IMAGE:Herbie Hancock and Ann Sherry meet Charlie Chan – Photo by James D Morgan
Legendary musician, iconic jazz pianist and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Herbie Hancock, is in Australia for a series of masterclasses, education programs and performances ahead of celebrations that officially launch the global 2019 International Jazz Day tomorrow in the host city of Melbourne. The Australian events on International Jazz Day itself (30 April) will culminate in an All-Star Global Concert at Melbourne Art Centre’s renowned Hamer Hall, streamed live (01.00 AEST 1 May) via YouTube, Facebook, the United Nations and UNESCO to millions of viewers in over 190 countries.
Photo: James D Morgan
At an exclusive Carnival reception, with special guest Herbie Hancock and representatives of The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, at Sydney Opera House on Friday evening, Carnival Australia Chairman, Ann Sherry AO, spoke of Carnival Corporation’s sponsorship of the 2019 International Jazz Day as a perfect synergy. Both Carnival and jazz, she noted, are in the business of uniting people of all ages and from all walks of life through shared – and imminently enjoyable – experiences.
Carnival Corporation ceo, Arnold Donald, says the company’s sponsorship of the 2019 International Jazz Day highlights its deep-seated commitment to arts and culture. “Music is essential to the entertainment programs we feature on all of our ships and we pride ourselves on the number of musicians that we employ around the world.”
Many jazz musicians have graced the stages of the organisation’s worldwide cruise ship fleet, including Herbie Hancock, who has performed on Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2.
“On behalf of the worldwide jazz community, I would like to thank Carnival Corporation for their support of International Jazz Day over the years,” said Mr Hancock.
“Carnival is to be commended for their commitment to live music and the many musicians they employ year round across their fleet. I had the pleasure of performing on the Queen Mary 2 a few years ago and that cruise across the Atlantic was one of the highlights of my life.”
Mr Hancock and acclaimed Australian trumpeter, James Morrison, are the artistic co-directors of the All-Star Global Concert on 30 April. The international roster of performing artists includes Cieavash Arian (Iran), William Barton (Australia), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), Till Brönner (Germany), A Bu (China), Igor Butman (Russian Federation), Eli Degibri (Israel), Kurt Elling (USA), Matthew Jodrell (Australia), Ledisi (USA), Eijiro Nakagawa (Japan), Mark Nightingale (United Kingdom), Chico Pinheiro (Brazil), Tineke Postma (Netherlands), Eric Reed (USA), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Nathan Schreiber (Australia), Somi (USA), Lizz Wright (USA), Tarek Yamani (Lebanon).
Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 at the instigation of Herbie Hancock, and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April to celebrate the art of jazz, highlighting its important role in encouraging dialogue, combating discrimination and promoting human dignity. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is UNESCO’s official partner in the organisation and promotion of International Jazz Day.
Launching Carnival’s sponsorship of International Jazz Day @ Sydney Opera House on Friday 26 April, Conservatorium students Alex Young, drums; Oscar Peterson, double bass; and Matt Harris, piano
Carnival Corporation is also a proud sponsor of the UNESCO initiative. At an intimate gathering at Sydney Opera House on Friday evening, Carnival Australia Chairman,
At the Sydney Opera House earlier on Friday, Mr Hancock was centre stage at a Masterclass for primary and high school students. The 79-year-old, multi Grammy Award-winning musician, takes a hands-on approach to fostering the talents of upcoming generations of jazz musicians through The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, a nonprofit education organisation with a mission to offer the world’s most promising young musicians free college level training by internationally acclaimed jazz masters. The Institute also presents free public school music education programs for young people around the world.
In the lead-up to 30 April, jazz performances and outreach programs have been taking place all week in Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Sydney, Perth and other Australian cities, including a jazz education program for student musicians in the indigenous community of Yarrabah in Far North Queensland.
Thousands of other programs all over the world will celebrate jazz as a universal language of peace, among them jazz-themed films, lectures, book readings, theatre performances and panel discussions, as well as jam sessions, master classes, and radio and television broadcasts. As in previous years, a majority of International Jazz Day partner activities will focus on education and community impact, benefitting millions of students, academics, professional musicians and music lovers everywhere.
Australia’s International Jazz Day celebrations will conclude with the “Generations in Jazz” youth festival in Mount Gambier, South Australia, led by James Morrison and Kurt Elling during the first weekend of May. With the participation of more than 6,000 high school student musicians, it will the largest youth jazz festival in the world.
