The Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine originated in 1848 as a component within France's National Gendarmerie. Founded and first conducted by Jean Paulus, the ensemble was reorganized in 1856 as the "Musique de la Garde de Paris", which later became the "Musique de la Garde républicaine", until it adopted the name "Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine" in 1993. The ensemble undertook international tours beginning in 1872 with a visit to the United States. Notable albums include Révolution Française (1988) and Marches Triomphales (1998). The orchestra has performed works by composers such as Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Olivier Messiaen. It is composed of two main ensembles: the Wind Orchestra and the String Orchestra, which can combine to form various configurations as well as a symphony orchestra.
