Prepare to learn a whole new respect for the piano accordion as Finnish performer and composer Kimmo Pohjonen takes to the stage in a one-man-one-instrument performance unlike anything seen before.
 
Pohjonen musically stretches and squeezes his accordion from its folk origins to rock and improvised avant-garde extravaganzas via the broad sweep of classical music, dance and theatre projects.  His live performances combine extreme compositions with live loops and effects and an animated stage performance with a defiantly punk/sci-fi aesthetic.
 
Pohjonen first picked up an accordion at age eight and 12 years later embarked on a professional solo career that has seen him establish himself as an innovator of the accordion.  Referred to as the “Hendrix of the accordion”, Pohjonen’s mission is to explore all possible sound and performance capabilities of this instrument.
 
He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists in dance, theatre, folk, rock and avant-garde projects including: Kluster, a duo featuring sampling genius Samuli Kosminen (also known from work with Icelandic band MuM); KTU featuring Pohjonen with Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn from King Crimson (USA); Kalmuk, featuring 15 piece Tapiola Sinfonietta; a collaboration with Kluster and Kronos Quartet; plus his latest solo adventure, Animator, featuring live computer designs by multi-media artist / designer Marita Liulia.
 
Pohjonen has performed with The Proms at Royal Albert Hall and two Meltdown Festivals – David Bowie (2002) and Patti Smith (2005) – and has composed and performed music for various film, theatre and dance pieces.
 
Kimmo Pohjonen is set to deliver an unprecedented experience to Sydney Festival music lovers when he brings his dynamic, sound-light spectacular to City Recital Hall Angel Place.

Helene Fox
Publicist
Sydney Festival