blog.gov.jeThis year cultural institutions from around the Island are joining forces to bring us a step closer to our neighbours as a ‘warm-up’ to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The first event to kick off La Saison Française is an iconic French music celebration Fête de la musique, also known in English as Music Day.
This event is celebrated across France, each year on the 21 June. It was initiated by Jack Lang, the French Minister of Culture, in 1982. It is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or musical style. Musicians of all levels and genres participate. One of the defining characteristics of the Fête de la Musique is that it takes place in public spaces—streets, parks, town squares, and other open areas. The emphasis is on participation rather than observation, making it a very inclusive, community event.
One of the key partners bringing this celebration to the Island is Alliance Française, a registered charity dedicated to promoting the French language and culture among Islanders.
Olivier Dupuy, a French language teacher at Alliance Française, is passionate about intercultural links, languages and travel. His career has led him to many cultural exchange opportunities in France, where he witnessed firsthand the role that music plays in language learning and cultural understanding. Reflecting on his experiences, he sees the Fête de la Musique as a perfect opportunity to establish this cultural tradition here in Jersey. He shares his thoughts:
“If you have the chance to be in France on the 21st of June, you will witness a wonderful enthusiasm for music. You would see and hear people play any kind of instrument in the streets, on balconies, on squares and in parks, all for free.”
“Since 1982, « La Fête de la musique » celebrates music in all of its forms and genres. During the whole day, French people of all ages make room for music by planning, performing and attending to free concerts, shows and animations all around the country, in all cities and villages. It is a fantastic way to let people express themselves with this universal language, bringing them together around art.”
“As a child, I was always surrounded by music and my parents gave me and my brothers the curiosity to discover more music and instruments. It is for me the best way to express yourself as it is universal and it gives an opportunity to spend special times with other people, hence the pictures shared with this text showing how much music has strengthened my family bonds and friendships throughout the years.”
“I see an amazing opportunity for Jersey to start the habit of celebrating music on that same day. I am eager to see the streets of St Helier animated by this terrific ambience, hearing music from all around the world being played throughout the island, in every single local pub and restaurant, and coming out of windows of all houses. What a beautiful prospect!”
This year you can expect just that, the streets of St Helier will come alive with the vibrant sounds of music! A carefully curated mix of home-grown musicians, and French Normandy acts.
Find out more about what’s on: gov.je/frenchseason.
This year’s events are brought to you by ArtHouse Jersey, Jersey Opera House, Alliance Française de Jersey and Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche in partnership with The Creative Island Partnership.
The Creative Island Partnership
The Creative Island Partnership (CIP) has been established by the Government as a forum for individuals interested in working together to deliver the objectives of the Arts Strategy. The CIP provides a space for knowledge exchange, ideas generation and direct engagement with Government. The network includes leaders from arts and cultural organizations, anyone directly engaged and involved with the arts, and lead partners in sport, education, business, health, tourism, and the environment. Members will be a part of developing the pillars of the Arts strategy. If you would like to know more about becoming a CIP member click here.