Category Archives: News

CM Mohan Charan Majhi Sets Strict Deadlines for Puri’s Key Development Projects, Warns Against Delays

Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure, heritage conservation and tourism development projects in Puri, making it clear that negligence and unnecessary delays will not be tolerated.

At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of several initiatives aimed at transforming Puri into a world-class heritage and tourism destination while preserving the traditions and rituals of Lord Jagannath and protecting the interests of servitors, traders and local residents.

Airport, Heritage and Temple Development in Focus

Majhi instructed the concerned departments to expedite key projects, including the proposed Sri Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Sri Jagannath Interpretation Centre.

The meeting also reviewed plans for a new amusement park, comprehensive development of Sri Gundicha Temple and construction of a new kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad.

Emphasising the importance of supporting livelihoods alongside urban development, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately rehabilitate street vendors removed from the Grand Road, or Bada Danda, near Srimandir. The vendors are to be relocated to an area around Sri Setu.

Religious Heritage and Cultural Landmarks to Get a Boost

The review covered the development of Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Satalahadi Math, other prominent Maths in Puri and Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur.

Plans for restoring Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya along the traditional Gurukul model and rejuvenating Bakulaban were also discussed, highlighting the government’s focus on preserving Odisha’s educational and cultural heritage.

Other projects under review included the reconstruction of a heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach and comprehensive improvement of Swargadwar.

The meeting also examined arrangements for the Sandhya Arati and the Sagar Bije ritual of Lord Jagannath.

Road Connectivity and Tourism Infrastructure

The Chief Minister reviewed road-widening projects connecting Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar, along with initiatives concerning Sri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga Port and Konark Temple.

These projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, improve civic amenities and support tourism-related economic activity across the region.

Development Must Benefit Local Communities

Majhi underscored Puri’s importance as a symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity and a major spiritual destination for devotees from across India and abroad.

He stressed that development must meet world-class standards without compromising religious traditions or the livelihoods of local servitors, traders and residents. He also called for government welfare schemes to reach ordinary citizens effectively.

To ensure accountability, the Chief Minister directed departmental officials, district collectors and superintendents of police to monitor projects personally at the field level and ensure completion within the stipulated timelines. He emphasised coordinated action among departments to translate development plans into tangible social, economic and cultural benefits.

Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Puri District Magistrate Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the status of the projects.

The review signals the state government’s push to accelerate Puri’s transformation while balancing modern infrastructure development with the preservation of its distinctive religious traditions and cultural heritage.

Hirakud Dam: Opening of 30 Gates for Controlled Water Release Mistaken for Leakage; No Structural Emergency Established

Sambalpur, Oct 13 (UDN): Reports claiming that the Hirakud Dam is facing imminent danger because water is leaking through 30 per cent of its gates are inaccurate, according to the clarification provided in the available information. The confusion appears to have arisen from the opening of 30 sluice gates for the controlled release of floodwater following heavy monsoon rainfall in the upper catchment areas.

 Representational Image

The opening of sluice gates is a routine dam-management measure used to regulate reservoir levels and manage increased inflows. Hirakud Dam has 98 gates in total, meaning that 30 open gates represent approximately 31 per cent of its total gate capacity by number. This does not, by itself, indicate leakage or structural damage.

Controlled Discharge, Not Accidental Leakage

The distinction between opening gates for water discharge and water leaking through closed gates is crucial. During periods of heavy rainfall, dam authorities regulate the release of water to maintain reservoir levels and manage downstream river flows.

Separately, reports of seepage within the dam’s inspection gallery have been discussed in connection with maintenance and dam-safety monitoring over the years. Such seepage requires appropriate technical assessment, but it should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of an imminent dam failure.

Dam Safety and Downstream Monitoring Remain Important

Hirakud Dam plays a critical role in flood management across the Mahanadi river system, making the regulation of reservoir levels and downstream discharge particularly important during periods of heavy rainfall.

Water Resources Department officials and dam engineers are responsible for monitoring inflows, reservoir levels and discharge conditions. Residents in downstream areas should follow official advisories and instructions issued by the district administration and relevant authorities.

Public Urged to Avoid Unverified Claims

The circulation of misleading headlines can create unnecessary panic, particularly during the monsoon season. The number of open gates should not be confused with the percentage of gates experiencing leakage.

While the available information does not establish an imminent structural emergency, the dam’s current safety status should be determined through official engineering assessments and verified government updates.

Important note: The claims regarding the opening of 30 gates and the absence of an imminent emergency have not been independently verified in real time for this report. Readers are advised to consult official Hirakud Dam and Odisha Water Resources Department updates for the latest reservoir levels, discharge figures and flood advisories.

President Appoints Braj Mohan Ram as Odisha’s New Governor, Succeeding Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati

Bhubaneswar, Oct 12 (UDN): President Droupadi Murmu has appointed senior Jharkhand BJP leader Braj Mohan Ram as the new Governor of Odisha, succeeding the incumbent Governor, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. The appointment was announced on Sunday as part of a major gubernatorial reshuffle involving six states.

Six States Get New Governors

The Rashtrapati Bhavan announced changes in the governorships of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. The appointments will take effect from the respective dates on which the appointees assume charge.

Who Is Braj Mohan Ram?

Braj Mohan Ram, 68, is a veteran politician from Jharkhand with a long association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on January 1, 1958, in Chandwa, in the Palamu district, he graduated from Ranchi University.

He entered electoral politics in 1991, when he was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, serving until 1995. At the time, Jharkhand was still part of undivided Bihar before becoming a separate state in November 2000.

Ram subsequently represented the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency for three consecutive terms, winning the parliamentary elections in 1996, 1998 and 1999 on a BJP ticket. During his tenure in Parliament, he served on several committees dealing with important sectors, including power, coal and railways. He has also been actively involved in social initiatives.

Formal Swearing-In Ceremony Awaited

His appointment is expected to attract considerable attention in Odisha’s political circles, given his longstanding association with the BJP and his political roots in neighbouring Jharkhand.

The formal swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place in Bhubaneswar after he assumes charge as Governor of Odisha.

Governors Appointed to Other States

As part of the reshuffle, the President also appointed:

Om Prakash Mathur as Governor of Kerala

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as Governor of Tamil Nadu

Dr. Sudha Yadav as Governor of Karnataka

Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen as Governor of Uttarakhand

Dushyant Gautam as Governor of Sikkim

The appointments mark a significant administrative reshuffle, with the new Governors set to assume their respective constitutional responsibilities in the coming days.

Arirang TV Showcases the Future of Korea’s Sports Innovation to the World

• From AI Motion Analysis to Functional Materials: 20 Promising Korean Sports Companies Eye Global Expansion
• “K-Sports Beyond” Premieres Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 9 a.m. (KST), airing in 140 countries worldwide

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Arirang TV (CEO Kim Tae-jeong) will premiere “K-Sports Beyond,” a global program showcasing the advanced technology and potential of Korea’s sports industry, for audiences around the world on Thursday, October 15.

The special program was developed to support the overseas expansion of 20 promising Korean small and medium-sized sports enterprises amid the global K-culture boom. It focuses on innovative products spanning advanced technologies and functional sportswear, including sports safety equipment, recovery solutions, AI-powered motion analysis and health management, smart fitness, taekwondo IT convergence, and screen sports.

Notably, popular K-pop idols — FIFTY FIFTY’s Chanelle Moon and Athena, TEMPEST’s Hanbin, and LUN8’s Chael and Takuma — along with foreign TV personalities visited the set and experienced the equipment firsthand, helping to showcase the technological prowess of K-sports to a global audience.

The main episodes cover: Athlete Protection (Godo, SMARTHADA), Recovery (GHIWELL, WithsunBio), Space Innovation (GSTG, Goodrunner company), Ball Sports & Park Golf (NASSAU, DAWON SOLUTECH), AI Body Shape Management (ONESOFTDIGM, 3i), Fitness Equipment (DRAX, LEXCO), Functional Materials (SHOEALLS, ANYHORSE), Community Sports (HOLLYWOOD, Myplay company), Sports IT (PSYNET, AITKD), and Screen Golf (XGolf, MOAIS).

“This program will show how Korea’s strength as an ICT powerhouse is expanding across the sports industry,” an Arirang TV official said. “By reaching 169 million households in 140 countries, Arirang TV aims to strengthen the global presence of Korea’s sports industry.”

Broadcast Information

• Arirang TV : K-Sports Beyond
• YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@BeMyKorea

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ArkBio Announces FDA Clearance to Initiate Phase II Trial of AK0406 for Influenza Prevention

SHANGHAI, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“ArkBio”) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted its investigational new drug (IND) application for AK0406, a long-acting antiviral drug-Fc conjugate (AFC), enabling the company to initiate a phase II clinical trial for influenza prevention in general population in the United States.

Addressing Gaps in Influenza Prevention

Seasonal vaccination remains central to influenza prevention. However, changes in circulating influenza viruses and variability in individual immune response can limit vaccine protection, particularly among older adults and people who are immunocompromised. Additional preventive approaches could help address these unmet needs.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), despite the availability of influenza vaccines, the 2025–2026 influenza season resulted in at least 32 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths in the United States.

About AK0406

AK0406 is a novel AFC drug discovered and developed by ArkBio. By precisely conjugating multiple potent small-molecular antivirals to an antibody Fc domain, AK0406 is designed to combine direct antiviral activity with Fc-mediated immune clearance to prevent influenza, with potential therapeutic applications.

In preclinical studies, AK0406 demonstrated broad-spectrum and highly potent antiviral activity against both influenza A and B strains. It has also been optimized for its pharmacokinetics (PK) properties and GMP manufacturing process.

Global Clinical Development

In February 2026, AK0406 received approval from a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) in Australia to initiate a phase I clinical trial. In July 2026, ArkBio announced that enrollment and dosing of healthy adult participants had been completed across all cohorts and that the study had entered the follow-up phase.

In August 2026, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China cleared the IND application for AK0406 for influenza prevention. The FDA clearance marks a further milestone in the global clinical development of AK0406.

Planned U.S. Phase II Trial

The U.S. phase II clinical trial will be a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults during an influenza season. Its primary objective is to evaluate AK0406 for influenza prevention. The study will also assess safety, tolerability, PK and immunogenicity. The resulting data will inform AK0406’s future global development strategy.

ArkBio plans to continue discussions with the FDA and the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s NMPA to advance phase II development in the United States and China. Through parallel development pathways, the company aims to accelerate the AK0406 program as an additional option for influenza prevention, addressing challenges posed by viral evolution and limited vaccine protection, including in populations at high-risk of severe disease.

About ArkBio

ArkBio is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics for treatment of respiratory/lung and pediatric diseases. Founded in 2014, the company has established proprietary technology platforms and a differentiated innovative R&D pipeline through internal innovation and strategic collaborations.

Key R&D pipeline assets include: ziresovir (AK0529), the first direct-acting antiviral for RSV with positive phase III results; AK3280, a potentially best-in-class anti-fibrotic agent with positive phase II results for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, currently in a phase III trial; AK0901, approved and commercialized in China for ADHD treatment. The company also has multiple first-in-class or best-in-class innovative drug candidates under clinical or preclinical development.

ArkBio has established strategic partnerships with multinational and domestic pharmaceutical companies including Roche, Genentech, and Qilu Pharmaceutical; leading academic institutions including The Scripps Research Institute and the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; and other domestic and international biotech companies and CROs.

For more information, please visit: www.arkbiosciences.com

Investor Inquiries: IR@arkbiosciences.com 

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Some States Are Better for Extroverts Than Others and Here’s Where Yours Ranks

1. Vermont — 52.41. Vermont has the most festivals per resident and the highest share of people who belong to a club or organization.
2. Wyoming — 51.04. Wyoming ranks first for outdoor activities and restaurants per resident, and second for newcomers, with 4.61% of residents having arrived from another state or abroad in the past year.
3. Oregon — 47.63. Oregon has the second-most coffee shops per resident, at 42.55 per 100,000 people, and ranks fourth for concerts.
4. North Dakota — 46.43. North Dakota has the second-highest share of residents aged 18 to 34, at 25.11%, and the second-most bars per resident, at 82.33 per 100,000.
5. Colorado — 46.20. Colorado ranks second for concerts, with 25.20 per 100,000 residents, and third for young adults.
6. Rhode Island — 46.19. The smallest state in the country shares first place for walkability with California and has the most theaters per resident.
7. Montana — 46.00. Montana has the third-most bars per resident, at 80.65 per 100,000, and the second-most gyms and wellness clubs.
8. Utah — 45.24. Utah has the highest share of young adults, at 26.46%, and the highest volunteer rate, at 46.6%.
9. Nebraska — 43.48. Nebraska ranks third for volunteering and fourth for festivals per resident.
10. Nevada — 43.41. Nevada has by far the most concerts per resident, at 65.24 per 100,000, and the highest share of newcomers, at 4.78%.

HCLTech delivers strong Q2 led by record deal bookings of $3.3 billion

EBIT margin expands to 18.2%; annualized advanced AI revenue at $876M

NEW YORK and NOIDA, India, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH) (BSE: HCLTECH), a leading global technology company, today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. USD revenue was at $3.7 billion, up 2.2% YoY, while revenue in constant currency (CC) grew 2.6% YoY.

“We delivered a strong quarter with new bookings of $3.3 billion, up 27% YoY, taking first half bookings to a record high. EBIT margin expanded 131 bps QoQ to 18.2%. Services grew 3% QoQ with growth across verticals and geographies, while overall revenue grew 2.3% QoQ. Advanced AI revenue grew 28.4% QoQ and 78% YoY in constant currency. Our AI propositions are resonating well with our clients, giving us confidence in our growth trajectory,” said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech.

Services revenue growth was led by a steady momentum in IT and Business Services, which grew at 4.4% YoY in CC, followed by Engineering and R&D Services at 2.1% YoY (CC). HCLSoftware’s annual recurring revenue stood at $1.13 billion. Revenue per employee per annum was at $65.4K, up 2.4% YoY. 

Advanced AI revenue for the quarter was at $219 million, leading to an annualized advanced AI revenue of $876 million.

Industry vertical growth was led by Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, with 14% YoY (CC) growth, followed by Financial Services at 7.1 % YoY (CC) and Technology and Services at 5.9% YoY (CC). In terms of geographies, the U.S. grew by 3.5% YoY (CC). India grew the fastest at 21.8% YoY (CC) while the Rest of the World grew by 11.4% YoY (CC).

The company revised its FY27 revenue growth guidance to 2.5%-4% YoY in CC and Services revenue growth guidance to 3%-4% YoY in CC. EBIT margin is expected to be between 17.5% and 18.5%. HCLTech announced a dividend of ₹12 per share for the quarter.

“HCLTech delivered Q2 FY27 revenue of ₹35,620 crores, up 3% QoQ and 11.5% YoY. Our superior revenue growth with improved profitability led to our highest-ever quarterly net income of ₹5,132 crores, up 11% QoQ and 21.2% YoY,” said Shiv Walia, Chief Financial Officer, HCLTech.

The company added 6,450 people to its workforce, including 6,136 freshers, during Q2, FY27. Gender diversity reached 30% during the quarter.

HCLTech also announced a Global Premier Partnership with Anthropic to accelerate enterprise adoption of Agentic AI with a focus on safety, cybersecurity and governance. HCLTech’s services teams will build industry solutions and offerings powered by Claude, Cowork and Claude Code, while HCLSoftware, as an Anthropic ISV partner, will embed these into select enterprise products.

Key Advanced AI deal wins:

• A U.S.-based AI-native company selected HCLTech as a strategic partner for its AI Factory.
• A U.S.-based neocloud provider selected HCLTech to build and scale its AI-native architecture and infrastructure capabilities that enable hyperscalers and enterprises to unlock the full potential of AI at scale.
• A Europe-based manufacturing company selected HCLTech to transform quality assurance at scale with an AI-powered visual inspection platform, VisionX.

Other key deal wins:

• A Europe-headquartered, Fortune Global 50 firm selected HCLTech to establish an AI-driven operating model to transform and manage its Global Digital Workplace and Enterprise Networks.
• A Europe-based FMCG major selected HCLTech to transform its global IT operations through a unified, AI-led operating model spanning applications, cloud and networks, digital workplace and cybersecurity.
• A global aerospace and defense major selected HCLTech to provide full lifecycle managed services for its SAP S/4HANA landscape, including ERP application project delivery, support and maintenance.

HCLTech has been named to TIME’s World’s Best Companies list for the third consecutive year. It has also been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and World’s Best Management Consulting Firms, while Newsweek recognized it among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Leadership and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Perks & Benefits.

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 230,000 people across 60+ countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending September 2026 totaled $14.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

For further details, please contact:

Meredith Bucaro, Americas

meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com

Elka Ghudial, EMEA

elka.ghudial@hcltech.com

James Galvin, APAC

james.galvin@hcltech.com

Nitin Shukla, India

nitin-shukla@hcltech.com

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3iQ Receives In-Principle Approval from Abu Dhabi’s IFC

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3iQ Corp. (“3iQ”), a global pioneer in digital asset investment solutions, is pleased to announce that its United Arab Emirates (UAE) based sister company 3iQ Middle East Ltd has secured In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a Category 4 license from the Financial Services Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE. It follows the announcement of their strategic partnership with Further, the UAE-based digital asset investment manager (see announcement link here), which enables institutional investors access to digital assets via 3iQ’s Managed Account Platform (QMAP) a platform that attracted $100 million sovereign-linked seed capital.

The successful granting of this IPA is part of 3iQ’s aim to be regulated and present in all the major digital asset hubs globally, so that its award-winning investment management offering is accessible to accredited investors around the world. This includes the first ever Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs listed on a major stock exchange.

3iQ’s presence in the Middle East is led by Rachel Pether, Head of Middle East. Rachel joined 3iQ in 2023 and has become a prominent figure in the region. Prior to joining 3iQ, Rachel spent almost a decade at Abu Dhabi based sovereign investor Mubadala in their Capital Markets & Treasury team and was previously a senior Advisor for SkyBridge Capital.

Pascal St-Jean, CEO of 3iQ and Coincheck Group, said:

“3iQ has been a huge believer in the UAE as a key digital asset hub with an advanced regulatory regime that protects investors. As a first mover in the provision of innovative digital asset investment solutions, and along with our partnership with Further Asset Management, 3iQ looks forward to cementing a presence in the region, starting with the Abu Dhabi Global Market.”

Rachel Pether, Head of Middle East at 3iQ, said:

“This is an exciting development for 3iQ and has materialised following constructive collaboration with the ADGM’s proactive regulator. Ever since 2023 when we established a footprint in the UAE, 3iQ has taken steps towards becoming the leader in the region with our proven track record of attracting sovereign wealth and institutional capital to digital assets.”

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, said:

“We congratulate 3iQ on receiving its IPA from the FSRA, an important step in its journey to establishing a regulated presence in ADGM. This milestone reflects the increasing interest from international firms in ADGM’s dynamic digital asset ecosystem, underpinned by a progressive regulatory framework and a growing community of global and regional market participants. We look forward to supporting 3iQ as it progresses through the licensing process and seeks to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growing digital asset ecosystem.”

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Cell Impact announces acceleration of previously communicated order from US customer

KARLSKOGA, Sweden, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In June, Cell Impact announced that the company had received a follow-up order for the production of flow plates for a leading US-based OEM in the fuel cell and electrolyser industry. At the time, deliveries were expected to take place over a two-year period starting in the third quarter of 2026.

“The customer has now informed us that they would like to increase the delivery rate for the volume already ordered. As a result, most of the order will be manufactured and delivered during the next two quarters, with an expected final delivery in April 2027,” says Daniel Vallin, CEO of Cell Impact.

Bringing the deliveries forward strengthens Cell Impact’s cash flow and has a positive effect on the company’s liquidity. The order, valued at SEK 5.3 million, will have a particularly strong cash flow impact as the material for the flow plates is already in stock.

About Cell Impact

Cell Impact AB (publ) is a global supplier of advanced flow plates to fuel cell and electrolyzer manufacturers. The company has developed and patented a unique method for high velocity forming, Cell Impact Forming™ which is significantly more scalable and cost-efficient compared to conventional forming methods. Cell Impact Forming is an environmentally friendly forming technology that consumes no water and very little electrical power. The Cell Impact share is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market and Mangold Fondkommission AB is the company’s Certified Advisor (CA).

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Malou Oheix from France Wins First Place in 2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition at Fondation Louis Vuitton

Hosted by Jeremy Irons, honoring Arturo Sandoval with tribute to Frank Gehry introduced by Special Guest Gustavo Dudamel

PARIS, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Malou Oheix, age 27, from France won the 2026 Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition presented in partnership and with the support of Fondation Louis Vuitton. The Competition Finals concluded a landmark weekend in Paris, marking the first time in its nearly four-decade history this prestigious Competition has been held outside the United States. Oheix received the $50,000 First Place Scholarship, presented onstage by Jean-Paul Claverie, Advisor to the President and Administrator of the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

Selected on Saturday by an all-star jury comprising Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roberta Gambarini, Angélique Kidjo, Gretchen Parlato and Gregory Porter, the three finalists took the stage on Sunday evening in the Fondation Louis Vuitton Auditorium.

First-place winner Malou Oheix delivered two contrasting performances, displaying captivating vulnerability in “I’m Glad There Is You” and a bold and playful interpretation of Michael Brecker’s “Madame Toulouse.”

Second-place winner Georgia Heers delivered a flawless performance of “Moon Don’t Come Out Tonight,” followed by a beautifully narrated rendition of “Thou Swell.” While third-place winner Lucy-Anne Daniels offered a powerful Afro-Cuban interpretation of “Nature Boy” and a distinctive take on “Old Devil Moon.”

Throughout the Competition, the vocalists were accompanied by a transformative rhythm section featuring Carmen Staaf on piano, Ben Williams on bass and Kendrick Scott on drums.

Hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, the Competition Finals & Gala transformed the Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton into an international celebration of jazz, bringing together generations of leading artists and celebrating the music’s deep and enduring relationship with Paris.

The evening honored 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Arturo Sandoval with the Institute’s Maria Fisher Founder’s Award, presented by Herbie Hancock in recognition of Sandoval’s extraordinary artistry and contributions to jazz and music education. An international all-star ensemble featuring musical director John Beasley, Till Brönner, Terri Lyne Carrington, Nils Landgren, John Patitucci and Walter Smith III saluted Sandoval with “Caprichosos de La Habana.” After accepting the honor, Sandoval took the stage for an intimate performance of Charlie Chaplin’s classic “Smile” with Patitucci and Carrington.

Gustavo Dudamel, special guest of the evening, led a personal tribute to the late visionary architect Frank Gehry, a longtime Board member and friend of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. The moment took on special significance at Fondation Louis Vuitton, Gehry’s architectural masterpiece in Paris, whose origins date to 2001, when Bernard Arnault met Gehry after visiting the architect’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Dudamel reflected on Gehry’s life, creative spirit and far-reaching contributions to art, architecture and culture. Berta Gehry, Frank Gehry’s wife, was among the guests in attendance. The tribute culminated in the world premiere of The Ever-Changing World, a new composition by acclaimed Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez, commissioned by the Institute in Gehry’s honor. Pérez was joined by Till Brönner, Walter Smith III, Tineke Postma, Sébastien Surel, Pierre-François Dufour, John Patitucci and Terri Lyne Carrington for the work’s two movements, “Us” and “Optimistic Chaos.”

Under the musical direction of two-time GRAMMY Award-winning pianist, composer and arranger John Beasley, the Gala also traced Paris’ remarkable place in jazz history. Dee Dee Bridgewater joined by Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander for “J’ai Deux Amours” as a salute to Josephine Baker.

Herbie Hancock was joined by Ambrose Akinmusire, the 2007 Institute Trumpet Competition winner, marking the centennials of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with a stirring rendition of “So What,” honoring two jazz giants whose lives and legacies were deeply intertwined with Paris.

The celebration continued with an all-star interpretation of Bud Powell’s “Parisian Thoroughfare,” evoking the pioneering pianist’s years in the French capital, before Gregory Porter brought the evening’s musical journey to a fitting close with “April in Paris.”

The Gala also featured the Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble, which opened the evening with a special arrangement of the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves.” These gifted young musicians from around the world receive full scholarships to attend the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance, the Institute’s prestigious master’s degree program at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in Los Angeles.

The Competition and Gala were presented by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz in partnership and with the support of Fondation Louis Vuitton. The weekend’s events reached audiences around the world via livestream on FLV Play, medici.tv and in 4K on YouTube. 

Air transportation for the artists and the international roster of competitors was provided by United Airlines, the Official Airline of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.

Press selects by Steve Mundinger:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fjkukji94i163uosze5bb/AFxPehcaQvM24W0PDJIwOT4?rlkey=29gmpghf7s0in59bsnk09g2p9&dl=0 

For more information on the Institute visit www.hancockinstitute.org. 

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