AINON is a Finnish quartet that masterfully blends the worlds of jazz, contemporary, and classical music into a unique sonic experience. Led by the accomplished cellist-composer Aino Juutilainen, AINON challenges conventional music boundaries with its innovative lineup and approach. The quartet features Aino Juutilainen on cello, Merimaija Aalto on violin and viola, Milo Linnovaara alternating between saxophone, clarinet, and flute, and Joonas Leppänen anchoring the ensemble with his dynamic drumming.
AINON’s music is a captivating dialogue between composed pieces and spontaneous improvisation, tailored specifically for the unique talents of its members. This interplay results in a rich tapestry of sound that is as sophisticated as it is accessible. The quartet’s distinctive instrumentation and the artists’ fluency across musical styles enable them to create an atmosphere where classical music’s depth meets the playful and explorative spirit of jazz.
Since their formation, AINON has graced major Finnish jazz and experimental music venues, including the prestigious We Jazz festival, Jazz-Espa and jaZZanti concert serie. Their debut album, “Drought,” released in September 2020 through We Jazz Records—Finland’s leading jazz label—has been met with critical acclaim, both domestically and internationally. Critics have praised the album for its seamless integration of different musical elements and its fresh approach to ensemble playing. As AINON prepares to release their second album on We Jazz Records in August 2024, they continue to push musical boundaries and explore new territories in sound.
Aino Juutilainen: cello & compositions
Merimaija Aalto: violin and viola
Milo Linnovaara: saxophone & clarinet & flute
Joonas Leppänen: drums
Photo: Janna Räsänen
The concert is supported by City of Helsinki, Svenska Kulturfonden and The Finnish Music Foundation.