Gigil Marathon – new repertoire for the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and harpejji
In this double concert at the Jazzkaar festival in Tallinn and at April Jazz in Espoo, Bianca Rantala conducts the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra for the first time. The guest soloist is the Estonian multi-instrumentalist and multi-talent Valter Soosalu, both on vocals and the string instrument harpejji.
Gigil Marathon is a new work by Bianca Rantala, and it’s thought to be the world’s first work for big band and harpejji. The concert programme connects modern big band aesthetics with multilayered fusion harmony and rhythmic innovation. The role of the harpejji is complex: at times it’s the soloist, at times the accompanist, and at times even a part of the orchestral texture. UMO’s world-class instrumentalists also perform a pivotal function, and their individual and collective strengths are skilfully highlighted by Rantala. The end result is unique, unforgettable and multifaceted.
– This has been a very meaningful project for me, as the UMO is my favourite jazz orchestra, which I have dreamt of collaborating with for a long time. This project brings together several things that are important to me: the integration of a new instrument in a big band context, the musical dialogue between cultures and generations, and collaboration between Finland and Estonia, says Rantala.
What is Gigil Marathon? In Tagalog, the language spoken in the Philippines, gigil means the feeling of overwhelming cuteness, causing an unexpected, aggressive reaction. Marathon is a reference to the speed with which people move in our world – always competing with others as well as themselves. The programme reflects the dependence on feelings and stimulation in today’s society as well as the constant need for intensive experiences.
The concerts are part of UMO’s 50th anniversary season. Duration approximately 75 minutes, no intermission.
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra
Bianca Rantala – conductor, composer, vocalist
Valter Soosalu – harpejji, vocalist
Composer, conductor, vocalist – Bianca Rantala (b. 1999) is an Estonian-Finnish musician involved in many projects. Rantala is known for her brave and emotionally charged musical expression, flowing effortlessly between different genres while merging wit and playfulness and bridging jazz and contemporary music. In Estonia, Rantala conducts several jazz orchestras. She has composed and arranged music for everything between small ensembles and symphony orchestras. Rantala has received several awards as a composer as well as a vocalist, among them the Composer of the Year Award at the Estonian Jazz Gala. www.biancarantala.com
Valter Soosalu (b. 1992) is an Estonian composer, conductor, vocalist and actor. He is a respected artist and known for instance as the soloist of the prog rock band Põhja Konn. Soosalu and Rantala are known for their joint high-class projects, which have been both musically successful and well received by the audience. Soosalu has conducted Saimaa, Vantaa Pops Orchestra as well as on Yona’s album Solovey, for which Rantala wrote the symphonic arrangements.
The harpejji is an electric stringed instrument, developed in 2007 by Tim Meeks. Until now it has remained fairly rare. The playing technique and sound is a combination of features of the piano, the guitar and the bass, enabling a remarkably versatile sound. The harpejji has been masterfully played by among others Stevie Wonder, Cory Henry and Jacob Collier. According to many critics, Soosalu’s harpejji sound is currently the finest in the world.
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
April Jazz 15th to 25th April 2026 www.apriljazz.fi
Jazzkaar 25th April to 2nd May 2026 www.jazzkaar.ee
Photo: Renee Altrov