Metz, city of music

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Metz is a city of music in more than just name.

Metz chant is a precursor of Gregorian chant. The school (or Scola) which was founded at that time had a prestigious reputation throughout the Middle Ages. Boasting a remarkable history of romantic composers including Ambroise Thomas, Gabriel Pierné and Théodore Gouvy, the city became home to an opera in the eighteenth century and an academy in the early part of the nineteenth century.

The twentieth century witnessed the arrival of the renowned "International Contemporary Music Forums" organised by Claude Lefebvre, the Metz National Orchestra and subsequently the Arsenal concert hall.

The 21st century has seen Metz play host to the Centre Acanthes for 8 years and the arrival of a unique structure, the Cité musicale-Metz which, in addition to the Metz National Orchestra and Arsenal concert hall, brings together the Boite à Musiques and les Trinitaires, consolidating its position as a home to all forms of music for all audiences. Music in Metz is alive and kicking, with a whole host of associations and choirs, an orchestra dating back to the French Revolution and several festivals, contemporary music groups and prestigious musical ensembles such as Concert Lorrain, Cascadeur and Chapelier Fou.

Of course, as a city Metz has a strong commitment to education through music, with several initiatives designed for children, the vulnerable and people in the education system. There are three institutions for musical education (the Regional Academy, Inter-Community Licensed School of Music (EMARI) and the Cathedral Choir School), as well as higher education courses at the Lorraine Higher School of Arts – Music and Dance Centre, University of Lorraine – Department of Musicology, and a professional qualification as Production and Administration Assistant – Contemporary Music. It also runs initiatives and structures to make playing music accessible to as many people as possible (Demos artists in residence in schools with musicians, BAM studios).

Over 1,000 concerts every year
Almost 500 concerts scheduled by the Cité musicale-Metz and the Opéra-Théâtre
A large, loyal audience: over 750,000 concert goers per year
La musique dans l'enseignement : plus de 3 000 élèves
Artistic and cultural education: 30,000 children and young people
500 artists welcomed each year

International and underground/emerging artists, ensembles and groups representing all musical backgrounds

Dozens of creations every year
Almost €50 million in turnover by companies in the music sector
An annual budget of €32 million in public funds, accounting for 50% of expenditure on culture
50 amateur associations and ensembles
Over 30 international and emerging professional artists and ensembles
460 economic stakeholders

Numerous professional and amateur associations and ensembles

Professional associations, companies and ensembles : Zikamine, Compagnie Roland Furieux, La Voix des Furies, Blah blah blah Compagnie, SYBARIS, Hörspiel, Le Jardin des Muses, Mettensis Symphonia, Débuché du Val de Metz, Centre d'Etudes grégoriennes, INECC

Amateur ensembles : Inecc, Tourdion, Bouche à Oreille, Alérions, Allez Chant, Association Lorraine des Mais de la Musique, Association Lorraine pour le Développement des Chorales et ensemble musicaux scolaires, Association Messine d'Ensembles Choraux et Instrumentaux, Chœur de l'Atelier, Chœur d'Hommes Lorrain, La Croch'Cœur, Chœur La Villanelle, Intermède, Chorale Chalom, Chorale Trimazo, Ensemble Vocal Métamorphoses, Ensemble Vocal Quintessence, Les Chœurs de la Marjolaine, Metz'a Voce, Tante Voci, Cercle Mandoliniste Messin, Musique en Scène…