Pierre-Francois Blanchard trio (FR) + Veli Kujala

Vapaat äänet agency, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this autumn, will bring to Sello Hall the fresh ALIBI trio of French pianist Pierre-François Blanchard. The first performer of the evening will be accordionist Veli Kujala with his exploration of the world of French chanson in his unique style.

Pierre-François Blanchard, who shone in the Poetic Ways group in April Jazz 2025, has built himself a reputation in France as a sensitive and soulful pianist. He became known in 2015 not only for his duo with singer Marion Rampal but also as accompanist to well-established singer and songwriter Pierre Barouhn. The sax legend Archie Shepp was also charmed by Blanchard’s blues and invited him to play with his quartet in 2017. Blanchard published his debut album, #puzzled, as a duo with clarinettist Thomas Savy. It received the best jazz album award in France in 2024, and the duo has since been busy touring in Europe and Japan.

ALIBI, the pianist’s recently established trio, continues the success story of the #puzzled duo with the addition of young cellist Adèle Viret. Viret, whose career is going from strength to strength, received the Victoire du Jazz award as the new entrant in 2025. Thomas Savy, an experienced musician, is the veteran in the band. These brilliant instrumentalists and creative artists representing three generations will perform music composed by Blanchard. The partners in crime in the enchanting ALIBI band will take us on a poetic journey to the heart of music.

“Veli Kujala is an exceptional musician, whatever way you measure it. When I first met young Veli, I knew straight away that he was an excellent accordionist, a first-class talent,” says composer Osmo Tapio Räihälä. Kujala, who completed his doctorate in music in 2010, has received a number of prizes in international competitions both as an accordionist and composer. His versatile compositions range from electro acoustic works to orchestral pieces, and he has performed with numerous orchestras. In May 2022, a performance in Hamlet by Brett Dean, an Australian composer, at New York Metropolitan Opera was added to his already impressive CV. However, this wizard of the accordion who has played with the Gourmet sextet since 1997 has also always remained open to jazz, improvisation and popular music. Veli Kujala, who played the opening tunes at Juliette Gréco's concert in Huvilateltta in 2008, and his accordion will now treat the audience to masterly interpretations of chanson repertoire evergreens with a jazzy twist in Sello Hall.

Tour production: Vapaat äänet & Rivières souterraines 

With support from: AJC, Adami, CNM, Spedidam

Partner: French Institute in Finland

Duration 2 h, incl. intermission