The second All-Russian competition for youth jazz groups unfolded in Moscow, drawing into focus the rising energy of the country’s young musicians. The news came from the press service of the Moscow Jazz Festival, which highlighted the event’s successful conclusion and its implications for the broader jazz scene in Russia. This edition showcased a broad field of talent and served as a celebration of the future of Russian jazz, presenting audiences across the capital with a glimpse of what the next generation of artists has to offer.
In total, one hundred ensembles from twenty-one regions earned invitations to perform at the Moscow Jazz Festival, the country’s most prominent jazz gathering. The festival is scheduled to take place in Moscow from June 19 to 25, offering free concerts on multiple stages set up throughout the city. Performances will take place in iconic locations including Zaryadye Park, Muzeon Park, the square near the Central Department Store, and at VDNKh, allowing the music to reach diverse audiences across urban spaces and cultural hubs. The organizers emphasized that attendance at these concerts is free, inviting a wide range of listeners to enjoy high-caliber performances from emerging bands. (citation: Moscow Jazz Festival press service)
The Igor Butman Foundation announced that it would cover the costs associated with artist fees, tickets, accommodation, meals, and internal transfers for participating musicians. This support is aimed at easing financial barriers and enabling young talents to focus on their performances and development during the festival run. The foundation’s involvement underscores a commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz artists and ensuring a robust platform for their music to be heard by broader audiences. (citation: Moscow Jazz Festival press service)
Speaking about the 2023 edition, Moscow Jazz Festival Artistic Director Igor Butman noted a strong surge in both interest and quality. He reported that more than 1,600 applications were submitted from thirty regions across Russia—an indicator of the expanding breadth of the youth scene and the depth of talent available. The director expressed pride in the growth trajectory of young musicians and affirmed his belief that this vibrant generation is poised to make meaningful contributions to the history of Russian jazz in the years ahead. (citation: Moscow Jazz Festival press service)