live reviews

Finland’s latest star conductor, Klaus Mäkelä, has caused a bit of a stir with his Decca label debut - a full cycle of Sibelius Symphonies, no less. But what part of the success is calculated studio work and what is an exceptional flow of music that can also be achieved in concert? To find out, we can compare the studio recording to a recent live experience at Hamburg Elbphilharmonie.

Although many festivals and performing organisations have shown extraordinary creativity in programming contemporary music, demonstrating, at best, genuine interest in diversity and innovation, especially during the pandemic, one perennial question still remains largely unanswered; what to do with late-night shows?

"The JuuriJuhla-RotFest (Roots Festival) takes place in Espoo each year and says it has its own roots in the pelimanni folk dance music, although most of the concerts range much wider. It featured top names on the Finnish roots music scene."

Signe and Emmi U Quintet bring a dreamy night of jazz and beyond to Tampere’s stellar new music venue.