While people have been debating whether jazz is ‘dying,’ you wouldn’t think anything of it in Guangzhou as the provincial capital prepares for its highly anticipated annual jazz fest.
Since its inauguration four years ago, Guangzhou Jazz Festival has become a fantastic yearly celebration of the coalesced music genre, often referred to as ‘America’s classical music.’
The weeklong music festival, which is mainly held at Xinghai Concert Hall, has been graced by jazz greats such as American bassist Victor Wooten, songstress Dee Dee Bridgewater, world-class trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and more brilliant acts over the past couple years.
The lineup of this year’s edition, which will run from November 22 to December 1, certainly won’t disappoint. The opening act will be led by the Branford Marsalis Quartet, which was founded by the eponymous, Grammy-winning saxophonist. With a career that spans four decades, Branford Marsalis, brother of Wynton Marsalis, has collaborated with the likes of Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. The quartet are slated for an eight-program concert on November 22.
Then there’s the young and gifted jazz diva Cecile McLorin Salvant, who has won three Grammy Awards in just four years. The world of jazz has been enthralled by the 28-year-old’s remarkable talent. You can catch her performance on December 1.
Tying in a local aspect to the music festival, a ‘Made in Guangzhou’ section will feature jazz musicians hailing from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao. There will be a total of five concerts scheduled on the evening of November 23, and tickets are priced as low as RMB200 (RMB100 for students).
The jazz festival also invites a slew of European musicians, namely Talk Show, a French duo who play the guitar and accordion; Holland’s Rembrandt Frerichs Trio, who blend jazz with ancient Persian melodies; and Sumrrá V Journeys from Spain, a 19-year-old trio who have performed at music festivals around the world.
The upcoming music event will also host themed workshops, classes, lectures and salons for an extra jazzy time.
Watch some highlights of the jazz fest below (VPN off):
Fri-Sun Nov 22-Dec 1, various times and prices. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
[All images courtesy of event organizer]