Maria Kalaniemi Trio

Maria Kalaniemi Trio features three of the most talented and distinguished musicians in Finland today. Continuing in the spirit of their previous group, Maria Kalaniemi & Aldargaz, the trio is known for their exceptional skills in composing and arranging as well as for their brilliance as players. Maria Kalaniemi Trio perform mostly original compositions by accordionist Maria Kalaniemi and pianist Timo Alakotila, with some Finnish traditional pieces. The setting is minimalist yet elegant and melodically uplifting. Concerts in USA, Europe and Japan have earned them the highest of praises, as the world discovers the many recordings associated with the ensemble. In September 2006 the trio perform three concerts in USA including San Francisco, Los Angeles and MInneapolis.

Maria Kalaniemi — Finland’s “Queen of the Accordion” is one of this world’s most gifted players and composers. Studies at Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department and work with classical, folk, rock, jazz and dance music have helped her to become as versatile as she is technically skilled. Proficient on 1-row, 2-row, standard 5-row and free-bass 5-row accordions, Maria has been involved with several groups: Niekku, Aldargaz, Helsinki Melodeon Ladies, Pidot, Unto Tango Orchestra, Ramunder and now the Maria Kalaniemi Trio. She has also worked with Finnish singers Liisa Matveinen, Anna-Kaisa Liedes, Vesa-Matti Loiri and Katri Helena. Maria has also worked with her male counterpart, Finnish accordion star Kimmo Pohjonen. She has worked with international artists such as British accordionist Karen Tweed, Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon, Swedish nyckelharpa genius Johan Hedin, Swedish fiddler Sven Ahlbäck, Swedish eccentric Lars Hollmer, Japanese singer Halo, Japanese conceptualist Yasunori Mitsuda and the international accordion collective Accordion Tribe. Aldargaz, Accordion Tribe and Trio performances have taken her around the world, while her recordings have been released globally on major and indie labels. Maria has received numerous prizees, awards and grants including the prestigious “Prize of Finland” award for artistic excellence.

Timo Alakotila — The elegance, sophistication and melodic brilliance of Maria’s music is equally matched by the astounding skills of pianist Timo Alakotila. It’s as if their four hands belonged to the same body. Timo’s history, which also involves comprehensive work at Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department, as well as Oulunkylä Pop & Jazz Conservatory, is as colorful, working with groups Aldargaz, Unto Tango Orchestra and Luna Nova, plus Kaustinen groups JPP and Troka where he plays his 110 year old Finnish harmonium. He is one of Finland’s most in-demand arrangers and composers, having worked with dozens of singers, orchestras, big bands, jazz and chamber ensembles, folk musicians and instrumentalists from all genres. As well, Timo has arranged the horn and string parts for Aldargaz albums Iho and Ahma. Tours with Aldargaz, JPP, Troka have taken him around the world, while his schedule at home keeps him busy writing or producing albums for other artists. Timo made a duet album with British accordionist Karen Tweed, then toured England with Karen and Maria to promote that release. Timo and Maria released their duo album, entitled Ambra, in 2001. He has received numerous awards and grants from the Finnish state and remains one of Finland’s most important musicians.

Olli Varis — Guitarist Olli Varis has worked with folk and rock groups in Finland going back twenty years, including the first incarnation of Värttinä. Subsequent ventures, including comprehensive work at Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department, include Aldargaz, Helsinki Mandoliners and work with singer Anna-Kaisa Liedes. He has composed music for Aldargaz recordings and is reponsible for the guitar sounds on the exquisite Aldargaz albums Iho and Ahma. He has released a CD/notebook for folk tunes on guitar and has produced and engineered albums by Finnish folk and rock artists.