Heikki with the over 100 years old piano made in Helsinki. Heikki plays this mother elephant of a piano in every Soul Songs album.
"Go my soul, oh' my sweet soul, hear the song - and be kissed."
Heikki Hallanoro is a Finnish pianist, composer, and former astronomer who once discovered the origins of Saturn’s rings. Music became his refuge early in life—an escape from a difficult childhood and, later, a way out of adult depression. His deeply personal Soul Songs emerged from that journey and have since become his life’s work.
Heikki’s style blends classical sensibility with emotional storytelling, performed on a century-old piano with a sound as weathered and wise as his music. He avoids titling his compositions, allowing listeners to connect in their own way. “Songs are continuous and ever-evolving—just like we are,” he says.
Heikki has no time for things that have no soul. That’s why he does not sit in the study and compose. Heikki “hears” music when he wanders in nature. For example, Soul Songs No. 3 and No. 6 Heikki got when walking Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Japan. “Music comes when one is open and experiences the world around. I tried to create safe and comforting space for listener to embark on inner journey.”
*****5 star reviews*****
“You have to hear this! A wonderful experience! A hypnotic vision...Heikki Hallanoro shows new possibilities, new horizons with his music." – Jacek Brun, jazz-fun.de
“Delicate piano tones that float weightlessly like the first snowflakes on an early winter day: the world comes to a gentle standstill with the feather-light piano ballads by the Finnish neoclassical composer Heikki Hallanoro. * * * * * 5/5” – Xaver, 12.11.2024
”He doesn't 'sing' with his lips, but with his fingers.” – Bad Alchemy, review edition 126
“The Finnish composer and pianist Heikki Hallanoro is a true all-rounder.” – Jürgen Parr, Doppelpunkt
"Soul Songs combine peace and spirituality with creativity and craftsmanship. Result is one work full of emotions and memories." - Simone Theobald, inHard/inMusik.de
*****
Heikki Hallanoro is a recording artist of legendary german label Mons Records. Double CD Soul Songs Vol. 1 & 2 (November 8th 2024, Mons Records) garnered rave reviews for its colourful emotions and got air time in radio stations worldwide including German public-broadcasting institution WDR.
Soul Songs have resonated with audiences worldwide. Heikki Hallanoro truly delivers something very special - something warm from the arctic circle. No wonder that, as of December 2024, he is the 3rd most listened to Finnish pianist.
Heikki Hallanoro loves playing live and he tours actively with Soul Songs in Europe. He is renowned for performing with his eyes closed, a distinctive approach that imbues his piano playing with a meditative, almost spiritual quality. This unique style has earned him the reputation of a gentle, modern-day piano shaman, captivating audiences with his soulful and introspective performances.
As "Finland's only Piano Balladist" Hallanoro's music is characterized by its emotional depth and atmospheric compositions. His Soul Songs showcase his ability to translate personal experiences into evocative melodies.
Heikki Hallanoro's journey from a promising astronomer to a celebrated musician underscores his profound connection to music as a form of expression and healing.
*
Beyond his solo work, Heikki plays drums in the punk band Plan E, has published a novel (Viivalla, 2012), and frequently sets contemporary Finnish literature to music.
Heikki Hallanoro lives with his wife and daughter in Oulu, a city close to arctic circle, Finland.
On October 10th 2025 Mons Records releases a new album Soul Songs Vol. 3.
Heikki’s style blends classical sensibility with emotional storytelling, performed on a century-old piano with a sound as weathered and wise as his music. He avoids titling his compositions, allowing listeners to connect in their own way. “Songs are continuous and ever-evolving—just like we are,” he says.
Heikki has no time for things that have no soul. That’s why he does not sit in the study and compose. Heikki “hears” music when he wanders in nature. For example, Soul Songs No. 3 and No. 6 Heikki got when walking Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Japan. “Music comes when one is open and experiences the world around. I tried to create safe and comforting space for listener to embark on inner journey.”
*****5 star reviews*****
“You have to hear this! A wonderful experience! A hypnotic vision...Heikki Hallanoro shows new possibilities, new horizons with his music." – Jacek Brun, jazz-fun.de
“Delicate piano tones that float weightlessly like the first snowflakes on an early winter day: the world comes to a gentle standstill with the feather-light piano ballads by the Finnish neoclassical composer Heikki Hallanoro. * * * * * 5/5” – Xaver, 12.11.2024
”He doesn't 'sing' with his lips, but with his fingers.” – Bad Alchemy, review edition 126
“The Finnish composer and pianist Heikki Hallanoro is a true all-rounder.” – Jürgen Parr, Doppelpunkt
"Soul Songs combine peace and spirituality with creativity and craftsmanship. Result is one work full of emotions and memories." - Simone Theobald, inHard/inMusik.de
*****
Heikki Hallanoro is a recording artist of legendary german label Mons Records. Double CD Soul Songs Vol. 1 & 2 (November 8th 2024, Mons Records) garnered rave reviews for its colourful emotions and got air time in radio stations worldwide including German public-broadcasting institution WDR.
Soul Songs have resonated with audiences worldwide. Heikki Hallanoro truly delivers something very special - something warm from the arctic circle. No wonder that, as of December 2024, he is the 3rd most listened to Finnish pianist.
Heikki Hallanoro loves playing live and he tours actively with Soul Songs in Europe. He is renowned for performing with his eyes closed, a distinctive approach that imbues his piano playing with a meditative, almost spiritual quality. This unique style has earned him the reputation of a gentle, modern-day piano shaman, captivating audiences with his soulful and introspective performances.
As "Finland's only Piano Balladist" Hallanoro's music is characterized by its emotional depth and atmospheric compositions. His Soul Songs showcase his ability to translate personal experiences into evocative melodies.
Heikki Hallanoro's journey from a promising astronomer to a celebrated musician underscores his profound connection to music as a form of expression and healing.
*
Beyond his solo work, Heikki plays drums in the punk band Plan E, has published a novel (Viivalla, 2012), and frequently sets contemporary Finnish literature to music.
Heikki Hallanoro lives with his wife and daughter in Oulu, a city close to arctic circle, Finland.
On October 10th 2025 Mons Records releases a new album Soul Songs Vol. 3.
