The US's most renowned jazz institutional centre invited Saratsky on a 3-month residency fellowship. Start — 1 October 2026.
Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) — the US's most renowned jazz institutional centre, founded by Wynton Marsalis in 1991 — announced on 12 February 2026 awarding Oleksandr Saratsky a 3-month 'Visiting Fellow' residency fellowship. The residency runs from 1 October to 31 December 2026 in New York. This is the first Ukrainian performer's inclusion in the JALC 'Visiting Fellow' programme (previously fellowships were only for performers from USA, Europe, Latin America). The residency programme includes: 1) 8 public concerts at Frederick P. Rose Hall (4 solo, 2 with JALC Orchestra, 2 in jam sessions with renowned New Yorkers); 2) 12 master-class sessions for Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music students; 3) 4 public interview-conversations with jazz historians (Stanley Crouch, others); 4) writing an original 25-minute composition 'New York: A Visitor's Reflection' for jazz big band, which will be performed by JALC Orchestra at the closing concert. Saratsky commented on the fellowship: 'This is not just recognition — it's a chance to integrate Ukrainian jazz mainstream into the global context directly from its source (New York), not through intermediaries. I plan to use these three months for a deep dialogue with the American tradition — not «copy» it, but begin my own signature message.' The fellowship includes a monetary sum of $25 thousand + full coverage of NYC living expenses. Saratsky will redirect 30% of the money to the Ukrainian Jazz Foundation (newly created organization to support young performers).
