Background

Orchestre National de Lille: A Symphony of Culture

Experience world-class symphonic music in Lille at the Orchestre National de Lille, a cultural gem since 1976.

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The Orchestre National de Lille (ONL) is a renowned French orchestra based in Lille, known for its commitment to excellence and accessibility. Founded in 1976, the ONL performs a diverse repertoire in its home venue, the Auditorium du Nouveau Siècle, and throughout the Hauts-de-France region.

A brief summary to Orchestre National de Lille

Local tips

  • Check the ONL's website for concert schedules, program notes, and special events.
  • Arrive early to enjoy a drink at the Orchestra Bar, which opens one hour before concerts.
  • Take advantage of the free cloakrooms available during concerts.
  • Consider taking public transport, as parking in the city center can be difficult.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Orchestre National de Lille is easily accessible by public transport. Take Metro Line 1 to Rihour station, which is a 4-minute walk to the concert hall. Alternatively, take Metro Lines 1 or 2 to Lille Flandres station or Metro Line 2 to Lille Europe station, both about a 10 to 15-minute walk away. A single metro ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour.

  • Walking

    If you are in the city center, the Orchestre National de Lille is within walking distance. From Place Charles de Gaulle (Grand Place), walk southwest on Rue de la Grande Chaussée, which becomes Rue de Tournai. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Place Pierre Mendès France. The ONL will be on your left at number 30.

  • Car

    If driving, parking is available at the Nouveau Siècle Carpark underneath the concert hall, with a special evening rate. Other nearby parking options include Grand Place Carpark and Lille Opéra Carpark. Parking rates vary, with the Nouveau Siècle Carpark costing €1.70 for 1 hour, €5 for 3 hours, and €15.50 for 24 hours.

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Discover more about Orchestre National de Lille

The Orchestre National de Lille (ONL) stands as a beacon of musical excellence in the Hauts-de-France region of France. Founded in 1976 through the combined efforts of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, the French State, and conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus, the orchestra has a rich history of bringing symphonic music to diverse audiences. From its inaugural concert, the ONL has strived for excellence, performing in over 250 local areas and establishing itself as a leading orchestra. As an ambassador for its region and French culture, the ONL has performed in over 30 countries across four continents. Today, the orchestra consists of 99 musicians and is led by music director Joshua Weilerstein since September 2024. The ONL's primary concert venue is the Auditorium Jean-Claude Casadesus at the Nouveau Siècle in Lille, known for its exceptional acoustics and 1,756 seats. The ONL is committed to making music accessible to all, offering innovative concert formats and a wide range of activities for concertgoers. They also welcome composers in residence to promote contemporary music. The ONL has an ambitious audiovisual policy, with over 30 critically acclaimed recordings on major labels such as Deutsche Grammophon and Alpha Classics. The orchestra also partners with regional, national, and cross-border media to broadcast concerts to a wider audience.

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