Julien Labro has been hailed as “the next accordion star” (Chicago Tribune) and “a triple threat: brilliant technician, poetic melodist, and cunning arranger.” Recognized internationally as one of the foremost bandoneon and accordion soloists, Labro bridges classical, jazz, and world music with creative fluency. He is a sought-after soloist with orchestra, composer, and arranger, known for expanding the repertoire for both instruments on the concert stage.
Born in France, Labro began playing the accordion at age 9, drawn early to traditional folk music and the lyrical style of French chanson. After graduating from the Marseille Conservatory and winning top prizes in major international competitions—including the Coupe Mondiale and Castelfidardo—he moved to the United States to deepen his studies in classical music, jazz, and composition.
A lifelong admirer of Astor Piazzolla, Labro was inspired to take up the bandoneon after discovering Libertango—an influence that continues to shape his artistic voice. Today, he performs with leading symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world, presenting original concertos for bandoneon and accordion, curated Piazzolla programs, and crossover works that blend tango, jazz, and contemporary classical music. Recent orchestral collaborations include the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Qatar Philharmonic, Hartford Symphony Orchestra and A Far Cry, among others.
Labro’s wide-ranging collaborations include Grammy Award-winning artists such as Maria Schneider, Cassandra Wilson, Jason Vieaux, and Miguel Zenón. His albums—Piazzolla, Infusion, and Rise & Grind, among others—showcase a broad musical palette that spans tango, jazz, classical, and contemporary idioms. He has also premiered works by composers Bryce Dessner, Du Yun, Avner Dorman, Clarice Assad, and others.
In addition to his performing career, Labro regularly gives master classes and residencies at institutions such as Princeton University, Oberlin Conservatory, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Upcoming highlights include the premiere of a second bandoneon concerto—a sequel to El Fueye del Tiburón—and performances with The Knights at Carnegie Hall, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, and orchestras and chamber ensembles across the U.S. and abroad.
