We had views of the cathedral and angelic voices. Our favorite part of this was the wonderful a capella choir that stood underneath the window of our hotel and sang beautifully for an hour or more. Rouen, a city of about 110,000, was able to support a huge Fête de la Musique. There were some more formal performances in churches and other venues, but there was plenty of music right out on the street. Walking around Paris in the afternoon and evening, we found a great jazz group, a pick-up orchestra, some student performers, and much more. I later learned that this band was formed in 1991 by students of the National School for Bridges and Roads, and they play at various fanfares and musical events. In Paris I was happy to come across the Saints-Pères Band playing in front of the beautiful church of St-Germaine-L'Auxerrois. The quality and level of professionalism varied quite a bit throughout the town, but everyone was excited to perform and the audiences were delighted. Amboise is home to a beautiful château and is one of the main attractions of the Loire Valley.Ībuot nine or ten small groups were performing around town, ranging from a local church choir to a fine string trio. Our first time was by accident in the lovely town of Amboise, population about 12,500. We've experience the Fête de la Musique in several very different settings.

There's a general sense of community and of coming together around music. Babies in strollers are up way past their bedtimes, old folks who don't get out much will sit on a bench and enjoy the music and the activity. It's an evening where everyone is out, from young to old. If you don't like what you're hearing, just walk a few blocks and you'll find something else. In Paris there is music everywhere-in bars and restaurants, in churches, in public squares, around major monuments, in the Métro. In small villages there may be four or five local groups, performing at various spots around town. It doesn't matter if you're in Paris or in a tiny village, there will be music. If you are in France on the day of the summer solstice, June 21st, you will enjoy not only a wonderful long day, with sunsets at 10:00 PM (in Paris), but you can also experience the annual Fête de la Musique.

Fetes de la musique 2015