Jukka Perko Avara & Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Between two lights

Between two lights – Poems about love and longing

“Between two lights is a musical and poetic work that takes the listener on a journey through the inner realm of the heart. Jukka Perko and Avara, together with actor Hannu-Pekka Björkman, have created a piece that combines the clear northern skies and waters. It hovers above with thoughts on human beauty and fragility. The concert features verses and sparks from beloved Finnish poets: Katri Vala, Kirsi Kunnas, Eeva Kilpi, Pentti Saarikoski, Lauri Viita, and many others who articulate the unspeakable. A mystery of love and life. It is a bright day and evening.”

Please note that the poems performed at the concert are in Finnish

Hannu-Pekka Björkman – voice
Actor Hannu-Pekka Björkman is known for theater, films and television. In addition he worked as a professor of acting at Teatterikorkeakoulu between 2013 and 2018. Björkman is awarded with three Juss, two Golden Venlas and the Finland Prize of the Ministry of Education and Culture, and he has been awarded the Pro Finlandia medal.

Jukka Perko – Saxophones & orchestra lead

Saxophonist Jukka Perko brought himself to the attention of jazz circles as a teenager Pori Jazz – festival in the summer of 1986. The very next year he was invited to trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie’s 70- to the anniversary tour orchestra. After two years in Gillespie’s band, he is led his own bands and performed in more than 40 countries. Winged by his brilliant playing technique and by combining Finnish national characteristics with the jazz tradition, he has grown into one one of the most important saxophonists of his generation.

Jarmo Saari – Electric guitars

Jarmo Saari is one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation. After completing a jazz composition with a master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy in 1999, he has realized his musical visions, e.g. performing in numerous ensembles, acting as an artistic producer for several Finns with artists’ studio albums and by composing music for Finnish films, theatre,
for contemporary dance works and for television. His career includes about 100 recordings and performances in 30 on the ground. In 2012, he was awarded the Finland Prize for artistic activity

Teemu Viinikainen – Acoustic guitars

Although guitarist Teemu Viinikainen’s playing has expressive power, swing and virtuosity
self-evident, however, a strong one emerges as the overriding feelings when listening to him
presence and sensitivity. These qualities, as well as Viinikainen’s unique ability to get different ones ensembles to flourish musically, have made him the most sought-after jazz in our country– the guitarist. Viinikainen graduated with a master’s degree in music from the jazz department of the Sibelius Academy, where he has also worked as a teacher since 2002.