Juhani Aaltonen - Heikki Sarmanto & Juhani Aaltonen - Raoul Björkenheim

Juhani Aaltonen & Heikki Sarmanto

Finnish jazz legends Juhani Aaltonen (b. 1935) and Heikki Sarmanto (b. 1939) come together as a duo at Villa Hakasalmi. Their shared history spanning six decades and their exceptionally natural musical rapport make their collaboration unique. They have been central figures in the development of Finnish jazz since the 1960s – both together and individually. They have released a substantial number of duo albums together. Aaltonen and Sarmanto have helped lay the foundations of modern Finnish jazz – and, most importantly, they remain active and curious musicians.

Juhani “Junnu” Aaltonen is one of the most significant wind instrumentalists in Finnish jazz. Now devoted exclusively to the flute, Aaltonen has an exceptionally compelling stage presence: his light yet profound sound seems to float effortlessly through the air.

Heikki Sarmanto is one of Finland's leading jazz pianists and composers, known for his distinctive style combining elements of jazz, classical music and folk music.

Juhani Aaltonen & Raoul Björkenheim

Two masters who have both worked with Edward Vesala come together.

Born in Los Angeles in 1956, Björkenheim ranks among Finland's foremost jazz guitarists. His eventful musical journey began in Finland in the early 1980s and for many years took him through New York. Throughout his career, Björkenheim has collaborated with an impressive array of international and Finnish musicians, including Bill Laswell, Toshinori Kondo, William Parker and Mats Gustafsson. Among his many ensembles over the years are Krakatau, Scorch Trio, Blixt and eCsTaSy, founded in 2011.

Björkenheim recalls: “Junnu is a very special musician to me. Ever since I heard him at a school concert at Lilla Teatern in 1973, I have been a devoted fan. I have been mesmerised by his playing with Eetu, Arild Andersen and Senegalese drummers more times than I can count. Our duo, which made its debut at Tampere Jazz Happening in 2018, proved that we truly share a common musical language. Taking on the challenge of playing with him has been incredibly inspiring.”

The duo's new CD, Nostalgia, was released in spring 2026.

Photos: Olli Nurmi and Sakari Puhakka

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