UMO’s guest star in 1991, 1997, 2002 and right again in 2025! One of the most renowned jazz composers and a true superstar of big band music, Maria Schneider returns to conduct the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in November. The concert is part of UMO’s 50th anniversary season.
Maria Schneider is at the forefront of contemporary big band jazz. Her compositions have been called magical, majestic and breathtakingly beautiful.
UMO was the first European group to invite her to work with them as a guest conductor, performing her music that would soon be recorded on her first album.
– Working with UMO some 34 years ago in 1991 started my career abroad as a composer/conductor. That’s why I feel a very special affinity with the orchestra. It’s really great to be back to conduct UMO for the fourth time, Schneider rejoices.
Schneider returns to Helsinki with a program representing her creations from the last 20 years, hand-picked to feature the magnificent talents of today’s renowned UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. UMO’s basic lineup will be expanded in this concert with guitar and accordion.
Deeper into the show discussion event about concert in Restaurant Minne at 6:15 PM. Conversation is in English.
Maria Schneider (b. 1960) is an American band leader, conductor, jazz composer and arranger, celebrated for her original style. Hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stompingly gorgeous, imaginative, riveting, and beyond categorization”, Schneider has received 14 Grammy nominations and won 7 Grammy Awards, as well as accolades from magazines such as DownBeat and Jazztimes. She is also an outspoken advocate for music creators’ rights. Schneider’s collaborations stretch across genres, including the great soprano, Dawn Upshaw, and David Bowie – both collaborations being awarded Grammys. www.mariaschneider.com
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: Briene Lermitte