Have some jazz for lunch!

Pianist-composer Seppo Kantonen has created a series of 13 pieces for the hornsmen of UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – his long-standing co-musicians. Most of the commissioned compositions will be heard in this Presto Lunch Concert edition. Each piece has been written with given UMO-member’s strengths in mind, and the pieces are based on chord progressions that every jazz musician knows. Indeed, the series should be approached as a springboard for solos rather than a display of compositional ingenuity. Kantonen promises us approachable, straight-ahead jazz; or, as he puts it, “traditional pastiches, no-nonsense soloists’ numbers”.

As a composer, Kantonen is known for his flair for harmony and simple melodies. Mikko Hassinen, who will also conduct the concert, has arranged the series for UMO Helsinki. The pieces have been created in collaboration with Oulu All Star Big Band.

Pianist-composer Seppo Kantonen (b. 1963) is a long-standing Finnish jazz musician with a strikingly versatile career. The keys wizard has played with UMO Helsinki on and off since the mid-1980s, and through his collaborations with such defining names as Eero Koivistoinen, Pekka Pohjola, Mikko Innanen, J. Karjalainen, Ismo Alanko and Remu Aaltonen he has been heavily involved in developing both Finnish jazz and rock music. In addition to his work in the more popular genres, Kantonen is also well-versed in classical music having featured as a soloist for the likes of Chamber Orchestra Avanti!, Oulu Symphony Orchestra and Kymi Sinfonietta. His own groups include Kahden miehen galaksi, Klang and Tokka. He has appeared on roughly 200 recordings and to list all the projects that he has contributed to makes a near-endless CV. Kantonen was only 22 years of age when was decorated with the Finnish Yrjö Jazz Prize.

Please note! The concert will be held in the Savoy Theatre at 12-13. The admission is free but it is recommendable to book a ticket in advance at the Savoy Theatre box office (0 €) or Lippupiste (0,5 € + commission). Pre-tickets admit the audience until 11:50am, after which the remaining seats will be given to customers without a pre-booking. Please arrive early for the doors will be closed once the concert has started.

Lunch is served at the Restaurant Presto before and after the concert, prices from 10.40 €

Production: UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Savoy Theatre & Restaurant Presto

Photo: Maarit Kytöharju