Jean Michel Jarre, currently in Poland for a series of concerts, has signed a declaration of support for Gdańsk in its bid to win the title of European Capital of Culture, 2016.

Gdańsk is one of the five Polish cities short-listed by an international selection committee for the final stage of the race for the title. Jean Michel Jarre said yesterday at a press conference: “I feel privileged to play the role of the ambassador of Gdansk.”

Jarre is playing the recently opened Ergo Arena in Gdańsk tonight, the first of the four concerts of his Polish tour which also comprises Płock, Wrocław and Rzeszów.

At noon, the French composer is taking part in Gdansk‘s Independence day parade. "I am pleased that I can contribute to the celebration of this very important holiday for Poles. It's a privilege for me," said Jarre.

The sixty three year-old composer and performer attracted an audience of over 100,000 at the Gdansk Shipyard during a concert marking the 25th anniversary of Solidarity in August 2005. (mk/pg)