Théo Ould

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Partita No. 6 in E Minor, BWV 830, I. Toccata Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992): Pedro y Pedro Béla Bartók (1881-1945): 6 Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm (from Mikrokosmos), Nos 2, 3, 4, 6 Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992): Flora’s Game Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959): A lenda do caboclo, W166, 188 Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959): Bachianas Brasileiras IV: Danse Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992): Ave Maria Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992): Chiquilin de Bachin Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000): Cantos Populares, Nos 3-6 Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764): Gavotte et six Doubles Luis Di Matteo (b. 1934): Por Dentro De Mi Eduardo Arolas (1892-1924): La Cachila Tomás Gubitsch (b. 1957): Quand faut y aller Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992): Libertango The first accordionist nominated for the “Revelations” award at France’s Victoires de la Musique Classique, French accordionist Théo Ould has quickly emerged as a leading advocate for an instrument gaining growing prominence in classical music. His Phillips Music debut program showcases the accordion’s expressive range, placing Bach and Rameau alongside Bela Bartók, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Carlos Guastavino, with Astor Piazzolla woven throughout and culminating in the iconic Libertango. Théo Ould began his musical studies at the Marseille Conservatoire at age six. He recalls, “When I held the accordion for the first time, I was fascinated by both its sound and its design—an intriguing blend of a computer keyboard and a spaceship, a machine to explore in every sense of the word.” As the accordion’s repertoire, technique, and construction continue to evolve, Théo is part of a new generation shaping its future. Following in the footsteps of his teachers at the Conservatoire de Paris (CNSMDP), he is deeply engaged in advancing the instrument’s place in classical music. As a soloist, he performs the works he loves—Bach, Haydn, and Mozart—without being confined by tradition. At the same time, he works with contemporary composers such as Régis Campo, Tomás Gubitsch, and Philippe Hersant to push the boundaries of the instrument’s repertoire. Equally passionate about opera and the UK rock scene, Théo seeks to reinvent the concert experience—not to dilute classical music, but to make it speak more vividly to today’s audiences. In 2023, he signed with Alpha Classics and released his debut solo album, Laterna Magica, a bold exploration of classical and electronic sounds that exemplifies his genre-defying artistic vision. With each project, Théo continues to redefine what the accordion can be—bridging tradition and innovation in a voice entirely his own. Rush and standby tickets / In-Person Leading International Composers: Michael Torke