World Music Day 2022: History, Significance and Theme
In today’s world, music has never been more accessible. We can listen to our favourite music by selecting the genres and performers we enjoy with only a swipe on our phones. And it is for this reason that World Music Day is so important to the current generation. The 21st of June is World Music Day. The energy of music, the liveliness of vocalists, and the melody of instruments are all celebrated on this day. In France, the day was originally commemorated as Fete de la Musique in 1982. It was organised by Jack Lange, the then-Minister of Culture of France, and Maurice Fleuret, a French composer.
HISTORY
In 1982, France was the first country to commemorate World Music Day. It was organised by Jack Lange, the French Minister of Culture at the time. On the Summer Solstice, Jack Lange and Maurice Fleuret collaborated to start the Fete de la Musique in Paris. It’s also the reason why World Music Day is also known as Fete de la Musique. Fleuret was the driving force behind the creation and organisation of World Music Day. By trade, he was a French composer, music journalist, and radio producer.
Following France’s recognition of the occasion as a worldwide event, nations such as India, Italy, Brazil, Japan, China, the United States, Mexico, Canada, Malaysia, Greece, Russia, Ecuador, Australia, Peru, and the United Kingdom similarly honoured the day. Hundreds of cities throughout the world are commemorating this day today.
SIGNIFICANCE
The goal of World Music Day is to make music more accessible and enjoyable for the younger generation. Jack Lange and Maurice Fleuret noted in 1982 that the music of the day did not reflect the kids who played instruments. As a result, they intended to stage a concert in Paris’ public places with the assistance of architect-scenographer Christian Dupavillon. The performance, which took place on June 21 of that year, highlighted the presence of both professional and amateur artists from around France.
Other nations adopted this yearly performance to commemorate music and music performers in 1985, which is also celebrated as the European Year of Music. In 1997, during the European Festival of Music in Budapest, a charter was signed declaring the day to be World Music Day.
