Jazz Finland Live

The duo Maja Mannila & Johannes Granroth will perform on the Finnish Jazz Federation’s pilot tour, giving not only public evening concerts but also performances in schools and care homes. The tour, which focuses on the Swedish-speaking regions of Finland (Svenskfinland), will include visits to Turku, Nauvo, Korpo, Kirkkonummi, and Pietarsaari.

The internationally noted singer-pianist Maja Mannila and guitarist-bassist Johannes Granroth perform their own compositions as well as their favorite songs – ranging from pop to folk music – in their own distinctive style, where one can find shades of R’n’B and jazz. The duo offers an intimate concert experience, highlighted by playful improvisation and soulful expression.

Both musicians are active members of Granroth’s band Peela as well as Mannila’s trio, which has already performed in Japan, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

“Mannila’s deep, honeyed voice is among the very best this country has to offer. Her use of the voice is natural and effortless, with virtuosity that is truly world-class.” 
– Aleksi Näsänen, Turun Sanomat, March 4, 2023

Maja Mannila – vocals, keyboards
Johannes Granroth – guitar, bass

Free entrance!

Open event

The duo Heta Halonen & Riitta Paakki will perform on the Finnish Jazz Federation’s pilot tour, giving concerts not only as public evening performances but also in care homes. The tour, which takes place in the Karelia and Savo regions, will visit Outokumpu, Kitee, Savonlinna, Kuopio, and Joensuu.

The duo of Heta Halonen & Riitta Paakki brings together two strong yet sensitive voices of Finnish jazz into a unique whole. The audience can expect an intimate and atmospheric concert experience where jazz standards, Finnish evergreens, and the duo’s own compositions and lyrics gain new dimensions.

Singer, actress, and songwriter Heta Halonen, crowned Tango Queen of 2022, is known for her versatile interpretative ability and charismatic stage presence. Her voice moves effortlessly between the worlds of jazz, tango, and musicals.

Pianist Riitta Paakki is a highly respected jazz musician, composer, and bandleader who received the Finnish Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award in 2019. Her playing combines sensitivity with swinging rhythm, creating a profound, expressive, and interactive counterpart to Halonen’s singing.

Heta Halonen – vocals
Riitta Paakki – piano

Free entrance!

Open event

When Pikku Papun Orkesteri gets together with the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, you get a biiiig children’s concert for the whole family! This concert was awarded as the Children’s Music Act of the Year at the Jellona Gala 2024 and has already delighted thousands of children around Finland.

Pikku Papu’s immensely popular hits will be heard in familiar but new versions, arranged for a big band. With over 20 members in the orchestra, there’s plenty to see and listen to: melodious and shiny trumpets, trombones and saxophones, with rhythmic piano, bass, guitar and drums. The arrangements are made by Mikko Hassinen, who also conducts the concert.

During the concert, even the little ones can join in the songs and fun. Screams of joy and dancing are allowed – even desirable!

Note! Especially with the smallest concertgoers, we recommend preparing for loud volumes with earmuffs or plugs.

Duration about 40 minutes.

Pikku Papun Orkesteri

Heli Kajo, vocals

Mathias Hermansson, vocals

Juho Puronaho, guitar, mandola

Tarmo Anttila, bass

UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra

Mikko Hassinen, conductor and arrangements

Liisa Kallio, illustrations

The children’s music group Pikku Papun Orkesteri is known for its colourful concerts for the whole family. Pikku Papu’s songs are well known from Pikku Kakkonen on Yle TV2 and from the concert series Musarullaa. The songs are about friendship, joy, anger, nature, getting along with others – the whole spectrum of life! The orchestra’s energetic performances, diverse instruments, the singing in harmony and the playful arrangements in different musical styles have melted the hearts of the younger and older audiences alike. The orchestra has been awarded the “Album of the year”-prize by the preschool music teachers association as well as the Wihuri Foundation Award. Pikku Papun Orkesteri was nominated for Children’s Album of the Year at the Emma Gala and was chosen as the Band of the Year at the Gala for Children’s Music. www.pikkupapunorkesteri.fi

UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – The Greatest Feats since 1975. Get ready to groove as we mark 50 years of achievements and mastery in jazz! UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary season from summer 2025 to spring 2026. Throughout these decades, the orchestra has been at the forefront of Finnish jazz. Over the years, UMO has recorded over 60 albums, received Yrjö and Emma prizes, and even a Grammy nomination. The orchestra has shared the stage with international jazz stars as well as Finnish artists. One thing remains constant: the core of UMO is in new music. Join us for our anniversary season to look back on the past and celebrate our achievements, all while keeping our eyes firmly on the exciting future ahead. Come and celebrate together with the UMO! www.umohelsinki.fi 

Open event