AN EVENING WITH MIKKO ALATALO

Friday 20.03.2026 at 7pm Kuopio Music Centre Concert Hall

Kuopio Symphony Orchestra
Jukka Myllys, conductor
Mikko Alatalo, vocals
Jyri Lipponen, host

Mikko Kuusiniemi – Guitar
Tuomas J. Turunen – Keyboards
Tapio Tekoniemi– Bass
Olli Estola – Drums

The Kuopio Symphony Orchestra’s concert series representing artists behind their music continues with legendary Finnish entertainer Mikko Alatalo – a prolific songwriter and one of the most influential voices of Finnish identity. This evening offers symphonic renditions of Alatalo’s rich musical catalogue, accompanied by stories from his life, songs, and the long road behind them. The artist will be interviewed by Jyri Lipponen, CEO of the Record Store Äx.

The concert presents a broad cross-section of Alatalo’s career, featuring classics co-written with Harri Rinne such as 11 virran maa, Kiiminkijoki, Hän hymyilee kuin lapsi, Ihmisen ikävä toisen luo, Viivy vielä hetki, Syli, and Maalaispoika oon. The audience will also enjoy Alatalo’s Finnish versions of international hits, including Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethoven (Pelit seis, Beethoven translation by Juice Leskinen), Van Morrison’s Have I Told You Lately (Milloin viimeksi mä kerroin sulle?), and Steve Winwood’s Gimme Some Lovin’ (Anna mulle lovee), with lyrics by Rinne. A special highlight is Per Vers, runoilija, a gem by Alatalo’s lifelong friend, the Juankoski-born master Juice Leskinen.

“It’s a true celebration to perform these songs with the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra. Some arrangements feel like miniature symphonies – they give you chills and bring tears to your eyes,” says Alatalo. The orchestral arrangements are crafted by Sampo Kasurinen, Artturi Rönkä, Jussi Lampela, Perttu Vänskä, and conductor Jukka Myllys.

Alatalo was a pioneer of Manserock in the early 1970s alongside Juice Leskinen and Harri Rinne in the band Coitus Int. Known for portraying rural life and the everyday person, his work spans Siirtomaasuomi songs, suburban ballads, and country albums. His five-decade career includes over 50 albums, 700 recorded songs, and more than 6,000 performances. With Rinne, he has created love songs, humorous tunes, and children’s music, and has written lyrics for artists like Maarit, Riki Sorsa, and Tabula Rasa. Alatalo has received numerous awards, including the Juha Vainio Prize, Kulttuurin Suomi Award, Special Emma, and Iskelmä-Finlandia.

Duration approx. 2 hours, including intermission.

Produced by the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra
Tickets: 36,60 € / 31,10 € senior citizens and groups min. 20 persons / 10,60 € children under the age of 16 and students and young people under the age of 20

Entertainment Package Spring 2026 – Three Unforgettable Concert Experiences

Secure your seat for the most thrilling musical moments of the spring with one package! The Entertainment Package includes admission to three top concerts:

January 15 Best of Bollywood
February 27 Helsinki Noir Suite
March 20 An evening with Mikko Alatalo

Price: 87 € / 72 € for seniors
On sale until January 15, 2026
BUY THE PACKAGE

Three evenings filled with musical magic, stories, and symphonic brilliance – all with one ticket.