Biography
Kimmo Pohjonen earned Folk Musician of the Year honors consecutively across 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. He has infused Finland’s longstanding accordion traditions with contemporary perspectives, drawing on prior experience in pop and rock ensembles to reshape the folk repertoire of his native country. Released in March 1999, his first album, Kielo, earned recognition from Helsingin Sanomat as one of the year’s standout releases.
Born to a father who performed on piano accordion, Pohjonen took up the button accordion at ten. Between 1980 and 1985 he pursued classical training at Helsinki Conservatory, then extended those studies—encompassing both classical and folk traditions—at the Sibelius Academy from 1985 through 1996. During the same period he also attended Bagamoyo College of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Early notice came from his melodeon work in pop and rock outfits such as Toni Rossi And Sinitaivas, after which he accepted an invitation to Finnish folk ensemble Ottopasuuna. He stayed with Ottopasuuna until 1998, when he made a short-lived move to the rock group Ismo Alanko Saatio. Alongside his solo endeavors, Pohjonen maintains an active partnership in the duo Pinnin Pojat alongside JPP fiddler Arto Jarvela.
In spring 2000 he joined forces with Tapiola Sinfonietta for the original production Kalmusikkisin Fonia, which incorporated a light show and quadrophonic sound design; the piece received its premiere through three performances at Helsinki’s Savoy Theater. Pohjonen also serves on the faculty of the Sibelius Academy.
Born to a father who performed on piano accordion, Pohjonen took up the button accordion at ten. Between 1980 and 1985 he pursued classical training at Helsinki Conservatory, then extended those studies—encompassing both classical and folk traditions—at the Sibelius Academy from 1985 through 1996. During the same period he also attended Bagamoyo College of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Early notice came from his melodeon work in pop and rock outfits such as Toni Rossi And Sinitaivas, after which he accepted an invitation to Finnish folk ensemble Ottopasuuna. He stayed with Ottopasuuna until 1998, when he made a short-lived move to the rock group Ismo Alanko Saatio. Alongside his solo endeavors, Pohjonen maintains an active partnership in the duo Pinnin Pojat alongside JPP fiddler Arto Jarvela.
In spring 2000 he joined forces with Tapiola Sinfonietta for the original production Kalmusikkisin Fonia, which incorporated a light show and quadrophonic sound design; the piece received its premiere through three performances at Helsinki’s Savoy Theater. Pohjonen also serves on the faculty of the Sibelius Academy.
Albums
