Spreading joy through Jazz

Thousands gather to hear lineup of globally renowned musicians

Sometimes art is found at a distance, hidden at the top of a pyramid or locked in the chamber of a museum.

At other times art can be close, just like the first free Open for All jazz concert in Shanghai last October, sponsored by BMW.

Thousands of audience members were treated to three hours of musical and spiritual virtuosity during the event.

Dozens of famous singers and musicians from around the world shared the concert stage, including renowned bass player, Marcus Miller; winner of the 56th Grammy Award for R&B performance, Snarky Puppy; singer Laura Fygi from the Netherlands; and Australian guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel.

The excited interaction between the performers and the audience was testimony to the popularity of the concert.

More than 3,000 people attended the event, often swaying in unison as they were caught up in the rhythm of the artists on stage.

The jazz concert was the first event in the annual Shanghai music festival, and considered one of the best of its kind in China last year. BMW plans to make the jazz concert into an annual cultural event.

Twenty-time Grammy award winner Pat Metheny, a legendary jazz musician famed for his innovation and technical accomplishment who also took part in the Shanghai show, said he thought the concept was fantastic and really liked the stage and enjoyed the feeling of playing on it.

"I hope everyone can open up their hearts to different cultures and to feel the varied beauty of music," he said.

When he strummed his first chords, the audience fell silent as one. After the concert, Metheny said the free event allowed people who might not pay to attend a concert to experience the charms of music. "It was a unique experience for every audience member and for me," he said

BMW has long been an active ambassador dedicated to promoting cross-cultural communications and sharing both classical and modern art throughout different countries.

Music is a language that can overcome cultural differences and more importantly, a meaningful way to help more people enjoy the charms of the arts.

BMW has held free public concerts for years - Opera for All in Berlin and Open Air Classics in London's Trafalgar Square. The company cooperates with internationally renowned musicians, artists, performers and show agencies for the events.

The quality of the concerts, from the performers to the organization, reflects BMW's relentless pursuit of perfection.

Alice Mei, vice-president, marketing, for BMW China, said: "BMW is not simply a sponsor but a partner. It starts together with the artists from an idea and helps that grow. During the process, BMW tries to offer the artists full independence and make the art genuine with free expression."

Thomas Girst, head of cultural engagement, corporate and intergovernmental affairs at BMW Group, said: "The general public usually believes that fine arts are literally high up there, with little or no access to them. BMW hopes that through the innovative 'Open for All' project, people can have equal opportunities to experience the world's top art. Like the experience BMW wants to offer through its products, it is always an experience of joy."

liyang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2015 page8)