The legendary Ricky-Tick Big Band returns to us with Emilia Sisco and Valtteri Pöyhönen.

What would Finnish jazz orchestra music sound like, music that could only be created in Finland? Composer-jazz musician Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen you have answered the question by creating a 10-part dark, intimate, and captivating composition called Helsinki Noir Suite – Searching for Tapio. The mythical forest spirit Tapio appears in the work, forced to leave behind old primeval forests due to logging by humans. The multidimensional work is an emotional journey through deep forests to urban billboards and lost love. The libretto for the work was written by Pöyhönen together with one of Finland's leading playwrights Emmy Karhu. This unique and evocative experience will be on display next July at Jyväskylän Kesä.

The live version of "Helsinki Noir Suites" is an audiovisual experience that challenges listeners to immerse themselves in quiet, yet magnificent music. Additionally, listeners can delve into a darkly atmospheric world created by Pöyhönen, which, however, also offers glimpses of sunlight and fairytale-like beauty. The emotionally hopeful whole touches its listener in numerous ways and will leave no one indifferent.

The recorded version of the work and the Finnish concerts are presented by the legendary [artist's name], led by Pöyhönen. Ricky-Tick Big Band. The 17-member jazz ensemble, featuring a bold and fresh perspective on stage, was founded in 2010 and comprises the most skilled musicians in the field. The narrator and guest vocalist for the piece is a Finnish-Zambian soul artist, internationally renowned. Emilia Sisco.

Forest, Aki Kaurismäki Movies, melancholy, longing, gloom, quiet hopefulness, lakes, autumn colors. Among other things, these form the perception of Finnishness abroad, and on this basis, the unique musical language of Helsinki Noir Suite has also been created.

Helsinki Noir Suite – Searching for Tapio It will be presented on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 6 PM in the main building's ceremonial hall at the University of Jyväskylä. Tickets are on sale at jyvaskylankesa.fi.