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Jon Batiste Energizes Davos 2026 Opening Concert with AI Visuals

The World Economic Forum's 56th Annual Meeting in Davos commenced with an opening concert reflecting this year's theme of dialogue and collaboration. The event featured performances by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra with violinist Renaud Capuçon, accompanied by a dynamic AI-generated visual installation. A highlight was a vibrant performance by Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste, which energized the audience and prompted dancing. The concert set a tone of openness and diversity for the week-long forum, which will continue until January 23.

Key Points: Davos 2026 Opens with Jon Batiste Concert, AI Art

  • Concert launched 56th Annual Meeting
  • AI visuals responded to live music
  • Theme was "A Spirit of Dialogue"
  • Jon Batiste gave standout performance
2 min read

Opening concert marks the start of Davos 2026, Jon Batiste performs

The World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos began with a musical concert featuring Jon Batiste and AI-generated visuals, setting a collaborative tone.

"Music knows no borders, it speaks no single language. - Børge Brende"

Davos, January 20

The World Economic Forum has once again opened its doors for its annual meeting in Davos, bringing together delegates from across the globe and a wide range of sectors to discuss pressing global issues impacting the global economy.

Notably, the 56th Annual Meeting kick-started on a musical note on January 19. An opening concert was held at the Congress Hall.

The concert mirrored this year's meeting theme, A Spirit of Dialogue, Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, observed in his welcoming remarks.

"Music knows no borders, it speaks no single language. A violin, a trumpet, a clarinet and a drum, they come together in perfect harmony, each unique, each essential, each voice making the whole more beautiful," Brende said.

Andre Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman at Roche Holding and Interim Co-Chair at the World Economic Forum, emphasised that the concert sets the tone for the meeting.

He remarked, "The concert reflects the principles we seek to advance for the week: openness, collaboration, diversity and a responsibility to future generations."

Larry Fink, Chair and CEO of BlackRock and Interim Co-Chair at the World Economic Forum, agreed and reflected on how the many genres of music all coming together in one concert perfectly represent the goals of this year's Annual Meeting. He had also delivered some brief welcoming remarks earlier.

"To expose people to wider ranges of voices, to a wider range of ideas, maybe even an argument, but one that we have deeper understanding from," Larry said.

After these welcoming remarks, the concert commenced with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra performing alongside acclaimed violinist Renaud Capucon. On a large LED screen behind the musicians, an AI-generated visual installation responded dynamically to their sounds, the brainchild of artist and technologist Ronen Tanchum.

(Image credits: WEF)

One of the standout moments of the concert was a classic performance by Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste, energising the room and drawing participants to their feet to dance along.

Here are some of the visuals of Jon from his performance at Davos 2026 opening concert.

(Credits: WEF)The 56th Annual Meeting will take place till January 23.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Jon Batiste is fantastic! But while the elites enjoy concerts, I hope they don't forget to discuss real issues like global food security and supply chains. India has a lot to contribute on that front. The AI visuals sound cool though.
A
Arjun K
Setting the tone with music is brilliant. In our culture, every gathering starts with a shloka or a song for a positive vibe. Hope this 'Spirit of Dialogue' leads to concrete action, especially in tech and AI governance where Indian talent is a global leader.
S
Sarah B
The Mahler Chamber Orchestra and AI visuals? That's a powerful combo. It shows how art and technology can merge. Respectfully, I hope the forum's discussions match this innovation and don't get stuck in old debates. The world needs fresh, actionable ideas.
V
Vikram M
Sounds like a great event. But honestly, sometimes Davos feels like a talk shop. Let's see if the "dialogue" translates to policies that help growing economies like ours with fair trade and investment. Jon Batiste getting everyone to dance is the real achievement though! 😄
K
Kavya N
Love the theme! Dialogue is key. In a diverse country like India, we know harmony comes from listening to different voices, just like in an orchestra. Hope the forum seriously addresses sustainable development and women's economic participation globally.

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