MASTERPIECE ORCHESTRA: Elton John Tribute Concert

The concert was a great audience success at the festivals, and as a follow-up, Masterpiece Orchestra, led by conductor Lasse Hirvi, put together a concert programme featuring Elton John’s music. Elton John has enriched pop and rock music around the world with countless classic songs since the late 1960s. His career spans seven decades, and his records have sold more than 450 million copies. Led by Lasse Hirvi, Masterpiece Orchestra, with the radiant soloists Antti Kleemola and Emma Balbatsu, created a swinging tribute to this giant of pop music. The evening will feature Elton John’s best-loved hits, delivered with authentic spirit!

Antti Kleemola is a seasoned songwriter, singer and band coach. He has composed a large number of songs for countless top artists, played in several bands and released several solo albums. He also took part in the Finnish Eurovision final. www.anttikleemola.com

Emma Balbatsu is a powerful, versatile singer and vocal coach from Jyväskylä. Among other things, she led the party band Gringo for a long time and performed a concert programme of Adele’s music, “A Night of Adele”. www.emmabalbatsu.com

Lasse Hirvi is a seasoned pianist and conductor. He has worked as a professional pianist since 1979, across a wide range of musical styles. He was conductor at Helsinki City Theatre from 1989 to 2014 and has been conductor at Jyväskylä City Theatre since 2014. He has performed with countless leading Finnish artists on various occasions, including at his own singing clubs, concerts and gigs.

The other Masterpiece Orchestra musicians are: Jani Saaranen: trumpet, flugelhorn; Kalle Keränen: saxophones; Aaro Laitinen: keyboards; Johannes Lintunen: guitars; Hanna Turunen: bass; Hannu Leppänen: drums.