rhythms in the north :
Fête de la musique from the origins to today
With Joel Cohen, conversation Moderated by Frédéric Posine & Susan Budig (in English)
Join us in the Grande Salle for an exclusive discussion on the history and evolution of the Fête de la Musique.
Discover the fascinating journey of this now global celebration with the visionary artist behind its inception: Joel Cohen!
This event will start with a brief historical introduction to the Fête de la Musique music festival followed by a discussion with Joel Cohen, moderated by Freddy Posine and Susan Budig. This session offers a unique opportunity to delve into the origins of this international event. In 1976, while working for France Musique, Joel proposed the creation of the “Saturnales de la Musique”, to be celebrated on the solstices, June 21 and December 21. His vision was for music groups to perform on the evening of June 21, as had been done in western Paris and Toulouse. This concept laid the foundation for what would become a global music festival. Click here to discover an article written by Joel Cohen on the significance and celebration of Fête de la Musique. This event will be in English.
Armed with this knowledge, you'll be fully prepared for Rhythms in the North!
About Joel Cohen
Joel Cohen is an American musician known for his expertise in early music repertoires and his pivotal role in creating the "Fête de la Musique." A graduate of Brown University and Harvard University, he directed the Boston Camerata from 1968 to 2008 and remains its Music Director Emeritus. Cohen also founded the Camerata Mediterranea and has extensively collaborated with Middle Eastern musicians on medieval Southern European repertoires.
Cohen's idea for an all-day musical celebration during the solstice, which he initiated while producing radio programs for France Musique in the 1970s, evolved into the "Fête de la Musique" or "World Music Day," celebrated annually on June 21. He has received numerous awards, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Edison Prize, and holds the title of Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France.
About our moderators
Paris native, Freddy Posine moved to Minnesota in 2000 where he is the host of Bonjour Minnesota & French Influences Radio Show Therapy of KFAI Radio.
Susan Budig, since 2004 writes for Mshale newspaper, a leading newspaper in the Midwest United States dedicated to covering the African immigrant community. Her focus is music and arts of the African diaspora.
This event is free with a $10 suggested donation to support our cultural programs. Merci pour votre soutien !