Théo Ould

• Théo Ould (accordion) 

Théo Ould is a highly skilled accordionist, celebrated for his masterful technique and imaginative interpretations, which convey an enchanting freshness and natural expressiveness. At 25, he became the first accordionist nominated as a Newly Discovered Talent at the Victoires de la Musique Classique awards. Théo’s musical journey began at the age of 6 at the Marseille Conservatoire. He was immediately captivated by the sound and unique structure of the accordion, comparing it to a machine "halfway between a computer keyboard and a spaceship." In 2018, while still a student at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM), Théo co-founded the Philia Trio, a unique ensemble featuring violin, cello, and accordion. The trio recorded its debut album Madness in 2022 under the auspices of the Festival d'Auvers-sur-Oise. That same year, Théo launched ON/OFF, a podcast where he discusses sound, interpretation, and the music profession, featuring guests such as Lucile Boulanger, Théotime Langlois de Swarte, and Erik Orsenna. Ould is committed to the evolution of the accordion, aiming to secure its rightful place in classical music. As a soloist, he embraces works by classical composers like Bach, Haydn, and Mozart, while also collaborating with contemporary composers such as Régis Campo, Tomás Gubitsch, and Philippe Hersant, expanding the accordion’s repertoire and exploring its full range. Passionate about opera and the UK rock scene, Théo seeks to reinvent the classical concert experience, presenting traditional music in fresh and innovative ways that resonate with modern audiences without compromising the integrity of the works.