By Marinel E. Peroy
Finnish saxophonist and composer Pekka Pylkkänen gave an electrifying jazz performance at the Society Lounge in Makati City during his debut in the Philippines last week.
The concert, hosted by the Embassy of Finland, not only captivated the local audience but also marked a milestone in the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and the Philippines.
In a candid conversation with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Pylkkänen, known for his soothing yet profound sound, shared his excitement about visiting the Philippines for the first time.
“The atmosphere here is electrifying,” he said. “It’s very much alive.”
Despite his short stay—just five days— Pylkkänen expressed a deep interest in immersing himself in Filipino culture, following a recent tour in Osaka, Japan.
Pylkkänen’s visit included performances on May 2 and 4 at 78-45-33 at LPL Mansion, where his heartfelt melodies resonated with both the Filipino audience and fellow artists.
Jazz, he believes, is a universal language.
“Jazz is a language. I think it’s a language, but it’s also a feeling. At its best, it brings the best parts of humanity out,” he said, describing the art form as both an unwritten message and a tool for unity.
“It reflects the brotherhood of man. It unifies all countries, all religions, all races,” he added.
For Pylkkänen, jazz transcends cultural and geographical barriers—an idea that strikes a chord not only between Finland and the Philippines but around the world.
As a form of art originating from Black American culture, jazz has evolved into an international phenomenon, celebrated for its power to unite diverse cultures.
This belief in music’s unifying power was echoed by the Finnish Ambassador to the Philippines, Saija Nurminen, who said, “It is very opportune to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and the Philippines with a jazz concert.”
Pekka’s upcoming performances take him to South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Taiwan, China, Mexico, and India in the latter half of 2025, continuing his mission to share the magic of jazz across the globe.
April 30 was also International Jazz Day, a day that reflects the essence of jazz as described by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock: “Jazz has always been about bringing people together, breaking barriers, and inspiring creativity across cultures.”
Stay tuned for more from Pekka Pylkkänen and experience his soulful journey through music.
Official website: Pekka Pylkkänen Music
YouTube: Pekka Pylkkänen YouTube Channel
