Jazz at Café Maa n°4 : Aki Rissanen and Dominique Pifarély

Jazz at Café Maa No. 4: Aki Rissanen and Dominique Pifarély
Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 8:00 PM

On the occasion of UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, the Finnish Institute presents an exceptional concert bringing together two major figures of the European jazz scene: Finnish pianist Aki Rissanen and French violinist Dominique Pifarély.

Echoing a first duo performance in Finland in 2015, the two protagonists—outstanding instrumentalists, composers, and improvisers—reunite at Café Maa for their first appearance in France. Following a solo introduction exploring the sculptural world of the Omniwerk, a one-of-a-kind instrument, Aki Rissanen will be joined by Dominique Pifarély and his intuitive, poetic style. They will continue their dialogue as a violin–piano duo, performing on Institut finlandais’ magnificent Steinway. This fourth edition of Jazz at Café Maa promises to be a unique and deeply human musical performance.

Aki Rissanen: Omniwerk, piano

Over the past decade, Aki Rissanen has established himself as one of the most original and creative voices in contemporary European jazz. Trained in classical piano and later in jazz, he combines lyrical sensitivity, bold improvisation, and formal rigour, exploring new sonic territories in both his solo and collaborative projects. His trio, formed in 2013 with double bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Teppo Mäkynen, is one of the most emblematic ensembles of the Nordic jazz scene.

With Omniwerk—a project not yet presented in France—Rissanen juxtaposes ancient aesthetics with contemporary modernity. This unique instrument, designed by Finnish craftsmen Jukka Ollikka and Jonte Knif, is inspired by concepts from Leonardo da Vinci. It combines two historical instruments—the Geigenwerk (a bowed string instrument imagined by Leonardo) and the Lautenwerk (a Baroque keyboard lute)—offering a sound palette that ranges between harpsichord, string orchestra, hurdy-gurdy, and harp. Through this program, Rissanen draws on fragments and ideas attributed to Leonardo da Vinci to create a musical dramaturgy where Baroque dialogue, contemporary minimalism, and improvisation merge into a vivid and singular sonic experience.

Learn more: Aki Rissanen: Omniwerk

Dominique Pifarély, violin

An internationally renowned musician, violinist Dominique Pifarély began his career in the late 1970s on the French and European stages. He has developed a unique voice on his instrument, constantly navigating between jazz, improvised music, and contemporary composition. His work reflects great musical freedom, both in solo recitals and in collaborations with leading ensembles and artists. He is sought after for his keen sense of sound, expressive musicality, and ability to transcend genres. His collaboration with pianist François Couturier, begun in 1996, led to a second album for the ECM label released in 2025. Preludes and Songs was unanimously praised by critics.

Learn more: Dominique Pifarély