2026:WikiOrchestra
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The WikiOrchestra is planning to perform some French music at the Wikimania 2026 closing ceremony. Please let us know if you would like to join!
What is the WikiOrchestra?
The WikiOrchestra is an ad-hoc ensemble of amateur musician Wikimedians who come together to perform French music for the Wikimania 2026 closing ceremony. For more information, please see the WikiOrchestra page on Meta.
Why is there a WikiOrchestra?
Traditionally, the Wikimania opening and closing ceromonies include 'cultural exhibitions' of music and/or dance typical to the location hosting Wikimania that year.
In the collaborative spirit of Wikimania, the WikiOrchestra first performed at Wikimania 2024 in Katowice featuring a classical piece by Chopin and a Silesian folk song, and a WikiChoir sang two Swahili pop songs at Wikimania 2025 in Nairobi.
With the performance of the WikiOrchestra, we want to honour the hosts of this year's conference, and the musical tradition of France, and submit a corresponding proposal to the Wikimania 2026 organising team.
Rehearsal/performance schedule
- rehearsal after the opening ceremony (we are planning to have no additional rehearsals other than this one)
- performance at the closing ceremony
What music will be played
Depending on the musicians who sign up, we will perform a selection from the following repertoire:
- classical music (maybe baroque or impressionist music)
- French jazz
- a chanson
- a song from French folklore, possibly in a minority language
Can I join the WikiOrchestra?
Yes, please! All instruments, abilities, and voices are welcome – you will fit right in! There will be a (short) rehearsal during the conference. Please also let us know ahead of the conference if you want to sing with us so that we can select a suitable piece, and send you the sheet music that meets your skill level.
Can I sing in the choir like last year?
Yes, there will most likely also be a choir, but it will be put together less 'spontaneously' than in Nairobi (there will be sheet music!). Please sign up below!
What if I am not a very good musician?
No worries – we will arrange your part to suit your skill level!
What if I want to sing but I don't speak French?
Most of us don't – we will send you a pronunciation guide beforehand so that you can practice.
Where do I sign up?
The best way to sign up is by simply adding your information to the table below, but you can also leave a message on the talk page or send an email or other message to Gnom.
When indicating your voice, please put "soprano", "alto", "tenor", "bass", or just "high voice" or "low voice".
| user name | voice or instrument | skill level | comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gnom | piano, clarinet, saxophone, voice (tenor) | experienced | looking forward! |
| Pymouss | voice (tenor) | experienced (in amateur choirs) | It was amazing in Katowice! |
| Auregann | voice (mezzo-soprano) | experienced in choirs and folk music bands | Also happy to help with French lyrics and pronunciation practice |
| Sukkoria | voice (alto? or low soprane?) | used to sing in choirs when I was still a student | can help with French lyrics/pronunciation/traps as well |
| Gustave en résidence | voice (tenor), accordion | experienced (in amateur choirs) | Bienvenue à Paris |
| Ejowan | cello, voice (not-too-high soprano to not-too-low bass) | experienced in amateur choirs, not-so-experienced at cello | Not yet 100% sure I want to participate but it sounds fun! |
| Skimel | Guitar (acoustic/electric), electric bass | Professional musician | I'm not sure I'll be available for the Wikimania 2026, but if I can be there, it could be fun ! |
| King ChristLike | drums, piano, voice (tenor) | experienced | Can’t wait! |
| Poslovitch | Voice (counter-tenor), piano/keyboards/organ, w:Epinette des Vosges | Experienced in amateur choirs, got basic solfege/organist training so can help with keyboards if needed | Frenchie! Similarly happy to help with French pronunciation |
| Buszmail | percussion and soprano guitar if needed | jazz and world music | Looking forward |
| Pintoch | double bass | experienced | I will be there and would love some manouche jazz or chanson française |
| Adélaïde Calais WMFr | Flute
Soprano (comfortable A5) |
experienced | French choir ideas :
Song ideas : Sous le ciel de Paris ; La vie en rose ; Rowan Atkinson's song "I hate the French" is hilarious ; and I'll stop there for now French jazz composers : Henri Texier (double bass player) ; Michel Portal (clarinet player) love Mozambic album for example |
| Fonctorÿel | Trompette (en ut) | experienced | Trad. Breton ? (et je plussoie Sous le Ciel de Paris & La Vie en Rose) |
| NikolasKHF | Voice (bass or low tenor?) | Used to join choir while in high school and college | Looking forward! :D |
| Bastique | Voice (bass/baritone) | church/regular cantor/choir | maybe I’ll bring the flute |
| User:Bennylin | Voice (tenor), violin (but I'm not planning to bring one) | Church choir | Finger crossed. |
| Narumi | Voice (soprano or alto) | School choir | Happy to be part of this beautiful harmony again! |
| Letherian3 | ukulele, some guitar and piano, voice (mezzo-soprano) | ukulele (amateur), voice (experienced, used to sing in choirs in school and university, as well as performed solo on singing contests and festivals, took professional singing lessons) | It was amazing in Katowice and Nairobi! Super excited! :D |
| Ferfive | voice (Contralto) | experienced (Studied operatic singing since the age of 11) | SO HAPPY!, i was thinking maybe somerhing of Carmen from bizet |
| XanonymusX | Violin | Experienced | |
| your username | your voice or instrument(s) | your skill level | your comment |
Where can I ask more questions?
Please contact us on the talk page, or send an email or other message to Gnom.