Jukka Perko (born 1968, Huittinen) is a Finnish saxophonist and composer who broke onto the scene as a teenager at Pori Jazz in 1986 and was recruited the following year into Dizzy Gillespie's 70th Anniversary Big Band. Blending jazz with Finnish hymns, tango and classical music, he has released landmark albums on Blue Note and ACT Music, taught at the Sibelius Academy, and served as artistic director of Viapori Jazz festival. Since 2023 he has been an artistic partner of Kymi Sinfonietta.
Perko performs at Rauma Festivo (4-8 August 2026), including the opening concert 'Eino ja Onerva: It takes two to tango!' alongside pianist Iiro Rantala.
Perko leads Jukka Perko Avara with Kymi Sinfonietta in the music-and-poetry work 'Kahden valon välissä' at Kuusankoskitalo, Kouvola.
Perko and soprano Aili Ikonen perform together as Klasstet in Helsinki in January 2026.
Perko performs as soloist with the Helsinki Police Band in the 'Suojelusenkeli' charity concerts at three Helsinki churches in April 2025.
Perko performs with Kymi Sinfonietta in a Kaanaanmaa concert at Kymi Church, Kotka, in April 2025.
