YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Unlike last year’s festival–in which musicians from only the United States participated–this year’s festival will include musicians from all over the world: Joseph "Dodo" Shoshoki’s Jazz Quintet–Peter Lipa of Slovakia–the duet of singer Kim Prevost and guitarist Bill Soley from New Orleans–the jazz trio of Stepan Kochoyan of France–Ray Baley of California who will perform with Armen Martirossian’s jazz band–as well as world-renowned conductor–composer and pianist Chick Corea with a group of 7 people. Besides concerts–pianist Kochoyan expressed a desire to hold a master class at the Yerevan Conservatory.
"There will be no repetitions at the Yerevan Jazz Festival to be held this month," said Jazz Art Organization President Levon Malkhasian. "There will only be new musicians and groups performing at the festival." The only exception will be Alexander Zakarian–who will be performing with Russian musicians and will represent Russia.
According to Malkhasian–bids for participation in the festival were made by other musicians too–however–the festival organizers–having listened to cassettes submitted to them–decided to invite only the above-mentioned musicians.
Armenia will be represented by Armen Martirossian’s Big Band–Levon Malkhasian–Vahagn Hayrapetian’s quartet–Chico & Frenz group–Karen Gasparian’s trio–and Armen Usnunts. The jazz festival will be held at the Hall of the State Academic Theater of Opera & Ballet on October 28-30. A jam session will take place at the Aragast cafe on October 31.
Levon Malkhasian also said that the Embassy of Russia in Armenia will cover the travel expenses for Alexander Zakarian’s group–the French Embassy in Armenia will finance the trip of Stepan Kochoyan–the travel expenses of the Slovakian groups will be covered by the "Figaro" chocolate company–Chick Korea flight expenses will be sponsored by the Wallace Group. There are also other sponsors of the festival.