Virta & D.O.P.A. – MalmiJazz

Jazz, prog, electropop, and musical explorations into the twilight zone.

Formed by Erik Fräki, Antti Hevosmaa and Heikki Selamo, Virta is known for its experimental gigs and distinctive sound palette, which is difficult to place in any single genre. The band's unique way of combining ambient electronic music with Nordic jazz tradition, post-rock and psychedelia is unparalleled.

Over the past few years, Virta has gone through a metamorphosis, the results of which are reflected in their 2023 album, Horros (Svart Records). Founded in Kuopio in 2011, the trio, who have since moved to Helsinki, has expanded its sound palette with new instruments and Finnish-language vocals. The band continues their musical exploration of the twilight zone even further.

The band's previous releases, Hurmos (Svart Records, 2016) and Tales From the Deep Waters (Tourist Information, 2012) garnered a lot of praise from critics and the public. Rumba named them the “cult band of the future” with its 2019 Jazzfemma award and Savon Sanomat the called them the “trendsetter of a generation”.

Timo Kämäräinen, known as Olavi Uusivirta’s guitarist, among others, has formed a new band, D.O.P.A, which combines jazz, prog and electropop. Timo Kämäräinen is a versatile musician, known especially for his multi-dimensional guitar playing. Kämäräinen has also written a lot of songs and composed instrumental music. Kämäräinen has worked as a freelance musician in a variety of styles, ranging from rock through modern jazz to contemporary music with large orchestras.

MalmiJazz provides a wide range of jazz music genres in a first-class concert hall environment. The ascending, numbered auditorium provides each concert guest with their own comfortable seat and a good view of the stage. The excellent acoustic, sound and lighting equipment of Malmisali guarantee a high-quality concert experience.