She first became known as the arranger of the works of Vesala for his 'Sound & Fury' ensemble.[4] They went on to collaborate extensively over two decades, and in a 2008 Washington Post interview, she stated that during that time she did not play her own music at all but was instead totally focused on supporting Vesala.[5] As part of her support role she also broadened her instrument repertoire to keyboards, the accordion and especially the harp, in which she is entirely self-taught.[5][3]
Vesala died in 1999, and afterwards Haarla launched her solo career, performing in and leading numerous ensembles.[3] She also went on to record several albums, both as a leader and ensemble artist.[3]
Haarla's music has been characterised as "sit[ting] at that mystical halfway point between improv and composition".[6] Her piano-playing has been described as having a "weightless, displaced" quality, and her harp "delicate romanticism".[6]
Recognition
Haarla has received two Emma awards for the jazz record of the year, in 2005 (Penguin Beguine) and 2011 (Vespers).[7]
In 2006, she was awarded the Yrjö prize by the Finnish Jazz Federation.[8]
