Based in Stains, in Paris's northern suburbs, Divertimento is an orchestra with a difference. For one thing its conductor is a woman, which is something of a rarity in the world of classical music. "I had to fight hard to become a conductor," recalls Zahia Ziouani, who founded the orchestra in 1997. "Being a woman and also from a modest background, the odds were stacked against me."
Divertimento's 70 musicians are not recruited for their talent alone but also because they share Zahia's values and vision: like her, they are committed to breaking down barriers between cultures, social classes, backgrounds and generations, to bring classical music to the widest possible audience.
The orchestra has initiated a number of projects promoting access to culture for all including artistic and outreach activities, awareness raising and musical workshops. These projects address identified needs within areas eligible for support under France's urban cohesion policy.
Role of the ENGIE Foundation
The ENGIE Foundation has been supporting Divertimento since 2016. In addition, Zahia Ziouani was invited to speak at the most recent UNESCO Open Campus on the theme 'Women – agents of change'.
