Led by trumpeter Tero Saarti, the UMO Helsinki Ensemble will take us on an unforgettable musical journey to the Italy of classic cinema and big emotions. This concert will limelight two beloved Italian film composers, Ennio Morricone (1928–2020) and Nino Rota (1911–1979). Their iconic pieces have been arranged for a jazz ensemble by Saarti, in whose hands they have gained a subtle jazzy twist. The programme features, among others, Rota’s music for Federico Fellini’s Casanova and La Dolce Vita, while songs remembered from movies Once Upon a Time in America and A Fistful of Dollars will be heard from Morricone’s repertory. The concert is a tribute to Ennio Morricone, who died in July 2020 in an accident.

The second set takes us from sizzling, cinematic Italy back to north. To honour of its sweet home city, UMO Helsinki Ensemble will perform pieces inspired by Helsinki. The concert comprises new instrumental arrangements by Tero Saarti. We will hear music from popular Finnish household names, such as Tuomari Nurmio, Hector and J. Karjalainen, and some up-and-coming faces, including Tiisu and Aili Järvelä.

UMO Helsinki Ensemble is a one-off, ensemble-sized line-up formed by musicians known both from UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and numerous other jazz bands and projects.

Tero Saarti, trumpet, arrangements, conducting
Ville Vannemaa, saxophones
Seppo Kantonen, piano
Ville Herrala, bass
Markus Ketola, drums

Photo: Maarit Kytöharju