"Jazz is not just music, it is a way of life, a mode of existence and a way of thinking", Nina Simone, American singer, pianist, composer and orchestrator.

Jazz music has the power to break down barriers and create opportunities to foster mutual understanding and tolerance. . Jazz is a vector of freedom of expression, it reduces tensions between individuals, groups and communities, it encourages artistic creativity, the ability to improvise, it promotes the creation of new forms of expression, the fusion of traditional and new musical forms, it stimulates intercultural dialogue.

There are many varieties of jazz. Some are close to entertainment music, while others, on the contrary, require a serious, trained listener. However, common to all musical styles is the use of modern means and new methods in the composing and performing of music. A huge place in the art work of musicians performing jazz is improvisation – sometimes the music is spontaneously born right on the stage, it is a live contact with listeners who favour the performance openly, express their emotions with applause, thus complementing the sound palette. Understanding jazz requires the listener's attention and a certain effort. A person who understands the deep meaningfulness of jazz music acquires a new universe!

The history of jazz is inextricably linked to the history of the struggle for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. Jazz music has given impetus to the fight against discrimination and racism. Based on the fact that jazz is a music that promotes peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, the UNESCO General Conference declared April 30 as еру International Jazz Day in November 2011.

International Jazz Day 2024 will be held for the first time on the African continent – in Tangier, Morocco. The celebrations will last four days (from 27 to 30 April) and will end with a joint concert of jazz stars at the Palace of Arts and Culture in Tangier.

Jazz, which emerged in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries in the United States as a synthesis of African and European cultures, remains a unique form of musical art to this day. Jazz music unites races and nationalities, erases borders between people and states, creates an atmosphere of mutual understanding and tolerance, reduces tensions between people, social and national groups, and promotes gender equality. Jazz is a symbol of unity and peace. Looking back at the history of this musical genre, one can conclude about the amazing property of this music to unite the most diverse groups of people, seemingly incapable of dialogue.

Today, jazz is present in every country, with its own heroes, legends and its distinct identity. Improvisation and manner of performance are the main factors that make jazz constantly evolving musical genre continuing to add new listeners to its fan base.

The values of jazz – are freedom of creativity, musical innovation and dialogue between musical instruments, people and cultures. Jazz music, based on collaboration and magic of improvisation, teaches us that diversity is an inexhaustible source of wealth, if we only listen to each other.

For International Jazz Day – thematic audio story and music selection are posted in the museum Phonotheque.