In 2026, it will be 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the ship Andania. The Jazz Finland 100 anniversary year celebrates the century-long story of Finnish jazz — music that has constantly evolved, drawn influences from around the world, and become part of Finland’s cultural heritage.
Gilda is taking part in the anniversary celebrations with a series consisting of jazz-themed films and domestic Pitchblack Playback listening sessions.
GILDA RECOMMENDS:
You can attend all eight film screenings and listening sessions in the jazz series with Gilda’s eight-ticket package for €88. Individual ticket prices: regular ticket €16, Bio Rex Lasipalatsi €10.
JUNE 9: RICKY-TICK BIG BAND & JULKINEN SANA – LIIKKUU
Immerse yourself in one of the year’s most important Finnish albums in a Pitchblack Playback listening session held in complete darkness, launching Gilda’s Jazz Finland 100 series. The session will be introduced by the band members Fanni, Paleface, Tommy, and Valtteri. Experience this monumental work through our powerful sound system, uncompressed and at high volume. No distractions — just you and the music.
JUNE 10: WHIPLASH
In this intense music drama, a talented young jazz drummer, under the guidance of his ruthless teacher, begins pursuing perfection at any cost — even at the expense of his humanity. Known for its soundtrack and diegetic music, Whiplash won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing.
JULY 16: ’ROUND MIDNIGHT
Accompanied by the Oscar-winning music of Herbie Hancock, ’Round Midnight follows a gifted musician who flees the United States to escape his troubles and finds refuge and support in Paris.
IN AUGUST: PITCHBLACK PLAYBACK – UMO HELSINKI JAZZ ORCHESTRA
More detailed event information will be announced soon.
SEPTEMBER 13: BIRD
In Bird, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Forest Whitaker, saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker arrives in New York in 1940 and quickly attracts attention with his exceptional playing style. The film won the Best Actor award at Cannes and the Academy Award for Best Sound.
OCTOBER 18: ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS
A confident businessman murders his employer, who is also his mistress’s husband, setting off a chain of unfortunate events. The soundtrack composed by Miles Davis has been described as groundbreaking. Jazz critic Phil Johnson characterized it as:
“The loneliest trumpet sound you will ever hear, and the model for sad-core music ever since. Hear it and weep.”
IN NOVEMBER: PITCHBLACK PLAYBACK – UMO HELSINKI JAZZ ORCHESTRA
More detailed event information will be announced soon.
DECEMBER 20: SOUL (FINNISH DUB)
Have you ever wondered where your passions, dreams, and interests come from? What makes you… YOU? Disney/Pixar takes you on a journey from the streets of New York City to cosmic realms in search of answers to life’s biggest questions. Soul won the 2021 Academy Awards for both Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. In addition to the Oscars, composers Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross also received awards including Grammys, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs for their work on the film.
Photo: Petri Anttila