2026:WikiOrchestra

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 !
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.