Russian Consulate in Cape Town

People’s Artist of Russia Igor Butman Performs at Russian Sailors’ Memorial in Simon’s Town 24 April 2025, Simon’s Town, South Africa ⚓️ During his visit to South Africa to participate in the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, People’s Artist of Russia, acclaimed saxophonist and Artistic Director of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra Igor Butman visited the Russian Sailors’ Memorial in Simon’s Town. He performed one of the most well-known musical tributes to the Russian Navy — «Our Proud Varyag» — at the site. The performance took place at a monument commemorating Russian sailors who lost their lives during their voyages to Cape Town in the 19th century. Located near the main naval base of the South African Navy, the memorial is one of the few sites in Africa preserving the memory of the Imperial Russian fleet and its sailors who found their final resting place far from home. The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Cape Town oversees the organisation of commemorative ceremonies at the site both on national holidays and during port calls by Russian naval vessels and facilitates broader efforts to preserve its historical relevance. 🤝 Igor Butman’s visit and performance at the memorial formed part of his cultural programme in Cape Town and reflected the shared commitment to historical remembrance and cultural dialogue between Russia and South Africa. 🎷In the days ahead Igor Butman will take part in concerts and events at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, representing the Russian jazz tradition on one of the continent’s premier musical stages. #RussiaSouthAfrica #IgorButman #CapeTownJazzFestival