All-Star Global Concert: Abu Dhabi Sets the Global Stage in 2025

The story of jazz is written in the quest for human dignity, democracy, and civil rights while providing immense strength to the struggle against discrimination and racism. In November 2011, UNESCO proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day, recognizing the power of jazz as a sharp weapon for peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding. 

 

As articulated by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO: “We are thrilled to celebrate this International Day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi. This edition will illuminate the city’s intricate mosaic of creativity and cultural legacy while underscoring jazz’s singular ability to forge connections across communities and continents, and to serve as a beacon for peace and dialogue.”

 

The 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, a collaborative initiative between UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, will be observed globally across more than 190 countries. This year,  Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, assumes the prestigious role of Global Host. Over five weeks, Abu Dhabi transformed into a vibrant hotspot with an expansive program of performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement events.

 

The celebrations culminate in the All-Star Global Concert, a spectacular musical tribute helmed by jazz luminary Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons. This illustrious event will feature an international constellation of virtuosos, pianists John Beasley and Kenny Barron (USA), Danilo Perez (Panama) and A Bu (China); singers Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves (USA), Varijashree Venugopal (India); saxophonists David Sanchez (Puerto Rico), Tia Fuller (USA), Tomoaki Baba (Japan); bassists Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Patitucci (USA); drummer Terri Lyne Carrington (USA); cellist Arqam Al Abri (UAE); flautist Elena Pinderhughes (USA), and many more artists.

 

The commemoration of International Jazz Day also coincides with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, an eminent, annual convocation of thought leaders, policymakers, creatives, and cultural visionaries worldwide. From small towns to major cities, from intimate performances to large-scale concerts, leading cultural centres will be ready to embark on the journey of the 2025 International Jazz Day.

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