The acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Aaron Parks joins the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra as guest soloist in February! The concerts in Tampere and Helsinki are part of UMO’s 50th anniversary season.
Aaron Parks has received high praise from critics, and as a visionary and one of the most influential and respected jazz pianists of his generation, he is known for his unique sound, which is at the same time both melodically sensitive and harmonically rich. His music seamlessly integrates traditional and modern jazz, indie rock, electronic music and even elements of hip hop.
Parks (b. 1983) is from the United States and he has collaborated with countless top musicians, such as Joshua Redman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Marcus Miller, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Gretchen Parlato. He was only 18 years old when he joined the trumpet player Terence Blanchard’s ensemble and he has performed on several Grammy-winning recordings, which quickly made him well known in the jazz world.
Parks’ debut album Invisible Cinema (Blue Note Records, 2008) introduced his cinematic and multidimensional tonal language. When Parks founded an ensemble with the same name for his sensational album Little Big in 2018 the jazz scene rejoiced: this was what jazz could be in the new millennium.
In this double concert the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and Aaron Parks interpret compositions by the pianist conducted by Mikko Hassinen. The composer, pianist and conductor Christian Elsässer has arranged Parks’ original compositions for big band for the WDR Big Band in Germany, and this concert has been made possible thanks to their generous support.
Duration two hours, including intermission.
Photo: Isaac Namias
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – The Greatest Feats since 1975. Get ready to groove as we mark 50 years of achievements and mastery in jazz! UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary season from summer 2025 to spring 2026. Throughout these decades, the orchestra has been at the forefront of Finnish jazz. Over the years, UMO has recorded over 60 albums, received Yrjö and Emma prizes, and even a Grammy nomination. The orchestra has shared the stage with international jazz stars as well as Finnish artists. One thing remains constant: the core of UMO is in new music. Join us for our anniversary season to look back on the past and celebrate our achievements, all while keeping our eyes firmly on the exciting future ahead. Come and celebrate together with the UMO! www.umohelsinki.fi