Rantakylä Big Band was founded in the beginning of the nineties. Although the players are occupied in different professions, they all have a solid musical background.

Music teacher Krystian Tesarczyk has led the orchestra from the beginning. Multi-instrumentalist Tesarczyk conducts other interesting ensembles as well, a.o. jazz choir Nova Singers, Glenn Miller Sound Orchestra, Tesar Jazz Band and the baroque orchestra Mondetta.

The orchestra repertoire includes, besides traditional American big band music, also Finnish and Italian evergreens.

Performances
The orchestra plays mainly in the area of Mikkeli district, but it has performed abroad, too.

Denmark, Assens
In the autumn of 1996 the band had a self-financed performance in Denmark. Rantakylä Big Band has co-operated with Mikkeli rural municipality, which also awarded the band with an art award in 1996.

USA, Florida
American-Finnish residents in Florida invited the band to play in Lake Worth in the autumn of 1997.

Rome, Vatican
In 1999 the band played at the Pope Pius IX School.

Poland, Krakow
In the autumn of 2001 the band headed for the historic city of Cracow, Poland. The band performed at the famous U Muniaka Jazz Club.

Czech Republic, Prague
In October 2002 it was time to play together with the artists at Semafor-theatre in Prague. Funds of this charity concert went to restauration of the flooddamaged theatre.

Spain, Costa del Sol
In February 2003 Tesar Jazz Band played on Costa del Sol, Spain, an area favoured by tourists. The band had two concerts in Fuengirola at the Mai Tai club and one gospel concert in a church in Torremolinos.

Poland, Warsaw
In October 2003 Tesar Jazz Band played concerts in Poland, again. The concerts were at the popular Jazz Café in Warsaw and in the old town Kalisz.

Slovakia, Bratislava
In October 2005 the band visited Bratislava, the Capital of Slovakia. They had two gigs at the popular Jazz Café Club there.

Thailand, Bangkok
In October 2007 Rantakylä Big Band and Tesar Jazz Band will visit Thailand, invited by the Ambassador of Finland, Mr. Lars Backström. The orchestra will play at the Thailand Culture Centre in Bangkok. The concert is a part of the 80 year celebration of the King of Thailand. Another concert will be played for international diplomats at the Finnish Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok.