MARKKU JOHANSSON (b. 22.3.1949)

Markku Johansson is one of the most versatile music professionals in Finland. Since 1970 he has utilized his talents as a composer, arranger, conductor as well as an accomplished trumpet and flugelhorn player.

Music became a natural part of Markku Johansson’s life at an early age since both his parents had careers in music. Young Markku’s first intrument was the piano and during his teenage years he switched to the trumpet. His first love was classical music which he studied at the Lahti Conservatory followed by studies at the Sibelius Academy.

The 1970's became a significant decade in Mr. Johansson’s professional development. He moved from rural Heinola to Helsinki and joined one of the leading pop groups of the era, Pepe and The Paradise. He was also very much in demand as an arranger, studio musician and conductor working with major record labels and broadcasting companies. Markku developed an interest in jazz and took up the flugelhorn alongside his beloved trumpet. In 1976-77 he studied in New York under Thad Jones, Carmine Caruso and Lew Soloff.

In addition to his career with Big Bands and studio orchestras, Markku Johansson has performed with most Finnish front-line jazz musicians in smaller ensembles. He has also represented the Finnish National Broadcasting Union performing in Germany, Belgium, England, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands.

Markku Johansson has received several distinguished recognitions of his career. In 1993 he received the annual Yrjö Award from the Finnish Jazz Federation and a new flugelhorn directly presented to him by the Parisian manufacturer Antoine Courtois. In 1996 he received the Kullervo Linna Foundation Award for his work in music entertainment. In 2000 Markku Johansson won the waltz composition contest given by the ELVIS Foundation. In 2002 he received the coveted acknowledgment award given by the Finnish Musicians Union.

Mr. Johansson is among the founders of jazz orchestra UMO and played the trumpet with the orchestra until 1983. From 1992 to 1993 he held position as the orchestra’s Principal Conductor. Since 1998 Markku Johansson has been the Music Director and Principal Conductor of Vantaa Pops. Mr. Johansson has also had the privilege of guest conducting most Finnish symphony orchestras.

Translation: Pasi Tonteri