Accordionist Michael Ward-Bergeman performed with famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Jamey Haddad, Cyro Baptista and the NY Philharmonic for their 2013 Opening Gala on September 25, 2013. The performance was broadcast live on WQXR radio and will be televised on “Live from Lincoln Center” on PBS stations nationwide on December 31st, 2013 at 8:PMEST.

An exerpt from the NY Times review of this NY Philharmonic Concert conducted by Alan Gilbert compliments the musicality of Mr. Ward-Bergeman: “In a nod to the idiom of the Baroque concerto grosso, there is a small ensemble of solo instruments that joins with the cello, including two percussionists (here Jamey Haddad and Cyro Baptista) playing an array of folkloric instruments. Most important, there is a hyper-accordion, an enhanced version of this traditional instrument, played here by Michael Ward-Bergeman. It was captivating to hear the doleful cello lines in duet with the reedy tones of the accordion.”

Later in the article, NY Times reviewer, Anthony Tommasini continues: “In a way it made sense to follow “Azul” with Astor Piazzolla’s Suite from “La Serie del Ángel” (“Angel Suite”), arrangements of three moody, mercurial tangos, featuring Mr. Ma revealing his inner South American in the elaborate cello solos, along with crucial solo parts for accordion (Mr. Ward-Bergeman), piano (Eric Huebner) and violin (the Philharmonic’s concertmaster, Glenn Dicterow).”

Michael Ward-Bergeman is a passionate performer, songwriter and composer.  His sensitive and creative approach to music making has led to performances and collaborations with world-class musicians and composers from across a wide range of genres.

In 2011 he launched his GIG 365 project, which saw him performing at least one gig for every day of 2011. Performances took place at an incredibly diverse range of venues in over thirty-five states and nine countries.  Highlights included performances at Gainesville Correctional Facility, Harvard Business School with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, and on the streets of New Orleans.

Ward-Bergeman has enjoyed a close friendship and working relationship with composer Osvaldo Golijov for over a decade. His work with the hyper-accordion (an acoustic accordion with extended range and expressive capabilities of his own design) has been featured in many of Golijov’s compositions.

Michael Ward-Bergeman’s electro-acoustic compositions have won international awards and he has premiered new works written for vocalists Dawn Upshaw and Christina Courtin at Carnegie Hall. In 2011 he was commissioned to compose for Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project. He began his work with the group as a guest artist during workshops and performances at Harvard University.

Ward-Bergeman is a founding member of the North American Roots music trio Groanbox. They have released five recordings and toured extensively throughout the UK, to much critical acclaim. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

For further information: wardbergeman@gmail.com

Photo by Hiroyuki Ito of Yo-Yo Ma performing Osvaldo Golijov’s “Azul” with the New York Philhamonic. Michael Ward-Bergeman is the accordionist.