São Paulo, October 08, 2024 — For the first time, the nights of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will welcome the greatest Russian star of international jazz. Led by the world-famous saxophonist Igor Butman, the performances with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra (MJO) promise to unveil the greatest hits of the artist’s career from his more than 10 albums, in addition to recalling partnerships with some of the references of international swing and blues, such as Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, Stefon Harris and Randy Brecker. The shows will feature singer and performer Fantine. The daughter of a Dominican mother and Russian father, she began her career in Australia and has since performed with major international artists in New York, Moscow and Melbourne.
The performances conclude the 2024 Russian Seasons, an initiative by the Russian government and the Russian Ministry of Culture to promote artistic programmes, educational projects and film festivals that celebrate Russian traditions. In Rio de Janeiro, the performance will take place at the Teatro Prio on 8 December, and in São Paulo, the Teatro B32 will open its doors to the musicians on 11 December. On both dates, the orchestra will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary, playing new songs from its recently released album Borodin and Mussorgsky, as well as revisiting contemporary pieces that have defined an era.
Bill Clinton’s favourite saxophonist, Butman is more than just a virtuoso maestro. With his sights set on an international career, the artist immigrated to the United States and established his name on the jazz scene, playing alongside the great masters. Since then, the musician has seen himself as a citizen of the world, an ambassador for the cultural and artistic flourishing of different regions, integrating different genres and names in the world of music. He has received two awards for his efforts: the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation (ARCCF) Award and recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Dialogue.
In addition to his musical reputation and vocation as a multicultural agent, Butman has worked as a producer of international festivals and as a director of major institutions. In recent years he has been responsible for the conception and organization of twelve contemporary jazz events in Moscow and St Petersburg. In the latter he was also co-artistic director with Herbie Hancock of the International Jazz Day. He is also the owner of the Igor Butman Jazz Club in the Russian capital, an institution dedicated to the promotion of music.
In recognition of his career and lifelong commitment to music and cultural exchange between nations, Butman was awarded the title of People’s Artist of Russia in 2011, an honour given to individuals who have made significant achievements in the arts. But it is not only in Russia that the saxophonist’s work is celebrated. Around the world, musicians, critics and international personalities admire the Russian’s work and his great ability to transcend borders and connect worlds.