The world observes Fete de la Musique or World Music Day every 21st of June. Over 130 countries including Germany, Russia, Australia, Greece, Italy, the United States, Japan, and the UK acknowledge it. The slogan “Faites de la Musique” (make music) is a homophone of the event. Fete de la Musique encourages both seasoned and amateur musicians to “make music”. In addition to perform for fun and not for payment. It is also the time of year when citizens can watch free concerts throughout the day in public places and parks.
The 1st ever musical celebration held on the day of the summer solstice in 1982 was initiated by former Minister of Culture of France Jack Lang. In addition to French composer and Director of Music and Dance Maurice Fleuret.
Fete de la Musique on Banknotes and Coins
Fete de la Musique isn’t only celebrated in the streets, parks, and public places. It is also reflected on banknotes and coins, too. The Azerbaijan 1 Manat Banknote from 2017, for example, features musical notes. In addition to traditional musical instruments such as tar, kamancha, and a daf. It also shows musical instruments played by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Such as the cello, violins, harp, bassoon, and French horn are depicted on the obverse of the Austria 1 oz Silver Coin from 2020. On the coin’s reverse is the Great Organ in the Golden Concert Hall.
The Switzerland 20 Franken Banknote from 2014 displays a portrait of Swiss composer Arthur Honegger. He best known for his composition Antigone. On the reverse are musical instruments, a musical score, and Pacific 231. It is based on the sound of a steam locomotive and Honegger’s most frequently performed composition. The commemorative Oman 1 Rial coin released in 2011 highlights the Royal Opera House in Muscat. In addition to its inauguration official logo and a musical instrument on the reverse side.
One of the most notable pianists of the Romantic era isClara Schumann. She is on the obverse of the 100 German Federal Republic Deutsche mark banknote. On the reverse lies a grand piano with the Hoch Conservatory building in the background. The 1,000 Escudo Cape Verde from 2014 are Cape Verdean musician and composer Code di Dona. Some also know him as Gregorio Vaz and he plays the accordion. Its reverse showcases a musician playing the Ferrino.
