Lola, our intern of three weeks at the Villé Valley Tourist, Trade and Crafts Office, and I wrote an article together for the Office's blog about the Fête de la Musique (Music Festival). This article was particularly important to us because Lola plays the piano and guitar, and I also play the piano.
Origins and history
The Fête de la Musique (World Music Day), celebrated globally on June 21st, marks the first day of summer. More than 120 countries participate in this event every year in June.
In 42 years, from 1982 to 2024, the Fête de la Musique has continued to grow and spread throughout the world.
Created by Joel Cohen
The festival was conceived in 1976 by the American musician Joel Cohen, then employed by France Musique. Cohen proposed for this channel "Saturnalia of Music" for June 21 and December 21, the two solstices.
Developments in France
On June 10, 1981, André Henry, then Minister of Leisure, organised the "Fête de la musique et de la jeunesse" to celebrate the arrival of François Mitterrand in power and to honour the speech on leisure by Léo Lagrange of June 10, 1936.
This free concert attracts around 100,000 people to the Place de la République.
Inspired by Joel Cohen, Jack Lang, Minister of Culture, and Maurice Fleuret, Director of Music and Dance, gave decisive impetus to the event. Thus, the first national Fête de la Musique was celebrated on June 21, 1982.
Objectives and philosophy
The Fête de la Musique aims to promote music. It encourages amateur musicians to perform voluntarily in the streets and public spaces. Through the organization of numerous free concerts, featuring both amateurs and professionals, it allows a wide audience to access music of all kinds and origins.
A musical portrait of Lola
To learn a little more about Lola, our passionate intern, here are three questions asked as part of a musical "Chinese portrait":
If you were a musical instrument, which one would you be and why?
I will be a piano, because I love the sound of the piano.
If you were a song, which one would you be and why?
I'll be listening to "All Too Well" by Taylor Swift because she's my favorite singer.
If you were a composer or musical artist, who would you be and why?
If I were a composer, I would be John Williams because he composed the music for Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones… and I love his films!
Events in the Villé Valley for the Fête de la Musique!
GUTH Microbrewery
Date and time: June 21, 2024 at 19 p.m.
Location: 10 Rue Principale, Saint-Maurice
Program :
- 20pm-21:30pm: Rock concert with the Dead Cats.
- 10pm-1am: DJ set with Joëlito (aka The David Ghetto of St-Maurice).
- Refreshments and food available on site with craft beers and a variety of dishes.
Prepare your eardrums and sharpen your taste buds! The GUTH microbrewery invites you to an unforgettable evening for the Fête de la Musique with fiery riffs and flaming mixes.
Dieffenbach-au-Val
Date and Time: June 22, 2024, from 18 p.m. to 23 p.m.
Location: The thresher, St-Maurice road
Program :
- Open stage from 18pm to 20pm.
- Blend Circus concert (rock covers) at 21pm.
- Refreshment bar and snacks on site.
The town of Dieffenbach-au-Val hosts the 2024 edition of the music festival in the Villé Valley, with an open stage and a rock cover concert.
And we'll see you in Bassemberg in 2025!