AFO is the professional organization of orchestras in France, created by the permanent orchestras with the support of the French department of culture in the year 2000.

As an observatory for the profession, AFO collects and publishes statistical information on the activities of its member orchestras.

As a resource centre, AFO handles technical questions common to the orchestras, in diverse areas of orchestral activity: Studies, publications, training workshops.

As a mouthpiece for the profession, AFO aims to contribute in defining musical policy in France and develop cooperation abroad : conferences and meetings, communication, European orchestras network.
AFO belongs to the European networks, Pearle* and EFAH.