Statement of support by Dr. Heinz Fischer, former federal president of Austria

Below is a personal statement of support by Dr. Heinz Fischer, in which he expresses his long-standing connection to jazz as well as his appreciation for the work of the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University.

„For decades, jazz has accompanied me as the music of freedom, democracy, and tolerance. After 1945, jazz developed in Austria as an expression of a new, open attitude toward life and as a stance that clearly and confidently opposed the years of National Socialism. For me personally, the Blue Danube Network opened my ears and heart to Louis Armstrong and swing—at a time when Austria was learning to breathe freely again. This experience has stayed with me ever since. For decades, I was a supporter of the Jazz Fest Wiesen, had the pleasure of personally knowing exceptional Austrian jazz artists such as Joe Zawinul and Friedrich Gulda, and always came away with the impression that where good jazz is played, open society thrives.

I also find this spirit at the JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music. Here, jazz is not only taught and played, but also researched and developed at the highest university level according to international academic standards and carried into the future with students and teachers from all over the world. This university is unique in Europe in its focus on socially relevant music forms of the present and recent past and with its comprehensive accredited educational offerings, including doctoral studies. The university thus plays a key role in promoting a broad understanding of art characterized by social relevance in the Austrian cultural and university landscape.

Out of personal conviction and conviction in the subject matter, I support academic teaching and research in the field of jazz and am delighted when this important art form contributes to further consolidating Austria's international reputation as a country of music and culture.

I wish JAM MUSIC LAB Private University continued positive and sustainable development. At the same time, I appeal to public and private funding bodies to provide this young institution with the support it needs to continue strengthening jazz as an essential component of contemporary music education and to make it fit for the future—a cause that is particularly close to my heart.”

Dr. Heinz Fischer

Österreichischer Bundespräsident, a.D.