For over a decade, ACT Music's Jazz at the Berlin Philharmonie series has celebrated extraordinary moments of live jazz in one of the world's most famous concert halls. Curated by ACT founder Siggi Loch, the renowned series brings together the best musicians for unique, often unexpected collaborations - and has delivered countless unforgettable performances that are now captured in an acclaimed collection of recordings. Jazz at the Berlin Philharmonie XV brings together two masters of the piano, Iiro Rantala and Stefano Bollani, for a performance that is as joyful as it is masterful. Rantala, a Finnish virtuoso known for his humor, curiosity and genre-bending brilliance, and Bollani, an Italian pianist celebrated for his playful and creative spirit, share a rare musical chemistry. With Jazz at the Berlin Philharmonie XV, audiences are invited to a concert experience full of virtuosity, fun and the deep joy of musical connection - a true highlight of this popular series. Humor and music. If there was a lecture on this subject, everyone would be bored to death. I don't think we'll ever hear the sentence: "I can't find any new serious jazz, everyone's just messing around." That's not going to happen. Jazz is serious music. Don't get me wrong. Jazz musicians have fun when they play together. But the fun stays on stage. It doesn't transfer to the audience. And that's where Stefano Bollani comes in. Stefano Bollani's aim is to involve the audience in the fun. And not just the players. With little magic tricks and gestures, he ensures that the audience is included in the action. I want to do exactly the same thing. Stefano is like Italy. Light, humorous, full of great melodies, dramatic when necessary, proud to be part of the long and rich tradition, but also eager to break new ground. I am delighted to present this celebration of Italian music with the best possible duo partner, il Maestro Bollani. iiro Rantala When I heard Liiro Rantala for the first time in the early 90s, I could already recognize his stunningly mature piano technique. Then, step by step, I discovered many other facets of him. Through his improvisations on John Lennon, Gershwin and his own music, I came to appreciate his incredible preparation and insatiable curiosity. Then, when I saw a TV show with him as host, I also recognized his wonderful sense of humor. We finally met for the first time in Helsinki in 2013 when he invited me to his piano festival. We only played one song, but we both knew that this big moment needed something special as we share so many musical tastes. Gershwin? Chick Corea? Tango? No, we decided on the theme tune from the animated movie "Family Guy". "Well, iiro is definitely a Family Guy for me," I laughed. Then, later, his funny, creative, intelligent album "My Finnish calendar" made me realize that I had found a musical twin brother. And that made me think: "We must try to play together". We did. We had a lot of fun. And that night became this recording. In the course of a music career, you always meet musicians who are different from yourself. But how much more fun is it to share the stage with someone who has a very similar musical taste and approach. And yet someone who can always surprise me. Stefano Bollani