Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu:

Alliance Française has been the launching ground for many artistes. On June 21, like every year, it celebrated International Music Day with Fete de la Musique. This coincides with Solar Solstice Day. The venue was Française premises in Tripureshwor. The concert had been divided into two parts: Music Day from 11 am to 3 pm for newcomers and Music Night from 7 pm for professionals. This was the first time that the event included traditional Nepali music alongside rock performances.

The idea emphasised was “Music for all. Music accessible to all”, and therefore entrance free. The children’s programme in the morning featured students from Ecole Française. At noon, the Music Day rocked with newcomers — Malpi International School Rock Band, Nehva Band, Cruel Band, Systematic Rejection, Jocose and Violent Roses. The evening polished a mellower mood. Ani Choying Dolma with Nhyoo Bajracharya sang beautiful numbers. Then Trikaal took over with fusion music. Kutumba followed with popular Nepali folk numbers The audience was reluctant to see them go but Nekhvam took the floor by storm. The last band was Aghor with their fusion numbers. Stage set-up and band sequence was arranged commendably by Julia, who’s nearing the end of her internship at the Francaise. Bravo, Julia!