The Moscow Jazz Festival is set to captivate the capital from June 9 to 15, featuring over a thousand artists from Russia, the USA, Belgium, and Italy. The event will span seven venues and showcase a diverse range of jazz performances.

The festival will include performances by renowned artists such as Larisa Dolina, Uma2rman, Varvara Vizbor, Veronica Swift, and Zap Mama. The Igor Butman Moscow Jazz Orchestra will perform at both the opening and closing of the festival.

Igor Butman highlighted the festival’s unique program, emphasizing the effort to invite a variety of musicians, both established and emerging. He encouraged attendees to explore the diverse range of jazz on offer. Despite challenges in international communication, Butman noted that many foreign musicians understand the importance of dialogue and compromise, taking risks to participate and promote music and peace.

Butman also reflected on his quartet’s recent European tour, including a performance at the Russian House in Rome, which he described as a great success with a full hall and enthusiastic audience. Additionally, he shared his positive experience at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, where they performed to a receptive audience.

Regarding Moscow, Butman expressed his love for the city, particularly Taganka, where his jazz club is located in the historic Taganka Theater building. He also mentioned his fondness for other areas, including Sokol, Red Square, and various streets and embankments.

Addressing concerns about the preservation of Moscow’s cultural heritage, Butman acknowledged the complexities of balancing preservation with modernization. He emphasized his focus on ensuring a thriving musical scene in Moscow.