Richard Galliano - Evocation Céleste

Richard Galliano accompanied by 100 mandolins

Richard Galliano accordion

Nov Mandolin Quintet

Orchestre de Mandolines de France

Vincent Beer-Demander mandolin & conductor

Artistic note

Richard Galliano is a true legend of the accordion, an artist who profoundly transformed the destiny of his instrument. Throughout his life, he pursued a clear ambition: to give the accordion the place it deserves, far from clichés, he who describes it as a true "Steinway with braces". He established himself alongside major figures such as Claude Nougaro, Serge Reggiani, Barbara, but also Chet Baker, Charlie Haden and Michel Portal. His encounter with Astor Piazzolla marked a decisive turning point, sealing an essential artistic lineage.

Virtuoso and composer, he has explored every repertoire, from jazz to classical music, recording albums for Deutsche Grammophon devoted to Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart and Nino Rota. More than fifty years of career across the world have shaped a free musician of rare expressiveness.

This exceptional evening will take on a unique dimension. Surrounded by the Nov Mandolin Quintet and the Orchestre de Mandoline de France conducted by Vincent Beer-Demander, he will engage in dialogue with more than one hundred mandolins. He will unveil a world premiere, Evocation céleste, written in homage to his father, as part of the centenary of Lucien Galliano and Joss Baselli, a deeply intimate moment at the heart of the concert.

The programme will showcase the full richness of his universe, from Umoresca to Opale, from Chat Pitre to La Valse à Margaux, through to the unforgettable Oblivion and Tango pour Claude. So many pieces that have become emblematic, where lyricism, elegance and freedom come together.