The decision to hold this year’s jazz festival in distance format was made in response to the prohibition, for an indefinite period, of large-scale events.

“Unfortunately, we will be unable to hold the jazz holiday in its usual format,” explains ILS Principal Olga Shevchenko, who serves as festival director. “However, we chose not to reschedule and certainly not to cancel Pacific Fusion, as the young musicians worked hard back in April to show their abilities, and we cannot disappoint them. We will gladly accept revised versions of performances through October 5, but some participants may wish to leave as is contest recordings already selected for the finals.”

This year’s festival includes 40 jazz compositions in the following categories: instrumental soloist; vocal, chorus/orchestra; small instrumental ensemble; and instrumental ensemble.

Judge panel chairman Anatoly Smirnov, an Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, notes regretfully: “This year has taken a big bite out of music education. We understand clearly that the distance format disappoints many people, but we have listened to all the recordings sent for the selection round, and we can state with certainty that these are highly capable, talented young musicians who are worthy of recognition and awards.”

On October 7-8 the judges panel, consisting of Anatoly Smirnov, Nadezhda Tkachenko and Aleksandra Oleinika will meet, with the results to be announced on October 9 on the ILS website. The winners in each category will be available in a special section of the school’s official YouTube channel for one week after the results are publicized.