Aili Ikonen – MalmiJazz

Aili Ikonen is one of Finland’s leading singers and songwriters, known for her sensitive and masterful performances.

Ikonen’s musical range has its roots in jazz but boldly ventures beyond genre boundaries. This charismatic artist’s career includes collaborations with various jazz ensembles, big band productions and interpretations of Ella Fitzgerald’s songs. Ikonen is also known these days as a member of the Rajaton vocal ensemble.

In 2025, Ikonen was awarded the Yrjö Prize by the Finnish Jazz Federation, one of the most prestigious honours in the jazz scene. Ikonen has released five solo albums, the most recent of which, Valo, was recorded with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra and released in 2024. Her solo album catalogue also includes Helposti palavaa (2023), Suru ei oo suora viiva (2020), Piirrä minut (2017) and Laulan (2016). New music is on the way in spring 2026.

Ikonen’s discography also includes Jazzbasilli, which delves into the heart of Finnish jazz-pop and was recorded with the HERD jazz trio, and the album Aili Ikonen & Tribute to Ella. The album Laulu keskeneräinen, released in 2019 in collaboration with Jukka Perko Avara, explored 1960s songwriting through Hector’s latest Finnish translations. In addition to composing and writing the lyrics for her own solo work, Ikonen regularly composes for the Rajaton vocal ensemble and undertakes composition commissions.

Joining Ikonen on stage is her trusted quintet, with whom she has been collaborating for over 10 years and on five albums. Known as a sensitive yet powerful performer, Ikonen has been heard in a wide variety of contexts, both alongside the leading artists of our time and as a soloist in various ensembles.

Aili Ikonen – vocals
Janne Toivonen – trumpet
William Suvanne – saxophones and flute
Mikko Arlin – piano
Mikko Pellinen – bass
Mikko Arlin – drums

Duration: 2 h, incl. 20 min intermission