Stefano Bollani & Iiro Rantala
Biography Stefano Bollani & Iiro Rantala
Iiro Rantala
"Intelligence, humor, a lot of sentiment, unpredictable ideas and the finest piano craftsmanship" (FAZ) - the Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala is "a natural phenomenon on the keys" (Jazz thing). With the anarchic trio Töykeät, he rocked the jazz stages of Europe and far beyond for almost 20 years. His subsequent ACT debut album "Lost Heroes" marked a turning point in his music: where wild, unbridled exuberance reigned before, Rantala now seeks and finds above all the power of melody, harmony and deep emotion. But his mischievous side shines through again and again. And so does his outstanding, classically trained piano craftsmanship. Rantala manages a balancing act in many ways: Celebrated by critics, including the German record critics' annual award, the ECHO Jazz, the Finnish EMMA Award and many more, but at the same time also a crowd favorite at hundreds, if not thousands, of concerts. In classical temples such as the Berlin Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie, the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Cologne Philharmonie, but also in jazz clubs and festivals across Europe. Solo, in a trio or with a full orchestra. Between jazz, classical, pop and Nordic songs. With sentiment and melancholy, but also with a lot of wit and charm. In short: a master of modern, limitless piano playing.
Stefano Bollani
On the piano, Bollani always manages to create something new by jumping effortlessly between genres and eras - from classical music to jazz to South American rhythms, from Poulenc to Lucio Dalla to Frank Zappa. A great musical game in which improvisation and creativity play the main roles. However, there is one constant in Bollani's concerts: the special bond with his audience, who are invited each time to shape the evening's program with their unpredictable wishes, together with the artist.
Music as a huge game that must be constantly reinvented, alone or with the most diverse partners. Bollani seeks inspiration throughout the history of music and above all explores the present, the moment, improvising and playing alongside great artists such as his noble mentor Enrico Rava, Chick Corea, Richard Galliano, Bill Frisell, Lee Konitz, Paul Motian, Pat Metheny. He has recorded for the most prestigious jazz labels such as ECM, Label Bleu and ACT Records. With the same joyful spirit, he collaborates with symphony orchestras such as the Gewandhauskapelle Leipzig, La Scala in Milan and the Orchestre National de Paris, playing works by his favorite composers Gershwin, Ravel and Poulenc. He is led by courageous and enthusiastic conductors such as Riccardo Chailly, Krjstian Jarvi, Daniel Harding, Zubin Mehta and Anthony Pappano.
