Panel discussion: Jazz in Finland Now and in the Future | Juho Valjakka Trio | Selma Savolainen Horror Vacui – Jazz-Espa

Jazz-Espa 2024 opens with a panel discussion on the future of Finnish jazz and music by Juho Valjakka Trio and Selma Savolainen's Horror Vacui.

Programme

at 2:45 pm
Panel discussion: Jazz in Finland Now and in the Future
During the 25th anniversary year of Jazz-Espa, the Finnish Jazz Federation takes a head start towards Jazz Finland 100 anniversary.

The year 1926 is symbolically considered the year when jazz landed in Finland, and in 2026, Jazz Finland 100 anniversary celebration will be held! Since this celebratory year is getting closer, it is a great time to discuss about the current state of Finnish jazz. How has the field developed, especially in recent decades, and what does it look forward to in the future?

The opening speech of Jazz-Espa will be given by Paavo Arhinmäki, Helsinki's Deputy Mayor for Culture and Leisure.

Panelists:
Kaisa Rönkkö (Director, Taike)
Nasima Razmyar (Member of Parliament)
Jussi Fredriksson (Executive Director, Jazz City Turku; Musician)
Sami Linna (Lecturer, Deputy Director of Jazz Studies Program, Sibelius Academy)
Olli Ahvenlahti (Musician)
Pekka Laine (Journalist, Documentary Filmmaker, YLE)

Discussion Moderator: Katri Kallionpää (Helsingin Sanomat)

Free entry. The discussion will be held in Finnish.

at 4 pm
Juho Valjakka Trio
Pianist Juho Valjakka formed his first piano trio in 2010, and since then, he has focused on the trio format in his artistic work. The current lineup, established in 2018 with bassist Oskari Siirtola and drummer Anssi Tirkkonen, represents Valjakka's current vision of the piano trio, drawing from its history while reaching towards the future. The band released their debut album, "Liminal Spaces" (Artie Music), in May 2022, which was later nominated for an Emma Award in the Jazz category.

Juho Valjakka – piano
Oskari Siirtola – bass
Anssi Tirkkonen – drums

at 5.30 pm
Selma Savolainen Horror Vacui
Winner of the 2023 Jazz Emma Award, Selma Savolainen brings her band Horror Vacui to Jazz-Espa.

Known for her adventurous approach to music and impressive vocal abilities, Savolainen has been praised in Helsingin Sanomat for elevating Finnish vocal jazz to new heights. Her English-language compositions blend elements of modern jazz with alternative singer-songwriter styles.

The British label Whirlwind Recordings released the debut album "Horror Vacui" in May 2023. Savolainen composed and arranged the music specifically for the sextet of musicians. In reference to the name of the album, the songs explore the fear of emptiness, letting go, and unexpected discoveries.

Selma Savolainen – vocals
Tomi Nikku – trumpet
Max Zenger – clarinets
Toomas Keski-Säntti – piano
Eero Tikkanen – bass
Okko Saastamoinen – drums