double bass artist, composer and folk musician
BIOGRAPHY
Essi Hirvonen (b. 1993) is a double bass player, folk musician, and composer. Hirvonen's double bass music is a protest against today's fast-paced world, based on minimalist improvisation, long lines, and listening to and experiencing the resonance of the double bass.
At the heart of Essi Hirvonen's artistic work is the exploration of the sound and tone of the double bass through solo performance. Hirvonen began playing solo double bass in 2014 and gave her first solo concert Lopussa (In the End) in 2016. Her next solo concert series were completed a few years later: Kellot (Bells, 2019) and Pyhät (the Saints, 2023).
Hirvonen is originally from Kitee in North Karelia and has lived in Helsinki since 2016. She studied music at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts (2016–2023), the Joensuu Conservatory (2012–2016), and the Central Karelia Music Institute (2008–2012). Hirvonen graduated with a master's degree in music in December 2023, majoring in folk music.
Hirvonen worked on a two-year working grant from the Kone Foundation 2024–2025. Hirvonen's debut album Pyhät was released in November 2024.
Essi Hirvonen works at the Kulttuuriosuuskunta Makasiini.
DEBUT SOLO ALBUM PYHÄT IS out now!
ARTISTIC VISION
Presence
“When performing my improvisational music, I strive to be as sincere and present as possible. I believe that the simpler and more minimalist the music is, the more intensely the performer must be present in their music. For me, performing is also a moment of interaction with my audience. The moments and feelings shared through music between people who are strangers to each other are immeasurably valuable in this era of individuality and isolation.”
The Meaning of Time
“Artistic work requires and needs time to reach its perfect outcome. Time reveals and clarifies the personal side of the composition for me, and on the other hand, it helps to tie the piece into a larger whole in relation to this time and society. Time also deepens my relationship with the composition and its performance. The use of time and long-term commitment seem anarchic in an era when efficiency and speed are considered the most important measures of work.”
Accessibility of art
“It is important for me to play my music in places other than typical concert venues and situations. I come from a working-class background and know from personal experience that certain types of cultural events and services are not socially or financially accessible to everyone. My artistic work includes low-threshold performances for different target groups, for example at the Myllypuro Library in Helsinki. I find it meaningful and interesting to play for diverse audiences.”
READ ESSI HIRVONEN’S THOUGHTS on music and creativity IN HER BLOG
Live DATES
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28.9.2026 Solo performance at the concert “Pyhyyden ja vapauden kaiut”, at st. Michael’s church in Turku
3.6.2026 Huutarha at Perinnearkkuklubi in Helsinki
9.5.2026 Solo concert at Kontula library in Helsinki
5.5.2026 Sound bath for babies at Kontula library in Helsinki
23.4.2026 Solo performance at Aapelinkulma kick-off in Kontula, Helsinki
20.4.2026 Solo concert at Kontula library in Helsinki
7.4.2026 Sound bath for babies at Kontula library in Helsinki
11.3.2026 Solo concert at Kontula library in Helsinki
3.3.2026 Sound bath for babies at Kontula library in Helsinki
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1.10–17.12.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library, Helsinki
1.12.2025 Solo concert at Myllypuro Library, Helsinki
3.11.2025 Solo concert at Myllypuro Library, Helsinki
28.10.2025 Improvisation for school-age children at Myllypuro Library
23.10.2025 Improvisation evening: Something else vol. 7 w/ Wilson Tanner Smith and Sulo Kolehmainen at Bar Musta kissa, Helsinki
21.10.2025 Improvisation for school-age children at Myllypuro Library
14.10.2025 Improvisation for school-age children at Myllypuro Library
26.9.2025 Solo concert at Myllypuro Library
12.9.2025 Solo concert at Myllypuron Library
29.8.2025 Solo concert at Myllypuro Library
23.7.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
19.7.2025 Solo concert at Kesälahden museoalue
17.7.2025 Solo performance at Pop-katu: Improklubi, Sointula, Joensuu
16.7.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
25.6.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
12.6.2025 Solo concert at Myllypuron Library
11.6.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
28.5.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
24.5.2025 Huutarha, Evening of Duos at Toinen Kerros (Äänen lumo), Helsinki
21.5.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
14.5.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
11.5.2025 Solo concert at Kuopion ortodoksisen seurakunnan seurakuntasali
11.5.2025 Solo concert at Lintulan luostari
10.5.2025 Solo concert at Valamon luostari
8.5.2025 Solo concert at Joensuun Ortodoksinen kulttuurikeskus
23.4.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
16.4.2025 Improvisation for babies and toddlers at Myllypuro Library
16.3.2025 Solo concert at Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki
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1.11.2024 Solo concert at SOLA festival, WHS Teatteri Union
4.10.2024 Solo concert at Helsinki Folk Weekend, Tapanilan VPK
22.8.2024 Solo concert, Kesän nuoret taiteilijat at Musiikkitalo, Black Box, Helsinki
8.8.2024 Solo performance + Huutarha at Improiltamat, Vapaan Taiteen Tila, Helsinki
29.6.2024 Solo concert at Kihaus Folk, Perinnetupa, Rääkkylä
25.5.2024 Solo concert at Asbestos Art Space, Helsinki
2.3.2024 Private event
31.1.2024 Private event
Contact
Booking and other inquiries:
Essi Hirvonen / esteri.hirvonen@gmail.com
PRESS
View and download press kit materials from the link below.