Created in 2011 by conductor Claire Gibault, the Paris Mozart Orchestra (PMO) embodies an innovative vision of the classical orchestra. Operating through a collaborative model, the PMO consists of independent musicians united by a strong artistic vision and a dynamic approach of co-creation. This model ensures significant flexibility and promotes deep artistic and personal commitment from each member.
Additionally, the PMO distinguishes itself through its unique positioning and strong social commitment, believing that artistic and aesthetic choices are inseparable from civic responsibility.
Indeed, the PMO is not only dedicated to musical excellence; it also implements ambitious artistic and educational programs fully aligned with its vision of being a “different kind of orchestra”.
Beyond promoting and sharing multidisciplinary culture and performing music, the Orchestra is committed to fostering dialogue and social inclusion, particularly in areas distant from cultural activities, priority urban neighborhoods, and rural regions.
Finally, equality and diversity are core values of the Orchestra: gender parity within the ensemble, highlighting and supporting women conductors, particularly in leadership roles, and embracing diversity in the audiences it reaches.
Actions led – Concrete actions undertaken
Social and educational initiatives are central to the PMO’s mission. Beyond simply performing music, the PMO is a driving force for social change. It champions the democratization of access to music and culture, paired with concrete actions promoting equal opportunities. The PMO believes that an orchestra should not be an elitist sanctuary but rather a place for dialogue and encounters with all audiences.
• Since its inception, the PMO has developed numerous cultural mediation initiatives targeting audiences far removed from culture and classical music. Through its flagship program “Orchestre Au Bahut” (Orchestra at School), it engages schools—from nursery to high school—in priority neighborhoods, involving students actively in the creative process. Students become co-creators, collaborating directly on artistic projects with musicians, supported strongly by local teachers and educators.
• Beyond school-based activities, the PMO actively engages with vulnerable groups: conducting workshops with individuals experiencing severe hardship or disabilities, initiatives for youth from priority urban or rural areas, activities in hospitals and psychiatric care facilities, and performances in prisons.
• Moreover, the PMO actively advocates for gender equality in classical music. Claire Gibault, the first woman conductor to lead performances at La Scala in Milan, has made this cause a central part of the orchestra’s identity. Through its internationally acclaimed flagship initiative, “La Maestra, Competition and Academy,” created in 2020 in partnership with the Philharmonie de Paris, the PMO combats systemic inequalities by supporting the rise of women conductors.
THE CAUSE WE SUPPORT
La Maestra, International Competition for Women Conductors – 4th Edition in February 2026 in Paris
Following a landmark first edition in September 2020, La Maestra Competition—co-directed by Claire Gibault, Artistic and Musical Director of the Paris Mozart Orchestra, and Olivier Mantei, General Director of the Philharmonie de Paris—has become a major international classical music event. Exclusively for women conductors, this competition occurs biennially in Paris, welcoming global participants. Accompanied by an Academy, La Maestra provides two years of professional support for laureates. With an ongoing ambition to amplify the voices and support talented women conductors globally, the 4th edition of La Maestra will be held from February 23-28, 2026.
Through this initiative, the PMO and the Philharmonie de Paris pursue three main goals:
- Inspiring new vocations among women musicians and conductors;
- Uniting the international music community around specific commitments to support women conductors;
- Providing visibility and support to women conductors, addressing the gaps often experienced during their training.
Target amount for pledge:
HK$3,579,240.00
“Orchestre au Bahut” (Orchestra at School)
The PMO has developed “Orchestra at School”, an innovative educational initiative designed and implemented in close collaboration with the French Ministry of Education in the Ile-de-France and Centre-Val de Loire regions. This initiative democratizes access to classical music by challenging traditional norms and engaging students and teachers in a collegial and interactive manner. Through this program, the Paris Mozart Orchestra contributes to combating school failure, exclusion, and all forms of socio-cultural discrimination.
Each year, driven by significant support from local teachers and educators, the PMO collaborates with approximately twenty primary, middle, and high schools on ambitious artistic co-creations involving multidisciplinary teaching teams. Passionately, the PMO advocates for universal access to culture and collective musical practices, which also foster civic engagement.
Target amount for pledge:
HK$1,278,483.00