Jazz Finland Live

Turku Philharmonic Orchestra and Turku Jazz Orchestra present a joint May Day concert, offering the audience the most delightful pieces from the vast production of composer Henry Mancini. In honor of Mancini's 100th birthday, the most famous, enjoyable, and touching melodies will be heard in fresh versions interpreted by the city's brilliant big band and symphony orchestra.

Henry Mancini (1924–1994) is considered one of the most significant composers in film history. His accolades include four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy Awards. Mancini's film music is characterized by strong melodies, universally recognized "earworms" such as Pink Panther and Baby Elephant Walk, timeless atmosphere, and imaginative use of various instruments in orchestrations. Additionally, Mancini was a pioneering composer, blending jazz influences with classical late-romantic orchestral music among the first.

The May Day concert will feature music primarily from the films Hatari! (1962) and The Pink Panther (1963). The fresh orchestrations for Turku Jazz Orchestra and Turku Philharmonic Orchestra are the work of conductor Ville Vannemaa. Vannemaa also serves as the artistic director of Turku Jazz Orchestra and has been selected as the Artist of the Year at the Turku Jazz Festival 2024.

The length of the concert is about 70 minutes, no intermission.

Ville Vannemaa, conductor
Taneli Pyysalo, host
Turku Jazz Orchestra
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra