Jazz for lunch – yes please! The Savoy Theatre’s and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra’s much-anticipated lunch concerts continue in the autumn season of 2025! The free concert tickets can be reserved from Wednesday 29th October at 3 pm onwards at the Savoy Theatre and Lippu.fi, see below for more detailed instructions.
Lennie Tristano (USA 1919–1978) was a visionary jazz pianist and composer, as well as a teacher of improvisation. Together with his students – among them the saxophone players Lee Konitz (1927–2020) and Warne Marsh (1927–1987) – Tristano developed a unique style, differentiating them from their bebop contemporaries. This school came about as a response to the intensity of bebop, and as it aimed to bring more melodic refinement into jazz, it was contrary to the preferences of the mainstream.
Tristano’s school and especially the influence of Lee Konitz still extends to the musicians of today – of the UMO musicians, at least to the saxophonist Max Zenger, who has planned the concert repertoire and leads the UMO Helsinki Ensemble, with musicians from UMO. The concert programme features imaginative melodies by the three aforementioned composers in arrangements for the ensemble from UMO.
– Lee Konitz’s incredible and versatile career continued right until the end of his life. His playing and approach to improvisation are considered among the most inventive in the history of jazz music. He’s a pioneer, respected by musicians from all genres, says Zenger.
Please note! The concert will be held in the Savoy Theatre at 12-13. The admission is free but we recommend that you book a ticket in advance at the Savoy Theatre box office (0 €) or Lippu.fi (1,50 – 3 € commission). Admission only with pre-booked tickets until 11:50am, after which the remaining seats will be given to customers without a pre-booking. Please arrive early as the doors will be closed once the concert has started. The duration of the concert is 1 hour.
The concert is part of UMO’s 50th anniversary season.
Production: Savoy Theatre & UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra
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
Photo: Olli Nurmi