YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2019 FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE
by Chené Koscielny
Images Copyright: Ville de Geneve
Get ready for a festive weekend of music during the popular Fête de la Musique on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd June 2019, when the whole of Geneva comes to life with the sounds of every imaginable type of music created by diverse local artists.
There will be more than 500 performances by 5000 musicians in 30 plus venues across the city, including 13 outdoor venues such as the Parc des Bastions, Place Neuve, but also performances in courtyards across town, such as at the ‘cour’ of the Museum of Art and History (MAH) and at various other venues such as the Alhambra and Victoria Hall, as well as in the city’s magnificent cathedrals and churches.
WHAT’S NEW?
For the first time this year – Place Neuve will become a gateway to music and a focal point of the festival – with the creation of a mega two-storey modular structure, including an open stage hosting an eclectic mix of performances, a DJ podium and a bar and food stand. The otherwise busy roundabout will be closed to traffic for the event.
The music selection for this venue includes folkloric Swiss sounds by Les Joyeux Fa Dièse, Dj Mitch, Dj Chili Pop, The Blakats and the electro fanfare O.U.M.P.H.
First image copyright N Righetti
Second image copyright: Stephane Pecorini
VENUES FOR CLASSICAL (AND CONTEMPORARY MUSIC)
ST PIERRE CATHEDRAL
The programme includes a variety of music including electronic music mixed with organ sounds, Swiss folklore, mandolin, a choir, an orchestra and more.
COURTYARD MAH
Vocal performances from around the world, an afternoon of jazz on Sunday.
SALLE CENTRALE DE LA MADELEINE – in the centre of town
A strong focus on baroque music performances.
Also look out for an innovative project including moving images and music (including classical and digital instruments, vocals and the rhythm of rap) entitled Les Atomes dansant du CERN – The dancing atoms of CERN
LE CONSERVATOIRE DE MUSIQUE
The main hall is closed for renovation, but there will be 12 concerts entitled Ballade HEM – in various venues across town showcasing musicians and groups from the Conservatoire, the city’s most important historical musical educational institution.
VENUES FOR MODERN MUSIC
PROMANDE DU PIN
Various performers and groups.
Look out for saxophonist, composer and singer Vee Mukarati – originally from Zimbabwe, who will perform here on Friday night at 20h30.
REFORMATION WALL – PARC DES BASTIONS
Sumo – a local group inspired by several visits to Cuba and accompanied by Cuban musicians will perform here on Friday at 23h30.
ALHAMBRA
CORTEX – Jazz-funk and rap – will perform at 23h on Friday.
The Phal Soulitude Ensemble pays homage to J Dilla – master of beat-making (creating instrumental music for rappers/ hip hop)
L’OBSERVATOIRE
On Saturday throughout the day at L’Observatoire will host various multi-cultural musical performances, including – Japanese, Indian, Anatolian, Venezuelan and Greek.
LOCAL CONCERTS
Several local communes also plan concerts during the Fête de la Musique including Bernex, Confignon, Genthod, Lancy, Plan-les-Ouates, Versoix and Veyrier. Check the full programme for more details.
WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
This year there will be many interactive workshops – for adults and children – in collaboration with the Conservatoire, La Maison de la Créativité, L’Espace Musical and other local organisations.
Come to play, sing, try out a new instrument, listen and participate in fun story-telling sessions through music, build your own drums at the Brico Jazz session, learn how to create music for a music box, creating organ music with pipes and much more – find out more about children and adult workshops in the programme.
FOOD AND DRINK
Image copyright: N Righetti
40 plus food stands – run by non-profit organisations chosen by the City of Geneva – will make sure no-one goes hungry or thirsty.
All the plates and cutlery are biodegradable and you will be able to buy a re-usable cup for CHF2, which can be returned to any stand at the end of your stay.
MORE INFO
Free programmes will be distributed during the weekend and can be picked up before the event from the Espace Ville de Geneve (Parc des Bastions)
Maison des Arts du Grütli – 16 Rue du General-Dufour and Cité Seniors – 28 Rue Amat.
FREE INFO NUMBER: 0800 553 553
A free information number will be operating during the event for emergencies, lost children and any information about cancelled concerts and any other info.
HOURS
Friday
19h-03h (last concert at 02h)
Saturday (11h-03h) (last concert at 02h)
Sunday (11h-22h)
