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”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

News

Veli Kujala – Fast Forward | Sibelius Academy, 9 May 2026

I am presenting a profile concert at the Camerata hall of the Helsinki Music Centre on 9 May 2026. Fast Forward brings together the many facets of my artistic identity — as a performer, Sibelius Academy lecturer, commissioner of new works, pioneer of the quarter-tone accordion, and composer.

The programme features two world premieres. Kalevi Aho’s Sonata for Quarter-Tone Accordion (2024) receives its first performance, alongside the world premiere of the accordion version of Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Organisme (2000/2025). The second half is devoted to my own chamber works: Lairë for violin, horn and piano (2014); Coral Fantasy for violoncello and live electronics (2015); Cathedral of St. George for piano solo (2021, world premiere); and the string quartet Fast Forward (2021), which gives the evening its title.

Joining me on stage are Reeta Maalismaa (violin), Jukka Harju (horn), Emil Holmström (piano), Markus Hohti (cello), Riitta-Liisa Ristiluoma (viola), and Helena Kujala (violin), with the Sibelius Academy accordion students conducted by Helena Kujala.

The concert includes an intermission and runs approximately 100 minutes. Supported by a composition grant from Suomen Säveltäjät ry.

Coming Up!

May 1 Tango concert with Kuopio Symphony Orchestra @ Kuopio Music Centre (FI)

May 9 Veli Kujala – Fast Forward, profile concert featuring works by Aho (fp), Salonen (fp), Kujala (fp) @ Camerata of Helsinki Music Centre (FI)

June 6 “Legends of Otranto” with Ferdinando Roman (b), Kirke Karja (pf), Veli Kujala (acc) and Ermanno Baron (dr) @ Mantova (IT)

June 10 Concert with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra cond. Maria Schneider @ Stockholm Konserthuset (SE)