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This time, to participate in the World Jazz Festival, the legendary French composer and pianist Michel Legrand, the famous saxophonist Igor Butman and his Moscow Jazz Orchestra, ex-frontman of the Incognito band Tony Momrelle, Polish vocalist Anna Maria Jopek, the phenomenal pianist, already popular with Latvian spectators, Oleg Akkuratov and a star of world smooth jazz, saxophonist and singer from the Netherlands Candy Dulfer will arrive to Latvia. 

“World Jazz Festival is one of several big cultural projects we have been supporting since the time of their inception,” said Chairperson of Rietumu Charity Fund Inga Shina. “The festival has its bright expressive stylistics and, during these past years, it has succeeded in taking a rightful place among numerous festivals and concerts, which are held in Latvia during the summer season. Each time organisers of the jazz festival manage to surprise and please the public, by inviting both recognised and new high-level musicians, not yet known to spectators.” 

The festival will start on 26 July with the performance of Anna Maria Jopek, which will be held on the stage of the historical Riga cinema Splendid Palace. The singer was enticed by jazz at the age of 15, and international recognition came to her with the later released “golden” album “Upojenie”. Together with Anna Maria Jopek, Tony Momrelle will perform at Splendid Palace with special guests – Oleg Akkuratov and Igor Butman. 

On the next day, 27 July, spectators in Riga Congress Hall will meet Candy Dulfer, who will perform her best songs and compositions from her last album – “Together”. 

On the last day of the festival, the legendary Michel Legrand will perform in Riga Congress Hall, accompanied by Moscow Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Igor Butman. 

Traditionally, the official opening of the festival will be held in one of the squares of the Old Town, with the participation of Latvian, Estonian and Russian jazz stars, as well as the traditional dancing flash-mob will take place. 

Within the framework of the festival, master classes of world jazz stars are scheduled for young musicians from Riga.