In 1982, in order to study French culture in more depth Maurice Fleuret discovered that in a study of millions of people one out of two practiced some form of musical instrument or another. He then dreamt of a time when people would come to the streets with their musical instruments. In this manner Fete de la Musique came into being in 21st June 1982. Before this it was known as Fete de la Saint-Jean. The slogan was "Today is the music festival so play music to your heart's content".

Amateurs and professionals both joined in this. Gradually it gained popularity and momentum in the hearts of the French people. Rock, jazz, traditional music all come under the umbrella of the fete. In this way, in a few years, Fete de la Musique became a prominent cultural festival. In 1985 this spread beyond France covering the whole of Europe. Within 15 years Fete de la Musique became popular in over 100 countries. In France alone, this year, 800,000 professionals and amateurs will take part in 10,000 concerts with an audience of 10 to12 million who come from the countryside and the metropolises. Moreover, in 110 countries and in hundreds of cities in the five continents of the world, musicians from various origins will join in their spirited enthusiasm and joyous participation in a festivity that is dedicated to one an all.

At Alliance Francaise de Dacca, on 19th June at 7pm, Indian classical music will be presented by Koushik Bhattacharjee (vocal) and Sangram Roy (tabla), Sangram Roy began his career as a tabla player in his childhood and has accompanied players like Ustad Bahadur Khan, Pandit VG Jog, Pandit Giriraj Chowrasha and has been awarded "Dishari" from West Bengal Journalists ' Association. Koushik Bhattacharjee began his career by performing at festivals like the International Children's Film Festival and Music Festival of Aurobindo Bhawan in Calcutta. He has studied under Shri Arun Bhaduri and Shri Sunill Bose. A regular artiste of All India Radio, he has performed in USA and Canada.

On 20th June, at 5pm, the Ecole de Musique of Alliance Francaise under the guidance of Mehjabeen Rehman, will perform pieces from western classics. The participants range from architects, career women to school children. "Jhankar Lalitkala Academy" will then perform Nazrulgeeti and country songs a 6pm. This will be followed by "Encore" a dance show conducted by Ishraq Dhali at 7 pm. Ishraq has studied dance in USA and teaches numbers like tango and samba. At 8pm, the same day, Antara Sangeet Vidyaloi and Nazia Andaleeb will perform Nazrulgeeti, Rabindrasangeet and country songs. "Nemesis" and "Bangladesh" will conduct a dance at 9.30 pm to conclude the evening.

On 21st June, Saturday, at 5pm. There will be French songs by l'Ecole Francaise Internationale de Dacca. This will be followed by local and English rock by a band group organized by Halim and Timir a 6pm. This will be followed by Tagore and Nazrul songs at 7pm by the "Sanshari Sangeet Sangstha". Ghazals by the well-known singer will be performed at 8pm. A dance evening will conclude the fete by "Renaissance" (with Rumi and Laura) with intervals of French songs by "Casseroles."

The entrance to the fete is free.