New, top-level residency

The residency program has been established in order to provide a top-flight international, invitation-only jazz residency for top jazz musicians and promising up-and-coming players. The aim of the program is to enable networking between international and Finnish jazz scenes and to provide opportunities for new, creative collaborations and ideas. 

The residency also includes a masterclass presentation and teaching for the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department as well as a concert appearance with the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. The Jazz Finland Residency program is always tailored to the artist’s wishes in order to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Tailor-made program

The length of the residency ranges from one to two months. The exact length of the residency will be determined according to the wishes of the invited artist.

The residency will cover the guest artist’s travel expenses and accommodation in the Helsinki city centre. The residency will also provide a stipend for the invited artist. In addition, a separate fee will be paid for the Sibelius Academy masterclass and teaching, the guest appearance with the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, as well as for any other concert performances organized within the residency program.

The residency encourages all creative collaborations between the resident artist and Finnish jazz musicians during the residency period. During the residency, the guest artist will be able to attend jazz concerts in Helsinki free of charge. There will also be a meet&greet event in the beginning of the residency with Finnish jazz musicians and promoters. 

Partners

The residency is organized by Jazz Finland in collaboration with the Sibelius Academy Jazz Department, the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra and the Finnish Musicians’ Union. The collaborative partners also include the Finnish Jazz Musicians’ Association, Music Finland and HIAP Helsinki International Artist Programme.

Jazz Finland is an umbrella organisation that serves as an interest group for the Finnish jazz scene, and is responsible for coordinating the residency. The Sibelius Academy provides the highest music education in Finland and its Jazz Department is internationally known for its top-quality masterclasses, among other activities.

The UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra is an internationally recognized big band whose current Artistic Director and Chief Conductor is Ed A. Partyka from the United States, with Guillermo Klein as the Artistic Partner. The Finnish Musicians’ Union is a trade organization for professional musicians.