  We discuss the connection between the random matrix approach to disordered
wires and the Calogero-Sutherland models. We show that different choices of
random matrix ensembles correspond to different classes of CS models. In
particular, the standard transfer matrix ensembles correspond to CS model with
sinh-type interaction, constructed according to the $C_n$ root lattice pattern.
By exploiting this relation, and by using some known properties of the zonal
spherical functions on symmetric spaces we can obtain several properties of the
Dorokhov-Mello-Pereyra-Kumar equation, which describes the evolution of an
ensemble of quasi one-dimensional disordered wires of increasing length $L$.
These results are in complete agreement with all known properties of disordered
wires. (To appear in the Proceedings of the Conference: Recent Developments in
Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory (Trieste, 1995))
