Heiskanen Bayatz Baharat is an ensemble fronted by violinist and composer Lotta-Maria Heiskanen, performing music where Middle Eastern rhythms and tonal language meet Nordic jazz and folk music tradition. The ensemble’s debut album Samai Maata was released in 2022 on the Eclipse Music record label. Heiskanen is a sensitive interpreter whose playing style is touchingly beautiful and fiercely passionate. Her compositions traverse the borders of mysticism and realism. The ensemble’s concert at Etno-Espa leads their audiences through Arabian taqsims and 10/8 samai rhythms to Latin and jazz influences, from virtuosic longa to tender ballads.

Lotta-Maria Heiskanen – violin, compositions
Jukka Haavisto – bass
Aapo Heinonen – piano
Ricardo Padilla – percussion
Daniel Al-Attrash – qanoon