The first international jazz festival opened in St. Petersburg

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ST. PETERSBURG, July 22 The first St. Petersburg International Jazz Festival opened on Monday, the press service of the city governor’s administration reported.
«The First St. Petersburg International Jazz Festival has started in the Northern capital, the participants of which will be about 500 musicians from Russia, near and far abroad countries,» the message says.

At the opening of the festival in the Great Hall of the St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonic named after D.D. Shostakovich, city governor Alexander Beglov welcomed the jazzmen, spectators and the initiator of the project — People's Artist of the Russian Federation Igor Butman. The Moscow Jazz Orchestra of Butman and the chamber ensemble «Moscow Soloists» by Yuri Bashmet will perform at the opening. The artists present a unique joint program that combines jazz and classical music.

“We are opening the first international St. Petersburg Jazz Festival. Hundreds of masters from different parts of the world responded to the invitation to take part in it. This once again proves that jazz, music has no boundaries,” said Beglov, whose words are quoted in the message .
According to him, it was not by chance that they chose the Northern capital as the festival site. The government of St. Petersburg also supported its holding.
«St. Petersburg and jazz are inseparable. This is recognized in our country and abroad. Igor Butman and Yuri Bashmet gave us all a gift. Jazz is in tune with our city, its residents, streets and squares. The scenery of St. Petersburg is already music and beauty,» — said the governor.

From July 23 to 27, the festival concerts will be held in the Yusupov Garden with the participation of Russian and foreign jazzmen and popular artists of other musical genres, who will present jazz programs. Many venues within the festival will be free to visit. In particular, from July 23 to July 27, public areas of the festival will be Arts Square, Lake Dolgoe Park, Sevkabel Port and Tauride Garden. Among the headliners of the festival are the Moscow Jazz Orchestra and maestro Igor Butman, the chamber ensemble «Moscow Soloists» and conductor Yuri Bashmet, as well as Khibla Gerzmava, Larisa Dolina, the Oleg Lundstrem Jazz Orchestra, Varvara Ubel, Daniil Kramer.

As part of the festival, in addition to the concert, a club program is planned, as well as master classes, lectures, creative meetings, and a photo exhibition.
The First International St. Petersburg Jazz Festival will be held from July 22 to 28.