A CELEBRATION OF FINNISH JAZZ

Director and soloist: Jukka Perko, saxophone
Soloist: Eero Koivistoinen, saxophone

Heikki Sarmanto: Suomi – A Symphonic Poem
Eero Koivistoinen: Picture in Three Colours
John Coltrane: Equinox (arr. Eero Koivistoinen)
Traditional: Kaipaus (arr. Eero Koivistoinen)
Eero Koivistoinen: The Front is Breaking
Orchestrations by Ville Vannemaa & Eero Koivistoinen

The Finnish Jazz Federation celebrates 100 years of jazz in Finland this year, while Eero Koivistoinen marks his 80th birthday. The first half of the concert is devoted to Heikki Sarmanto’s symphonic poem Suomi (Finland). The Kymenlaakso region has a strong jazz tradition, and the trio accompanying the orchestra in this concert is made up of local young jazz musicians. Audiences will also hear a work by Koivistoinen’s idol, John Coltrane, arranged by Koivistoinen for big band. This year also marks 100 years since Coltrane’s birth, making this truly a celebration on many levels. Welcome to celebrate through the power of jazz!