A jazz concert was held simultaneously in China and the United States in memory of him
This is a collaborative performance between Chinese and American jazz musicians, as well as a long delayed gathering. On the evening of the 19th Beijing time, a commemorative concert for Sir Edgar Snow will be held simultaneously in Shanghai, China and Kansas City, USA.
The concert is hosted by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation in the United States. Fu Jihong, Vice President of the Shanghai Friendship Association, expressed in his speech that he hopes jazz can become a cultural bond, deepen the connection and friendship between the Chinese and American people. "No matter where we are, we can maintain an open and inclusive attitude, appreciate and learn from the culture and charm of different cities, and build more bridges of understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the two peoples. This is also the spirit of Snow in the new era."
In the video link, Wayne Williams, Chairman of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, stated that jazz is the proudest and most valuable treasure that Kansas City should share. He hopes that through the concert, more Americans can understand Edgar Snow's contributions to the civil exchanges between the two countries, and the relationship between the two peoples can be closer.
It is reported that both China and the United States began planning two years ago, but due to the pandemic and other reasons, Kansas City jazz bands have been unable to come to Shanghai. At the beginning of this year, the relevant jazz bands in Shanghai and Kansas City respectively recorded performance videos, which were edited into a program by Lincoln Jazz Shanghai center. The related repertoire includes both jazz classics and adaptations of Chinese folk songs such as "In That Distant Place" and "Yellow River Ballad". The concert also features exciting scenes of Shanghai and Kansas City in terms of culture, sports, urban scenery, cuisine, and the lives of ordinary residents.
Ding Xiaoyun, the general manager of Lincoln Jazz Shanghai center, said that at present, Shanghai and the United States are negotiating the renewal of the contract, and overseas jazz bands from the United States and other countries are expected to resume coming to Shanghai early next year and resume their resident performances.