Julien Labro, bandoneón and accordion

Feb 2

Written By Sforzato Developer 2

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Christina Jensen, christina@jensenartists.com

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“A triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist, and cunning arranger.”

— The Chicago Tribune

“Labro plays the accordion with the style and verve of a rock musician”

— Winnipeg Free Press

Julien Labro has been hailed as “the next accordion star” by the Chicago Tribune and described as “a triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist, and cunning arranger.” Internationally recognized as one of the foremost accordion and bandoneón soloists of his generation, Labro brings uncommon versatility to the concert stage, moving fluidly between classical, jazz, tango, and world music. As a performer, composer, and arranger, he is known for concept-driven, presenter-friendly programs that captivate audiences while pushing musical boundaries.

Born in France, Labro began playing the accordion at the age of nine, shaped early by traditional folk music and the lyricism of French chanson. His artistic voice expanded through a deep engagement with jazz, inspired by its freedom, originality, and expressive possibilities. After graduating from the Marseille Conservatory of Music, he won top prizes in major international competitions, including the Coupe Mondiale and the Castelfidardo competitions, as well as first prizes at the Marcel Azzola, Jo Privat, and Médard Ferrero competitions. In 1998, he relocated to the United States to further pursue his musical vision, completing advanced studies in classical music, jazz, and composition.

Equipped with a broad academic foundation and wide-ranging influences, Labro develops projects that bridge genres and traditions. His work frequently places him in dual roles as soloist and composer-arranger, collaborating closely with orchestras and chamber ensembles in performances that emphasize dialogue, color, and narrative.

A devoted admirer of Astor Piazzolla—whose music inspired him to take up the bandoneón—Labro has become a leading interpreter and re-imaginer of tango repertoire. He recorded the album Piazzolla with classical guitarist and Grammy Award winner Jason Vieaux and the conductorless chamber orchestra A Far Cry. His discography also includes collaborations with Grammy Award–winning vocalist Cassandra Wilson (Another Country), Hot Club of Detroit (Junction), Infusion with Jason Vieaux, and Rise & Grind with Finnish jazz guitarist Olli Soikkeli. His long-standing collaboration with Spektral Quartet resulted in the album From This Point Forward, featuring guest appearances by alto saxophonist and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón.

Labro has appeared as a guest soloist with leading orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New World Symphony, Hartford Symphony, Pensacola Symphony, Cleveland Pops, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, and Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra. His chamber collaborators include The Knights, A Far Cry, The MET Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, Ensemble Vivant of Toronto, Curtis On Tour, and Camerata Pacifica. He is also a trusted performer in orchestral and ballet repertoire requiring accordion or bandoneón, with appearances alongside the New York Philharmonic and New York City Ballet.

Since the 2021–22 season, Labro has partnered regularly with the Takács Quartet in a touring program featuring newly commissioned works by Clarice Assad and Bryce Dessner, commissioned by Music Accord. Recent creative activity has centered on the premiere of Vivaldi 23.5, his concerto for accordion and orchestra inspired by Earth’s axial tilt and the forces that create the seasons. In 2024, he received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Classical Composition for Meditation No. 1, premiered and recorded with the Takács Quartet.
Deeply committed to music education, Labro regularly leads master classes and residencies at institutions including Princeton University, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and received the Wayne State University Arts Achievement Recognition in 2025.