The Démos initiative (Social Orchestral Music Education Scheme), coordinated by the Philharmonie de Paris, enables children who do not easily have access to music to play an instrument in an orchestra. For three years, children will attend free weekly workshops, supervised by professional musicians and social workers from their community, and will receive an instrument.
In the region, the project is managed by Annemasse Agglo in partnership with the communes of Annemasse, Ambilly, Gaillard, Étrembières, Vétraz-Monthoux, Ville-la-Grand, Machilly, and Saint-Cergues. The Orchestre des Pays de Savoie handles local coordination, while the Conservatoire d’Annemasse Agglo leads the musical component and the communes the social aspect.
The launch day, October 26th, brought together families, children, and the support team for a presentation and a joyful warm-up. The children then learned their first song, 'La Marche du lion,' explored body percussion, and created their first 'jingles' in small groups. The afternoon continued with a close listening session of the orchestra musicians, concluding with a presentation to families of what they had learned.
This project aims to foster encounters and social cohesion among children from urban and rural backgrounds within the Agglomeration, who will grow together over three years within the orchestra.
Weekly workshops will begin on November 2nd, on Mondays and Thursdays in Ville-la-Grand. An official instrument presentation ceremony will take place on Monday, December 14th, at the Espace Louis Simon in Gaillard. The first year will conclude with a concert at Château Rouge in June 2027.
