The gala orchestra for the Finnish Sports Gala on Thursday, January 17, 2026 will be the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, accompanied by a magnificent soloist lineup. The guest artists are Olavi Uusivirta, Vesta, Johanna Iivanainen, Stepa and Aina! UMO and its guests will be led by conductor Ville Vannemaa. Watch the live broadcast on Yle Areena from 6 p.m., and on TV2 from 8-10 p.m.!
//
The UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the Finnish Sports Gala have agreed a two-year cooperation. The UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra will be an official partner and the gala orchestra of the Finnish Sports Gala in 2026 and 2027.
At the galas UMO will be joined on stage by several of Finland’s leading artists, and their popular hits will be arranged in jazz style for an expanded big band of around twenty musicians. UMO is conducted by Ville Vannemaa.
The Finnish Sports Gala 2026 will be held at Veikkaus Arena on Thursday 15 January. The repertoire has been planned in close cooperation between the Finnish Sports Gala and UMO, and artist names will be announced closer to the event.
The Finnish Sports Gala is held annually and celebrates Finnish sports and the most moving moments of the year, bringing the entire sporting community together. Each year prizes are awarded to athletes, contributors and projects, ranging from the Most Moving Moment in Sport to the Breakthrough of the Year and Athlete of the Year.
The Finnish Sports Gala is one of Finland’s most prestigious galas: more than a million viewers watch the live broadcast each year on Yle TV2 and Yle Areena, and thousands more attend the gala in person as dinner guests or members of the audience.
– We are very excited about the partnership with the Finnish Sports Gala – it’s wonderful to celebrate the gala on a grand scale with a large orchestra and an outstanding roster of soloists, says Henriika Steidel-Luoto, Managing Director of UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.
– There are many similarities in how one grows into an athlete or a musician. To reach the top, both require years of determined work as well as the ability to cope with pressure. Along the way there are sport clubs and music schools, coaches and music teachers, team spirit and bands. All of these allow us to perform at our best when it matters and to trust that the team will carry us when needed, Steidel-Luoto continues.
– This is a wonderful moment for our celebration of sports. As the Finnish Sports Gala we return home when we, together with the entire sporting community, celebrate at Veikkaus Arena in January. At the same time we begin our anniversary season by bringing a large orchestra and the symphony of live music back to the gala. What could be better than doing this in a multi-year partnership with the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra? This collaboration will lift the entire gala experience to a new level, says Riia Martinoja, General Secretary of the Finnish Sports Gala.
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
Suomen Urheilugaala Yhdistys ry. (The Finnish Sports Gala Association) was founded in 2008 to promote appreciation of Finnish sport by organising the Finnish Sports Gala and broadcasting it live on television. At the gala, prizes are awarded on the basis of a public vote, a large award jury composed of prominent figures from society, and sports journalists. The Finnish Sports Gala also presents a number of special awards each year. The gala is a non-profit organisation, and any surplus is donated annually to a selected exercise or sports charity. The event’s rights holders are the Olympic Committee, the Paralympic Committee, Yle and Veikkaus. Winners at the Finnish Sports Gala receive the Uno Award. www.urheilugaala.fi
Photo: Olli Nurmi