Turku Philharmonic Orchestra and Turku Jazz Orchestra join forces in Henry Mancini celebratory May Day concert

The concert on Wednesday, May 1, at 3 in in the Turku Concert Hall will feature Mancini's most iconic compositions in new, lush versions performed by the city's top orchestras, the brilliant big band, and the symphony orchestra. The fresh orchestrations are the work of conductor Ville Vannemaa.

Henry Mancini (1924-1994) is considered one of the most significant composers in film history. His accolades include four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy Awards. Mancini's film music is characterized by strong melodies, universally recognized "earworms" such as Pink Panther and Baby Elephant Walk, timeless atmosphere, and imaginative use of various instruments in orchestrations. Additionally, Mancini was a pioneering composer, blending jazz influences with classical late-romantic orchestral music among the first. The May Day concert will feature music primarily from the films Hatari! (1962) and The Pink Panther (1963).