The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in November 2011. Ever since, the day has been celebrated annually to shed light on the musical genre's role in uniting people across the globe and in fostering peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

The highlight of the 2022 International Jazz Day celebration will be a star-studded concert that will feature performances by some of the most notable jazz artists in the world.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock had announced the event will be held at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York on April 30.

The concert will be telecast worldwide on the UNESCO website, YouTube, Facebook, jazzday.com, UN Web TV, and US State Department outlets, according to a statement by the UNESCO.

The names of the performers are as follows:

  • Republic of Korea - Shemekia Copeland, José James, Youn Sun Nah (vocalist)
  • Senegal - Gregory Porter, Alune Wade, and Lizz Wright (vocalist)
  • Indonesia - Joey Alexander (pianist)
  • Brazil - Helio Alves (pianist)
  • France - Laurent de Wilde (pianist)
  • Japan - Hiromi (pianist)
  • Democratic Republic of Congo - Ray Lema (pianist)
  • Lebanon - Tarek Yamani (pianist)
  • Australia - Terri Lyne Carrington and Brian Blade (drummers), James Genus, Marcus Miller and Linda May Han Oh (bassists),
  • Japan - Ravi Coltrane, David Sanborn and Erena Terakubo (saxophonists)
  • Guitarist Mark Whitfield, and trumpeters Randy Brecker and Jeremy Pelt, among others.
  • Switzerland - Grégoire Maret (harmonicist)
  • Colombia - Edmar Castañeda (harpist)
  • Cuba - Pedrito Martínez (percussionist)
  • Syria - Kinan Azmeh (clarinetist)

According to Azoulay, Jazz is a significant medium for bringing much-needed comfort to a world marred by conflicts.

"Jazz carries a universal message with the power to strengthen dialogue, our understanding of each other, and our mutual respect. As the world is affected by multiple crises and conflicts, this international day highlights how much music and culture can contribute to peace," Azoulay was quoted in the statement, as saying.

"With conflict and division in many parts of the world, it is my hope that, through the universal language of jazz, our celebration this year can inspire people of all nations to heal, to hope and to work together to foster peace," said Hancock.

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