Largest clarinet ensemble

The largest clarinet ensemble is 1,381 participants and was achieved by La Grande Clarinette (France) in Châtellerault, France, on 30 August 2026.

When French conductor Emmanuel Boulanger discovered that the record for the largest clarinet ensemble stood at "just" 448 participants, he decided it could be beaten. He founded La Grande Clarinette and, over the following year, turned this “crazy idea” into a record-breaking reality, reaching out to clarinet teachers and conservatoires across the country and building a project that quickly grew beyond expectations. The city of Châtellerault backed the initiative, providing the perfect stage for what would become an unforgettable community event.

Participants rehearsed individually in the weeks beforehand, although the concert on the day was their first time ever playing together.

Clarinetists were organized into 23 rows, issued numbered wristbands, and officially counted by Guinness World Records adjudicator Anouk de Timary. The ensemble then performed a selection of pieces – including music from the movies Gladiator, The Aristocats and Les Choristes – before sealing the record with a five-minute performance of music from the Out of Africa soundtrack.

Final verified count: 1,381 participants.

Thousands of spectators witnessed the announcement live. From children who had played clarinet for just one year to seasoned senior musicians, every generation was represented. "This record is the culmination of a crazy idea that became possible thanks to the enthusiasm of hundreds of clarinetists, teachers, conservatoires, and the city of Châtellerault," said Boulanger.

As Adjudicator Anouk put it: "Seeing such different generations perform so beautifully as one ensemble was genuinely moving."