The Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Mykhailivska Square will witness the third MFA OPEN AIR - this time a jazz concert “Music of Free Folk”. The event is organized in cooperation with the Koktebel Jazz Festival and means to be a symbol of solidarity with those who condemn the Russian occupation of Crimea.

On June 14, 2017, the Ministry’s atrium that has unique acoustics, will be turned into a jazz scene and will host the Koktebel Jazz Festival - one of the most significant cultural events that was forced to migrate from the Crimean Peninsula to mainland Ukraine.

We hope to recreate the atmosphere of freedom and joy that prevailed at the Koktebel festivals. In the course of the open air this atmosphere will be made by three prominent bands that performed on the Koktebel stage many times before. They represent completely diverse styles of Ukrainian music.

One of the most well-known Ukrainian jazz musicians Igor Zakus will start the show. Along with singer Ivanka Chervinska and Z-Band he will present the "Kolomyyky" program - modern jazz arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs.

The sounds of ‘Ukrainian Chopin’ will be performed in the second part of the concert. Famous jazz pianist Natalia Lebedeva accompanied by a sextet will be premiering a program of compositions by Frederic Chopin titled “Quests”.

The performance of one of the most brilliant Ukrainian jazz composers - Usein Bekirov will be the final. Usein was born in Simferopol. He is a well-known pianist and leader of many projects, the participant of all known jazz festivals and author of the countless pieces of brilliant music. Usein Bekirov together with his trio will present a program that will be a bright final chord of the event.

We consider the third annual Open Air as a good opportunity to acquaint our colleagues-foreign diplomats with modern Ukrainian culture and draw their attention to the issues that worry Ukrainians the most. This time, the Crimea will be in the focus of the event.

“The theme of freedom is of vital importance for me. I believe that Free Music that we are going to enjoy at the MFA courtyard, will return soon to the Free Ukrainian Crimea”, said Minister Pavlo Klimkin.