b. 1967
Sibelius Academy Jazz Department graduate Mikko Mäkinen strengthened UMO Jazz Orchestra’s saxophone section for the first time in 1993. His career in UMO began at the orchestra’s young soloist’s concert, and has continued since with temporary vacancies – the last one has continued since 2011. In addition to alto saxophone, tenor saxophone and baritone saxophone, Mäkinen plays also clarinets and flutes.
Mikko Mäkinen has played in Riku Niemi Orchestra, The Great Helsinki Swing Band and various groups lead by Pentti Lasanen to name a few. His playing has been enjoyed by audiences in the Finnish National Theatre, Helsinki City Theatre, TTT-Theatre in Tampere, Pori City Theatre, Lappeenranta City Theatre and Unga Teatern. In addition to working in orchestras, Mäkinen has shared his knowledge to young musicians in Lappeenranta Music Institute, Sibelius Academy and Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory.