Kenny G Visits Hong Kong Protests, Striking Sour Note With Authorities

The saxophone player is wildly popular in China. Government officials took the opportunity to remind everyone that they think the protests are illegal.

Kenny G, one of the largest-selling instrumental musicians ever and an icon in China, visited pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The smooth jazz saxophonist just finished a concert tour through the mainland.

Reuters reported that China's foreign ministry – wary of foregin involvement in what it sees as a domestic issue -- cool on the visit:

China's foreign ministry, which has expressed repeated dissatisfaction about what it sees as foreign interference in an internal issue, said it did not know any details about Gorelick's visit.

"Kenny G's musical works are widely popular in China, but China's position on the illegal Occupy Central activities in Hong Kong is very clear," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing.

"We hope that foreign governments and individuals speak and act cautiously and not support the Occupy Central and other illegal activities in any form," she added.

Kenny G's melody "Going Home" is a mainstay in China, the AP reported. It "can be heard at train stations, department stores, airports, hotel lobbies and over loudspeakers in public parks, and is often used as a signal for people to clear out."

U.S. jazz musician and saxophonist Kenneth Gorelick, known as Kenny G, performs during a concert in Hong Kong as part of his "Rhythm and Romance" world tour in this May 9, 2008 file photo.

Victor Fraile / Reuters