13.30

Aleksis Liukko Trio

Founded in 2021, the Aleksis Liukko Trio plays pianist Aleksis Liukko's brand new compositions as well as pieces from the album The Sonic Sessions released in 2022. Originally from Kuopio, Liukko, who later moved to Helsinki, graduated in 2019 with a master's degree in music from the University of Gothenburg and he plays in Sointi Jazz Orchestra and Juho Peltoniemi Quartet, among others. 

The current top Finnish musicians playing in Liukko’s trio include bassist Mikael Saastamoinen (e.g., Perussastamala, Linda Fredriksson) and drummer Okko Saastamoinen (e.g., OK:KO, Arppa). The trio creates a strong ensemble playing and natural musical communication. The tradition of African American music can be heard, and a skillful approach to improvisation creates energetic, Nordic and vividly colorful atmospheres. 

Aleksis Liukko – piano  
Mikael Saastamoinen – bass  
Okko Saastamoinen – drums 

Photo: Laura Poikolainen

16.00

Helmi Antila Quartet

Helmi Antila is a new generation singer-songwriter, pianist and violinist from Helsinki. Antila was awarded the Taimi Prize by the Finnish Jazz Federation as a young jazz talent in November 2024. "Helmi Antila is a musician who radiates light and inspiration around her. She is a multi-instrumentalist who masterfully controls her instrument and beautifully combines her technical skill with artistic sensitivity" the award jury describes their choice. 

The Helmi Antila Quartet, which has captivated its audiences, is a band made up of talented young musicians who play songs written by Antila in Finnish. The rich harmonic world and honest personal lyrics – with themes of youth, nature, love and relationships – are at the core of the songs. The quartet's musicians have become known from bands such as Saimaa, Aija Puurtinen & Brooklynin satu, Peela and Stance Brothers. Kuohu Records released Antila's highly anticipated debut album Kuvia nuoruudesta in March 2025. 

Helmi Antila – vocals, piano  
Mikko Antila – vibraphone, percussions 
Tuomo Purhonen – bass 
Mooses Kuloniemi – drums 

The concert is organised in collaboration with the Jazz Department of the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki.  

Photo: Anna-Maria Viksten

17.15

Toomas Keski-Säntti Quartet

Helsinki-based pianist and composer Toomas Keski-Säntti recorded his debut album Unearth while living in New York. Released in March 2025 by the Spanish label Fresh Sound, the album features the award-winning piano virtuoso as a bandleader for the first time. The music from the album will be performed at Jazz-Espa by Keski-Säntti’s Finnish ensemble, featuring longtime musical collaborators. 

Keski-Säntti is a familiar name in many of Finland’s top jazz groups, including OK:KO, Jukka Perko PreBoppers and Selma Savolainen Horror Vacui, the latter of which won a Jazz Emma Award last year. Keski-Säntti has performed actively at clubs and festivals across Europe and in New York. 

Toomas Keski-Säntti – piano  
Tomi Nikku – trumpet 
Joonas Tuuri – bass 
Teppo Mäkynen – drums 

Photo: Severi Uusitalo