CHICAGO, April 30 – As the final notes of the 15th annual International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert echoed through the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the evening felt like a masterclass in human connection. Held in the hometown of legendary pianist Herbie Hancock – the founding architect of Jazz Day and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador…
From Coal Town to Concert HallsBorn in a small coal mining town near Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Hiroko Mina’s musical journey began at just 18 months old. Surrounded by her mother’s piano, her grandmother’s pedal organ, and the melodies of Dvořák music boxes, young Hiroko improvised freely on the keyboard, naturally developing perfect pitch and transforming…
The Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Competition will spotlight jazz vocals in 2026 and, for the first time in its history, will take place outside of the United States—in Paris, France, in partnership with the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Widely recognized as the world’s most prestigious jazz competition, the International Competition has played a pivotal role…
Lisa Brickell, a writer, actor, and director from New Zealand, was in Los Angeles recently for the LA Women Film Festival, where ICAP conducted this interview. In 2013, Lisa directed iChoose, a 20-minute Broadway-style musical about nonviolence and anti-bullying. The project brought together Lisa and a dozen young artists who, after three weeks of rehearsals,…
ICAP artist Karine Plantadit made history when she was nominated for a Tony Award in the Best Featured Actress in a Musical category for her work in Come Fly Away. Her fellow nominees were Barbara Cook, Angela Lansbury, Lillias White, and Katie Finneran, who ended up winning the award. While the other nominees had all…
In the Czech Republic, two young brothers – Honza and David Šťastný – are quietly leading an educational movement that blends academic support with mentorship, purpose, and community. Their story is a testament to how youth-led initiatives can foster peace by empowering others through learning. Raised in a family deeply rooted in education and entrepreneurship,…
The relationship between Mongolia and Japan has deep historical roots that stretch back over seven centuries. In 1274 and 1281, massive Mongolian naval forces attempted to invade Japan with fleets estimated at nearly 100,000 ships. However, both invasion attempts ended in disaster when powerful typhoons—known to the Japanese as “kamikaze” or “divine wind”—struck the Mongol…
Stockholm, Sweden – May 27, 2025 – Jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, received the prestigious 2025 Polar Music Prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at a glittering ceremony held at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm on Tuesday evening. The legendary musician was honored alongside rock band Queen and conductor-soprano Barbara Hannigan in…
May 4, 2025 – The global community gathered to celebrate the 14th annual International Jazz Day on April 30, 2025, highlighting jazz as a universal language of peace and dialogue. This UNESCO-designated event, led by legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, who serves as both UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and President of the International Committee of Artists for…
On September 14, 2023, the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship-an event celebrating guitarists who play without a pick-was held in Winfield, Kansas. For Momo Kimura, this was her sixth attempt at the renowned competition, and it finally brought her a well-deserved victory. The win was made even sweeter by a congratulatory message from jazz legend Herbie…