The long-standing Danish folk high school gathering for professional jazz musicians, Summer Session, has been translated into a Chinese context. Summer Session China is held annually at the Anaya resort on the coast outside Beijing from 2023 through 2026. The aim is to foster new Danish-Chinese exchanges at the musician level and to strengthen the longstanding, positive relationship between the Danish and Chinese jazz scenes.
Summer Session Kina (2023–2026)
Chinese jazz summit inspired by the Danish approach
In 2021, JazzDanmark’s Chinese partners, in collaboration with a Danish teaching faculty, held the first small-scale version of Summer Session China—a sister edition of the long-standing Danish music camp for professional jazz musicians. The project has received support from the S.C. Van Foundation and will take place annually from 2023 to 2026 at the Aranya resort in the coastal city of Qinhuangdao.
Danish-Chinese Encounters
Each year, between 40 and 60 young Chinese musicians participate in the camp, receiving instruction from Danish teachers following the same concept used in the Danish Summer Session.
In addition, 2 to 6 Danish musicians attend annually as students, with the aim of fostering new exchange opportunities between the two countries.
Danish Faculty and Folk High School Leadership
JazzDanmark coordinates Summer Session China together with Chinese journalist and DJ Zhang Youdai, who for many years has been a driving force in the exchange between the Danish and Chinese jazz scenes. The artistic leadership of the project is headed by folk high school leader Anders AC Christensen
Folk High School Leader Anders AC Christensen with His Combo at Summer Session China 2023. Photo: Peter von Freiesleben
Faculty Concert with Anders AC Christensen, Cornelia Nilsson, and Ned Ferm at Anaya Art Center.
Photo: Peter von Freiesleben
The Danish Folk High School is trending in China
Denmark and China share a long tradition of strong cultural ties. In particular, the Danish folk high school tradition—without exams and with a focus on voluntary engagement and community—has attracted great interest from the Chinese public. This open learning platform stands in stark contrast to the typical professionalized Chinese education system and offers especially favorable conditions for working with improvised music.
Summer Session Kina 2023 recap
Video: Peter von Freiesleben
Instructors at Summer Session China
- Ned Ferm
- Cornelia Nilsson
- Kasper Tranberg
- Artistic director(s): Nikolaj Hess & Anders AC Christensen
Danish Participants
- Jakob Roland
- Henrik Holst Hansen
- Laurits Steen Møberg
- Anna Prinds
- Aaron Parks
- Jakob Høyer
- Mette Lindberg
- Jacob Artved
- Michael Rexen
- Artistic director(s): Anders AC Christensen
Danish Participants
- August Ørvad
- Oliver Brun