International Music Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Music Rights

The International Music Council declared in 1974 that International Music Day would be celebrated annually on October 1st. Celebrate this day even if you don’t play music by actively appreciating and appreciating the unifying force of music.

The background of International Music Day

Since its founding in 1949, the International Music Council, a UNESCO-affiliated organization, has believed that music has the power to reconcile communities and promote world peace. Lord Yehudi Menuhin, who served as the Council’s president in 1975, firmly believed that music can strengthen relationships and bridge cultural divides between communities. The Council therefore decided to dedicate one day per year to music. The objective was to leverage the power of music to unite communities and cultures and inspire their harmonious coexistence.

As President of the International Music Council, Lord Yehudi Menuhin, arguably America’s most prolific violinist and music conductor at the time, proclaimed October 1 as International Music Day in a letter to IMC members. In the letter, he elaborated on the significance of the occasion. The purpose of International Music Day was to:

Encourage the promotion of musical art throughout all segments of society.

Encourage the implementation of UNESCO’s peace and friendship ideals among people.

Allow for the evolution of cultures via the exchange of experiences.

Encourage mutual appreciation of cultural differences, particularly their aesthetic values.

Since the first International Music Day on October 1, 1975, more than 150 nations have celebrated the ability of music to unite societies, communities, and individuals. People are encouraged to commemorate music and contribute to a more peaceful, joyful, and harmonious society on this day. This day features performances, exhibitions, seminars on music creation, lectures, music conferences, and other events.

The International Music Council supports 5 music rights.

All individuals, including infants and adults, should be able to engage with music through participation, listening, composing, or sharing and gathering information.

Everyone has the right to acquire any musical language or skill.

All children and adults should be able to engage in music through participation, listening, creation, or information sharing and collection.

All musical performers should have the freedom to develop their craft and communicate through all forms of media, with the necessary resources.

For their musical creations and performances, all musicians should be able to receive reasonable compensation and proper recognition.

INTERNATIONAL MUSIC DAY DATES