French gala Fête de la Musique will sweep across Shanghai from Friday to Sunday, featuring music of all genres including folk, jazz, rock, electro-pop and classical.
Born in Paris in 1982, Fête de la Musique is a highly popular event that provides all forms of music free to the public. Each year on the summer solstice, French streets become a sea of music lovers immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.
To date, over 450 cities throughout the world regularly celebrate this grand occasion.
Fête de la Musique made its debut during the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, and has remained popular since.
"Over 300 musicians from home and abroad will participate in the grand celebration this year," said Marion Bertagna, cultural consul of the Cultural and Education Section of the Consulate General of France in Shanghai, which hosts the event.
"They will serve up fantastic music in every corner of the city from bars and clubs like New Heights and Glamour Bar to malls and outdoor areas including Xintiandi and the Cool Docks," she continued. "The music festival is usually celebrated on June 21 in France, but will be extended to three days in Shanghai."
On the first day of the festival, Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra will present a feast of classical music including Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture, Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, and Georges Bizet's Carmen and Symphony No.1 in C Major. European artists like Carole Gabay, Balasz Ladany and Emil Raykhov will spend the melodious night with the audience at Must Grill (881 Wuding Road, 6176-1378).
Well-known French bands like IAM and Deluxe will bring forth many elements of surprise performing for the first time in Shanghai during the opening concert at 800 Show (800 Changde Road, 6255-7800).
Created in Marseille in 1985 under the name Lively Crew, IAM is one of the most famous rap bands in France, set apart by their elaborate lyrics and well-maintained balance between humor and sobriety. According to Bertagna, the band will be performing with Inner Mongolian artists at the opening concert to demonstrate their keen interest in oriental cultures.
Deluxe impress with their onstage vitality. The band mixes funk, electro, hip-hop and dubstep, and their sound is growing more mature after intensive worldwide touring.
French bands IAM and Deluxe
A slew of local bands will also be playing, including Plastic Chocolate, Candy Shop, Running Blue and Monkey Philosophy.
Shanghai-based Plastic Chocolate makes music composed of highly diverse elements, with explosive vocals from their South Korean vocalist and music that is full of spontaneity and imagination.
Candy Shop was founded in 2005 when bassist Chris met with guitarist Nicholas during a show and decided to merge their two bands. Their music blends elements of funk and punk, metal and hip-hop with both male and female vocals. Their popular songs include "Trend," "Love Song" and "Candy Party."
Various bands performing at the French gala Fête de la Musique over the past few years Photos: Courtesy of the Consulate General of France in Shanghai
Musicians from many other countries will also take to the stage. Noukilla is made up of five friends who came from Mauritius to Shanghai in 2005. With a combination of cultural backgrounds from Africa, India, the UK and France, their lyrics are written in Creole, French and English. Different elements are incorporated to give the audience a fresh experience of cultural diversity.
Far East Lion is made up of members from China, Japan and Zimbabwe. Their reggae-style music with hip-hop elements has given them a great following.
Overpitch is made up of South Korean students studying in Shanghai. Far from home and bored with life on campus, they bonded over their common passion for pop punk.
According to Bertagna, jam sessions featuring DJs and guitarists at On Stage (570 Huaihai Road West, 6212-6991) and in front of the Paris Tour (99 Yandang Road, 6333-7232) will also be highlights.
For a full program of the event, you can check on its official website at http://www.fetedelamusique-shanghai.com/ or call 6010-6363 for more details.
