About

Ilmari Rönkä (b. 1995) is a Helsinki-based saxophonist, flutist, and composer. In December 2024, he released his debut EP Dancing Petals in collaboration with vibraphonist Mikko Antila. The duo recorded a full-length album at Roihuvuori Church in Helsinki in August 2025, which will be released in 2026.

Rönkä has collaborated with a wide range of orchestras and ensembles, including UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana, EMO Ensemble, Pori Sinfonietta, among others. He also performs with Tasavallan Presidentti Complete, featuring Finnish prog legends Jukka Gustavson, Jukka Tolonen, and Vesa Aaltonen. In addition, Rönkä is active with jazz groups Joonas Tuuri Quartet and Kasper Halttunen 5tet.

Rönkä holds a master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and has also studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. He has performed at renowned festivals including Pori Jazz, Jazzkaar, Torino Jazz Festival, Tampere Jazz Happening, Flow Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, and Helsinki Festival.

Photo by Anna-Maria Viksten