June 21 is celebrated as International Day of Yoga after the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 adopted a resolution co-sponsored by 175 countries. But before that and even after, the day was dedicated to music. World Music Day started in 1982 in France and it celebrates the freedom, openness, spirit of the art of music.
Thursday also marks 70 years since Columbia Records introduced the LP, and British music retailer HMV and label Sony Classical recreated 500 copies of the concerto to give away to fans.
Released in the United States in 1948, Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor, performed by violinist Nathan Milstein with the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, was the very first vinyl LP, or long-playing record.
The 12 inch 33 1/3 rpm format allowed longer pieces to be recorded, changing the way listeners enjoyed their music. June 21 also makes a part of that change.
Here's all you need to know about the day -
1. French composer Maurice Fleuret, who was also Minister of Culture in French government in 1981 started this tradition in 1982. The decision was made after realising that one in two children in France played a musical instrument.
2. World Music Day is celebrated in more than 120 countries including France, India, China, United States, Australia, Italy among others.
3. The Day is celebrated to encourage amateurs and professional musicians to perform in the streets.
4. On Fete de la Musique, musicians organise concerts that are open to all at no cost. Performers donate their time to make the day memorable.
5. The United Kingdom made it official Music Day in 2012. Music Day UK provides help and aid in organising events on this day.
