Iiro Rantala - Trinity

VENEZIANA, the new program by Finnish pianist Iiro Rantalas, which will celebrate its premiere at the Berlin Philharmonie (Jan 2023), is dedicated to a place of longing - Venice. How could one not be inspired by the beauty and mystery of the city, its architecture and art history? And by the artists and composers who created fantastic works in this city. Vivaldi and his "Four Seasons", Monteverdi and Italian opera in general, for which Iiro Rantala has a lifelong love. As is so often the case, Iiro Rantala straddles the border between jazz and classical music. And in an exuberance of moods: "On stage, he can become a dervish on the keys. But he can also sink into the music in a calm and concentrated manner." The ideal partners for "Veneziana" are the four strings of the Galatea Quartet, with whom Rantala has often performed on stage. The Zurich-based quartet is known for its innovative, cross-genre concepts - and is therefore the perfect complement for a program that is as dazzling and multifaceted as the lagoon city itself.

"Intelligence, humor, a lot of sentiment, unpredictable ideas and the finest piano craftsmanship" (FAZ) - Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala is "a natural phenomenon on the keys" (Jazz thing). With the anarchic trio Töykeät, he made the jazz stages of Europe and far beyond unsafe for almost 20 years. His subsequent ACT debut album "Lost Heroes" marked a turning point in his music. Where previously wild, unbridled exuberance reigned, today Rantala seeks and finds above all the power of melody, harmony and deep emotion. But the mischievousness always shines through. And also his outstanding, classically trained piano skills. Rantala manages a balancing act in many respects: critically acclaimed, honored with the German Record Critics' Award, the ECHO Jazz Award, the Finnish EMMA Award and many more, but at the same time an audience favorite at hundreds, if not thousands of concerts. In classical temples such as the Berlin Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie, Konzerthaus (concert hall) Berlin, Philharmonie Cologne, but also in jazz clubs and festivals throughout Europe. Solo, in a trio or with a full orchestra. Between jazz, classical, pop and Nordic song. With sentiment and melancholy, but also with a great deal of wit and charm. In short: a master of modern, boundless piano playing.

Iiro Rantala straddles the line between jazz and classical music. "On stage, he can become a dervish on the keys. But he can also sink into the music in a calm and concentrated manner. Rantala has always had a penchant for mixing genres" (Fritz Krauser, Stuttgarter Zeitung). The Galatea Quartet complements him perfectly. In addition to the classical repertoire, the Galatea Quartet has always explored unfamiliar terrain and developed innovative, cross-genre concepts; cross-over projects are not uncommon.
Together, the four string players and Iiro Rantala will once again add an exciting element to the classical repertoire.