Video 1: Extracts of premiere given in Doha, April 11, 2015 by Julien Labro (soloist), Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Fawzi Haimor of “Apricity” Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra.The title of the concerto, “Apricity”, means the warmth and light of the sun that shines through during winter. In other words, it is the feeling of hope that allows one to move forward during times of darkness. With this idea in mind, the three movements attempt to capture and depict the ubiquitous journey of life and overcoming the inevitable ups and downs through hope.
Video 2:Published on Oct 16, 2014, CHAT -Fernando Otero – Julien Labro. The creative connection between Fernando Otero and Julien Labro has taken form in their collaboration under the name of “CHAT”.
Accordion virtuoso Julien Labro will present his Princeton University debut with Two Concerts on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 6 and 9:PM. He will perform on the accordion, bandoneon, and accordina.
With listeners seated in-the-round on the stage of Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall for a program entitled ‘The Big Squeeze’, Labro will introduce the instruments and his program directly to the audience.
He will perform music by composers, Bernhard Molique, Astor Piazzolla, Isaac Albéniz, Gabriel Fauré, Fernando Otero in addition to his own original compositions. Accompanied by pianist Gregg Kallor at both programs, Labro will also be joined by bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Richie Barshay for the 9:PM jazz concert.
Ticket prices for this series are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Buy both concerts and save 20%.
French-born Julien Labro graduated from the Marseille Conservatory, then began winning international awards, taking 1st prize in the CIA Coupe Mondiale in 1996 and the Castelfidardo International Festival in 1997.
After sweeping other international competitions, Labro moved to the USA some years ago, where he has further pursued his musical career. He is proficient in the jazz, classical music, world music world. He is also an expert on the music of Astor Piazzolla.
Why does he play the accordion? When Julien was nine years old in France, he returned home from school and watched an accordionist on TV. The accordion is a common instrument in traditional French music. When he asked his parents if he could learn the accordion, they were at first hesitant.
They rented an instrument and signed him up for lessons. Within a very short time, Julien know that his future was as an accordionist. At the age of 13, he enrolled at the Marseilles Conservatory of Music where he discovered jazz. After he was graduated from high school, he attended Wayne State Universit in Detroit, Michigan.
From his website: “French-born Julien Labro has established himself as one of the foremost accordion and bandoneón players in both the classical and jazz worlds. His artistry, virtuosity, and creativity as a musician, composer and arranger have earned him international acclaim and continue to astonish audiences worldwide.
After graduating from the Marseille Conservatory of Music, Julien began winning international awards, taking first prize in the Coupe Mondiale and the Castelfidardo Competitions. After sweeping first place in the Marcel Azzola, Jo Privat and Medard Ferrero competitions, Labro moved to the United States to further pursue his studies and musical dream. his creative ideas into new projects. being Piazzolla a major influence and the reason why he picked up the bandoneón.
Otero and Labro recorded two hours of music in a warm and relaxed environment in New York City, in a playful mood, apparently both with the feeling of meeting and old friend after a long time. Strongly lyrical as solo performers, Labro and Otero merge into a full and interactive musical speech, alternating rhythmical and melodic protagonism and quickly exchanging leading roles.
The album probably derives its name from the word “CHAT” , which in French means cat, the way these two musicians call each other in their multilingual conversations.
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Upcoming Performances:
04/01/16: Special Guest @ Hope College Chamber Music Series Holland, MI Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts
Celebrating the music of Dutch composer Theo Loevendie.
04/06/16 – 04/09/16
Marcel Khalife
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Music Festival
2 concerts: Classical @ 6 PM / Jazz @ 9 PM
07/07/16 Astoria Tango Orchestra directed by Daniel Binelli
New York, NY
Lincoln Center’s MidSummer Night Swing
08/18/16:Julien Labro w/ Frank Vignola & Guests
Crested Butte, CO Crested Butte Music Festival
08/20/16: Julien Labro w/ Frank Vignola & Guests
Crested Butte, CO Crested Butte Music Festival
For further information on the Princeton University concert:
Dasha Koltunyuk: dkoltuny@princeton.edu
For further information on Julien Labro:
julien@julienlabro.com
