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Composer  

 

Kimmo Pohjonen is a Finnish accordionist and composer who has gained international recognition for his innovative approach to classical music. Born on August 16, 1964, in Helsinki, Finland, Pohjonen grew up in a musical family and began playing the accordion at the age of five. He was inspired by his father, who was also an accordionist, and by the traditional Finnish folk music that he heard in his community. Pohjonen's early musical training was focused on classical accordion, and he studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. However, he was also interested in exploring other genres of music, including rock, jazz, and electronic music. He began experimenting with different styles and techniques, and soon developed a unique sound that blended traditional accordion music with contemporary influences. In the early 1990s, Pohjonen formed a band called Kluster, which included percussionist Samuli Kosminen and guitarist Seppo Kantonen. The group's music was a fusion of rock, jazz, and traditional Finnish folk music, and they quickly gained a following in Finland. In 1995, they released their debut album, "Kluster," which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. Over the next few years, Pohjonen continued to explore new musical directions, collaborating with a variety of artists and experimenting with different styles. In 1997, he released his first solo album, "Kielo," which showcased his unique approach to accordion music. The album was a critical success, and Pohjonen began to gain recognition outside of Finland. In 2000, Pohjonen released his second solo album, "Kalmuk," which was inspired by the music of the Kalmuk people of Russia. The album featured a blend of traditional Kalmuk music and Pohjonen's own unique style, and it received widespread acclaim. That same year, Pohjonen was invited to perform at the prestigious WOMAD festival in the UK, where he was introduced to a global audience. Pohjonen's international career continued to grow over the next few years, as he performed at festivals and concerts around the world. In 2002, he released his third solo album, "Kluster 2," which featured collaborations with a variety of musicians, including guitarist David Torn and percussionist Pat Mastelotto. The album was a critical success, and it helped to establish Pohjonen as one of the most innovative and exciting accordionists of his generation. In 2004, Pohjonen released his fourth solo album, "Kalmukia," which was a continuation of his exploration of Kalmuk music. The album featured collaborations with a variety of Kalmuk musicians, and it was praised for its innovative blend of traditional and contemporary styles. That same year, Pohjonen was awarded the prestigious Nordic Council Music Prize, which is awarded annually to a musician from one of the Nordic countries. Over the next few years, Pohjonen continued to push the boundaries of classical music, collaborating with a variety of artists and experimenting with different styles. In 2006, he released his fifth solo album, "Accordion Wrestling," which was inspired by the traditional Finnish sport of accordion wrestling. The album featured collaborations with a variety of musicians, including percussionist Samuli Kosminen and guitarist Raoul Björkenheim, and it was praised for its innovative and playful approach to music. In 2009, Pohjonen released his sixth solo album, "Uniko," which was a collaboration with the Kronos Quartet and Samuli Kosminen.

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