On April 6, 2020, Michael Bridge presented his first Xenia livestream concert broadcast from his living room in Canada. The concert, which came with a downloadable program booklet was followed by a Q&A. Many musicians organize their own FB live concerts. The difference here is that Xenia Productions is professional all the way.

Michael presented the program on two accordions, the first half with his acoustic accordion and the second half with his digital accordion. Not only was his program enjoyable but it also was educational. Michael explained the difference between the two accordions as well as providing a brief but highly informative introduction to each selection. Michael has a gentle friendly manner and is instantly likable as a performer. I felt as if Michael was talking to me personally.

Michael is a recent 2020 DMA Recital Competition Winner. Lauded as “a wizard of the accordion,” Michael Bridge is internationally-renowned for his warm stage personality, stereotype-smashing versatility, and blazing virtuosity. Named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30”, he made his solo orchestral debut with the Boston Pops and gives over 100 concerts per year in Europe and the Americas. His debut solo album, “Overture”, was named CBC Album of the Week.

More than a classical musician, Michael simply describes his repertoire as ‘concert music’ – encompassing baroque, classical, and contemporary works, plus many of his own concert arrangements of folk music. Prolific in working with composers, Michael has given over 40 world premieres. He performs solo or with orchestra, and with his two ensembles – Bridge+Wolak and Ladom Ensemble – and has toured Poland, France, Italy, the U.K., Ecuador, the USA and in every Canadian province.

Michael’s program included.
“Spanish Dance no. 5 ”Andaluza” Enrique Granados
“Italian Concerto I. Allegro” J.S Bach
“French Suite no. 5 in G major VII. Gigue” J.S. Bach
“Hallelujah” Leonard Cohen
“Daichovo Horo” Trad. Bulgarian
“Palladia” Karl Jenkins
“Misty” Joe Garland
“1812 Overture” P. I. Tchaikovsky

The mission of Xenia Concerts Inc. is to offer high quality music and arts performances, presentations, and educational programs, in an environment that welcomes those who might not have access to such events and activities due to physical, mental, or financial barriers. The vision of Xenia Productions is re-imagining music and arts events and activities to make them inclusive, relevant, and accessible to all members of society, thereby improving quality of life and promoting the enjoyment of the arts.

Due to the coronavirus, these types of programs may become more prevalent in our society. Until the time when we can again attend live concerts, the lifestream concert venue is the way to hear quality performances.

Congratulations to Micheal and we look forward to more of his performances.

For further information: michael@michaelbridgemusic.com