The accordion in France

An instrument called accordion, first patented in Vienna in 1829, made its way to France during the 1830s and 40s. Initially invented as a children’s toy, it became a luxury item, prized by that centre of high-society sociability, the salon. Not until the late nineteenth century did it become the popular instrument we know today, appearing in the streets, the guinguettes and other places where there was dancing.

Pairing the accordion with the cello, Félicien Brut and Astrig Siranossian revive its original function through their transcriptions of great works from the French repertoire, without forgetting to include – with a chanson – one of the pieces that made the instrument so popular.

Concert followed by a cocktail.