29.7.
Monday
16.00
Towards Jazz in Finland 100th Anniversary
Panel Discussion: Jazz as a Force for Social Change
Jazz is much more than music – throughout history, it has served as a vehicle for change, activism and dialogue. Born as a voice for social experience, jazz has maintained its role as an art form that takes a stand. UNESCO has recognized this by establishing International Jazz Day to highlight jazz’s role as a global advocate for peace, human rights, and mutual understanding.
In Finland jazz has had an impact on society since the 1920s. It has given a voice to the youth, challenged gender roles and acted as a symbol of counterculture. Activism within the jazz scene even led to the founding of the Finnish Jazz Federation in 1966 and helped strengthen jazz’s position in cultural policy.
Today, jazz lives and breathes contemporary issues – from the climate crisis to global conflicts. What is the societal role of jazz in Finland today? And what could it be in the future?
Come listen and join the conversation as experts in jazz, social influence and activism gather on the Jazz-Espa stage to reflect on the societal power of jazz in 2020s Finland.
Participants:
Jari Perkiömäki (Sibelius Academy, lecturer)
Reiska Laine (musician)
Nina Öhman (Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, Postdoc)
Mikko Innanen (musician)
Selma Savolainen (musician)
17.15
Maja Mannila Trio
Maja Mannila is a singer, pianist, and composer who has quickly risen to the forefront of the Finnish jazz scene. She performs her own English-language songs, which are a mix of R&B, soul and jazz. Growing up in a musical family, she has a confident approach to music while emphasizing that freedom and fun are important in creating and playing music. In addition to Mannila, the Maja Mannila Trio features drummer Severi Sorjonen and bassist Johannes Granroth as a skilled rhythm section. In recent years, Mannila has attracted international attention and has performed both as a soloist and with her trio not only in Finland but also in countries such as Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, Lithuania, Estonia and Japan.
Maja Mannila Trio released their debut album Up & Down in 2022, and the second album Seasons was released in the fall of 2023.
Maja Mannila – vocals, keyboards
Johannes Granroth – bass
Severi Sorjonen – drums
Photo: Sofia Jernroth