The autumn jaZZanti concert series presents 14 concerts featuring inspiring, high-quality jazz and improvised music
In 2026, it will be 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the ship Andania on June 4, 1926. Helsinki Jazz’s autumn programme reflects the Jazz Finland 100 anniversary year by presenting a diverse cross-section of top-level Finnish jazz.
This year also marks 30 years since Charles Gil founded the Vapaat Äänet agency; the autumn season includes two concerts featuring French artists.
The highlight of the season is a jubilee concert by two legends of Finnish jazz at the Savoy Theatre on 29 October 2026. Performers include Reiska Laine’s sextet and the Sibelius Academy Big Band led by Bianca Rantala, featuring Eero Koivistoinen as soloist.
jaZZanti concerts are held at the cozy Villa Hakasalmi, Mannerheimintie 13B.
03.08.26 Kalle Kalima – Antti Lötjönen duo
Kalle Kalima: guitar; Antti Lötjönen: double bass.
10.08.26 Roberto Negro (FR) – Pärt & Songs
Roberto Negro: piano. Featuring Arvo Pärt’s early compositions from 1950. In collaboration with Vapaat Äänet.
17.08.26 Sanni Orasmaa solo
Sanni Orasmaa: vocals and piano.
31.08.26 Selma Savolainen – Toomas Keski-Säntti duo
Selma Savolainen: vocals; Toomas Keski-Säntti: piano.
29.10.26 Eero Koivistoinen & Reiska Laine 80th Anniversary Concert
Two Finnish jazz legends in a jubilee concert at the Savoy Theatre. First half features Reiska Laine’s sextet — Reiska Laine: drums; Eero Koivistoinen: saxophones; Jari Perkiömäki: saxophones; Mikko “Gunu” Karjalainen: trumpet; Olli Ahvenlahti: piano; Filemon von Numers: double bass. In the second half, the Sibelius Academy Big Band, directed by Bianca Rantala and joined by Eero Koivistoinen, performs Koivistoinen’s compositions from different decades as well as his arrangement of John Coltrane’s classic Equinox. In collaboration with the Savoy Theatre. Tickets 20–45 € via the Savoy Theatre website.
02.11.26 Kadi Vija solo
Kadi Vija: vocals and keyboards. A solo performance of the Jazz Emma Award-winning recording Tiny Hands Gathering Wonder, The World Becomes Magic.
16.11.26 Harri Sjöström’s Mothers Delight – Special Guest: Veli Kujala
Harri Sjöström: soprano & sopranino saxophones, Libero Mureddu: keyboards & electronics, Jukka Kääriäinen: guitar & electronics, Heikki Nikula: bass clarinet and Veli Kujala: quarter-tone accordion
18.11.26 Pauli Lyytinen – Markku Ounaskari duo
Pauli Lyytinen: saxophones; Markku Ounaskari: drums and percussion.
23.11.26 Lotus Flowers (FR-DE)
Sakina Abdou (FR): tenor saxophone; Angelika Niescier (DE): alto saxophone; Bruno Angelini (FR): piano and compositions. In collaboration with Vapaat Äänet.
30.11.26 Juhani Aaltonen – Heikki Sarmanto duo & Juhani Aaltonen – Raoul Björkenheim duo
Juhani Aaltonen: flute; Heikki Sarmanto: piano; Raoul Björkenheim: guitar.
02.12.26 Jusu Berghäll: SOLO Coltrane album release concert
Joakim (Jusu) Berghäll: saxophones. New interpretations of compositions by Alice and John Coltrane.
07.12.12 Mikko Antila – Ilmari Rönkä duo: Magic Meadow album release concert
Ilmari Rönkä: saxophones and flute; Mikko Antila: vibraphone.
08.12.26 Children’s concert
Mikko Antila: vibraphone and percussion; Josh Levine: double bass, vocals and percussion; Sami Kontola: drums and percussion. Oodi Central Library, Maija Hall. Free admission.
14.12.12 Ljungkvist (SE) – Backström – Leppänen trio
Fredrik Ljungkvist (SE): clarinets; Jonathan Backström: double bass; Joonas Leppänen: drums.
Programme subject to change. More info on our home page: helsinkijazz.fi
Photo: Selma Savolainen by Sakari Puhakka