Maria Kalaniemi

Maria Kalaniemi, a master of free-bass button accordion and one of the worlds´ leading contemporary accordionists. Once a member of pioneering groups, Niekku, Aldargaz from the Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department, where she now teaches, her roots are in folk and classical music but her sights and abilities go far beyond existing styles. Technically brilliant as a player and adept at improvisation, she is also very powerful, intuitive and sensitive composer, with pieces that stylistically touch in numerous areas but feature her own personality as the driving force. Melody is the meaning and with Maria the listeners are sure to feel her message deeply.

Kalaniemi is also a member of the international accordion collective, Accordion Tribe. She has toured and performed as solo, duo and trio units and with several ensembles throughout Europe, USA, Canada and Japan.

Maria has released many albums with many ensembles; the latest is Vilda Rosor "Wild Roses" (Aito Records, 2010). Vilda Rosor is Maria Kalaniemi's intimate excursion to her Finnish-Swedish roots featuring her deeply emotional voice and accordion plus many special guests.

Maria Kalaniemi | vocal and accordion
Olli Varis | guitar
Eero Grundstrom | harmonium and mouth organ

SOUNDCHECK // www.myspace.com/mariakalaniemi