As the world gradually reopens its doors to cultural exchange after the pandemic-induced hiatus, a harmonious symphony of Polish jazz will once again resonate through the concert halls of China. Polish jazz aficionados are in for a treat as the JAZZ PO POLSKU “Around the World” project announces the triumphant return of three renowned Polish jazz ensembles – the Rafał Sarnecki Quintet, Confusion Project, and Tomasz Chyła Quintet – to grace the stages of several major Chinese cities from August 31st to the end of October.
This melodic endeavour is not new to these Polish jazzmen, as they have previously serenaded Chinese audiences with their virtuosity. The three ensembles, who have previously graced the Middle Kingdom with their musical prowess, are set to perform over 20 concerts in prominent metropolises such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Wuhan.
The JAZZ PO POLSKU “Around the World” project has nurtured a bond between Polish jazz musicians and the Chinese audience since its inception in 2014. This year’s tour marks the continuation of this cherished musical connection after a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic. The project has already seen over 300 concerts featuring around a hundred musicians, showcasing the vibrancy and innovation of Polish improvised music to the world.
Jakub Krzeszowski, the visionary behind JAZZ PO POLSKU, expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s evolution, stating, “As part of our project, a plethora of Polish young jazz musicians have performed in China over the course of 10 years. The artists have given concerts in 30 different cities, and in the biggest ones such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai many times – building and strengthening the brand of Polish improvised music as an art unprecedented for local audiences.”
The chosen ensembles represent a cross-section of Poland’s diverse jazz scene. The Rafał Sarnecki Quintet, Confusion Project, and Tomasz Chyła Quintet will present their unique sounds to Chinese audiences, ranging from the intricate compositions of Sarnecki to the genre-blending style of Confusion Project, and the richly melodic tunes of Chyła.
This cultural exchange is not only about music; it’s a celebration of shared human experiences and a testament to the unifying power of art. The JAZZ PO POLSKU Foundation, alongside partners like the Polish Institute in Beijing, the Polish Consulates General in various Chinese cities, and Culture.pl, have orchestrated this transcendent experience.
The “Around the World” project takes inspiration from the adventurous spirit of Paweł Edmund Strzelecki, the first Pole to circumnavigate the globe from 1834 to 1843. Over three years, Polish musicians will traverse four continents, bringing their harmonious expressions to diverse audiences around the world. The journey started in May with concerts by bands including Michał Ciesielski, Piotr Krępec, and Mateusz Gawęda.
Rafal Sarnecki Quintet Live in China 2016
Rafał Sarnecki Quartet
Rafał Sarnecki – guitar, Michał Ciesielski – piano, Nathaniel Gao (USA) – saxophone, Wang Chenhuai/Dany Zanker – double bass, Victor Bastidas – drums.
31.08, China, Beijing, Blue Note, Beijing
01.09, China, Chengdu, Oak Nose
02.09, China, Chengdu, Oak Nose
03.09, China, Xi’an, Meeting Jazz
07.09, Shanghai, Blue Note Jazz Club
10.09, Hangzhou, JZ Club
Confusion Project Live in China 2019
Confusion Project
Michał Ciesielski – piano, Piotr Gierszewski – bass, Adam Golicki – drums.
16.09, China, Zhuhai, Golden Jazz Academy
17.09, China, Zhuhai, Golden Jazz Academy
19.09, China, Shenzhen, Lavo
20.09, China, Shenzhen, Lavo
21.09, China, Beijing, Blue Note Jazz Club
22.09, China, Shanghai, Blue Note Jazz Club
23.09, China, Beijing, ICMA
24.09, China, Hangzhou, JZ Club
Tomasz Chyła Quintet Live in China 2018
Tomasz Chyła Quintet
Tomasz Chyła – violin, Emil Miszk – trumpet, Krzysztof Hadrych – guitar, Konrad Żołnierek – double bass, Sławek Koryzno – drums.
17.10, China, Xiamen, Real Live House
18.10, China, Wuhan, Linkonggang Poly Grand Theater
19.10, China, Chongqing, NUTS Live House
20.10, China, Chengdu, Oak Nose Club
21.10, China, Chengdu, Oak Nose Club
22.10, China, Xi’an, Meeting Jazz Club
25.10, China, Hangzhou, Jinsha Lake Grand Theatre
26.10, China, Shanghai, Blue Note Jazz Club
28.10, China, Shenzhen, Lavo
29.10, China, Shenzhen, Lavo