Avanti x Porvoo Jazz Festival

Avanti! presents a French–Italian program, ranging from the captivating and intensely atmospheric trio by Frédéric Durieux, through Fausto Romitelli’s solo work for electric guitar, to the exhilarating sonic onslaught of Philippe Hurel.

On the other half of the concert, the collaboration between the Porvoo Jazz Festival and Avanti!’s Suvisoitto Festival continues! This time, the spotlight is on Quartet Ajaton, whose innovative musicians delve into the very essence of Finnish musical tradition. Tangos, Sibelius classics, and folk melodies are given new life through bold and refined interpretations.

Founded by vocalist Mia Simanainen, Quartet Ajaton brings together highly innovative musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. The ensemble’s enigmatic combination of instruments is likely unique in the world. Their latest program, however, draws on familiar material from Finnish cultural heritage. Newly reimagined tangos, Sibelius works, folk tunes, and traditional cattle-calling songs resonate, dance, and surge with energy. The music glows and chills in equal measure, setting the listener’s pulse racing.

Quartet Ajaton is an independent artistic trailblazer whose distinctive musical vision has inspired audiences for more than a decade. In addition to Finland, the ensemble has performed in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, and Russia.

The group’s third full-length album, Fin, released in January, highlights the Finnish roots of its music. The album features songs in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Quartet Ajaton’s previous releases include Elixir (Eclipse Music, 2016) and Early Music in the Latest Way (Alba Records, 2020).