Kasperi Sarikoski (b. 1988) has been selected as the new lead trombonist for UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.
Sarikoski first performed with UMO in 2004 – when only 16 years of age. Since then he has regularly worked with the big band.
Sarikoski will assume his new duties at the beginning of August. In January 2020, he will be limelighted in the opening concert of the spring season, which sees the premiere of a new piece from Kari Heinilä. The piece has been specifically composed for UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and the trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski.
Sarikoski first began studying music at the Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory in 1997. After being trained at the Junior Academy of the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, he continued his studies at the Academy’s Jazz Department, graduating with his Master’s Degree in 2013. The degree included an exchange year at the Jazz Department of the Conservatoire de Paris. The past two years Sarikoski has spent pursuing postgraduate studies at the celebrated Juilliard School in New York. His removal to New York has allowed him to gain some foothold in the vibrant local jazz scene and for example perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
In the domestic jazz field Sarikoski has collaborated with such names as Teppo Mäkynen, Jukka Perko and Henrik Otto Donner. He also leads his own group Kasperi Sarikoski & Nuance and works as a composer.
– I’m grateful and excited to be joining such an eminent and respected orchestra. I look forward to being part of a new chapter under the leadership of the newly appointed music director and conductor Ed Partyka, Sarikoski says.
– UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra was able to fill the position of lead trombone with an outstanding musician, chosen from an impressive field of extremely talented international candidates. The eight member search committee was unanimous in its decision, choosing the Finnish trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski after an intensive audition and interview process. I very much look forward to working with Mr. Sarikoski in the upcoming concert seasons, comments Ed Partyka, the new Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the orchestra.
– Kasperi is a rapidly blossoming flower, and an incredible ‘find’. He has a perfect lead trombone sound, and I can’t wait to hear him in the fantastic UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, says British trombonist and composer Carol Jarvis, who acted as an international specialist of the jury.
Kasperi’s photo by Teemu Mattsson, UMO’s lead trumpetist.