Bosse Mellberg receives the Andania Award!

4.11.2025

The Finnish Jazz Federation has granted the discretionary Andania Lifetime Achievement Award to Bosse Mellberg, long-time chair of Korppoo Jazz Association, in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contribution to Finnish jazz. During Mellberg’s tenure, professional Finnish jazz has become the central focus of Korpo Sea Jazz’s artistic programming.

“Bosse Mellberg is a wonderful example of how a genuine community can be built around jazz, where quality and presence go hand in hand. As the artistic leader of Korpo Sea Jazz, he has shaped the festival into an exceptionally musician-driven event, where artistic ambition and a warm, human atmosphere enrich one another. Furthermore, Bosse has played a key role in strengthening the vitality of the Archipelago Sea jazz scene, as well as in founding both the Archipelago Sea Jazz network and Åland Sea Jazz,” stated the award jury, composed of members of the Finnish Jazz Federation’s board.

The award was accepted in Tampere by Mikko Kostiainen, producer of Korpo Sea Jazz, as Mellberg was unable to attend the ceremony due to his own performance commitments. In a speech written by Mellberg and read by Kostiainen, he emphasized the crucial role of volunteer work in supporting Finnish jazz culture:

“The award was given to me, but it truly honors all the association members and volunteers who, year after year, cheerfully dedicate their time to managing the funding and organization of festivals and concerts. Without their contribution, the Finnish jazz scene would not be as vibrant and far-reaching as it is today.”