Jazz is more than music – it is a universal message of peace, harmonising rhythm and meaning, carrying values significant for every woman and man, providing unique opportunities for mutual understanding, through listening, playing, improvisation. This spirit has inspired musicians, as well as poets, painters and writers all over the world, reminding us that culture is far more than entertainment – culture is a window onto the soul, culture is the shape we give to that which we most cherish.
爵士乐不仅仅是音乐，而是代表着人们对于和平的普遍期盼，韵律与词句在乐曲中浑然天成，传达出人人珍视的价值观。通过聆听、演奏和即兴创作，爵士乐为人们相互理解搭建起了独特的桥梁。这种精神为世界各地的音乐家、诗人、画家和作家带来了灵感，同时也提醒着我们，文化不仅是娱乐，更是通往灵魂的一扇窗；在文化这件虚无缥缈的外衣下，我们看到的是自己珍爱的一切。
This is why UNESCO created International Jazz Day.
正因为如此，教科文组织设立了国际爵士乐日。
Jazz tells of the power of music to build peace and bring together people of all cultures and backgrounds. The history of jazz draws from a great mix of peoples and cultures – from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Jazz gave music to the courage that drove the civil rights movement in the United States, and it continues to provide inspiration to millions of people across the world, seeking freedom, fighting for respect and human dignity.
爵士乐显示出音乐具有强大的力量，可以建设和平，可以将文化与背景各异的人们聚集起来。一部爵士乐的发展史融会了来自非洲、欧洲和加勒比的多种不同民族和文化。爵士乐让音乐顿生豪情，奋起推动美国的民权运动，而且时至今日依然在为世界各地数百万民众提供灵感，激励人们争取自由、尊重和尊严。
This year, International Jazz Day is celebrated in Washington, DC, hometown of the great Duke Ellington, featuring a unique All Star Concert at the White House, hosted by United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. After travelling the world, jazz returns home. This kicks off a celebration that will take over hundreds of cities across the globe. Once again, this shows the power of Jazz to bring the world together as one.
今年将在艾灵顿公爵的家乡华盛顿庆祝国际爵士乐日。届时，美国总统巴拉克·奥巴马和第一夫人米歇尔·奥巴马将在白宫举办一场独一无二的全明星音乐会。爵士乐在走遍世界之后，将荣归故里。遍及世界各地数百座城市的 庆祝活动也将由此揭开序幕。爵士乐再一次展示出它凝聚世界的力量。