International Jazz Day is a worldwide celebration that happens simultaneously in almost 200 countries around the world. People from all backgrounds and cultures get together to celebrate the common denominator for every human being, uniting people through music. When music speaks, everyone understands.
Kathmandu is also a host of this international phenomenon, held every April 30th, it is organized by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory and UNESCO. For the first time, Nepal is welcoming an 18 member big band from Germany, and a classical orchestra from Spain. These two weeks have been filled with workshops and masterclasses from these visiting artists, along with concerts throughout. All these events are free and open to the public.
The main act of the show will be on April 30th, International Jazz Day. This is when the 18 member big band, full with trumpets, saxophones, pianos and many other instruments will blow the roof off the stage at Moksh, Jhamsikhel. This is the Jonas Winterhalter Big Band. They will also be giving lessons like the other artists as well.
Further, what makes this festival extra special, is that individuals, who show ability and passion in these classes given by these international musicians, will be awarded scholarships to study for a two year diploma course in Music Performance on this day.
It is an event that is truly a gift to the thriving artist community here in Kathmandu. It is more than one day or one week of celebration, but a long term empowerment of people that are passionate in their dreams and want to pursue a career in the arts.
The details of the festival can be found at http://www.katjazz.com.np/jazz-day.
The worldwide festival website: https://jazzday.com/
Photo courtesy: http://www.felixgroteloh.com