One hundred years of Finnish jazz
Finnish jazz today is more diverse and richer than ever, with its creators operating at a world‑class level. The Jazz Finland 100 anniversary year, celebrated in 2026, highlights Finnish jazz as well as the societal significance and wide‑ranging impact that jazz has had on Finnish popular culture over the past hundred years. Throughout the anniversary year, performances will be held across Finland, honouring the history of jazz while also looking toward its future.
Jazz Finland 100 invites everyone to join in
The Jazz Finland 100 campaign, coordinated by the Finnish Jazz Federation, invites the entire Finnish arts and culture sector to celebrate Finnish jazz. Throughout the year, dozens of anniversary events will take place across Finland, all compiled in the Jazz Finland event calendar. The programme already published for the anniversary year includes, among others:
26.3. Jyväskylä Sinfonia & Air Force Big Band & Iiro Rantala: All That Jazz
26.3. Sointi Jazz Orchestra: Jazz Finland 100 years! concert at Malmitalo
21-23 April Jazz Finland 100 – international showcase at April Jazze in Espoo
24.4. Turku Jazz Orchestra & Joonatan Rautio: Finnish Songbook
30.4. UNESCO International Jazz Day
A website on the history of Finnish jazz to be launched on 4.6.
1.7. Jyväskylä summer opening concert: Aili Ikonen & Seela Sella
Numerous local clubs and concert venues across Finland are dedicating parts of their programming to the anniversary year, and major jazz festivals — from April Jazz to Pori Jazz — are incorporating it into their programmes as well. New programme additions for the anniversary year are being announced continuously in the Jazz Finland calendar of events.
