Accordionist-conductor Janne Valkeajoki (b. 1992) is a true musical force of nature. Whether he is performing cutting-edge new material or his own splendid baroque arrangements, Valkeajoki always displays an incomparable engagement with his work. This has led to a stellar range of commissioning and collaborating partners, including Magnus Lindberg, Kalevi Aho, Vito Žuraj, Sebastian Hilli, Cecilia Damström, Aulis Sallinen, Pierluigi Billone, Michael Quell and Viera Janárčeková. The astuteness and charm of Valkeajoki’s interpretations lead the listener to a fount of structural clarity, finely tuned detail and palpable vitality.
Valkeajoki’s multifaceted programming, ranging from Rameau to contemporary music, has been released in album form on the labels Orchid Classics, Neos, BIS Records, Kairos and Alb Records. Besides his dedicated musical performances, Valkeajoki’s diversity extends to the fields of planning and organisation. As an artistic director for Kumaus Festival, he has fostered innovative programme choices and concert accessibility, never forgetting a creative touch and the joy of community. Valkeajoki’s festival calendar encompasses Musica Nova in Helsinki, Die Tage der Neuen Musik in Bamberg, Acht Brücken in Cologne, Our Festival on Lake Tuusula (Southern Finland), and Nacht der Neuen Musik in Munich.
Valkeajoki studied the accordion and conducting at the Sibelius Academy under Matti Rantanen and Jorma Panula, taking further studies at Würzburg University of Music under Stefan Hussong and Ari Rasilainen, and in the Conductors’ Academy at Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, with Paavo Järvi. His artistic achievements include winning the Arrasate Hiria International Accordion Competition in 2015.
Valkeajoki’s refreshing and insightful musicianship allows timeless classics to shine in full colour, while newly premiered works are given a favourable start in life. As a chamber musician and conductor, Valkeajoki invites his colleagues to engage in a deep sonorous dialogue, always blazing new trails towards far-off horizons.
© Jari Kallio
Admission to the event is free. Seating is limited to 40 seats and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance bookings are accepted, but you can reserve a seat by obtaining a ticket at Kirpilä starting from 12pm on Sunday. Welcome!
Photo: Pietari Purovaara