The Brazilian Songbook Concert

A celebration of Brazilian music!

Singer-songwriter Thaïs Morell (BRA) and students of Metropolia’s music program meet in a soulful concert that takes the listener to the heart of Brazil’s diverse and expressive musical culture.

The audience can look forward to heartfelt lyrics, touching stories, and the rhythmic joy of lively samba, smooth bossa nova, and the infectious grooves of Northeastern Brazil. The concert features classics of Brazilian popular music as well as Thaïs Morell’s own compositions. Isto é o Brasil! This is Brazil!

The concert is organized by the Brazilian Embassy in Helsinki and Metropolia UAS Degree Programme of Music.

Thaïs Morell & Metropolia Brazil Ensemble

• Thaïs Morell, vocals & guitar

• Helmi Hänninen, vocals

• Chiara Orlandi, vocals

• Riikka Korpi, vocals

• Marko Liski, bass & band leader

• Helmi Välimäki, keys

• Peik Hietala, guitar

• Timo Tihtonen, drums

• Joel Mäntyvaara, percussion

• Elina Kardén, percussion

• Elmeri Karjalainen, saxophone

Time

10.9.2025 6PM

Location

Arabiasali (Arabia Hall)
Muotoilijankatu 1 B /
Hämeentie 135 D
Helsinki 56

Price

Free

Performers

Thaïs Morell

Thaïs Morell is a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and music educator. She has released three original albums and performed in fourteen different countries, showcasing Brazilian popular music with a distinctive style and global musical influences. Originally from Curitiba, a city in southern Brazil, Morell's music blends jazz, bossa nova, and folk styles, drawing inspiration from Gil Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, Marisa Monte and Cape Verdean musician, Mayra Andrade. She began playing the piano at the age of nine and transitioned to guitar at fifteen. Her musical journey evolved from starting university as a "guitarist who sings" to finishing it as a "singer who also plays guitar." Morell then pursued her Master's in Ethnomusicology, studying in three different countries: Finland, Spain, and Ghana. Having spent a decade living abroad, she has amassed a rich and diverse musical background.

Marko Liski

Marko Liski is a Finnish bassist and bandleader who works as a lecturer in Metropolia’s music degree programme, specializing in bass instruction and ensemble work. Liski has performed with some of Finland’s most renowned artists and has worked as a musician in theatres and television shows. Marko Liski specializes in teaching and performing Brazilian music.

Chiara Orlandi

Chiara Orlandi is an Italian singer currently based in Helsinki. She graduated with a degree in jazz vocals from the Conservatory of Verona and is now pursuing studies in vocal pedagogy at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

In Finland, Chiara has performed with a variety of ensembles, from acoustic duos to larger groups, including the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and Imatra Big Band. While jazz is her greatest passion, her Italian spirit also draws her to the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Brazilian music, which she loves to explore and perform.

Helmi Hänninen

Helmi is an up-and-coming artist, Helsinki and Berlin based singer blending jazz, soul, and R&B into her own sound. Raised in a musical household with roots spanning five generations of professional musicians, Helmi’s journey on music began early. Soon she will be releasing more original music, aiming to the international music scene.

Riikka Korpi

Riikka is an emerging Helsinki-based singer, singing teacher and songwriter, blending pop, electronic, and indie influences into her own distinctive sound. Her music is driven by raw emotion and a strong sense of storytelling, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners.