This series of 13 concerts is part of the Finnish Cultural Foundation’s Art Testers project, in which all Finnish eight graders are invited.

Only Art Testers can participate the concert.

UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and jazz singer Elena Mindru serve a full range of fascinating and stimulating jazz and big band music from different eras and different contexts. The Art Testers get to know a wide range of different styles of jazz and big band music, from blues to salsa. But what exactly will be played? Well, what are you digging!?

Before the concerts, the Art Testers tell what they dig by voting for their favourite songs from lists curated by UMO. The songs with the most votes will be included in the concert program. In addition, songs familiar to youngsters have been selected for the program, and have been dressed up in a surprising new big band outfit. How do Ed Sheeran or Beyonce fare when dealing with a big band? The master of ceremonies for the entire show is actor Juha-Pekka Mikkola, and the concert is conducted by UMO’s artistic director Ed Partyka.

Concerts at Savoy Theatre:
Mon 6.3. at 2 pm
Tue 7.3. at 11 am & 2 pm
Wed 8.3. at 11 am & 2 pm
Thu 9.3. at 11 am & 2 pm
Fri 10.3. at 11 am & 2 pm
Mon 13.3. at 11 am & 2 pm
Tue 14.3. at 11 am & 2 pm

Elena Mindru (b. 1988) is one of the best Finnish jazz singers. Known for her charismatic performances and improvisations, Mindru regularly performs as a soloist with large orchestras in both her home countries, Finland and Romania, among other countries. She has published four jazz albums under her own name, the latest Hybrid in 2022. Mindru has also gained recognition as a composer and has written several works for big band, symphony orchestra and smaller ensembles. www.elenamindru.com

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Elena Mindru’s photo: Andrei Budescu