The jazz Centenary in Finland traces its roots back to June 1926, when American musicians landed in Helsinki, marking the genre’s official arrival in the country.
This musical lineage, however, stretches even further back to Kotka, a southeastern port city. There, accordionist Johan Homan introduced the sounds of Ragtime and jazz as early as 1921, following a stint in the United States.
By the early 1960s, Kotka’s sailors’ pubs had become vibrant venues for jazz. Saxophone legend Eero Koivistoinen began his musical journey amidst that scene, although he noted that bands often mixed jazz with pop tunes to make a living.
“Foreign sailors would flock to the clubs to soak in live jazz,” Koivistoinen reminisces. “Some bands would play jazz for the first hour before transitioning to dance music. I remember being too young to get in, standing outside just to listen.”
Staying youthful
Eero Koivistoinen (left) alongside Adele Sauros performed with the Sointi Jazz Orchestra Oulu, celebrating the 100th anniversary of jazz in Finland.Photo: Maarit Kytöharju
“Despite Finland’s reputation as a powerhouse of classical music, our jazz scene hasn’t yet gained the same international clout,” observes Maria Silvennoinen, head of the Finnish Jazz Federation. “This year, as we celebrate its centenary, we’re showcasing the exceptional quality and diverse landscape of contemporary Finnish jazz.”
Koivistoinen’s introduction to jazz came through his sailor brother, who brought records home from abroad in the late 1950s. “I discovered legends like Dave Brubeck, Billie Holiday, and Lester Young through him,” he recalls.
Starting on the saxophone at just 16, Koivistoinen went on to study in Helsinki and Boston. By 1967, he had recorded as a bandleader at the tender age of 21 with the famed drummer Edward Vesala. His collaborations included two albums in New York with American greats such as John Scofield and Jack DeJohnette. Most recently, in 2023, he partnered with British keyboardist Greg Foat for the critically acclaimed album Feathers.
“Finnish jazz began to evolve in the late ’60s and early ’70s, shifting from merely playing standards to crafting original compositions,” Koivistoinen explains. “Since then, the genre has become more distinctive, incorporating elements of folk, rock, and even indigenous Sámi music.” He recently wrapped up a rehearsal with a student ensemble at Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy.
“Playing with these young musicians is invigorating,” he shares. “Their enthusiasm keeps me young, and it’s encouraging to see more young faces in the audiences these days.”
Musical milestones
Saxophonist Wilfred “Tommy” Tuomikoski (fourth from left) was one of the musicians who stayed in Finland after arriving on the Andania in 1926. Here, he’s seen performing with Fennia’s Embassy Band in the late 1920s.Photo: Rafael Roos / Helsinki City Museum
In the autumn of 2026, the ageless saxophonist will mark his 80th birthday with concerts in Helsinki and Kotka, the latter featuring the Kymi Sinfonietta.
These celebrations are part of a broader commemoration marking a century since the S/S Andania docked in Helsinki, bringing Finnish Americans for a visit. The ship’s band hosted performances that stirred excitement among local musicians and fans alike. Saxophonist Wilfred “Tommy” Tuomikoski chose to stay for nine years, performing with various bands, founding a school, and publishing Finland’s first saxophone handbook.
“Tuomikoski’s influence was immense,” Koivistoinen affirms, who also co-produced the Jazz Finland 100 historical website. “He played a pivotal role in introducing improvisation to Finland.”
This year also marks other significant milestones in Finnish jazz. The renowned Pori Jazz Festival, one of Europe’s oldest, is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary in July.
Jazz as a reflection of identity
Drummer Joonas Riippa, like many leading jazz musicians, participates in various bands and ensembles.Photo: Maarit Kytöharju
Koivistoinen, a co-founder of the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, notes that the ensemble is celebrating its own 50th anniversary this year. It recently appointed the 27-year-old Finnish-Estonian singer and keyboardist Bianca Rantala as its new composer-in-residence. Rantala is participating in multiple concerts commemorating these shared anniversaries, including Koivistoinen’s birthday festivities.
Rantala recognizes unique qualities in Finnish jazz and its audience.
“There’s often a depth beyond mere virtuosity, blending beautiful and exciting elements of go and melancholy,” she notes. The term go embodies a uniquely Finnish blend of courage and resilience. “Jazz mirrors our humanity—it’s an art form that reflects our day-to-day improvisation,” Rantala adds.
“Our audience is genuinely curious, always supportive of fresh artists and new ideas,” she continues. “Last year, UMO drew a record number of concert-goers, a clear indication of jazz’s growing appeal.”
“Another promising trend is the increasing diversity within the scene, especially with more women gaining prominence. I’m thrilled about the wealth of young talent, whose skills and open-mindedness are matched by a strong work ethic.”
A multifaceted musical landscape
Saxophonist and composer Linda Fredriksson performs at a concert promoting her album Juniper.Photo: Maarit Kytöharju
Silvennoinen echoes Rantala’s sentiments, observing, “Finnish jazz is increasingly multifaceted. Younger musicians are more focused on international markets and collaboration from the outset.”
At home, she points out that while the structures supporting Finnish jazz remain relatively fragile, new organizations and promoters are rolling out year-round programs in various regions, making jazz more accessible. Many performances are being staged in nontraditional settings, reaching broader audiences.
Celebrating a century of jazz in Finland
Saxophonist Timo Lassy and pianist Giorgos Kontrafouris perform at the We Jazz Festival, now known as Väreet.Photo: Maarit Kytöharju
Celebrations in 2026 include singer Aili Ikonen’s concert at President Alexander Stubb’s summer residence, an exhibition at the Satakunta Museum in Pori (home to the Pori Jazz Festival), and a historical walking tour in Helsinki during the free outdoor Jazz-Espa Festival. Finnish cinemas such as Gilda and Kino Regina are also screening films centered on jazz.
The northern city of Oulu, designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2026, will also participate with Elojazz, featuring Ikonen as artistic director and showcasing both Finnish and American jazz heavyweights.
Helsinki’s Flow Festival will celebrate with performances by Eero Koivistoinen, 90-year-old flautist Juhani Aaltonen, drummer Teppo Mäkynen, saxophonist Linda Fredriksson, and others. Later in August, Viapori Jazz on the island fortress of Suomenlinna will feature Koivistoinen alongside bassist Kaisa Mäensivu, trumpeter Verneri Pohjola, and saxophonist Timo Lassy.
In the autumn, Mäkynen will lead a national tour aimed at families, blending jazz history with contemporary hip-hop and electronic music, featuring Koivistoinen, Mäensivu, and others. The Flame Jazz Cruise will recreate the spirit of the Andania shipboard band, echoing its legacy a century later. The Väreet festival, formerly the We Jazz Festival, is set to take place in Helsinki from December 2 to 5.
By Wif Stenger, June 2026