Country

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Finland

Birth

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September 27, 1967 in Finland

 

Markku Ounaskari is a Finnish jazz drummer and composer who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on May 28, 1967, in Lapland, Finland, Ounaskari grew up in a musical family and began playing the drums at a young age. He was inspired by his father, who was a jazz pianist, and his mother, who was a singer. Ounaskari's musical journey began in the 1980s when he started playing in local bands in his hometown. He then moved to Helsinki to study music at the Sibelius Academy, where he honed his skills as a drummer and composer. During his time at the academy, Ounaskari was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and folk music. After graduating from the Sibelius Academy, Ounaskari began performing with some of the most prominent jazz musicians in Finland, including saxophonist Juhani Aaltonen and pianist Iro Haarla. He also formed his own trio, which included bassist Ulf Krokfors and pianist Jarmo Savolainen. In the early 2000s, Ounaskari began to explore the world of classical music. He collaborated with the Avanti! Chamber Orchestra and the Tapiola Sinfonietta, and he also composed music for various ensembles and orchestras. In 2005, he released his first album of classical music, titled "Kuára: Psalms and Folk Songs," which featured his own compositions as well as traditional Finnish folk songs. Ounaskari's unique approach to classical music, which blended elements of jazz and folk music, quickly gained him recognition in the music world. He was awarded the prestigious Finnish Jazz Federation's Yrjö Award in 2006, and he was also nominated for the Nordic Council Music Prize in 2008. Over the years, Ounaskari has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including saxophonist Trygve Seim, pianist Marilyn Crispell, and accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen. He has also performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals in the world, including the Berlin Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Montreal Jazz Festival. One of Ounaskari's most notable collaborations was with pianist Iro Haarla and saxophonist Trygve Seim. The trio released their first album, "Yarra Yarra," in 2008, which was followed by "Vespers" in 2011. The albums were critically acclaimed and showcased Ounaskari's ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. In addition to his work as a musician, Ounaskari is also a respected music educator. He has taught at the Sibelius Academy and the Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory, and he has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world. Today, Ounaskari continues to push the boundaries of classical music and explore new musical territories. He remains one of the most respected and innovative musicians in Finland and beyond, and his contributions to the world of music will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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