Fete de la Musique

[Cornerstone]

Thirty years ago the French Minister of Culture had a brainwave that revolutionised music-making in France and beyond. On 21st June each year - Summer Solstice day - musicians, whether professional or amateur - were asked to perform without fee to audiences who did not pay to listen in unusual venues, preferably outdoors.

 

It has become an immense success, and throughout France on or about 21st June each year Fete de la Musique is celebrated. I have seen professional groups of considerable renown performing to outdoor audiences, free of charge, and a little lad of 10 or 11 setting up his music stand in a small corner of the place and performing to appreciative audiences of a couple of dozen.

 

In Epworth, North Lincolnshire, UK we are presenting our version of this for the third year. Musicians have been invited to turn up anywhere in this small town to perform. There is no guarantee of any audience beyond other performers, but if experience of the last two years holds good the musicians - and a few locals - will enjoy sharing. It will be a kind of outdoor session.

 

Anyone turning up tomorrow - 21st June - will be sure to be welcomed. The only place named as a venue is the beautiful garden of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, right in a prime spot on the High Street. The church has given permission for musicians to use the garden as a centre, and musicians will begin to gather from about 10.0 a.m. and stay until about dusk. From 6.30 p.m. onwards it is hoped there will be an impromptu concert in the garden.

 

How about giving it a try? Failing that, you could start the tradition where you live. Let me know how you get on.

 

Keith