UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra will continue its 50th anniversary year in the spring season 2026. For half a century, UMO has been synonymous with achievements and mastery of jazz. Almost the entire spring season program, with the exception of a few concerts to be published later, is now on sale. See the program and buy the tickets here.
The well-received club series continues at the Music Centre
One of the new openings of UMO’s festive season has been a club series at the Black Box of the Helsinki Music Centre. The series, which was well received in the autumn season, will be continued for three evenings in the spring season. The series comprising six club nights wraps up the history of the orchestra in the words “UMO before, now and in the future”, brings a touch of international jazz club culture to Helsinki. The pulsating jazz club offers surprising and intimate nights, during which UMO, together with guest artists, introduces different aspects of itself, from the traditional to the experimental. Each club night also includes a discussion, inviting interesting and sometimes even surprising guests to speak. The discussions and club nights are hosted by journalist, presenter, and influencer Laura Haimila.
The connection between UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and American jazz is long and passionate, and the contacts with America have been an important part of UMO’s history. The Americas are also the focus of this concert. On January 17th the stage is full of the pulse of the Big Apple and the fascinating rhythms of Latin America. Jazz singer Aili Ikonen takes us along to the landscapes of North America, and we will tune into the rhythms of South America and especially Argentine tango, with accordion artist Henna-Maija Kuki. The conductor Ville Vannemaa opens the gates to the New World for the orchestra and the guests. More information
On March 21st, please prepare yourself for a club night of surprising and inspiring sounds, challenging the customary and traditional big band sound! The musicians of UMO are known for their wide range, and in this concert, they stretch and reexamine the boundaries of big band music under the baton of conductor Mikko Hassinen. The guest artists are the barytone saxophonist Pepa Päivinen, retired from UMO and known as an avant-garde trailblazer of free jazz, as well as the unique voice talent, jazz singer, and cellist Anni Elif. More information
During the sixth and final club night of UMO’s 50th anniversary season, Visions on April 18th, Black Box is taken over by groove, swing, and the endless adaptability of jazz. Under the visionary leadership of the conductor Teemu Takanen, the orchestra creates a pulsating beat, blurring the boundaries between the traditional roles of the sections. Together with UMO, the talented guitarist Johannes Granroth takes the stage, bringing with him a promise of the future of jazz. The concert programme features the premiere of a new work in several movements for big band, created in cooperation by the young composers Bianca Rantala and Artturi Rönkä. More information
Amazing guests and lots of good jazz all around Finland – visits to Mariehamn, Vaasa, Kokkola, Turku and Tampere
The acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Aaron Parks joins the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra as guest soloist in February. A critically acclaimed visionary and one of the most influential and respected jazz pianists of his generation, he is known for his unique sound, which seamlessly combines elements of traditional and modern jazz, indie rock, electronic music and even hip hop. Concerts on Wed 11.2. at G Livelab Tampere and Thu 12.2. at the Savoy Theatre in Helsinki. Conductor Mikko Hassinen. More information
The soulful jazz superstar, sensational singer and songwriter Jazzmeia Horn tops the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra’s 50th anniversary season in May. Jazzmeia Horn is a soulful virtuoso voice and storyteller, and her style also features nuances of soul and gospel. Horn has been nominated for a Grammy Award three times, and she has received prizes in among others the Thelonius Monk Institute International Jazz Competition and the Sarah Vaughan Jazz International Jazz Vocal Competition. Jazzmeia Horn has recorded three solo albums as well as the Grammy-nominated album Dear Love together with her big band Noble Force, consisting of 15 musicians. She has also collaborated with the German WDR Big Band. This concert features repertoire from both of these projects. Jukka Eskola has previously played in UMO’s trumpet section as well as a guest soloist, and he now makes his debut as conductor of UMO. The concerts will be held on Wed 6 May at the Turku City Theatre and Thu 7 May at the Savoy Theatre in Helsinki. More information
UMO’s longest running Easter tradition Silent Music, which began in 1999, will once again take on new and fascinating tones when Norwegian jazz, rock and world music icon, saxophonist, singer and composer Bendik Hofseth arrives as a soloist. Hofseth rose to international attention at the age of 25 when he replaced saxophone legend Michael Brecker in the renowned American fusion jazz band Steps Ahead. Since then, Hofseth has left his mark on numerous projects and dozens of recordings, worked as a record producer, founded a chamber music festival and received a respectable number of various industry awards. Matinee concert on Maundy Thursday 2.4. at the Music Centre and evening concert on Good Friday at Mikael Agricola Church, both in Helsinki. Conductor Ville Vannemaa. More information
UMO is taking jazz to the Finnish-Swedish regions of the country with the support of The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland. In March, UMO will perform in Mariehamn, Vaasa and Kokkola after several years. The concert series features guest soloists Pepa Päivinen, a baritone saxophonist who has retired from UMO and is known as an avant-garde pioneer of free jazz, and the unique sound artist, jazz singer and cellist Anni Elif. The concerts will be held on Thu 19 March at Alandica in Mariehamn, Wed 25 March at Vaasa City Theatre and Thu 26 March at Snellman Music Centre in Kokkola. Conductor is Mikko Hassinen. More information
In April, UMO joins forces with the rap artist Stepa. Hits from different stages of Stepa’s career have been arranged for UMO’s orchestra, consisting of 18 members. The performance will feature an intriguing mix of jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop, seamlessly integrated into the rich sound of the large orchestra. The concert is at Korjaamo Culture Factory in Helsinki on Thu 9 April and is conducted by Ville Vannemaa. More information
In recent years, UMO has done a lot of super popular children’s concerts. In May they take out the Taikapeitto [Magic Carpet] album together with Satu Sopanen. On this journey, children will get to know different instruments and rhythms. The music gives plenty of room for play, senses and imagination. A concert for the whole family at the Helsinki Culture House during the Children’s Culture Festival on Mon 18 May. Conductor Mikko Hassinen. More information
Yle’s UMO archive has now been published
In honor of UMO’s anniversary, The Finnish Public Service Media Company Yle has compiled dozens of UMO concerts and recordings from over the decades. Check out the UMO section of Yle’s Living archive in Yle Areena.
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UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – The Greatest Feats since 1975. Get ready to groove as we mark 50 years of achievements and mastery in jazz! UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary season from summer 2025 to spring 2026. Throughout these decades, the orchestra has been at the forefront of Finnish jazz. Over the years, UMO has recorded over 60 albums, received Yrjö and Emma prizes, and even a Grammy nomination. The orchestra has shared the stage with international jazz stars as well as Finnish artists. One thing remains constant: the core of UMO is in new music. Join us for our anniversary season to look back on the past and celebrate our achievements, all while keeping our eyes firmly on the exciting future ahead. Come and celebrate together with the UMO!