Adib Noor
Alliance Francaise de Brunei Darussalam (AFBD), in collaboration with Iski Musik, kicked off Fête de la Musique 2023 on Friday at the Baiduri Bank headquarters community space to mark Fête de la Musique (World Music Day).
The celebration featured various artistes performing a wide range of genres such as jazz, classical, folk, rock and pop. The opening night saw performances from Yippy Tune Music School, Elisha Tiga Eksperiment and PJC Virtuoso Music School.
AFBD Executive Director Elodie Simon-Hicks said AFBD is delighted to offer a platform for musicians and artistes to perform live music and celebrate World Music Day in the same way as France and the rest of the world.
“The collaboration with Iski Musik has been paramount to organise Fête de la Musique,” she added.
Baiduri Bank Chief Executive Officer Ti Eng Hui said, “As a long-time supporter of Alliance Française, we are proud to be the bank sponsor of Fête de la Musique.”
He added, “At Baiduri Bank, we seek to enrich the lives of our community, and performances such as these, which showcase local artistes, are one of the ways that can be achieved.”
For the past 35 years, Alliance Française’s objective has been to foster the French language and culture among locals. Being situated in the heart of Borneo, it offers an authentic and unique environment where people, students and members can meet and share a genuine French experience.
“Fête de la Musique is part of the French culture. Celebrating the event in Brunei by showcasing live music performed by local musicians and artistes helps promote artistic expression and contribution to the creative industry in the country,” said AFBD President Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.
Supported by the French Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and Baiduri Bank, the event is held at different venues across the three days – the community space of Baiduri Bank headquarters for the opening, Aliiance Française premises in Kampong Tungku yesterday and at the hall of Peak Club today.
The Fête de la Musique is an annual music celebration that takes place on June 21, the longest day in Europe. Created under the impulse of French Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1982 and composer Maurice Fleuret, it is now celebrated around the world annually.
