HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY
Since its inception in 1949, the International Music Council, an associate organization of UNESCO, strongly felt that music had the power to unite communities and foster world peace. The Council, especially its President in 1975, Lord Yehudi Menuhin, firmly believed that music can strengthen relationships and bridge cultural gaps among communities. Realizing this, the Council decided to devote one day in a year to music. The aim was to harness the power of music to unite communities and cultures and inspire them to coexist harmoniously.
Lord Yehudi Menuhin, arguably America’s most prolific violinist and music conductor at that time, as the President of the International Music Council, wrote a letter to the IMC members proclaiming October 1 as the International Music Day. In the letter, he clearly spelled out the reasons for marking the day. The International Music Day was intended to:
Encourage promoting musical art among all the sections of society.
Motivate the application of UNESCO’s ideals of peace and friendship among people.
Create space for the evolution of cultures through the exchange of experiences.
Encourage mutual appreciation of cultures, especially their aesthetic values.
Since the first International Music Day on October 1, 1975, over 150 countries across the globe have celebrated the power of music to unite societies, communities, and people. The day offers people an occasion to celebrate music and contribute towards a more peaceful, joyful, and harmonious society. Events on this day include concerts, exhibitions, seminars on creating music, lectures, music conferences, and so forth.
