Spring season 2019 sees a continuation in the free lunch concerts organised in collaboration with Savoy Theatre and Restaurant Presto.

In the first lunch concert of the year, some potent young blood will be introduced to UMO as some of the foremost new-generation jazzers feature the big band. The rhythm section will receive a thorough facelift with Toomas Keski-Säntti taking over the piano, Anssi Tirkkonen snatching the drumsticks and Eero Seppä jumping on the bassist’s seat. The fourth UMO debutant of the concert will be vocalist Kadi Vija, who established herself among Finland’s most brilliant jazz voice talents already some years ago. UMO and the young soloists will be conducted by Kirmo Lintinen.

Please note! Since UMO’s previous lunch concerts have sold out 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.

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Pianist and keyboardist Toomas Keski-Säntti (b. 1995) is currently studying under the tutelage of such names as Kari Ikonen and Jukkis Uotila at Department of Jazz Music in Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy. He belongs, among others, to a notable up-and-coming Finnish jazz group OK:KO.

In his bass-playing, Eero Seppä (b. 1990) focusses on the defining characteristics of his instrument: clear lines, sure-handedness and reliability. No wonder he has been the go-to bassist for many Finnish jazz groups, including AR Quartet, Sami Saari ja Jazzpojat and Manuel Dunkel Quartet. He began his jazz studies in Tampere and graduated as with his MA from the Department of Jazz Music, Sibelius Academy, in spring 2016.

Drummer Anssi Tirkkonen (on the photo) (b. 1988) represents the young, already-established generation of Finnish jazz. A winner of band contests Euroradio Jazz Competition and the Young Nordic Jazz Comets, he has performed with the likes of UMO Jazz Orchestra, Timo Lassy Band, Jukkis Uotila, Gustavo Bergall, Terrell Stafford and Will Vinson. Tirkkonen plays in several outfits regularly and also composes music for his own new group.

Kadi Vija (b. 1985) is a gifted young vocalist in the spheres of jazz and improvised music. Her unique approach to singing and expressing with her voice bases on instrumental jazz, unrestrained association and abstract art. She weaves stories by means of melodies, ideas and tones of voice.

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

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