UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra is Finland's only state-funded professional jazz orchestra, founded in 1975 by Heikki Sarmanto and Esko Linnavalli. With 16 full-time musicians, it performs around 80-100 concerts a year and has released over 60 albums - a discography that earned the orchestra a Grammy nomination in 1979 and multiple Finnish Yrjö and Emma awards. Its library of more than 4,000 works and annual collaboration with over 150 music professionals make it one of the most significant jazz institutions in Northern Europe.
UMO performed with US jazz singer Jazzmeia Horn at Jazzfest Bonn in Germany, closing its 50th anniversary season with an international appearance.
UMO served as the gala orchestra for the Finnish Sports Gala on January 17, 2026, broadcast live on Yle TV2, as part of a two-year partnership agreement.
UMO announced its full spring 2026 season program, including a new club concert series at the Helsinki Music Centre's Black Box.
UMO launched its 50th anniversary season, running from summer 2025 through spring 2026, with programming developed collaboratively by the entire personnel.
UMO performed a joint concert with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in a tribute to Quincy Jones at Musiikkitalo.
concert19:00American jazz vocalist Michael Mayo performs with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra at Savoy Theatre in Helsinki. The concert marks the start of his two-year tenure as principal guest with the orchestra.
concert18:00Anna Airola and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra perform a jazz interpretation of the classic Nutcracker in Helsinki.
concert19:00American singer Becca Stevens performs with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in a concert featuring specially arranged big band versions of her compositions.
concert18:00American guitarist and singer-songwriter Becca Stevens performs with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra in specially arranged big band pieces. A concert spanning folk, indie-pop, and jazz.
concert12:00Jazz concert featuring singer Elena Mîndru and UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra performing Broadway classics. Free lunch concert at Savoy Theatre lasting approximately 60 minutes without intermission.