Genre-crossing accordionist Ksenija Sidorova has signed an exclusive deal for Deutsche Grammophon, with Bizet’s Carmen as her first release. The Latvian said she identifies with the free-spirited femme fatale at the opera’s heart, describing her as, ‘a projection of the heart’s most intimate desires.’
The debut is out on 3 June, followed by a tour of music festivals across Europe that includes Cheltenham Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, Verbier Festival, Bad Kissingen Festival and Jurmala Festival.
Explaining her approach, Sidorova said that: ‘Of course I wanted to bring something new to this music, to let Carmen speak with a different voice. The accordion doesn’t have to breathe like a singer, so there are no restrictions to what I can do with this music. I could be daring and passionate, just like Carmen.’
Sidorova’s signing to a major label comes as no surprise, as her reputation has been on the rise over recent years. In 2012 she performed with Miloš Karadaglić at the Classic Brits, stole the show at the Night of the Proms concert series in 2014 and has shared a stage with artists like Avi Avital, Juan Diego Flórez, Sting, Bryn Terfel and Rolando Villazón. Terfel recognised her with the first International Award from the Bryn Terfel Foundation.
‘Ksenija puts heart and soul into every performance, in her hands the accordion becomes more than an instrument – it is her voice and gives expression to her captivating personality,’ said Ute Fesquet, DG’s vice president of artists & repertoire. ‘She is one of those genuinely rare performers who can transcend genre boundaries.’
