Accordionist Elena Fainshtein and trombonist Lucas Kaspar have released their new debut album, “Autumn Illusions”, available now.
The TromboKordion Duo was formed in 2022. This unique ensemble consists of Elena Fainshtein, Accordion, and Lucas Kaspar, Bass Trombone. The TromboKordion Duo has performed full recitals at the International Trombone Festival, Big 12 National Trombone Conference, and the Accordionists and Teacher Guild International Festival. They have also performed at several universities in Texas and Oklahoma.
TromboKordion Duo is excited to release their debut album: “Autumn Illusions” which includes several new compositions and arrangements for bass trombone and accordion. The album can be streamed on all major platforms, including iTunes and Spotify.
Track Info:
- Autumn Illusions, Stas Venglevski
- Amore, Gorka Hermosa
- Eastern Folk Dances, I. Allegro
- Eastern Folk Dances, II. Adagio Etienne Crausaz
- “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 177”, JS Bach
- Aires Rioplatenses, I. Tardes de Verano
- Aires Rioplatenses, II. Brisca Nostalgica
- Aires Rioplatenses, III. Una Noche en el Sur, Ricardo Arbiza
- Variations on Barnacle Bill the Sailor, Steven Frank
Elena Fainshtein is a highly respected international accordionist. She has performed in Belarus, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Israel, Canada and the United States. Most of her performances around the world were with her late husband, Gregory, as an accordion duo. Elena and Gregory performed together for nearly 40 years and released two albums.
Elena has a very active teaching studio in Plano, TX where she resides, and teaches across the globe online. Her accordion school, Musical Expressions, has resulted in several students’ success in national competitions, including accolades at the annual Big Squeeze Accordion contest, the Las Vegas Accordion Convention, the National Accordion Convention, and the Accordionists and Teachers Guild-International Festival. She is also an adjunct professor of music, teaching accordion, at Dallas College.
As a conductor, Elena established the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble in 2013, which has grown to become a regularly performing accordion ensemble that is comprised of current and former students from all over the United States. As a professional musician, Elena has been interviewed by the Dallas Morning News, TED Talk, and KRLD 1080 DFW radio station. In 2026, Elena joined The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International Board, where she strives to make the button and piano accordion a prominent instrument throughout the world.
Dr. Lucas Kaspar is entering his third year of teaching at Arkansas State University, where he serves as Instructor of Trombone and Director of Jazz Studies. Prior to his appointment at Arkansas State University, Kaspar was Assistant Professor of Low Brass and Concert Band at Cameron University for four years.
Kaspar has also taught applied trombone at Muskingum University and Ohio Wesleyan University. Dr. Kaspar completed his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Trombone Performance from The Ohio State University in 2018 and his Master of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Alabama in 2013.
Dr. Kaspar is a sought-after trombonist. He has performed with many premier orchestras in the United States, including the Buffalo Philharmonic, Fort Worth Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Mobile Symphony, and many more.
Kaspar is a member of the TromboKordion Duo, a unique duo focusing on new arrangements and compositions for trombone and accordion. Kaspar has adjudicated the George Roberts Bass Trombone Competition at the International Trombone Festival and the Finals of the Big 12 National Trombone Competition on numerous occasions. Kaspar recently performed with the Cramer Trombone Choir at the International Trombone Festival and has performed as a soloist at the Festival numerous times.
For more information: elena.fainshtein@gmail.com
