Accordion Virtuoso Théo Ould Brings Bold New Sounds to Princeton

French accordionist Théo Ould, one of Europe’s most imaginative young artists, caps off his North American debut tour with three performances at Princeton University on December 9 and 10. The visit marks not only a performance milestone but also a week of collaboration, as Ould works closely with Princeton University graduate student composers to develop and premiere new works for accordion.

The residency begins with Princeton Sound Kitchen on December 9, where Ould will perform a program of new works created in partnership with student composers. The following evening, December 10, he takes the stage for his Princeton University Concerts debut, performing solo selections from Bach to Piazzolla and beyond.

In conjunction with these concerts, PUC will host a Do-Re-Meet pre-concert “ugly sweater” holiday party for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies at the historic Maclean House on Princeton’s campus at 7PM. Attendees can expect to meet and “make merry” with fellow music lovers through ice breaker games and the friendly competition of ugly sweater contests, all with chances to win door prizes. At the conclusion of the event, revelers will take a short walk to the Richardson Auditorium to enjoy Ould’s 9PM concert together.

During the noon Live Music Meditation, the community can also hear Ould in a meditative state of deep listening with meditation guidance provided by Matthew Weiner, Associate Dean in the Princeton University Office of Religious Life. No prior experience with meditation is necessary for this FREE, unticketed event. Capacity is limited and participants are advised to arrive early; doors to the hall will open at 11:45AM. The event will conclude by 1PM.

Celebrated for reimagining the accordion as a classical instrument of expressive depth, Ould brings together the music of Astor Piazzolla, the Argentine master who revolutionized tango, with works by Bartók, Rameau, Bach, and composers inspired by Piazzolla’s rhythmic and emotional language. “This project is my most personal,” says Ould. “I wanted to raise the accordion above the clichés and return to the music that first made me fall in love with the instrument.”

Ould’s Princeton appearances conclude a five-city tour that begins in Chicago and continues through Montréal, Boston, and Schenectady. His performances offer North American audiences a glimpse into the vibrant future of the accordion, uniting classical virtuosity with contemporary creativity.

Event details:
Théo Ould at Princeton Sound Kitchen
Monday, December 9, 2025: New works by Princeton graduate composers
https://www.princetonsoundkitchen.org/current-season/theoould

Théo Ould at Princeton University Concerts
Tuesday, December 10, 2025
https://concerts.princeton.edu...