· Jazz
International Jazz Day 10th Anniversary Celebration to take place worldwide
Today UNESCO celebrates International Jazz Day. The story of Jazz is written into the quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. It has given strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism. UNESCO believes in the power of Jazz as a force for peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding and this is why in November 2011, the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as "International Jazz Day".
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Jazz Day sends her message, emphasizing, that The tenth International Jazz Day is an opportunity to celebrate once again this rich musical tradition. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic all too often exacerbates the tensions in our societies, leading to the resurgence of prejudice and discrimination, more than ever we need this essential invitation from jazz to respect the other.
The power of universality of this music has never ceased to break down barriers, striving for freedom from slavery, dialogue from separation, uniting all, going beyond origins, borders, and classes, in music and creation. Jazz also holds the strength of improvisation, which overcomes all obstacles and allows this tradition to renew itself without losing its way. At a time when multiple crises underline the urgency of reinventing our societies, our relationship to the world and to each other, the flexibility, audacity, and optimism of jazz can inspire us to celebrate, with Nina Simone, “a new dawn, a new day” Azoulay says.
The 2021 All-Star Global Concert will feature a historic lineup of performances by some of the world’s greatest jazz masters. For the first time ever, in honor of the 10th Anniversary of International Jazz Day, the 2021 Concert showcases artists joining from an array of locations around the world–demonstrating the global reach and appeal of this special music.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Jazz Day sends her message, emphasizing, that The tenth International Jazz Day is an opportunity to celebrate once again this rich musical tradition. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic all too often exacerbates the tensions in our societies, leading to the resurgence of prejudice and discrimination, more than ever we need this essential invitation from jazz to respect the other.
The power of universality of this music has never ceased to break down barriers, striving for freedom from slavery, dialogue from separation, uniting all, going beyond origins, borders, and classes, in music and creation. Jazz also holds the strength of improvisation, which overcomes all obstacles and allows this tradition to renew itself without losing its way. At a time when multiple crises underline the urgency of reinventing our societies, our relationship to the world and to each other, the flexibility, audacity, and optimism of jazz can inspire us to celebrate, with Nina Simone, “a new dawn, a new day” Azoulay says.
The 2021 All-Star Global Concert will feature a historic lineup of performances by some of the world’s greatest jazz masters. For the first time ever, in honor of the 10th Anniversary of International Jazz Day, the 2021 Concert showcases artists joining from an array of locations around the world–demonstrating the global reach and appeal of this special music.
