”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) | ”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 | ”Veli Kujala is the archetype of a modern musician, skillfully incorporating composition, improvisation, and boundary-crossing into his artistry.” Mats Liljeroos, Hufvudstadsbladet | ”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
Jun 23-24 Masterclass @ Musikene, San Sebastian (ES)
Jul 25-31 Masterclass @ Internationale Akkordeon Seminarwoche Ottweiler (D)
Aug 4 Aurora Borealis performed by Susanne Kujala at Urkuyö & Aria Festival, Helsinki Music Centre
Aug 11 World premiere of Extremeros by the recorder guru Eero Saunamäki at Vantaa Baroque Festival
