Estimated duration

1 h 15 min., incl. intermission

Organizer

Helsingin Musiikkitalo Oy

Heli Hartikainen is a boundary-breaking saxophonist, composer, and sound artist.

One of the boldest improvisers in Finland’s experimental and ambient jazz scene, Hartikainen creates music where sonic textures, abstractions, concepts, and evolving soundscapes intertwine— their work stands as a testament to the power of artistic experimentation. As a saxophonist, Hartikainen is a passionate instrumentalist who constantly pushes the boundaries of both their instrument and themself ever further. Their debut solo album, CHRONOVARIATIONS, which utilizes 3D audio technology, won the Kritiikin Kannukset prize in 2025 for the year’s most significant artistic breakthrough and was nominated for the Emma Awards—the Finnish equivalent of the Grammys—for Best Jazz Album of 2024.

Heli Hartikainen, tenore saxophone and live electronics

helihartikainen.com
Heli Hartikainen on Instagram

Free concerts are held at Musiikkitalo’s terrace on summer afternoons from Thursday to Saturday, from 29 May until 2 August, starting at 5 pm. The concerts feature talented musicians from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, as well as other Finnish artists. Throughout the summer, the stage will host a diverse range of interesting artists from different genres: mainly pop music on Thursdays, jazz on Fridays. Additionally, the programme includes interesting performances from the fields of contemporary folk and classical music. The early summer Thursday afternoons are dedicated to the Radio Helsinki KESÄLIVE.

In case of rain, the concert will be held inside in the Musiikkitalo Restaurant.