The application period for the 4th Annual International Children's Jazz Festival-Competition "Pacific Fusion" has ended, with a record number of applications received from more than 100 soloists and groups to participate in the event. Performers include young musicians from the ages of 4-18, with competitions to be held in the following categories: solo instrument; small band; instrumental ensemble; orchestra; choir; vocal. The panel of judges will consist of experienced musicians led by Anatoly Smirnov, who serves as artistic director and conductor of Vladivostok's Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

Scheduled for April 25-27 at the VGUES music and theater complex "Underground", the festival will feature music by George Gershwin, George Herman, Ray Charles, Paul Desmond, Loius Armstrong and many others.

Joining their Russian counterparts on the stage to show their mastery to the judges will be young musicians from South Korea, India, the Netherlands, China, and Japan.

"It is most gratifying that our 'Pacific Fusion' festival has matured into a serious competition," notes festival director and ILS Principal Olga Shevchenko. "In our first year, the festival offered about a dozen jazz compositions. In the second year, the number rose to around 50, and last year for the first time our soloists and ensembles were joined by entire orchestras. For this year, we have restructured the festival as a fully fledged competition. We believe our mission is also one of education, enlightenment, and we cordially invite all jazz music lovers to join us for the event at the end of next month."