Accordionist

The Grammy-winning Takács Quartet, renowned for their exceptional artistry and technical prowess, will be performing at Oberlin College and Conservatory. This distinguished ensemble will be joined by the versatile bandoneon virtuoso Julien Labro, creating a unique and captivating musical experience. The program features two commissioned works by contemporary composers Bryce Dessner and Clarice Assad, specifically crafted for this quintet configuration. Additionally, the performance will include original compositions and arrangements by Labro, showcasing his innovative approach to the bandoneon. The evening will also feature the timeless beauty of Ravel's string quartet, offering a rich and diverse repertoire that highlights the ensemble's versatility and depth. This concert is part of the 2024-25 Artist Recital Series, promising an evening of extraordinary music-making that reflects the high standards and artistic excellence associated with Oberlin's renowned music program.

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Takács Quartet with Julien Labro

Oberlin College

Camerata Pacifica’s 2023-24 season wraps with a world premiere by Grammy-nominated Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad, commissioned for accordion, clarinet, cello, and percussion and written for and featuring Julien Labro, one of the world’s foremost accordion players in both jazz and classical genres. Additionally, Camerata Pacifica presents Principal Oboe Nicholas Daniel, whose playing “bursts with exuberant charisma and optimistic allure” (MusicalCriticism.com) on the U.S. premiere of British composer Martin Butler’s scintillating Remember This Fire for oboe and percussion, which was inspired by Ezra Pound’s poem The Alchemist. The season finale also includes New Zealand-Greek composer John Psathas’ One Study, a virtuosic work for marimba, with junk percussion and digital audio, and Listen, Quiet for cello and electronics by Paola Prestini, named one of the Top 35 Female Composers in Classical Music (Washington Post) and known for her “otherwordly…outright gorgeous music” (The New York Times). Other featured artists are Principal Cello Ani Aznavoorian; Principal Clarinet Jose Franch-Ballester; and Principal Percussion Ji Hye Jung. The program includes projections by noted video artist S Katy Tucker.

Camerata Pacifica Presents World Premiere by Clarice Assad

One California Plaza

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Music Academy of the West

City of Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Experience an evening of exquisite chamber music with Camerata Pacifica at their May Concert 2024 in Santa Barbara, CA. 

The program will begin with a world premiere performance of "Anahata" by the renowned composer Clarice Assad. This piece, filled with intricate melodies and rich harmonies, will transport the audience to a place of pure musical bliss.

Next, let your senses be swept away by the sounds of John Psathas' "One Study" - a captivating composition that fuses traditional chamber music with elements of jazz and world music. Paola Prestini's "Listen, Quiet" will then take center stage, enchanting listeners with its hauntingly beautiful melodies and emotive storytelling.

As the evening progresses, prepare to be moved by the powerful and poignant "Remember This Fire" by Martin Butler. This piece, inspired by the resilience of the human spirit, will be brought to life by the virtuoso performances of the Camerata Pacifica musicians.

May Concert 2024

Colburn School

The Huntington

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

The world-renowned Takács Quartet was founded in 1975 in Budapest, Hungary. Today the quartet, comprised of Edward Dusinberre, Harumi Rhodes (violins), Richard O’Neill (viola) and András Fejér (cello), captivates audiences with their innovative programming. In collaboration with bandoneon virtuoso Julian Labro, the program features music from Labro, Dessner, Bach, Ravel, and more.

Takács Quartet with Julian Labro

Stanford University

Grammy award-winning Jason Vieaux is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” We’ve previously enjoyed having him on our series several times. This time, he brings accordionist Julien Labro, one of the foremost accordion and bandoneon players in both the classical and jazz genres. As described by Jason, expect something “entertaining, fun, exciting, and virtuosic in the unusual pairing of these two instruments.”

Jason Vieaux, guitar and Julien Labro, accordion

Seventh-day Adventist Church

Join St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble and bandoneón soloist Julien Labro for an electrifying performance inspired by Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Piazzolla Caldera, which captures the essence of tango’s fiery passion.

Astor Piazzolla

The DiMenna Center for Classical Music

About</h3>
 <p>“Arguably the greatest string quartet in the world” (<em>The Guardian</em>), the energetic and imaginative program features two new commissions and a solo set by renowned bandoneon player Julien Labro.

The Broad Stage

One of the world’s most prodigious and popular quartets, the Takács Quartet has thrilled audiences with its vitality and energy for more than four decades. “The quartet members, individually, in pairs or joyfully together, bring a perfect balance of individual understanding and ensemble cohesion,” according to Bachtrack. “Fleet-fingered accordionist” (Detroit Free Press) Julien Labro makes a delightfully welcome return to SF Performances.

Takács Quartet and Julien Labro - bandoneon

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Astor Piazzolla changed music and dance forever with sultry compositions that blurred genres and revolutionized tango. Under the baton of Chilean-Italian conductor Paolo Bortolameolli, New World Symphony brings the best of Buenos Aires to Miami with a fiery evening of tango performed by internationally ranked dancers and bandoneónist Julien Labro.

Piazzolla's Tango

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

The Takács Quartet, celebrated for their innovative and varied programming, will be performing alongside bandoneon virtuoso and composer Julien Labro. This collaboration, part of the University of Chicago's Classic Concert Series, promises an evening of exceptional chamber music. The Takács Quartet, now in their forty-ninth season and honored as Gramophone Hall-of-Famers and GRAMMY winners, are renowned for their mastery and profound interpretations. Their partnership with Labro, known for his virtuosity and compositional prowess, brings a unique blend of classical and contemporary sounds.

The program features a diverse selection of works, including Bryce Dessner's "Circles," Labro's "Meditation 1," and Dino Saluzzi's "Minguito." The evening will also include J.S. Bach's "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645," Labro's "Astoración," and Maurice Ravel's "String Quartet in F Major," with its four movements: Allegro moderato très doux, Assez vif très rhythmé, Très lent, and Vif et agité. Additionally, the performance will showcase Clarice Assad's "Clash," further highlighting the ensemble's commitment to contemporary music.

This concert exemplifies the Takács Quartet's dedication to exploring new musical landscapes while honoring classical traditions, making it a noteworthy event in the chamber music world.

Takács Quartet + Julien Labro

Reynolds Club

Heralded as “the next accordion star,” Julien Labro has established himself as the foremost accordion and bandoneón player in both the classical and jazz genres. Deemed to be “a triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist and cunning arranger,” his artistry, virtuosity, and creativity as a musician, composer and arranger have earned him international acclaim and continue to astonish audiences worldwide.

Passionate Devotion

Perot Theatre

Under the direction of music director Carolyn Kuan, the HSO performs Beethoven’s third symphony (the “Eroica”) and there’s nothing quite like it. In fact, the fourth movement is one of the pieces that drew Maestro Kuan to conducting—the ending chorale is so simply gorgeous… “It feels like a glimpse of heaven, or of hope… all that is good in the world. Sharing this music is what makes being a conductor so special.”

Julien Labro

Accordionist

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 11, 2025

Piazzolla's Tango · Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Jan 17, 2025

Takács Quartet + Julien Labro · UChicago Presents

Mar 22, 2025

Passionate Devotion · Texarkana Symphony Orchestra

4 - 6 Apr, 2025

Eroica & Four Seasons · Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Sep 28, 2024

Takács Quartet with Julien Labro · Oberlin Conservatory of Music

17 - 23 May, 2024

Camerata Pacifica Presents World Premiere by Clarice Assad · New Music USA

Future and recently performed repertoire

Bandonéon in The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Piazzolla

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Accordion in Le Quattro Stagioni by

Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Accordion in Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas by

Hartford Symphony Orchestra

About

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