News, 23.5.2012

Kimmo Pohjonen: Accordion Wrestling

Following sell out shows in a Dorset Quarry and on English farms, Kimmo Pohjonen returns to the UK with Accordion Wrestling, a landmark Finnish event that celebrates one of the original sports of the ancient Olympics during 2012. The first show will take place in Manchester 6 June, the second in London 8 June.

Accordion Wrestling combines sport, theatre, dance and music. It is a revival of Finnish wrestling tradition from early 1900s when accordion was included as musical accompaniment for wrestling matches.

'Accordion Wrestling' is a riveting live show featuring film, music performance and choreographed wrestling.

Starring Pohjonen and twelve wrestlers, Accordion Wrestling expands this tradition into an innovative and entertaining physical theatre and music performance with World champion Finnish wrestling group Helsinki Nelson and a top production team of Finland’s leading technicians; direction and choreography by Ari Numminen, light design by Mikku Kunttu and sound design by Heikki Iso-Ahola.

Kimmo Pohjonen is a boldly creative and versatile musician and performer. His mission is to expand the capabilities, sound, scope, perfomance and experience of the accordion. Pohjonen draws from folk, dance, classical, rock, experimental, and theatre music. He has studied at Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department.

The performance premiered in Turku, Finland in 2010. After Britain it will travel to New York.