Olympic music director Victor le Masne on the art of connection

As the Olympic flame arrived in Marseille earlier this year, it was accompanied by the unveiling of the official musical theme of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Premiered by Marseille orchestra at the Palais du Pharo, Parade heralded the start of the Games celebrations in France. The theme, which will be played throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, was recorded with the Orchestre National de France and the Chœur et Maitrise de Radio France in a range of versions, adapted to suit different moments during the Games. Its creator is Paris-born composer Victor Le Masne, musical director for the four ceremonies of this year’s games, whose signature innovation, combining symphonic and electronic sounds, was chosen by the Paris 2024 organisers to embody ‘the dynamic and universal spirit’ of this year’s Olympic Games.

le Masne, who worked with the Paris 2024 team on the handover ceremony between the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, has partnered with long-term collaborator Thomas Jolly, who has been chosen as artistic director of the four ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, each of which will have its own ‘sound identity’. In his 20-year career, Victor le Masne has established himself as a key player in contemporary music. As an all-round composer and experimenter, he excels in connecting various musical worlds and formations with audiences.

©Guillaume Bontemps

Reflecting on his approach to his music director role for Classical Music, le Masne writes:

'The Olympic Games are about bringing people together across geographical and cultural divides, and music plays an integral part in achieving this goal. I am honoured and excited to contribute to the unforgettable experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as composer of the official musical theme and musical director of the ceremonies. I aim to create an original soundtrack that will not only accompany the most memorable moments of these historic Games but will also remain etched in the memories of all generations.

Music is a universal language. We see proof of it everywhere. Whether it's Taylor Swift captivating massive stadium audiences worldwide or an orchestra communicating across language barriers, music truly has the power to unite. When composing Parade, I pushed myself hard because I aimed to create something worthy of such a global event – connecting people around the world, especially given the current global climate. I wanted the theme to embody the Olympics – being generous, welcoming, heartfelt, grounded, and inclusive. I thought – the music shouldn’t be too niche, but still demanding.

©Guillaume Bontemps​

I chose the title Parade because of its rich connotations. It's both an English and French word, and I found inspiration from various sources: a piece by Eric Clapton, a Prince album I love, and the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony. In French, ‘Parade’ can also mean a dance or the behaviour of animals following each other. This diversity reflects the varied nature of my music. I enjoy the multiple meanings and the wordplay, which feels very French!

There are many parallels and links between the classical music world and athletes – the mindset, the openness to improvisation, and above all, the rigour that connects these two worlds. I had the honour to work with the Orchestre National de France, and when you see the violinists, the cellists, and other players, their discipline and dedication are evident. Playing with a virtuoso is akin to watching a great athlete – the journey is not so different – it's the art of connection between spirit, mind and movement, which demands precision and mastery of one's craft.'