Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine

Heir to the Orchestre de la Société Sainte-Cécile founded in 1850, the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine has around 100 musicians and is one of the most prestigious French orchestras. Since September 2024, Joseph Swensen has been its Music Director, following in the footsteps of Paul Daniel, Kwamé Ryan, Christian Lauba, Hans Graf, John Neschling, Alain Lombard, and others. A full member of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, the ONBA contributes to opera and ballet productions and also offers an extensive symphonic season at the Auditorium de Bordeaux, complemented by chamber music projects in various venues. It also runs a series of educational and social activities aimed at young audiences and families, including “Écho-Bois”, which promotes the professional integration of young musicians in the region.

The ONBA fulfills its regional and national mission, performing regularly outside its home base in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region as well as in numerous concert halls and festivals (Philharmonie de Paris, Opéra-Comique, Festival Ravel de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, La Folle journée de Nantes). Its latest recordings have been praised by critics: Wagner Ring Odyssey (conducted by Joseph Swensen), Pelléas et Mélisande (conducted by Pierre Dumoussaud), two albums by baritone Florian Sempey, two albums by tenor Pene Pati, Robert Le Diable (conducted by Marc Minkowski), Mythologies (music by Thomas Bangalter) and Beethoven's Ode to Joy (conducted by Joseph Swensen, forthcoming). In addition to the full orchestra, the ONBA also includes ensembles that bring the orchestra to life in other ways: the Prométhée Quartet, the Roussel Ensemble, the Bordeaux Brass Sextet, the ONBA Dixieland Jazz Band, and the ONBA Wind Ensemble.