Pori Jazz launches its nine‑day festival with standout performances at both the Promenadikeskus Promenadisali and the main stage of Pori Theatre. On Saturday, 11 July, Promenadisali hosts a special joint concert by Aili Ikonen and the Pori Sinfonietta, while on Monday 13 July and Tuesday 14 July the Pori Theatre presents the audience favourite Jazz It Up! show.
On her album Valo, Aili Ikonen – one of Finland’s most luminous jazz vocalists – merges her expressive voice with the rich sonorities of a full orchestra. At Pori Jazz, the Jazz Federation’s Yrjö Award–winning Ikonen performs at Promenadisali together with her acclaimed jazz ensemble and the Pori Sinfonietta. The concert features Ikonen’s own compositions alongside cover songs that hold personal significance for her. The evening is conducted by Pori Sinfonietta’s chief conductor Erkki Lasonpalo.
The Jazz It Up! show, which captivated Pori Jazz audiences in both 2023 and 2024, returns to the festival programme this summer. The production will be staged at the Pori Theatre’s main stage on Monday 13 July and Tuesday 14 July at 18:00. A celebration of dance and music for audiences of all ages, Jazz It Up! draws inspiration from the history and atmosphere of Pori Jazz. Lyrics and choreography are by Tiina Santavuo, with Viia Koivula serving as composer and musical director. The performance features dancers from POSTPOSTRENEFEST and a student ensemble from the Palmgren Conservatory.
