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  • Mon. 15.03.
  • 8.00 p.m.
  • Bremen
    ·Die Glocke
  • Concert cancelled

Transcending boundaries

Works by Rantala, Mozart and Poulenc

His playing transcends all boundaries of genre and yet is based on a solid foundation: a highly sophisticated piano technique and an exceptionally assured style. His compositions are as sensitively romantic as they are subtly humorous. Radical wildness and visionary freedom meet swing and blues. Iiro Rantala not only shows that jazz also has a home in Scandinavia, but can also inspire with his interpretation of Mozart’s famous A major piano concerto.

With this and a package of his own works, the Finnish pianist is now returning to The Deutsche Kammer­philharmonie Bremen, with whom he recorded the International Classical Music Award-winning album ›Mozart, Bernstein, Lennon‹ followed by ›Iiro Rantala Playing Gershwin‹. A jewel from the oeuvre of Francis Poulenc concludes the concert with his Sinfonietta, premiered in London in 1948: a masterfully orchestrated bow to Mozart that exudes the Frenchman’s unmistakable wit and charm.

Programme

    • Iiro Rantala (*1970)
    • Solo piano compositions and a duet with Jaakko Kuusisto
    • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
    • Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 23 in A major K. 488
    • Francis Poulenc (1899–1963)
    • Sinfonietta FP 141

Violin and director

Jaako Kuusisto

© Foto: Jari Kivelä

Piano

Iiro Rantala

This multiple award-winning pianist, Born in 1970, is considered »Finland’s most internationally renowned jazz musician« (Jazz Finland). As a »natural phenomenon on the keys« (Jazzthing) Iiro Rantala is a singular master of his instrument, able to expertly combine virtuosity with intelligence, emotion and humour.

Rantala studied Jazz Piano at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, as well as classical piano at the Manhattan School of Music. In his home country, he is a superstar and musical ambassador with his own television programme. However, this excellent all-rounder is well-known far beyond the borders of Scandinavia, having won an ›Echo Jazz‹ in the category ›Best International Pianist‹. His very own Trio Töykeät, with whom he also played until 2006, has given 2300 concerts in over 40 countries and with his surprising ideas, has turned many genres – particularly the tango – completely upside down.

In addition, Rantala has composed for numerous theatre pieces, musicals and feature films and since 2011 has been at the helm of the Jazz Piano Festival in Kapsäkki. Alongside his work for fim, television, radio and also as solo artist, Rantala has also produced several great albums; the album ›Lost Heroes‹ released in 2011 was celebrated by the Süddeutsche Zeitung as a »Masterpiece« and the German Record Critics’ Award was only one of several prestigious awards it received. The Finn regularly performs with the Deutsche Kammer­philharmonie Bremen and never fails to amaze his audience.

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Violin and director

Jaako Kuusisto