World Day of Music 2023:The majority of people have an innate appreciation for music. Even if we cannot play an instrument or sing, we can still communicate with rhythms and melodies in some way. Even vegetation can perceive music. Did you know that classical music tends to accelerate the growth of plants? It’s a fact. World Day of Music, or Fête de la Musique, is commemorated each year on June 21 in France, but today emphasises the universal appeal of music. It is intended to make music more inclusive and encourage people of varying skill levels to engage with all forms of music significantly more. World Day of Music is also an occasion for musicians to expand their social media presence and engage with their audience.
HISTORY OF WORLD DAY OF MUSIC
From the world’s oldest musical instrument, the 60,000-year-old Neanderthal flute, to contemporary electronic instruments, music has become an integral part of our daily existence. In addition to being enjoyable to listen to, music is a form of expression; the right melody resonates with emotions more effectively than words, and music transcends borders. This is precisely the goal of World Day of Music: to bring people together and break down barriers and boundaries through music.
The first World Day of Music was celebrated in France. In October 1981, when Maurice Fleuret was appointed Director of Music and Dance at the Ministry of Culture, he applied the following philosophy to musical practise: “the music everywhere and the concert nowhere.” In a 1982 investigation of French cultural practises, Fleuret discovered that every other person played a musical instrument. This inspired him to consider ways to bring people together on the streets through music. In 1982, this was how the first Day of Music, or “Fête de la Musique,” was celebrated in Paris.
Fête de la Musique promoted music in two ways: by encouraging amateur and professional musicians to perform in the streets and by hosting free concerts of all musical genres to expose the public to new music. Under the slogan ‘Faites de la musique’ (‘Make music’), the official Fête de la Musique organisation in Paris advocated for free concerts and free performances by artists. This was pertinent to the majority of participating cities.
Over the past few years, the festival has acquired international recognition, eventually being celebrated in over 120 nations. The day ultimately evolved into World Day of Music, World Music Day, and International Music Day.
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5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT FRENCH MUSIC AND MUSICIANS
‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra was originally composed in French.
Frank Sinatra’s biggest success, ‘My Way,’ was adapted from the French song ‘Comme d’habitude,’ which was composed, written, and performed by French people.
The funeral of Edith Piaf halted transportation in Paris.
Edith Piaf’s funeral is the only event since World War II to utterly halt traffic in Paris.
French national pride in their musical heritage
The French are so proud of their music that they enacted a law mandating that at least forty percent of the music played on private radio stations be of French origin.
The largest audience ever for a performance
In 1997, 3.5 million people flocked to see Jean Michel Jarre perform in Moscow, making him the artist with the largest audience ever.
A tune that has been recorded by a multitude of artists.
There have been 4,000 renditions of Charles Trenet’s “La Mer,” including one by Cliff Richard.
WORLD DAY OF MUSIC DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 21 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | June 21 | Friday |
| 2025 | June 21 | Saturday |
| 2026 | June 21 | Sunday |
| 2027 | June 21 | Monday |
