Igor Butman: Jazz icon performs in Brazil for the first time

In an unprecedented way, the nights in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will welcome one of the biggest names in international jazz today: the saxophonist Igor Butman.

Next to Moscow Jazz Orchestra (MJO), he performs for the first time in Brazil with the promise of unveiling the biggest hits from his more than 10 albums, in addition to remembering partnerships with some of the swing and blues references such as Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, Stefon Harris and Randy Brecker.

The shows will also have the presence of the singer and performer Fantine. Daughter of a Dominican mother and a Russian father, the artist began her career in Australia and, since then, has played with major international artists in New York, Moscow and Melbourne.

The presentations close the season of Russian Seasons 2024, an initiative of the Russian government and ministry of culture, which aims to promote artistic programs, educational projects and film festivals that celebrate Russian traditions.

In Rio de Janeiro, the performance takes place at Prio Theateron December 8th, at 7 pm, and in São Paulo, the Theater B32 opens its doors to musicians on December 11th.

On both dates, the orchestra will also celebrate its 25th anniversary, playing new releases from its recently released album Borodin and Mussorgsky and remembering contemporary tracks that marked the era. Tickets are now available on the Sympla platform.

Highlight of international jazz

Considered as the favorite saxophonist of Bill Clinton, Butman He is considered more than a virtuoso conductor. With an eye on his international career, the artist migrated to the United States and consolidated his name on the Jazz scene, playing alongside great masters.

Since then, the musician considers himself a citizen of the world, contributing as an ambassador to the cultural and artistic flourishing of different regions, through the integration of different genres and names from the world of music. For his efforts, he received two honors: the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation (ARCCF) Award and recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Dialogue.

In addition to his musical renown and his vocation as a multicultural agent, Butman He has also worked as a producer of international festivals and director of important institutions. In recent years, he was responsible for idealizing and organizing twelve contemporary Jazz events in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

In the latter, he also served as co-artistic director with Herbie Hancock on International Jazz Day. He also owns the Igor Butman Jazz Club, in the Russian capital, an establishment dedicated to promoting music.

For his trajectory and life obstinate for music and cultural exchanges between nations, in 2011 Butman He received the title of People’s Artist of Russia, an honor given to individuals who have achieved notable achievements in the field of arts. But it is not only in Russia that the saxophonist’s work is celebrated. Around the globe, musicians, critics and international personalities admire the Russian’s work and his great ability to cross borders and connect worlds.

The Lord Butman is a juggernaut of a saxophonist, with a wide tone and a strong rhythmic instinct” – Nate Chinencritic of The New York Times.

I love the way you play Igor Butman and I love it personally. He has a great feeling for music and people and is a phenomenal musician. He’s my frontman!” – Wynton Marsalistrumpeter and composer.

The saxophonist Igor Butmanone of the best ‘traditional’ American-style big band leaders, even though he is Russian”, Will FriedwaldAmerican critic and actor, The Wall Street Journal.