Korpo Sea Jazz 2026
Main Concert

Korpo Sea Jazz Main Concert

The closing concert of Korpo Sea Jazz 2026 will feature true top ensembles of Finnish jazz. Two different orchestras, two different approaches to jazz. What unites them is exceptional musicianship and an uncompromising desire to create distinctive and memorable music within the continuum of Finnish jazz. This is truly a concert not to be missed!

Band 1 (19.00)
TEEMU VIINIKAINEN TRIO

Acclaimed as one of the world’s finest guitarists, Teemu Viinikainen will perform two concerts with his trio at this summer’s Korpo Sea Jazz festival. The latter will take place at Saturday’s main concert, where the trio will open the evening. If you missed Thursday’s show – or want to hear more of their remarkable musicianship – this is a perfect opportunity.

Teemu Viinikainen’s trio continues to explore the sonic landscapes of his solo material together with a deeply rooted rhythm section. The repertoire consists mainly of new compositions written specifically for this ensemble.

Alongside Viinikainen is drummer Joonas Riippa, one of the most distinctive voices on his instrument, whose intense expression keeps even abstract soundscapes vividly alive. Other groups he performs with include PLOP, Kannaste4 and Takatonic. On acoustic bass guitar is the rising and exciting young virtuoso Oliver Karttunen, whose grooving playing – enriched with expressive solos – can also be heard in the jazz-fusion band Peela.

This concert will not lack explosive virtuosity, a fusion of swinging jazz and nuanced blues, intense improvisation – all balanced with a sensitive musical touch.

TEEMU VIINIKAINEN – guitar
OLIVER KARTTUNEN – bass
JOONAS RIIPPA – drums

Band 2 (20.30)
EERO KOIVISTOINEN QUARTET

This year’s artistic director of Korpo Sea Jazz, Eero Koivistoinen, is a living legend of Finnish jazz – a saxophonist, composer and bandleader whose career spans seven decades. His first recording, Jappa (EP, Jazz at the Polytechnicum), was made in 1967 with drummer Edward Vesala and bassist Pekka Sarmanto. His most recent recording is Feathers (Jazzaggression) from 2023 with Greg Foat.

Between these releases lie dozens of recordings, hundreds if not thousands of concerts worldwide, and numerous awards – including the very first Yrjö Award in 1967 and Finland’s State Prize for Music in 2017.

For the Korpoström main concert, he brings his ensemble Eero Koivistoinen Quartet, founded in 2012. The quartet has released three albums on Svart Records: Hati Hati (2015), Illusions (2017) and Diversity (2022).

Through these acclaimed recordings and extensive live performances, the quartet’s modern jazz expression has developed into a powerfully swinging, seamless and energetic sound. Expect truly top-level jazz musicianship from the heavyweights of the genre – this is not to be missed!

EERO KOIVISTOINEN – saxophone
JUSSI FREDRIKSSON – piano
JORI HUHTALA – bass
JUSSI LEHTONEN – drums

Surely everyone wants to go to Paradise. Last summer, so many did that it sold out! And by Paradise we mean the fascinating Art Centrum Paratiisi in Nagu, which for the first time served as one of our concert venues. This unique combination of art gallery, restaurant and greenhouse – where the northernmost grapevines in Europe are cultivated – also works beautifully as a music venue. Its acoustics have been praised as incredibly good for “just” a greenhouse!

This year, the acoustics of Paratiisi will be explored by the Teemu Viinikainen Trio. Led by one of Finland’s most renowned and respected jazz guitarists, Teemu Viinikainen, the trio continues to explore the sonic landscapes discovered on Viinikainen’s solo album, combining them with a vibrantly energetic rhythm section. Viinikainen has composed a new repertoire for this ensemble, featuring the blue shades of the blues and the deep swing of jazz.

Joining him are his trusted drummer Joonas Riippa and a rising talent of the younger generation, Oliver Karttunen, on acoustic bass guitar. A truly memorable experience is guaranteed in this remarkable setting. Be quick and secure your tickets in advance – so you won’t be left outside Paradise!

“The final result was pure joy of playing, shining from Viinikainen’s face.” April Jazz, Jazzpossu 4/2025

TEEMU VIINIKAINEN – guitar
OLIVER KARTTUNEN – bass
JOONAS RIIPPA – drums

korposeajazz.fi

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Age limit: All ages
Time: at 19:00

Doors at 18:00

Free entrance for children under 7 years.

Accessibility:
An assistant can enter the event for free on the same ticket as the person they are assisting: yes
The event is accessible by wheelchair: yes
The event venue has an accessible toilet: yes
Customers using a wheelchair or requiring special assistance are kindly asked to contact in advance to ensure smooth access: Mikko Kostiainen, [email protected], +358 40 591 3090