Last Sunday (21/06) was La Fête de la Musique, which is supposed to be one of the biggest events in France every year. However, since the virus is still a concern and the country is being cautious to avoid a possible second wave of the pandemic, this year’s celebration is a bit different. After checking some information, I participated in the online music festival and enjoyed great music as well as the cozy vibes. I decided to keep a note of what I know about La Fête de la Musique and introduce you to some interesting music festivals I know.

Summer music festval : La Fête de la Musique

                                                                                      Picture from fetedelamusique.fr

La Fête de la Musique is a popular event in which its history goes back to 1982. The idea started because the French Ministry of Culture found out that about 5 million people, including 1 in 2 youngsters play musical instruments. Therefore, La Fête de la Musique was created and designed to be an event that is open to all music as well as being accessible to all French.

I didn’t have a chance to experience La Fête de la Musique when I was on my exchange year nor when I first arrived in France in August. I always know that France is a leader when it comes to creating public cultural events. Yet, I only know about Nuit Blanche that started in 2002 for contemporary art and very little about the effort the government put in for the music industry. This kind of art celebration is new and intriguing to me.

This year, with very short notice and limited understanding of La Fête de la Musique, I was fortunate enough to join some of the live performances online and appreciate several types of music on the website. There was also a very interesting idea that I like to mention. This year, the ministry selected the song “Chanson sur ma drôle de vie” by Veronique Sanson and invited anyone who’s interested to cover the song the way they like. It is an interesting way to gather people online or simply on their balcony and to enjoy this festival together. As a classical music lover, I also indulged in the Beethoven concert by ARTE.tv as well as the no-audience concert held at Victoria Hall in Geneva. It is definitely an unforgettable experience with its high-quality performance masterpieces.

                                               
                                                                                    Covered by Orchestre Aloha

Iconic festival: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

                                                                Picture from The Royal EdinburghMilitary Tattoo

The Tattoo is an important event that is held in Edinburgh every summer. It has a 70-year history that aligns with military characteristics as well as Scottish tradition. The performance is held in front of the Castle esplanade with a stunning view. Unfortunately, because of the global pandemic, the 3-week festival is now canceled.

I want to mention this festival because it has a very significant theme and it has a very long history. It is also an occasion for travelers to watch the performance from a Pipe Band, as well as the highland dance. It is an event that includes tradition, culture, and innovation. While in many places traditional music is endangered, the Tattoo helps to preserve traditional art forms and allows them to be seen internationally. The spectacular performance of marching bands is definitely a highlight each year, especially the guest marching band which is different every year.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Video from BBC

Autumn music festival: Taipei Jazz Festival

If you ask me what’s the biggest event in Taipei during the month of October (I know it's a pretty specific question), I’ll always say it’s the Taipei Jazz Festival. When the weather is sweet and the people are relaxed, it’s time for some jazz! Jazz means to understand others, to improvise, collaborate, and to express yourself. 2020 September or October would be the 14th Taipei Jazz Festival that fosters musicians in order for them to innovate, perform and tell their stories. In many plazas and parks, during the 3-day festival, live shows are free to the public. Lectures are held for the audience to help them understand more about Jazz. Workshops are also set in place for professionals to interact with and learn from each other.

                                               
                                                                                     Video from 航拍攝影Xbike

There aren't only local performers on the stage, we also invite many top performers from all over the world to share their understanding of Jazz. It is also a chance for many new rising Jazz stars or bands to perform publicly and raise their awareness. What's worth noting is that most of the main performances start in the evening. I greatly enjoy dancing with the music while watching the sunset. For more details on Taipei Jazz Festival, check out this article from Taipei Travel Geek.

                                               
                                                                                      Video from AMSA Records

Music brings people together and festivals help new rising stars shine while making sure to pass down their cultural heritage. It is a great loss that because of the pandemic, many events are canceled or forcibly had to change the form of they're held in. Despite all the obstacles, the various types of music still successfully manage to bond people together across the world as well as through time.

(cover photo by Wyncliffe from StockSnap)