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World Music Day 2023, a global tribute to the power of music. Interviews with Chinese Bands and Artists.
Explore our exclusive interviews with 18 prominent Chinese bands, singers, musicians and audio specialists in this article.
Today we celebrate World Music Day, originally known as “Fête de la Musique.” This event first occurred in France in 1982 and has since been celebrated globally each year on June 21. World Music Day, which coincides with the midsummer solstice, transforms our streets into stages for free concerts and musical events. The day serves as a vibrant reminder of music’s vital role in human life – as a form of art, a language of emotions, and a medium for expressing and processing feelings. Music often succeeds where words fail, and for this reason, we have chosen to share exclusive interviews with musicians, bands, and singers who have opened up about their passion and stories.
Read our exclusive interviews with Chinese performers, bands and artists
The Origins of World Music Day
American Joël Cohen first came up with the concept of World Music Day while he was working at the France-Musique radio station in 1976. Cohen intended to welcome the first day of summer, June 21, with live music. His vision was to usher in a music festival, “Saturnalia de la Musica,” calling on all musicians, both professionals and hobbyists, to step into the streets and perform impromptu.
In 1981, Maurice Fleuret became the director of music and dance at the French Ministry of Culture, under Jack Lang’s chairmanship. Influenced by a study revealing that half of the French population, or about five million people, played a musical instrument, Fleuret aimed to bring people outdoors to savor the joy of music with his motto, “Music everywhere and concert anywhere“. This culminated in the inaugural Fête de la Musique in Paris on June 21, 1982.
This celebration quickly spread beyond France, and by 1985, in the European Year of Music, it had evolved into a significant social event recognized outside French borders. Since 1995, World Music Day began to take on an international dimension. By February 28, 1997, the European Music Festival Charter was ratified in Budapest by nine European cities and organizers, endorsing shared principles and the desire to encourage a greater understanding of the artistic realities in different member countries, as well as bolster multilateral exchanges among European musicians.
June 21 was selected as the date for this festival because it aligns with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. This date has historically been dedicated to various pagan festivals and harvests, like the San Juan festivals. World Music Day aims to promote music through street performances under the slogan “Faites de la musique” (“Make music”).
Celebrating World Music Day
Every year, World Music Day is commemorated with free concerts worldwide, making music accessible to as many people as possible. Music is spread across public spaces such as streets, squares, courtyards, and even unconventional venues like schools, museums, and airports.
World Music Day honors all forms of music. It serves as a perfect opportunity to try a new instrument or explore a different music genre. On this day, individuals are encouraged to not only appreciate their favorite music but also to explore other genres or songs, share them with friends and loved ones, and even rediscover old favorites.
Furthermore, people of all ages are urged to learn about musical instruments and their history. They’re also invited to construct their own instruments using everyday items, nurturing their creativity and connection with music.
The Power and Impact of Music
World Music Day underscores the significance of music and its global impact. It is a timeless adventure, a universal language that weaves into the fabric of our lives. Music has the capacity to elicit a wide array of emotions, stimulate thoughts, unlock memories, and provide comfort.
Moreover, it has several health benefits, such as improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels, owing to its healing potential. World Music Day, also known as Make Music Day, serves as a reminder of music’s paramount importance to humanity.
On this day, everyone is invited to participate—professionals, amateurs, enthusiasts, and the curious alike. The focus is not solely on talent but also on the ability to listen and appreciate music in all its forms. The invitation stands to dance, dream, or simply enjoy the music.
Topics: World Music Day 2023: Insights from Chinese Musicians
Feature Image: China-underground.com, Matteo Damiani
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