Jazz, Musicals and ACG Unite as Super Bund Music Festival Debuts in Shanghai
The 2025 Super Bund Music Festival opened on Friday in Rockbund, uniting jazz, musical theater, and ACG (anime, comic, and gaming) culture in a single, eclectic celebration.
"Super Bund," the festival's theme song was also released. Co-produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, it was performed by a blend of Chinese and American artists, heralding the festival's fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions.
The festival was divided into three themed sections – Musical, Jazz, and Fantasy World of ACG – each offering a unique experience. Over the three days, more than 70 musicians from China and abroad will deliver an unforgettable musical feast.
In the jazz section, the JALCSH Big Band from Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, alongside American jazz ambassador Walter Blanding, kicked off the festival. Jazz artists Li Quan and Jon Faddis also took the stage, showcasing the dynamic fusion of Chinese and international jazz.
One of the festival's highlights was the transformation of the century-old Union Church into a multi-dimensional performance venue. Here, world-class jazz musicians, renowned Shanghai symphonic ensembles, and well-known ACG music groups engaged in a cross-genre, cross-era artistic dialogue.
A special Suzhou River cruise was also part of the experience, offering festival-goers a unique "concert on water" with special combo tickets.
Alongside the performances, a lifestyle market featuring trendy art, food, and immersive installations added to the festive atmosphere.
"The Super Bund Music Festival was truly a platform for people to connect with the art of music – from musical theater and jazz to pop culture," said Chinese musical theater actor and singer Fang Shujian, who is also the festival's ambassador.
"It brought together diverse genres and gave artists from different countries a chance to share their work with the public. Even niche art forms can captivate audiences with their unique charm."
