Concert as part of the "Lekcje Muzyki" series.

Accordion in Classical Music…?

Exploring the power of stereophonic sound and breaking instrumental stereotypes. A journey through subtlety within strength, a celebration of musical diversity, the fusion of seemingly distant worlds, and the expansion of musical horizons.

Three outstanding accordionists from Poland, Portugal, and Iceland, graduates of the Royal Danish Academy of Music, with performances in prestigious venues such as Wigmore Hall in London, will showcase the depth of sound and modern reinterpretation on the Music Lesson stage.

TriOssia – Echoes Across Time

The project showcases the versatility of the accordion trio, bridging centuries, styles, and cultures. The program weaves together Baroque structure, contemporary rhythmic passion, and classical elegance, revealing the instrument’s unique adaptability.

The evening opens with Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue, originally written for organ. The accordion trio breathes new life into this masterpiece, replacing the organ’s resonance with the warm timbre of the accordion. The intricate counterpoint and stately bass line create a soundscape of contrasts—both grand and intimate. The piece’s formal austerity collides with the vibrancy and richness of the trio’s combined sound.

Drawing from the tension and passion of the tango world, the emotional Fra Tango brings us into the present. Its pulsating rhythms highlight the accordion’s deep connection to dance music and expressive phrasing. The lively interplay between instruments and the trio’s powerful collective sound amplify the vitality of the piece.

The program concludes with the neoclassical Holberg Suite, originally composed for strings by Edvard Grieg. This suite blends classical finesse with the warmth often associated with folk music. The pastoral landscapes painted by the composer gain a new sense of energy, while the accordion’s distinctive, vibrant voice infuses the Baroque dances with a rustic charm.

A unifying concept ties the program together: the reinterpretation of tradition. Each piece echoes the past, yet finds new life in the trio’s performance. The soundscape shifts like a kaleidoscope, its vividness enhanced by the power of three accordions. Echoes Across Time celebrates musical diversity, redefining the accordion as an instrument of both subtlety and strength, expanding the horizons of chamber music.

Programme:

Johann Sebastian Bach Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor  

Jukka Tiensuu Fra Tango  

Edvard Grieg Holberg Suite, Op. 40

 

Performers:

Dawid Rydz accordion 

José Valente accordion 

Flemming Valmundsson accordion 

Tickets:

Tickets available on Bilety24

Lekcje Muzyki:

Concert series.  

What do we play during the Music Lessons? The title comes with a wink, as these are not exactly lessons and not just about music… The concerts we have planned for you take place in an open and relaxed atmosphere, offering true musical encounters with outstanding Polish and international artists. During these events, the performers will not only play but also share stories—sometimes about music, sometimes about themselves, and sometimes simply about whatever resonates with their soul. Each concert is unique, yet they all share a sense of musical freedom. Because lessons at Nowa Miodowa are truly special.

Bio:

TriOssia – an accordion trio composed of graduates from the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Their primary goal is to perform transcriptions of well-known classical pieces as well as premiere new music composed specifically for this chamber ensemble. Despite their relatively short career, they have already performed in the United Kingdom at the renowned Wigmore Hall in London, in Germany at Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin, as well as in Denmark and Poland. In 2022, they became the first accordion ensemble to reach the finals of the YCAT auditions in London.

Dawid Rydz – a doctoral student at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. He is an active soloist and chamber musician, having performed in over 15 countries and won more than 30 international competition awards. Since 2017, he has been actively engaged in pedagogical work, invited to conduct masterclasses and serve as a jury member at international competitions. He is also a teacher at ZPSM No. 1 in Warsaw.

José Valente – a doctoral student at the Gdańsk Academy of Music. As a soloist, he has performed with the Gulbenkian Symphony Orchestra and won first prize at the prestigious Castelfidardo Accordion Competition. He actively performs both as a soloist and as a chamber musician with the Remix Ensemble, specializing in new music.

Flemming Valmundsson – pursuing postgraduate studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. He is an active musician, composer, and arranger, having won first prize at the Icelandic Young Soloists Competition. He has also had the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Icelandic National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Concept: The musical term "Ossia" comes from the Italian word meaning "alternatively". In music, it refers to different options, often easier passages provided by the composer or arranger for the performer to choose from. We found this term to be a perfect representation of our artistic vision, though with an ironic twist - as our work tends to lean towards the more challenging end of the spectrum rather than the simplified one.

Our project aims to present exciting reinterpretations of great musical works, appealing to a wide audience. The idea is to explore the full sonic potential of the accordion and the capabilities of the ensemble, making our music adaptable to various contexts and rich in tonal possibilities.

We remain faithful to our artistic aesthetic and vision, while ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can find something meaningful in our program.

Organizer:

Nowa Miodowa Foundation and ZPSM No 1 in Warsaw.