Composer, Conductor: Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen
Soloist: Emilia Sisco
Ricky-Tick Big Band
Visual Design: Petri Luukkainen

What would jazz orchestra music sound like if it could only be created in Finland? Composer and jazz musician Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen’s answer to this question is the 10-part, dark-toned, brooding, and multi-layered Helsinki Noir Suite. The subtitle Searching for Tapio refers to one of the libretto’s main characters — Tapio, the spirit of the forest — who has been forced to flee his ancient woodland home due to logging. The work is a mythical commentary on Finnish forest policy and a poetic tale of lost love.

The live version of Helsinki Noir Suite is an audiovisual experience that invites listeners to immerse themselves in quiet yet grand music. Audiences are drawn into Pöyhönen’s somber world, where glimpses of sunlight and fairytale-like beauty also emerge. This emotionally hopeful suite resonates in many ways — it leaves no one untouched.

The forest, Aki Kaurismäki’s films, melancholy, longing, darkness, quiet hope, lakes, autumn colors — these elements shape the international perception of Finnishness. And from these same themes, the unique musical language of Helsinki Noir Suite has been born.

The concert is performed by the legendary Ricky-Tick Big Band, led by Pöyhönen. This 17-member jazz ensemble, known for bringing bold and fresh perspectives to the stage, was founded in 2010 and consists of some of the finest musicians in the field.

The narrator and guest vocalist of the piece is internationally acclaimed Finnish-Zambian soul artist Emilia Sisco. Her voice and songwriting style have won over audiences around the world, making her a rising star in the soul music scene. Her powerful voice blends elements of both vintage and contemporary soul, jazz, and blues. Sisco’s debut solo album Introducing, released last year, was awarded Album of the Year at the Funky Awards in February. She also won the public vote for Artist of the Year and took second place overall.

The visual design of the piece is created by auteur director Petri Luukkainen, known for works such as the film My Stuff.

Helsinki Noir Suite – Searching for Tapio will be performed on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 6 PM in the Main Auditorium of the University of Jyväskylä. Tickets are available on this website.