The chief conductor 2026–2029
Ville Vannemaa (b. 1983) is one of Finland’s most sought-after big band conductors and freelance saxophonists. He has long been a guest conductor of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, the Espoo Big Band and the Oulu All-Star Big Band as well as the artistic director of the Turku Jazz Orchestra from 2022 to 2024. Vannemaa studied saxophone and arranging at the jazz department of the Sibelius Academy, and he has extensive experience working with big bands, not only as a conductor but also as a composer, arranger and orchestra musician. Vannemaa’s long experience as a teacher as well as his strong understanding of different musical genres, especially jazz, have strengthened his reputation as an excellent big band rehearser.
As chief conductor, he will be actively involved in the orchestra’s activities and will be responsible for developing its sound. He will plan and conduct at least six productions per seasons. Vannemaa’s term runs from autumn 2026 to spring 2029.
– UMO has held a very special place in my heart ever since I began playing the saxophone as a teenager and listening to jazz. I remember thinking back in the early 2000s, while sitting in the audience at the UMO Jazz House on Pursimiehenkatu, that there was something very unique about this orchestra. At that time, I of course had absolutely no idea that I later would sit in the saxophone section hundreds of times as well as arrange and compose music for this group of wonderful musicians, and eventually stand before the orchestra as its leader. That sense of the uniqueness of both the orchestra and the whole organisation has stayed with me to this day, and I strongly feel it will grow even stronger when I begin my work as chief conductor of the orchestra. I’m also excited to be collaborating with my wonderful partners, Michael and Bianca, says Ville Vannemaa.
Photo: Jukka Rapo