Voice Flute Flux

Josefiina Vannesluoma is a jazz vocalist, flautist and composer who draws inspiration from, among other things, languages, ways of communicating, visual arts and lingering in cafés.

In her solo concert, Vannesluoma delves into the meeting points between linguistic expression, singing and flute playing. Her inner dialogue invites the listener into a stream of thoughts and gestures, where surprising turns become a source of delight.

Vannesluoma’s free expression reflects an open-minded attitude and musical fascinations ranging from jazz traditions and Brazilian music to contemporary classical music. At the jaZZanti concert, there will also be a world premiere of a composition by Juho Valjakka for Vannesluoma’s voice and flute playing.

Vannesluoma’s debut solo album The Mortal Lease (Flame Jazz Records 2023) was nominated for the Jazz Album of the Year category at the Emma Gala and received excellent reviews in the Finnish media. An active performer and constantly releasing new music, Vannesluoma also leads the vocal ensemble Signe and makes freely improvised music with American double bassist Kenneth Jimenez. Vannesluoma’s clear, luminous upper register can likewise be heard on Heräämisen valkea myrsky, the album by Mikko Sarvanne Garden that won the 2023 Teosto Prize.

“…the star of the evening was vocalist Josefiina Vannesluoma, who at times sounded like an opera singer and often adopted very different characters with her voice. In her wildest moments, she carried out entire conversations all by herself in completely invented languages, whose intonation, timing and richness of colour were simply jaw-dropping, and also truly delightful to witness —”
– Telakka Jazz 2023 concert review by Jussi Niemi / Soundi.fi, 14 January 2023

“Vannesluoma’s supple phrasing, impeccably beautiful articulation and consistently bright tone set her interpretations soaring.”
– Turun Sanomat, 12 November 2023

Photo: Sakari Puhakka

The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.