Emma and Teosto Prize Nominee, Pianist Anni Kiviniemi on Jazz Federation Tour in May
Jazz pianist and composer Anni Kiviniemi, whose debut album earned nominations for both the Emma and Teosto Prizes, will embark on a Jazz Federation tour with her trio this May. Joining Kiviniemi are two of Finland’s most in-demand jazz musicians: bassist Jori Huhtala and drummer Olavi Louhivuori. The tour concerts will take place in Oulu (6.5.), Seinäjoki (7.5.), Jyväskylä (8.5.), Espoo (9.5.), and Turku (10.5.).
Anni Kiviniemi is a jazz pianist and composer based in Los Angeles. She has performed extensively across the Nordic countries, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada, both as a solo artist and with her trio. Her music, which transcends stylistic boundaries, teeters between chaos and order, navigating the fine line between composition and improvisation. Attentive listeners may detect influences ranging from Slavic folk dances and 20th-century classical piano music to Middle Eastern musical traditions and free jazz.
Released in 2024, Eir (We Jazz Records), the debut album from the Anni Kiviniemi Trio, has been described as “lyrical and explosive” and “uncompromisingly original, beautiful, and timeless.” While the compositions are carefully structured, Kiviniemi encourages her bandmates to take risks, test out new ideas, and most importantly, have fun – ensuring that no two live performances of a piece are ever quite the same. She invites her audience (and often herself) to be surprised, moved, and challenged.
“There’s an unusual and distinctive flavor in Kiviniemi’s music that I really like. It feels like she’s searching for something, finding it, breaking it apart, and giving it new life. This sense of curiosity takes on many forms throughout the album, constantly reaching for new ideas and anchor points, stretching the limits of imagination.” – Mike Gates (UKVIBE)
Kiviniemi is eagerly anticipating the tour, where both her new and older compositions will come to life through the unique chemistry of this trio.
“I’m especially looking forward to hearing Jori and Olavi’s amazing playing – and of course, visiting all these beautiful cities on the brink of spring! We’re hoping for lots of risk-taking, playful interplay, and some meditative soundscapes – tonal and ‘not-so-tonal’ alike”, says Kiviniemi.
Kiviniemi holds a Master’s degree in Performance from the Norwegian Academy of Music and is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Composition at USC’s Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles.
Anni Kiviniemi Trio
Anni Kiviniemi – piano
Jori Huhtala – bass
Olavi Louhivuori – drums
Concert Venues and Dates
Tue May 6, 7:00 PM – Oulu, Teatteriravintola Aulis / OMJ Jazz & Etno
Wed May 7, 7:00 PM – Seinäjoki, Kalevan Navetta / Ylistaro’s Kaukolankylä Jazz Club
Thu May 8, 7:00 PM – Jyväskylä, Restaurant Poppari / Jazz Jkl ry
Fri May 9, 6:00 PM – Espoo, Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden / April Jazz Club
Sat May 10, 7:00 PM – Turku, Åbo Svenska Teatern, Cáfe Tiljan / Flame Jazz
Jazz – heard and seen!
Finnish Jazz Federation’s essential form of operation is national touring. The annual touring activities enable approximately 100 concerts in 40 different locations all over Finland. The concerts mainly take place in their member organizations. Tours include both in-house productions and collaborations with external producers.
Photo: Klaudia Koldras