Jazz Finland Live

Juho Valjakka solo

In his solo concert, Juho Valjakka plays his own compositions as well as spontaneously instantaneous frame improvisations, the delicate moods and intense episodes of which are built into visual ensembles. In addition to his strong jazz influences, Valjakka has searched for shades and textures in classical piano literature and created new, original music based on these. Recognized for his sensitive touch and strong pianism, Valjakka has always been fascinated by utilizing the nuances and sonant qualities of acoustic piano, and these expressive possibilities come into their own right in a solo concert.

Due to an illness, today we only hear Juho’s solo, the trio’s performance will be postponed to next year!

Juho Valjakka trio

Pianist Juho Valjakka formed his first piano trio in 2010, and has since then focused on his trio format in his own artistic work. He has always been inspired by the sensitivity and versatility of the composition as well as the search for new shades within the traditional instrumentation. The current ensemble, which has been operating since 2018 together with bassist Oskari Siirtola and drummer Anssi Tirkkonen, represents Valjakka’s current view of the piano trio, drawing on its history and at the same time reaching out into the future.

The band’s music has a strong presence of diverse jazz elements, on the basis of which the trio forms its own personal and multiple toned musical world. In his compositions, Valjakka combines rich jazz harmony with the means of modern classical music, which the band shapes into a fresh melody scene for playful and reactive ensemble playing. Different rhythmic textures and layers also play an important role, through which the band abstracts music, creating tensions and searching for something new.

Despite his young age, Juho Valjakka Trio has been able to hear these experienced musicians in several different bands and orchestras, e.g. UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Sointi Jazz Orchestra, Max Zenger Globus.

Photo: Anssi Tirkkonen

The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.

Seats are reserved for those who have purchased an advance ticket.

Visiting Villa Hakasalmi safely

Award-winning bassist-composer Linda May Han Oh (b. 1984) features UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in October. Born in Malaysia, raised in Australia and now living and working in New York City, she has established herself as one of the most in-demand bassists of the jazz scene over the past decade. Her list of recording and performing credits is a literal “Who’s Who” of 21st century jazz royalty. She has shared stages with the likes of Joe Lovano and Vijay Ayer and is a member of the Pat Metheny’s Quartet. Parallel to her career as bassist, Oh has also established herself as a critically acclaimed composer and band leader.

Linda May Han Oh’s original compositions will be on the focus of the program for her first meeting with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. Modern, classical and swinging jazz that is both challenging and light, and the same time breaking boundaries.

Several of the jazz orchestra arrangements were written by Oh herself, and the remainder of the program will be made up of arrangements written by young Finnish writers, such as Sampo Kasurinen, Oskari Siirtola andRasmus Soini, who will also conduct the concert. Duration 75 minutes, no intermission. Tiketti.fi from 27,50 €, at the door 32 €. Cloakroom 3 €.

https://lindamayhanoh.com

“Her innovative range and stellar improvisations have made [her] one of the most dynamic rising stars in jazz today.” – The Wall Street Journal

“A major bass voice arrives.” – JazzTimes

Linda May Han Oh’s visit is part of the international Jazz Finland Residency in Helsinki launched by the Finnish Jazz Federation, Sibelius Academy Jazz Music Department at Uniarts Helsinki, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and the Finnish Musicians’ Union. The Residence, coordinated and managed by the Jazz Federation, annually invites two international artist guests to Finland for a period of 1–2 months. The residency program includes holding master classes at Sibelius Academy and performing together with UMO. The residence’s partners are also Music Finland, Finnish Jazz Musicians association and the HIAP Helsinki International Artist Program. www.jazzfinlandresidency.fi

Open event