by Vivian Holding
Start tapping your feet to the beat during the the 26th edition of the Fête de la Musique which takes place from Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th June 2017.
The large majority of concerts and events will be in and around the Old Town, but Carouge, Grand-Lancy and Bernex also have something to offer music lovers. With around 600 concerts and dance performances on 31 stages (19 outdoor and 12 indoor) and thousands of artists taking part, as well as cinema screenings and workshops, you’re sure to find something that will suit your musical taste buds. From classical, to jazz, rock, world music and reggae, the choice is endless. As always, a large collection of charitable associations will be ready to serve up some delicious food and drinks to ensure your tummies are not rumbling along to the beat of the music!
Where’s the best place to be?
The two main Fête de la Musique areas with the largest choice of music will be in the Old Town and the Parc des Bastions. The close proximity of the events in both places allows you to wander between concerts easily.
What’s new this year?
Due to works taking place in many of the right bank’s parks, this year a mobile stage will be moving around the right bank appearing in a different park every day – Parc Mon Repos on Friday, Parc Trembley on Saturday and on Sunday at the Jardin Botanique.
When does the Fête Officially Start?
The official start of the Fête de la Musique will be at the Alhambra on Friday at 7pm, followed by a concert entitled Big Boxing Piano, composed of 30 pianos and 30 pianists interpreting six original compositions during two separate performances.
Film Screenings
Les Cinemas du Grütli will screen several films during the Festival, including Amy, the girl behind the name by Asif Kapadia on Saturday at 2pm at Place de Neuve. From the very beginning, Amy Winehouse immediately captured the attention of the world. Asif Kapadia recounts the history of this incredible artist, winner of six Grammy awards.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert directed by Stephan Elliott, will be screened on Saturday at 9pm at the Parc des Bastions (Calibri). Two drag performers and a transgender woman travel across the desert to perform their unique style of cabaret.
Where do I find out more about what’s happening and where?
For full programme details click here. Programmes are available in advance from the Espace Ville de Genève – Pont de la Machine, the Maison des Arts du Grütli – Rue du Général-Dufour 16 or Cité Seniors – Rue Amat 28. Programmes will also be distributed during the festival by the information team or you can pick one up from the distributors on site.
Hours of the Festival
Friday 7pm-1am, Saturday 11am-1am and Sunday from 11am-9pm.
