Landesjugendjazzorchester Hamburg (LJJO Hamburg) delivered a captivating concert titled “Suspended Blues” at Fudan’s Xianghui Theatre on Wednesday evening, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Shanghai-Hamburg sister city relationship.
The performance was part of the 41st Shanghai Spring International Music Festival’s “International Exchange Showcase” and also marked the inaugural Xianghui Festival at Fudan University, drawing hundreds of students and faculty members.
Under the baton of Grammy-nominated composer, arranger, and conductor J?rn Marcussen-Wulff, the 21-member ensemble—representing some of Hamburg’s most talented jazz musicians under 25—performed in a classic big band format. The concert’s theme, “Modern Tradition”, featured a rich mix of classic and contemporary big band music, ranging from 1960s standards to new works from the U.S. and Europe.
The evening opened with a lively arrangement by Marcussen-Wulff that immediately transported the audience into the “golden age” of big band jazz. Highlights included tributes to legendary arranger Bill Holman with pieces such as A View from a Side and Yesterdays, showcasing the bright, relaxed essence of West Coast jazz. A creative jazz reimagining of The Beatles’ Norwegian Wood also drew enthusiastic applause.
The second half turned to contemporary American jazz orchestral works, particularly those of Maria Schneider. The 13-minute harmonic journey of Hang Gliding and the complex rhythms of Bomb Shelter Beast and Journey Home demonstrated modern jazz’s dynamic range and expressive depth.
The concert reached its climax with Wyrgly, whose layered sound and modern orchestral power brought the audience to its feet.
After prolonged applause, the orchestra returned for an encore: a jazz-infused version of the beloved Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower. As the familiar melody played, the entire audience sang along, waving blue glow bracelets—a moment of warm cross-cultural resonance that brought the evening to a joyful close.
“It’s not important whether you speak Chinese, English, or German. Everybody can understand music and this is what it’s all about,”said conductor J?rn Marcussen-Wulff in an interview. “I hope everybody to feel this great music and to be a part of it.”
Marcussen-Wulff emphasized that the interplay between modern and traditional elements lies at the heart of the orchestra’s creative approach. “All music is tradition and modern at the same time. To be modern, you need tradition. This is my approach of making my music and my approach of working with this orchestra.” He expressed hope that music could serve as a bridge connecting young people between Germany and China.
Among the audience was Trevor Robbins, a distinguished professor at Fudan and former Head of the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge. An avid music lover who attends live jazz performances two or three times a year, Robbins expressed his appreciation for the young musicians’ performance, which he found deeply impressive. “Scientists need to experience more of humanity rather than just pure science. You need a balanced perspective and interest in many different things,” he noted.
“The most unforgettable part was the final piece, Jasmine Flower,” said SHEN Jiayi, a graduate student at Fudan. “The band’s jazz version gave this classic Chinese folk song a special charm. When the conductor invited the audience to sing along, everyone waved blue glow bracelets and joined in. Everyone was immersed in the lighthearted vibe.”
The concert was part of Fudan University’s “Fudan Events” initiative, which aims to integrate high-quality artistic resources into campus life. Through a partnership with the Publicity Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, Fudan regularly brings in performances, exhibitions, and masterclasses from renowned Chinese and international arts institutions, enriching the university’s aesthetic education environment.
Over the years, Fudan has collaborated with major Shanghai cultural brands such as the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, and the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Awards.
International groups including the Berlin Philharmonic, Uzbekistan State Dance Ensemble “Bakhor”, and the Italian Toscanini Ochestra have all performed on campus.
Domestic troupes such as the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, Shanghai Peking Opera Theatre, and Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre have also presented special productions for the university community.
Additionally, Fudan has invited cultural figures to speak on campus.
Original student-led theatrical productions based on university history and the stories of notable faculty members have also become a hallmark of Fudan’s arts scene.
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Writer: WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
