Estimated duration
1 h 15 min., no intermission
Organizer
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra’s traditional Silent Music concert will be the most significant musical experience of Easter week, featuring Bendik Hofseth, the Norwegian icon of jazz, rock and world music as well as a saxophonist, singer and composer, as the guest artist.
UMO’s longest running Easter tradition started in 1999, and this year it will have a new and intriguing atmosphere with Hofseth’s distinctive compositions arranged for a large jazz orchestra. Bendik Hofseth is known for his ability to combine styles and create new, fascinating, emotional and often surprising soundscapes. His music is dynamic, the arrangements are multilayered, and the soulful and recognisable tone of his tenor saxophone is always present. Hofseth’s unique vision, together with UMO’s force, brings about an unparalleled, poignant concert programme.
Bendik Hofseth (b. 1962) rose to international fame at the age of 25 when he replaced the legendary saxophone player Michael Brecker in the renowned US fusion jazz ensemble Steps Ahead. Later, Hofseth has left his mark on numerous projects and dozens of recording, worked as a record producer, founded a chamber music festival and received a respectable amount of different music awards. Nowadays, he is among the most respected and influential people in the Norwegian music scene.
The conductor is Ville Vannemaa.
The concert is part of UMO’s 50th anniversary season.
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – The Greatest Feats since 1975. Get ready to groove as we mark 50 years of achievements and mastery in jazz! UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary season from summer 2025 to spring 2026. Throughout these decades, the orchestra has been at the forefront of Finnish jazz. Over the years, UMO has recorded over 60 albums, received Yrjö and Emma prizes, and even a Grammy nomination. The orchestra has shared the stage with international jazz stars as well as Finnish artists. One thing remains constant: the core of UMO is in new music. Join us for our anniversary season to look back on the past and celebrate our achievements, all while keeping our eyes firmly on the exciting future ahead. Come and celebrate together with the UMO! www.umohelsinki.fi
The concert is part of the AUF series produced in collaboration with the Helsinki Music Centre and Avanti, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and Finnish Baroque Orchestra (FiBO). Top orchestras from different genres invite listeners to discover a wide range of musical delicacies.
Photo: Roy Ervin Solstad
Tickets to Musiikkitalo concerts and other events are available to purchase on our website, by telephone and at our physical box office.
Book tickets for 10–20 or more people is by contacting group sales service by email at ryhmat@musiikkitalo.fi or by telephone on 0600 411 101 (Monday to Friday, 9:00–15:00).
How about a cup of coffee, a bite to eat or a glass of bubbly during the interval? Order your drinks in advance to beat the queues and make the most of your concert visit. Interval refreshments are not available at all concerts.
Our location could not be more central or easier to get to. Almost all forms of Helsinki public transport stop right outside our doors, cycle parking is provided at all our entrances, and Aimo Park Finlandia, our nearest multi-storey car park, offers lift access directly to our main foyer.
At Helsinki Music Centre we are proud to be an accessible and welcoming place for everyone. Tactile handrails and signage have been fitted across the building, and there are tactile indicator strips on the floor too to guide partially sighted and blind visitors. Induction loops are always available, and guide or companion dogs are of course permitted within the building.
Concert Hall
The route to your seat is always printed on your ticket. Check the door number to find out which entrance to take. The seating areas are marked with letters. There is level access to all wheelchair seats from the main entrances. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff are always on hand to help you find your seat.
Black Box, Camerata and Sonore
Use the row number printed on your ticket to find your seat. Wheelchair seats are situated on the same level as the entrance. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with our venue – our staff area always on hand to help you find your seat.
Unallocated seating
Please choose your seat on the day.
Floor plans
You can view our floor plans before your visit.
Cloakroom
We ask you to leave your coat and any larger items in the cloakroom. The cloakroom is free of charge.
Latecomers
Latecomers will be asked to wait until a suitable break in the performance or admitted after the interval.
Photography
You are not permitted to record concert performances at Helsinki Music Centre. However, you may take photographs before and after the concert and during applause. Individual concert organisers may have their own, more detail guidance regarding recording and photography.
Dress code
We’re happy to say we have no dress code at Helsinki Music Centre, and we positively encourage you to come as you are. However, we would be grateful if you could avoid wearing strong perfume during your visit so that people with asthma and fragrance sensitivity can enjoy our concerts symptom free.
