Four sold-out concert events at Tampere Jazz Happening

Taking place in its traditional, but renovated home of Tullikamari, the 45th international Tampere Jazz Happening presented a diverse programme of music over the All Saints’ Day weekend. The programme curated by the festival’s new Artistic Director, Martyna van Nieuwland, attracted strong interest, with four of the six ticketed events selling out. The free opening concert at Klubi was also packed to capacity.

Over four exciting days, a total of 23 ensembles performed in Tampere, including multi-instrumentalist Pauli Lyytinen, recipient of the Finnish Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award, who took to the stage alongside drummer Markku Ounaskari.

At the Netherjazz opening concert on Thursday at Klubi, Dutch jazz was showcased by three ensembles. On Friday, in addition to the Yrjö Award winner, the Pakkahuone stage welcomed performers such as Sweden’s Cosmic Ear. Saturday’s programme featured international jazz as well as Mikko Innanen’s Juhlayhtye, a multi-generation group assembled to celebrate the 100th anniversary year of Finnish jazz. The ensemble’s soloists included vocalist Selma Savolainen, flautist Juhani Aaltonen and saxophonist Adele Sauros. Sunday’s programme culminated in a concert by American vibraphonist Joel Ross.

The concerts at Telakka focused on Finnish jazz, with two events featuring six ensembles in total. The appeal of Finnish jazz remains strong, as both events sold out well before the start of the festival. During the festival, both Saturday events at Pakkahuone were also a case of standing room only.

“For me, this is certainly a historic moment. A ‘new’ venue, Pauli Lyytinen the festival’s hero, Finnish jazz – may it thrive for another hundred years. And longer. It is a real honour and a great pleasure to be here. I’m delighted that so many new musicians have been able to visit Finland for the first time and experience the wonderful audience in Tampere”, says Martyna van Nieuwland.

The preliminary total attendance for the festival was 3500, with an occupancy rate of 98 percent. The next Tampere Jazz Happening will take place on 4–7 November 2027.

See the festival photos at gallery.