Vocal chameleon and composer Theo Bleckmann has successfully balanced styles from classical to jazz, inventing his own distinct voice along the way. Bleckmann will be the soloist in concerts with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in November both in Oulu and Helsinki. Ed Partyka, UMO’s chief conductor and artistic director, is conducting the special ensemble of more than 50 members.

The concerts feature jazz standards and beloved pop and musical classics with strings from Frank Sinatra to Glenn Miller and Cole Porter and from Kate Bush to the Bee Gees. Most of the repertoire is arranged by the Japanese composer and pianist Fumio Yasuda. Also, one of the most celebrated composers and arrangers of the moment, Miho Hazama, is writing re-orchestrations for these special concerts.

Ed Partyka conductor

Theo Bleckmann vocals

Oulu Symphony Orchestra 

UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra

Arrangers: Fumio Yasuda, Miho Hazama, Artturi Rönkä, Ed Partyka 

Duration 2 hours with intermission.

Photo: Lynne Harty

Oulu Symphony Orchestra is Finland’s northernmost symphony orchestra, originally founded in 1937 and municipalized in 1961. The orchestra has 61 professional musicians. The repertoire of the Oulu Symphony Orchestra is based on classical subscription concerts and completed with diverse contents such as opera, cinematic concerts, world music and jazz concerts as well as concerts for families and children. The orchestra also steps out of its home base in various formations taking its music to various locations around the town. The orchestra’s Chief Conductor since January 2022 has been Rumon Gamba. www.oulusinfonia.fi