International Music Day 2023: Date, History, Significance

The International Music Day is an annual event celebrated all over the world on October 1. The day simply offers people an occasion to celebrate music and to recognize its contribution towards a more peaceful, joyful and harmonious society. Observance of the day was started by the well-known American violinist and conductor, Lord Yehudi Menuhin. The first International Music Day was observed on October 1, 1975 and the events were organized by the International Music Council. Let us learn more about International Music Day 2023, its significance, history and celebration.

International Music Day 2023 Date

International Music Day 2023 Overview

Significance of International Music Day

The International Music Day (IMD) was launched with the aim to promote musical art among all sections of society but with time, its significance has increased manifold. Observation of IMD now encourages the application of the UNESCO ideals of peace, friendship and mutual appreciation of artistic values among people.

International Music Day will also promote the activities of International Music Council, its international member organizations and national committees.

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History of International Music Day Observation

The International Music Council (IMC) strongly believed that music had the power to unite communities, foster world peace, strengthen relationships and bridge cultural gaps. President of the council, Lord Yehudi Menuhin (also a renowned violinist) along with other members decided to dedicate a day to music that they believed has the power to unify different cultures and inspire them to coexist in harmony. In 1975, the world’s first International Music Day event was observed on October 1^st.

International Music Council

The International Music Council is an advisory body of UNESCO that functions on matters of music. It was created in 1949 with its headquarters in Paris, France, where it functions as an independent international non-governmental organization.

The main aim of the IMC is to facilitate the development and promotion of international music-making. IMC currently has around 120 members, divided into four categories and represented by regional councils in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Their job is to create and aid programmes that meet the needs of the council members and partners in their region.

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International Music Day Celebration

The International Music Council hosts International Music Day every year with many music festivals held in various cities across the world. The member countries all over the world organize free concerts so that people can enjoy and appreciate true music and talent shows where individuals can display their musical talents in front of the world.

Other than concerts and talent shows, concerts, exhibitions, seminars, lectures and conferences related to music and its creation and promotion are also held. Apart from the member countries, other nations around the globe also celebrate the power of music to unite societies, communities, and people.

Benefits of Listening to Music

Music can act as a therapy and its application in hospitals, clinics, rehab, etc can help meet the medical, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of patients (according to the American Music Therapy Association). This International Music Day 2023 let us know certain benefits of listening to music on your body and mind.

1. Listening to can improve memory and lead to better learning.
2. In many cases, it can help in treating mental illness.
3. It can lower anxiety and help the symptoms of depression.
4. Music is also considered good for heart and brain health.
5. It decreases fatigue, improves sleep quality and regulate nervous system.
6. It boosts exercise performance and help manage pain.
7. Increases motivation and performance in individuals as well.

FAQs

Question 1: When will we celebrate International Music Day?

Answer: October 1, 2023

Question 2: When is World Music Day celebrated?

Answer: World Music Day is another popular international event related to music. It is celebrated every year on 21 June.

Question 3: Why are the benefits of listening to music?

Answer: Music can have a healing effect of your body, mind and soul and can also help with the treatment of mental illness such as depression and anxiety.

Question 4: Why do we celebrate International Music Day?

Answer: To promote and appreciate the various advantages of music for an individual, society. Communities and nation as a whole, International Music Day is observed.