Ksenija Sidorova-Arizaga

The Latvian artist, now internationally recognised as the "ambassador of the accordion," has elegantly moved this instrument out of the shadows of folklore and pubs. With visionary courage, she has presented it on the world's most prestigious stages. Her lifelong mission is to prove that the accordion has a soul as deep and rich as the piano or violin and can convey even the most intense emotions.

Her artistic transformation of the accordion took place during her studies at the famous Royal Academy of Music in London, where she developed a technique that allows her to simulate the entire range of orchestral colours. Under her hands, the accordion can sound like a powerful organ, a delicate wind instrument, or a stormy string section.

Ksenija is tireless in her search for new musical horizons – her repertoire is extensive, ranging from serious classics to passionate tango. She doesn't judge music by genre, but by the power of emotion, inspiring new composers to create.

Her breakthrough success and global recognition were confirmed by an exclusive recording contract with classical music giant Deutsche Grammophon (DG), which she signed in 2016. This was followed by the prestigious Echo Klassik award (Instrumentalist of the Year 2017).

Today, Ksenija performs at the world’s most renowned music venues, including London’s Royal Albert Hall, and is a regular fixture at leading festivals such as the Salzburger Festspiele and the Verbier Festival. She is frequently lauded by critics for her interpretative depth. Indeed, The Times once remarked that her performance proved the accordion "belongs in the premier league of concert instruments."