UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Topelius-sali in Sipoo again in October 2026!
This time, the orchestra brings along two prestigious European jazz guests: German conductor, composer, and pianist Christian Elsässer, and Norwegian jazz guitarist Lage Lund.
Having worked closely with reputed Central European orchestras (e.g. Metropole Orkest, WDR, NDR), Elsässer is one of the most versatile names in European contemporary jazz. For this concert he is planning a programme of his own compositions, focusing on the guitar virtuoso Lage Lund as well as soloists from the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra.
The duration is about 75 minutes, without interval. No age limit.
Note! The same concert is in Helsinki on Sat, Oct 17th at Musiikkitalo. For more information, check this page
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra is taking jazz to the Finnish-Swedish regions of the country with the support of The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland.
Composer, Pianist and Conductor Christian Elsässer (b. 1980) is one of the most versatile of contemporary Jazz in Europe. He works frequently with the most renowned large ensembles of the international scene like the Metropole Orchestra, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, all German Radio Big Bands (WDR, HR, NRD und SWR) and the Munich Radio Orchestra. Among his musical partners are names like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Aaron Parks, Mike Stern and Vince Mendoza. Elsässer’s projects as a bandleader range from trio to 19-piece large ensemble, the Christian Elsässer Jazz Orchestra, which was awarded with the Bavarian Arts Award. He is professor for composition and jazz piano at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Munich. www.christianelsaesser.de
Lage Lund (b. 1977) is recognized as one of the most esteemed jazz guitarists and composers of his generation. Originally from Norway and now based in New York City, Lund is known for a distinctive technique that is always at the service of the music. He rose to international prominence after winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Guitar Competition in 2005. Since then, he has been a creative force in the genre, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and collaborating with jazz luminaries such as Maria Schneider and Melissa Aldana. Lund’s adventurous music is both timeless and uncompromisingly modern. www.lagelund.com
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra: great achievements and mastery in jazz since 1975! Throughout the decades, UMO has been at the forefront of Finnish jazz. This multi-award-winning ensemble – recipient of the Yrjö and Emma awards and a Grammy nominee – has shared the stage with international jazz legends as well as the brightest stars of the Finnish music scene. With a distinguished discography of over 60 albums, Helsinki’s own “jazz city orchestra” performs across Finland, reaching 35,000 listeners through more than 100 concerts annually. At the heart of UMO is a commitment to new music. The orchestra’s versatile repertoire fearlessly pushes boundaries, from jazz and soulful grooves to classical fusion. www.umohelsinki.fi