Home - Veli Kujala

”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.com (Review of The Metropolitan Opera's Hamlet) | ”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 | ”Props must be given to accordionist Veli Kujala who musically carried an entire scene on his own.” David Salazar, Operawire.com (Review of The Metropolitan Opera's Hamlet) | ”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 | "Kujala’s bravura performance with an accordion capable of quarter tones in Mononen’s Satumaa added a thrill of off-key chaos." Music OMH (review of Tango Prom 70 concert at the BBC Proms) | ”...the Kujala duo shines in the (Kalevi Aho's) Sonata, delivering it with breathtaking virtuosity and nuance.” Patrick Hanudel, American Record Guide | ”Listening to the exceptional Veli Kujala on the accordion is an immense pleasure every time.” Médéric Collignon, Citizen Jazz | ”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 | ”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 | ”Kujala proved to be adept at all styles and made the accordion a more sophisticated instrument.” Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Coming Up!

Dec 7 Concert of Harri Sjöström Quartet in Neue Sächsische Galerie Chemnitz (DE)

Jan 11 Dai performed by The Lapland Chamber Orchestra cond. John Storgårds @ Korundi, Rovaniemi (FI)

Jan 17 Dai performed by The Lapland Chamber Orchestra cond. John Storgårds @ Stormen (NO)

Jan 25-26 Masterclass at the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität der Stadt Wien (AT)

Feb 3 World premiere of Ilmakannel by Benjamin Schweitzer with Uusinta Ensemble @ Helsinki Music Centre (FI)

Feb 14-15 Armonica by Jörg Widmann with Christa Schönfeldinger (glass harmonica) & The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra cond. by Jörg Widmann @ Helsinki Music Centre (FI)

News

BellowsArt releases The Well-tempered Clavier

On Nov 23, 2023 the record label BellowsArt released the complete recording of The Well-Tempered Clavier by Susanne Kujala. It is the first complete recording on the classical accordion. Her instrument is tuned to Bradley Lehman’s tuning, which he has deciphered from the ornament drawn by Bach himself on the title page of the first edition of The Well-Tempered Clavier I. You can buy the recordings on www.bellowsart.fi