World Music Day - 21st June, 2020 - History, Significance and Virtual Concerts!

Music is not only a source of entertainment; it also plays an extremely important role in our lives. Music gives flight to the imagination and puts life into everything around it. Be it emotions, empathy, creativity, inner peace and happiness. Music helps define the fabric of our emotional selves. The true definition of music is creativity in its pure and undiluted form.

Can you imagine a world without your favorite songs? Those songs that have helped shape your life, hence, write your own narrative. Those songs that gave you the confidence and encouragement to overcome any challenge. The times when music seemed to be the only thing that understood you. The magic of watching your favorite band perform, a euphoric experience that brings you closer to life, love and who you are.

This June 21^st, the summer solstice, the entire world will be celebrating World Music Day. Unfortunately, celebrations will be taking place behind closed doors due the widespread of Covid-19 pandemic. There might be fewer musicians on the streets to spread love and happiness with their music this year, but, nothing can dampen the spirit and joy of listening to music.

Let us have a look at the origin, importance and purpose of celebrating this day.

History - World Music Day

In October 1981, at Jack Lang’s (Ministry of Culture) request Maurice Fleuret became the Director of Music and Dance at the Ministry of Culture. A study on the cultural habits of the French in 1982 revealed that five million people (at that time), one young person out of two, played a musical instrument. Since then, Maurice began to figure out different ways to bring all the musicians on the streets and perform to spread joy and happiness with their music.

The first such celebration took place in Paris in 1982 and was known as Fete de la Musique, also known as World Music Day. Since then, over 130 countries all over the world, more than 1000 cities have been participating in this festival, public areas brimming with live musicians and free gigs everywhere. Countries like China, India, Germany, Italy, Greece, Russia, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, UK, US and Japan are active participants. In the US alone, more than 80 cities take part in this festival. The celebration is done by musicians gathering in public places, parks, museums, malls, stadiums and theatres. Free gigs and concerts are organised for free only for the sole purpose of entertaining the crowd.

Purpose – World Music Day        

The main aim and objective of this festival was to promote music in two main ways:

• Encouraging amateur and professional musicians to perform in the streets and showcase their talent to the world, under the slogan “Faites de la musique” (“Make Music”), a homophone of Fete de la Musique.
• Organizing free gigs and concerts and making all genres of music accessible to the public for free. All performers devote their time free of charge and all concerts organised are absolutely free.

What role does music play in our lives?

• Music speaks the universal language of emotions.
• Music makes learning more pleasant.
• Music makes us creative.
• Music is the biggest stress buster for many.
• In certain cases, it is known to help people sleep better.
• Mental health issues are also treated by therapists using Music Therapy.
• It helps children with learning disorders concentrate on their work.
• Music teaches us empathy.

Here are some quotes on music by some of the most famous world personalities:

• “How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our fears, our highest aspirations?” – Jane Swan
• “Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.” – Keith Richards
• “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music” – Billy Joel
• “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” – Confucius
• “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” – Kahlil Gibran

World Music Day is all about outdoor and public performances. However, this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, lock-downs all around the globe and social distancing norms in practice, the chances of any sort of public gathering seems very unlikely. Many organisations and companies are however, organizing virtual concerts, competitions and dance classes to celebrate World Music Day. Whether it be bands, musicians, opera singers, actors or DJs, everyone is making use of streaming services to live-stream performances, concerts, DJ sets and even mini festivals in order to reach out to their fans and music lovers.

Below you will find some of the best live streams and virtual concerts we have spotted, from regular concerts to one-off gigs which you can stream on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Instagram and so on.

• The Record Club : Watch Here
• Glasthomebury Festival 2020 : Watch Here
• Royal Albert Hall : Watch Here
• Norah Jones : Watch Here
• Metallica : Watch Here
• National Theatre : Watch Here
• Garth Brooks : Watch Here

While you enjoy these amazing virtual gigs and concerts suggested by us, do not forget to check out the amazing collection of Hi-fi Equipment and accessories we have here at Hifigo! 

Headphones and In-ear Earphones 

AMPS and DACs

Audio Players

Accessories

We will keep sharing regular updates, latest news and more recommendations here. So stay tuned, keep enjoying the good music and watch this space for more.

By: Atul Pandey