Jazz Finland Live

Tickets 10/20 €

In December, Hietsu celebrates the great figure of Finnish pianism, Seppo Kantonen. The evening promises an exceptionally broad selection of Kantonen's compositions for different ensembles, ranging from a traditional jazz trio to a string quartet. During the night, Kantonen performs solo, in a duo with Mikko Innanen, with the new Seppo Kantonen trio, and together with the top Polish string quartet NeoQuartet. NeoQuartet also interprets a rarely heard modern classic: Witold Lutosławski's (1913-1994) string quartet.

The Seppo Kantonen trio marks pianist Seppo Kantonen's return to the traditional piano-bass-drums trio lineup. "The trio began rehearsals of my new composition material in early 2023. The band's expressive language is free but based on compositions. In my opinion, I have only recently found the combination of harmonies and conflicts that I like. The atmosphere of my compositions is supported by Markku Ounaskari's beautiful drumming style and Antti Lötjönen's rhythmically strong bass playing; they are also sensitive and quick to react to new situations," says Kantonen.

Seppo Kantonen Trio

Seppo Kantonen: piano
Antti Lötjönen: double bass
Markku Ounaskari: drums

NeoQuartet is a Polish string quartet that focuses on performing contemporary classical music. NeoQuartet is one of the most active ensembles specializing in new music in Europe. They have performed numerous concerts at renowned festivals and concert halls in Europe, China, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The ensemble has recorded 12 CDs for Polish, German, Greek, and American record labels. Excellent energy, full commitment, freedom of expression, and creating new paths of development – these are NeoQuartet's essential qualities.

NeoQuartet

Karolina Piątkowska-Nowicka: 1st violin
Paweł Kapica: 2nd violin
Michał Markiewicz: viola
Krzysztof Pawłowski: cello

In collaboration with Helsinki Jazz

Open event