions of people, and severely impact biodiversity. As Jacques Chirac poignantly expressed in 2002, *”The earth is burning and we are looking elsewhere.”* In response to these pressing challenges, Étienne Jarrier and his colleagues established the Orchestra of the New World in 2020, uniting nearly 150 talented musicians.
Music as a Catalyst for Ecological Awareness
The primary mission of this innovative orchestra is to harness the power of music as a catalyst for ecological transition, fostering awareness and inspiring action. Étienne Jarrier shares his vision of using music to create a positive impact on society in a podcast dedicated to discussing meaningful initiatives. This engaging show airs every Saturday afternoon on LCI, channel 26 of TNT. Jarrier reflects, *”After the Covid-19 lockdown, we aspired to contribute to the significant ecological movement of the 2020s and to engage in hands-on efforts. Our extraordinary musical instruments allow us to evoke deep emotions, even though political discourse often fails to start with numbers and facts.”*
Coming from a politically active family, Étienne Jarrier’s formative years were spent discussing class struggles and anti-capitalism. He sought new methods of advocacy, ultimately discovering that music was the answer. *”The beauty of classical music lies in its abstraction; it communicates profound emotions without lyrics. It captures the essence of the world through masterful compositions, whether joyful or melancholic. Collective music thrives on the unity of a group,”* he explains. The Orchestra of the New World is dedicated to bridging the gap between music and reality, stating, *”We are refreshing classical music; this is not a conflict between generations but a shared endeavor. We reinterpret certain works to reinvigorate their narratives and allow imagination to flourish. Our aim is to encourage self-reflection among our audience.”*
As Étienne Jarrier notes, *”We are going towards our audience.”* The Orchestra of the New World seeks to break free from traditional concert settings, bringing music directly into urban environments and the heart of society. Through their performances, Jarrier and his ensemble convey powerful political messages. They have played at schools, beneath glaciers, and even in front of the National Rally headquarters. *”During the legislative election inter-rounds in 2024, we performed ‘Maréchal, nous voilà.’ We take the seriousness of current events to heart,”* he adds. The group recognizes that protest methods are evolving: *”Previously, demonstration meant shouting and holding signs, but today, platforms like social media and television serve as vital megaphones for our message. The methods of activism are constantly evolving, and the city is a crucial part of that landscape. Our goal is to integrate conventional art into activist movements.”*
To effectively connect with their audience, the orchestra tailors their performances to fit the context. *”We select our pieces based on the audience we face. Whether performing at protests, in schools, or for those who are already questioning the status quo, we adapt our approach accordingly. For audiences well-versed in classical music, we reimagine pieces to offer fresh perspectives,”* Jarrier explains. Notably, in schools, the Orchestra of the New World has transformed Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf,’ allowing children to engage with the music before unveiling a new narrative where the wolf becomes a friend.