Eero Koivistoinen and Reiska Laine 80th Anniversary Concert

Two legends of Finnish jazz in a celebratory concert at the Savoy Theatre

Saxophonist and composer Eero Koivistoinen and drummer Reino “Reiska” Laine, both celebrating their 80th birthdays, are among the pioneers of Finnish jazz. The actively performing musicians will celebrate their long and versatile careers in a concert at the Savoy Theatre on October 28.

The first half of the concert features Reiska Laine’s sextet, with Koivistoinen and Laine joined on stage by Jari Perkiömäki (saxophone), Mikko “Gunu” Karjalainen (trumpet), Olli Ahvenlahti (piano), and Filemon von Numers (double bass). The program includes Koivistoinen’s own compositions as well as works by great jazz masters such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, also marking their centennial anniversaries.

After the intermission, the Sibelius Academy Big Band, conducted by Bianca Rantala, takes the stage. Together with Eero Koivistoinen, the ensemble performs his compositions from different decades as well as his arrangement of John Coltrane’s classic Equinox.

Listen to Eero Koivistoinen
Listen to Reiska Laine

Welcome to celebrate Finnish jazz as part of the Jazz in Finland 100!

Duration approx. 2.5 hours, including intermission.

Stalls: K-18 licensed serving area. Balcony: no age restriction, no alcohol service.

The concert is organised in cooperation by Savoy Theatre and Helsinki Jazz Association.

Photo: Sakari Puhakka