Orchestre de la Francophonie

Preparing the next generation of orchestra musicians

The Orchestre de la Francophonie (OF) is an orchestral academy cofounded in 2001 by its artistic director and conductor, Jean-Philippe Tremblay. It prepares young musicians who are graduates of renowned institutions to play a leading role in nationally or internationally acclaimed orchestras. The OF has a threefold mission: learning, innovation and sharing.

Fostering young musicians from several countries

Each year, the OF auditions young musicians from several countries. Once the players are selected, the orchestra will be made up of representatives from around 10 countries. Canadian musicians account for just over 50% of the group. Every summer, these young musicians between 18 and 30 years of age take part in a five-week intensive training internship for advanced players. This involves studying techniques and styles, attending master classes, and adopting a schedule resembling that of a real orchestra. All of which allows the musicians to prepare for professional life. The session ends with several public concerts.

The orchestra plays major works from the orchestral repertoire. For example, it interprets those by Lili Boulanger, Louise Farrenc, Richard Wagner, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and some by up-and-coming young composers. To date, the Tremblay-OF team has given nearly 400 concerts in Canada, China and the United States. This orchestra, made up of some 72 members, encourages exchanges among musicians from different countries. It also fosters solidarity and lasting bonds, and forms a culturally rich musical community.

Giving back to the community

Parallel to this training, the OF offers opportunities for community involvement. Through its partnership with Garage à musique – Centre spécialisé de pédiatrie sociale, the OF’s young musicians mentor the children and adolescents involved with the Garage. They also play concerts for them. These are all ways to prepare the next generation for professional orchestral careers at the highest level, with nationally or internationally renowned orchestras.

For several years now, the Orchestre de la Francophonie has held a self-designated philanthropic fund at FGM. This income stream helps support its activities and mission. In 2023, the OF was also supported by the Fonds Fondation Famille Lupien at FGM.

Visit the organization’s website