In 2026, it will be 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the ship Andania. The Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year celebrates a century-long story of Finnish jazz — music that has continuously renewed itself, absorbed influences from around the world, and become an integral part of Finland’s cultural heritage. The gala concert at Tapiola Hall marks the culmination of April Jazz’s anniversary festival and is one of the key events of the Finnish jazz centenary celebrations.

The Jazz in Finland 100 Now! gala concert features a festive ensemble assembled by saxophonist and composer Mikko Innanen. The programme offers a rich, contemporary perspective on Finnish jazz, past and present. Innanen is known as a bold innovator and a rigorous artistic thinker whose work constantly balances tradition and experimentation. In this concert, he appears both as a soloist and as conductor, leading the ensemble in a musical exploration of jazz history through the lens of today.

The ensemble brings together leading figures of Finnish jazz. Pianist and composer Anni Kiviniemi is known for her sensitive expression and strong rhythmic sense, rooted in modern jazz. Teemu Viinikainen is one of Finland’s most highly regarded jazz guitarists, recognised for his distinctive sound and extensive international collaborations. Bassist and composer Eero Tikkanen is a versatile presence on the Finnish jazz scene, having performed with numerous top ensembles. Drummer Mika Kallio is a central figure in Finnish rhythm music, whose playing bridges jazz, improvised music and a broad, groove-oriented approach.

The gala programme consists of compositions by Finnish jazz musicians, reflecting the stylistic richness of different eras, from tradition to modern expression. The concert also features distinguished guest soloists: vocalist Aili Ikonen, recipient of the Finnish Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award in 2025 and one of the most celebrated voices in Finnish jazz; saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen, a living legend of Finnish jazz; and virtuoso trumpeter Kalevi Louhivuori, renowned for his command of both traditional jazz language and more experimental electronic soundscapes.

The Jazz in Finland 100 Now! gala concert is a tribute to a century of Finnish jazz — and a look towards the future. It celebrates jazz as a living, diverse and constantly evolving art form, deeply rooted in history yet firmly present in the here and now.

Mikko Innanen Jubilee Ensemble

Mikko Innanen, saxophones

Anni Kiviniemi, piano

Teemu Viinikainen, guitar

Eero Tikkanen, bass

Mika Kallio, drums

Guest soloists

Aili Ikonen, vocals

Eero Koivistoinen, saxophone

Kalevi Louhivuori, trumpet

April Jazz: Jazz in Finland 100 Now! - Gala Concert

The event “April Jazz: Jazz in Finland 100 Now! - Gala Concert” has ended