In Paris for the Fête de la Musique? Everywhere you go you’ll hear music, from opera to jazz. The Fête unites big names at major venues with accordionists on street corners and choirs in church halls.
It all began in October 1981, when Maurice Fleuret became Director of Music. Fleuret wanted to find a way to bring people and their music out on to the streets. In 1982, the Fête de la Musique was created by the French Ministry for culture.Since then the Fête de la Musique is held in more than hundred countries in Europe and over the world and even had a postage stamp devoted to it in 1998.
Musicians are a mix of professionals and amateurs and festival policy is to give an equal place to rock, jazz, singing and classical music. The event is aimed at a large audience, working to popularise musical practice for young and not so young people from all social backgrounds. It gives an opportunity to communicate and share a very special moment through music.
Rock gigs are usually held at the Place de la Republique, while classical orchestras can be heard in the courtyard of the Palais Royal and indie bands at Place Denfert-Rochereau. Events take place not just in Paris but all over France and it’s common for musicians to return to their home towns to perform.
Fête de la Musique takes place every year on the 21st June (the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere) and concerts will be happening all over Paris with everything completely free!
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