Veli Kujala

Concert accordionist, Composer, Improviser

  • Veli Kujala is the archetype of a modern musician, skillfully incorporating composition, improvisation, and boundary-crossing into his artistry.
    Mats Liljeroos · Hufvudstadsbladet
  • And a tip of the hat to the on-stage accordionist Veli Kujala for a standout cameo in Hamlet’s scene with the Players.
    David Wolfson · Bachtrack — The Metropolitan Opera’s Hamlet
  • Kujala proved to be adept at all styles and made the accordion a more sophisticated instrument.
    Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • Accordionist Veli Kujala’s debut concert at the Sibelius Academy delivered precisely what one would anticipate from a debut concert: exceptional musicianship, exquisite compositions, and an engaging program.
    Samuli Tiikkaja · Helsingin Sanomat
  • Kujala’s bravura performance with an accordion capable of quarter tones in Mononen’s Satumaa added a thrill of off-key chaos.
    Music OMH — Tango Prom 70, BBC Proms
  • The entirety is convincing and represents the latest and most intriguing music of today… Veli Kujala’s music vibrates with startling freshness and irresistible originality.
    Ville Komppa · YLE Radio 1
  • Props must be given to accordionist Veli Kujala who musically carried an entire scene on his own.
    David Salazar · Operawire — The Metropolitan Opera’s Hamlet
  • Listening to the exceptional Veli Kujala on the accordion is an immense pleasure every time.
    Médéric Collignon · Citizen Jazz
  • …the Kujala duo shines in the (Kalevi Aho’s) Sonata, delivering it with breathtaking virtuosity and nuance.
    Patrick Hanudel · American Record Guide
  • And Kujala is a master of his instrument, able to jump effortlessly back and forth in the sound continuum from melodious Mediterranean melodies to deserted tone clusters.
    Reinhold Unger · Jazz Podium
  • Stunningly performed by the composer, Veli Kujala’s Accordion Hyperoriental, the fourth part of Hyperchromatic Counterpoint (2006-09), was one of the highlights of the fabulous evening.
    Jari Kallio · Adventures in Music
  • The composition DAI masterfully portrayed the vibrant soundscape of Kujala’s music, which traverses moments of exuberance, elegance, mystique, intrigue, eeriness, intensity, clarity, and dazzling brightness.
    Hanne Orrenmaa · Ilkka
  • Kujala’s accordion performance was nothing short of brilliance… I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone in the audience had previously encountered such an astonishing soloist on this instrument.
    Östgöta Correspondenten

Coming up

30 Sep Blanchard trio + Kujala – Sellosali, Espoo
28 Oct Premiere of Machina Animata by Olli Moilanen
with Lapland Chamber Orchestra/Storgårds – Korundi, Rovaniemi
14 Nov Avanti Club – Kaapelitehdas, Helsinki