More Than 190 Countries Celebrate International Jazz Day

Paris.- Promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Jazz Day is celebrated today with many events in more than 190 countries, and will have its global capital in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg.

UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and the world famous U.S. musician Herbie Hancock, a Goodwill Ambassador, announced the wide-ranging program of the 2018 International Jazz Day, as jazz is a musical genre that has been recognized as the 'universal language of peace'.

According to a UNESCO communiqué, Saint Petersburg is hosting many events that will culminate with a concert at the historic Mariinsky Theater, which will be broadcast live internationally.

Hancock and the renowned Russian saxophonist Igor Butman will co-direct the concert, in which several relevant jazz musicians from all continents will perform.

According to press release, jazz has been cultivated in Saint Petersburg since 1927, when the first Saint Petersburg State Capella Choir was founded, followed by the first jazz band in 1929.

The program of celebrations includes many concerts, keynote speeches, workshops and free debates with participation of several musicians, and the events will reach more than 190 countries.

The International Jazz Day was proclaimed by the UNESCO in coordination with the Thelonious Monk Institute in 2011 to recognize the role of this musical genre in promoting freedom, creativity and intercultural dialogue, as well as in the unity among people worldwide.