Igor Butman Quartet

For over a quarter of a century, the Igor Butman Quartet has served as a premier ambassador of Russian musical excellence, performing at major festivals and world-renowned concert halls across the globe. The ensemble features some of Russia’s most distinguished musicians: pianist and vocalist Oleg Akkuratov, drummer Eduard Zizak, and double bassist Nikolai Zatolochyny. The Quartet’s repertoire spans Igor Butman’s original compositions, timeless jazz standards, and unique jazz arrangements of works by Russian composers.

Igor Butman (Saxophone)

A world-renowned saxophonist, composer, and producer, Igor Butman is a People’s Artist of Russia, a State Prize Laureate, and the foremost global ambassador for Russian jazz. He was awarded the Order «For Merit to the Fatherland,» IV degree, for his immense cultural contributions. With a discography exceeding 20 albums, he has created a vast body of work for both his Quartet and the Moscow Jazz Orchestra. Maestro Butman is also the founder of twelve major international festivals, including the Moscow and Saint Petersburg Jazz Festivals.

Oleg Akkuratov (Piano, Vocals)

Oleg Akkuratov is a unique talent, celebrated for his virtuosity in both classical and jazz music. A soloist for the Moscow Jazz Orchestra and leader of his own trio, he is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Young Cultural Professionals. His international profile was further elevated by his performance at the Closing Ceremony of the XI Paralympic Games. In 2018, he secured second place at the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in the USA, and in 2020, he was a finalist in the ninth season of Russia’s The Voice.

Eduard Zizak (Drums)

A soloist with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra for over 20 years and a constant member of Igor Butman’s Quartet and Trio, Eduard Zizak is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest drummers. A pillar of the Russian jazz scene, he brings decades of studio and stage experience alongside global jazz icons. Since 2017, he has shared his expertise as a percussion professor at the State College of Wind Arts.

Nikolai Zatolochny (Double Bass)

An award-winning double bassist and bass guitarist, Nikolai Zatolochny joined the Moscow Jazz Orchestra and the Igor Butman Quartet in 2023. Known for his work with legendary domestic and international artists, he rose to public prominence as a participant in the Great Jazz TV project. His extensive festival credits include White Night Swing (St. Petersburg), Gnesin Jazz (Moscow), Rajaton Jazz (Helsinki), and numerous others. He is a laureate of the Gnesin Jazz 2011 international festival and a diplomat of the DoDj 2008 competition.