On Wednesday, December 10 at Richardson Auditorium, 25-year-old French accordionist Théo Ould makes his Princeton University Concerts (PUC) debut as part of residency activities that include a free Live Music Meditation at 12 p.m. and an hour-long recital on the Performances Up Close series at 6 and 9 p.m.
As the first accordionist nominated as a Newly Discovered Talent at the Victoires de la Musique Classique awards, Ould is said to be redefining what the accordion can do by blending Baroque elegance, Romantic passion, and cutting-edge contemporary works (some featuring electronics) written just for him, including by Princeton University graduate student composers. Ould calls his instrument “halfway between a typewriter and an extraterrestrial device.”
PUC’s Performances Up Close programs invite the audience to sit alongside the musicians on the stage of Richardson Auditorium for an hour-long program, making for an intimate, informal, and schedule-friendly concert experience. Ould’s programs are presented in partnership with the Princeton Sound Kitchen, a collaborative ensemble comprising graduate students in the Princeton University Music Department Composition program. Ould will play selections from works which students Francisco del Pino and Isaac Santos composed for him alongside pieces by Bach, Piazzolla, Bartók, Villa-Lobos, Rameau, and others.
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 7 p.m. Attendees can expect to meet fellow music lovers through ice breaker games, a karaoke room, and the friendly competition of ugly sweater contests, all with chances to win door prizes. There will be catered hors d’oeuvres from Olsson’s Fine Foods. At the conclusion of the event, participants will take a short walk to Richardson Auditorium for the 9 p.m. concert.
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 11:45 a.m. The event will conclude by 1 p.m. Visit puc.princeton.edu for ticket information to all events.