The Li Xiaochuan jazz quartet will exclusively perform its leader's own compositions, the band members said during a news conference.
Taking questions from journalists, Li Xiaochuan made it clear that he composes music to be different from anything that had been written before, imbuing his pieces with a Chinese coloring. He called creativity his chief principle in music.
The band leader also acknowledged big differences between the Western and the Chinese versions of jazz, adding that the music they are going to perform at the festival will clearly reflect that.
Jazz is very popular in China with eight out of all ten music universities offering jazz courses. Jazz concerts are performed all over the country. The quartet's bassist Huang Yong founded China's most popular jazz festival, Nine Gates, which takes place in Beijing.
The band members said they are captivated by the atmosphere at the Koktebel Jazz Party and conversations with musicians from all over the world. The view from the stage is especially impressive. The jazzmen said they are looking forward to the day's performance, which they believe will be especially beautiful.