Jazz in Finland 100:
Metropolia Big Band – the Escapee, the Bear Keeper, and Arctic Blues, Finnish Big Band Jazz from
the 1980s to the 2020s

In the Metropolia Big Band’s spring season opening concert, Finnish jazz will take center stage. The program focuses mainly on pieces that have been successful in the Esko Linnavalli Big Band Composition Competition over the years, alongside works that have already achieved the status of classics. Among the featured composers are representatives of the younger generation—Pessi Levanto, Mikko Hassinen, Veli-Matti Halkosalmi, and Teemu Halmkrona—as well as Finnish jazz pioneers Eero Koivistoinen and Jukka Linkola.
Metropolia Big Band will be conducted by Antti Rissanen.

The concert is part of both the Jazz in Finland 100 anniversary year and the programme of the European Association of Conservatoires (AEC) Pop and Jazz Platform professional event.

Time

14.2.2026 7.30–8.30 PM

Location

Arabiasali (Arabia Hall)
sisäänkäynti Hämeentie 135 D ja Muotoilijankatu 1 C
Helsinki 56

Tickets

• 10 € normal price
• 8 € pensioners, unemployed, conscripts
• 3,5 € students

Tickets will be available online on 9.2.2026 at Metropolia Store.

Ticket sales on the day of the concert start at 7 pm at the entrance to Arabia Hall. Card payment only.

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Inquiries

musiikki (at) metropolia.fi

The year 2026 marks 100 years since jazz symbolically arrived in Finland aboard the Andania ship. The centenary celebration, Jazz in Finland 100, will highlight Finnish jazz and its artists at home and abroad, recognising jazz as an integral part of Finland's cultural heritage. The Jazz in Finland 100 campaign is coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation.