What is La Folle Journée?
Many people think of classical music concerts as difficult and inaccessible.
But La Folle Journée is different. Since coming to Tokyo in 2005, the classical music festival has attracted a total of 5.77 million people through 2013.
Why has La Folle Journée attracted such large audiences? Here are some of the reasons for its appeal.
Outline
| Title | La Folle Journée au Japon “Days of Enthusiasm” Music Festival 2014 - Jours de Fêtes - |
|---|---|
| Dates and Place | Tokyo International Forum (all halls) May 3(Sat.)- May 5(Mon.) 2014 Marunouchi and vicinity May 3(Sat.)- May 5(Mon.) 2014 |
| Total Number of Performances | About 350 (paid and free) |
| Hosted by | Tokyo International Forum |
| Planned and Produced by | CREA and KAJIMOTO |
What is La Folle Journée?
La Folle Journée is a classical music festival that started in 1995 in France, in the northwestern port city of Nantes. Just as its name implies, La Folle Journée (literally “The Crazy Day”) can be depended on to offer the most exciting performances and programs of the many classical music festivals held in Europe.
A theme revolving around a composer or genre is selected each year. Taking place from morning until night, concerts lasting about 45 minutes are held simultaneously in the 9 halls of the Cité des Congrès convention center. The performers, appearing in 300 performances over 5 days, include the hottest young stars and big names in classical music. Concertgoers can select their favorite works and immerse themselves in classical music all day long.
Admission is also incredibly affordable with ticket prices between 6 and 27 euros (700–3,000 yen). The low prices were the idea of Artistic Director René Martin, whose intention was to make the concerts accessible so that people could enjoy top-rate performances and cultivate new classical music fans to support the music in the future. Sixty percent of the concertgoers are attending their first classical music concert, with many children in the audience as well.
With its unique concept, La Folle Journée has become popular both in France and around the world. It has been held in Lisbon, Portugal, since 2000, in Bilbao, Spain, since 2002, and at the Tokyo International Forum since 2005. It was held in Kanazawa and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2009, and in Niigata, Lake Biwa, and Warsaw in 2010, and in Tosu in 2011. All of these festivals were a great success and created their own sensations in the world of classical music.
