La Fête de la musique (FDM), one of the flagship events organised by the Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur (AFKL) in the Malaysian capital, takes on a new form in 2023. The festivities will take place on Saturday, 17 June 2023 and will be two-fold: starting at The Godown at Lorong Ampang KL in the afternoon, the public will then be invited to move to Chinatown and enjoy a multitude of music acts to dance the night away.
La Fête de la musique (FDM) was initiated more than 40 years ago, in 1982, by the French Ministry of Culture. The event was born out of a desire to democratise music and bring forward all genres, without any value judgement, and whatever the level of practice. According to Asma Manssouri, Cultural Officer at AFKL, “what makes the Fête de la musique unique is its fundamentally democratic essence: it is free and aims at urging music out of conventional spaces – such as concert halls, clubs, opera houses and theatres – and bringing it outdoors, to public spaces where everyone can enjoy it equally. Free music for everyone and everywhere!”. This concept worked so well over the years that it is now celebrated in more than 120 countries and 700 cities worldwide.
In Malaysia, la FDM already took over REXKL in Kuala Lumpur and Hin Bus Depot in Penang (2022), The Circle in Publika (2019, 2018), Changkat, the Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur and even took place online in 2021 and 2020. On Saturday, June 17, la FDM expands to the scale of an entire district to showcase the wide variety of musical talents and dedicated venues thriving in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
The first act of la FDM will take place in the main hall of The Godown, on Lorong Ampang, KL, from 4pm to 8pm with live bands - make sure to stay till 8pm as a surprise guest will close this afternoon of music. While one is basking in the music, elevate your musical experience by adding a dash of visual arts - check out the Blackwork. L’Œuvre au Noir exhibition by French painter Vaultman.
From 9pm and onwards, all music lovers, dancefloor regulars and boogie dancers will head to Chinatown along Jalan Sultan, Jalan Petaling and Lorong Panggung to kickstart the second act of la FDM. Jam your night away with a plethora of choice venues to choose from including Jao Tim, Concubine, XO, Baijiu, G String, Da Bao, Rust, Else and Crane KL. Make sure to follow Le French Festival 2023 on social media for more information on what's on offer and where!
La Fête de la musique 2023 takes place as part of the 21st edition of Le French Festival, organised by the Alliances Françaises of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Penang) and the Embassy of France in Malaysia with the help of Plural Asia.
For more information visit the Facebook Page: facebook.com/lefrenchfestivalmy or Instagram Page: @lefrenchfestival_my. For Volunteering, bookings (tasting events, etc), general queries: festival@afkualalumpur.org / +60 3-2694 7880
