Saturday's Main Concert at Hupisaari Open-Air Theatre

2.8.2025

Tuomo feat. Maja Mannila

Tuomo Prättälä and Maja Mannila join forces in a unique ensemble that brings together the visionary soul and jazz expression of two generations. Tuomo, known for his soulful vocals and versatile keyboard skills, has released several award-winning solo albums and collaborated with many top Finnish artists. Maja Mannila, in turn, is a singer, pianist, and composer who has gained international attention with her original English-language songs that blend R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel.

In this ensemble, Tuomo’s and Maja’s voices and compositions merge seamlessly, creating a warm, grooving atmosphere. They are accompanied by highly respected jazz musicians: drummer Teppo Mäkynen and bassist Tapio Backlund. The collaboration began at Viapori Jazz and has since developed into a dynamic project where improvisation and musical interplay take center stage.

Tuomo Prättälä – vocals & keyboards
Maja Mannila – vocals
Tapio Backlund – bass
Teppo Mäkynen – drums

Marius Neset Quartet

“Marius Neset is not the future of European jazz – he is its present,” declared esteemed jazz critic Brian Morton in DownBeat magazine in 2022. The Norwegian saxophonist and composer is known for his breathtaking stage presence, rhythmic inventiveness, and boundary-crossing musicianship.

Neset, who was introduced to music through drums as a child, switched to saxophone at the age of eight and quickly rose to the top of the international jazz scene. His breakthrough came in 2011 with the album Golden Xplosion, which launched a long and celebrated career filled with acclaimed records, prestigious awards, and genre-defying compositions. His music has been performed by both jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. Neset’s quartet features top-tier European jazz musicians, promising a concert full of musical vitality and surprises.

Marius Neset, saxophone
Magnus Hjorth, piano
Conor Chaplin, bass
Anton Eger, drums