Arppa & Vantaa Orchestra Ensemble

Information

Tickets €64/54/44

Performers:

Aaro “Arppa” Airola, vocals, trumpet
Ville-Veikko Airaniemi, guitar
Eero Seppä, bass
Okko Saastamoinen, drums, mandolin
Mikko Pellinen, conductor, keyboards
The Vantaa Orchestra Ensemble

Arppa and the strings of the Vantaa Orchestra bring their charm to Tampere Hall in May

Blues, jazz and soul. Finnish rock and pop. Influences from classical music, American popular music traditions and modern orchestral music. Cinematic atmospheres and nostalgic romance. All this awaits as the hugely popular Arppa performs alongside the strings of the Vantaa Orchestra.

The arrangements are by Mikko Pellinen, a trusted collaborator of both Arppa and the orchestra. Pellinen will also conduct the concert.

“Mikko’s arrangements are full of ideas and vision. He picks up on details in the lyrics, for example. If I mention a particular band or artist, Mikko might weave themes from their songs into the arrangements. I think that’s pretty fun,” says Aaro “Arppa” Airola.

Fun and playfulness come up repeatedly when the artist speaks.

“Of course, everything needs to be in balance. But when it comes to creating and exploring something new, I think playfulness is essential.”

Arppa has become known as an authentic, approachable musician who crosses genre boundaries, as well as a gifted storyteller. His connection with the audience is unique, whether he is playing an intimate club gig or a major festival such as Ilosaarirock.

But Arppa would not be Arppa without the band. Although the four-piece takes its name from Airola’s nickname, it is much more than its singer’s backing band: it is a close-knit unit, combining a relaxed approach, spontaneity and exceptional musicianship.

Improvisation is one of the band’s trademarks. It allows the musicians to play and explore while drawing on their versatile skills.

“When Mikko first suggested performing with strings, I asked him to leave room for improvisation. I was a bit nervous that we might lose the spontaneity that’s so characteristic of this band. But that room is there, and it’s good for both us and the audience. Improvisation makes every gig truly different. That’s our starting point.”

The concert by Arppa and the Vantaa Orchestra Ensemble will feature both acoustic and electric arrangements. In the electric line-up, Okko Saastamoinen plays drums, Ville-Veikko Airaniemi electric guitar, Eero Seppä electric bass and Mikko Pellinen keyboards. For the acoustic versions, Airaniemi switches to acoustic guitar, Saastamoinen to mandolin, Seppä to double bass and Arppa to trumpet.

“I like both acoustic and electric music. We’ve always included both in our gigs, too. I don’t want to get stuck in any one mould. I’m curious and always want to do something new. It’s got to have feeling!”

Hauki, Laila, Kesä, Leikkiä sanoilla and Kartta väärinpäin. These carefully selected songs take on intriguing new dimensions in Mikko Pellinen’s arrangements.

“I’ve been looking for the ideal combination of strings and a small band, making the most of the strengths of each. The strings bring different textures and a rich orchestral sound. It’s an exciting combination that gives the music a new kind of dynamism,” he says, promising at least a few surprises for those familiar with Arppa’s music.

“Even if you’re an Arppa fan who’s been to the gigs and listened to the records, this orchestral collaboration is definitely worth coming to hear. And if you’ve never listened to Arppa’s music before, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover it and fall in love with it.”

Did you know you can enjoy drinks in the auditorium during this performance?

The stalls in the Main Auditorium are designated as a drinking area for guests aged 18 and over (excluding Boxes A and B and the balcony). Ticket holders in this area may bring drinks purchased before the performance or during the interval into the auditorium. Please note that the age limit of 18 is strictly enforced, and minors cannot be admitted to this area.

The concert has an intermission.

Subject to change.

Produced by Tampere Hall