LIKE ALL POPULAR MUSIC, JAZZ IS ASSOCIATED WITH STRONG PERSONALITIES. INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF ACCORDIONIST VINCENT PEIRANI RESTS ON THAT ESSENTIAL, FUNDAMENTAL QUALITY. HIS MUSICAL CHARISMA, HIS VERY DISTINCTIVE CREATIVE SKILLS, HIS UNIQUE APPROACH TO HIS ART – ALL OF WHICH ARE THE FRUIT OF A VERY OPEN, UNBLINKERED ATTITUDE – STRIKE THE LISTENER IMMEDIATELY.

The man who, ten years ago, completely renewed the language of the accordion (and continues to do so) has become a major artist, whose uninhibited, cosmopolitan view of music and sense of instrumental combination and colour enable him to bring that rare and precious magical touch to everything he does.

We are touched, honored, and looking forward to hosting Vincent Peirani in our festival.

Do you remember your first deep connection with music? Could you please share?

Vincent: The first memory I have of something that happened with music is the first time my father took me to see an accordionist who played classical music. I vividly remember him playing big organ pieces by Mendelssohn, Franck, and Bach. I was completely bowled over by it, and I remember getting goosebumps listening to those sounds! It was crazy! And that’s when I became a little more interested in the instrument (which I didn’t like at all at first!).

Why do you practice music?

Vincent: Because I need it. It’s how I stay connected to myself. Music is everything for me, it helped me to express myself in many different ways. And I’m better at talking with my instrument instead of talking with words… 

What makes you feel homesick?

Vincent: I don’t know if this is what you mean, but I can feel homesick if I don’t play music for a long time. As I told you before, music is everything for me.  I have a little story about that:

A few years ago, I had a serious problem with my right arm and was almost paralyzed on that side. I had to stop playing music for a long time. After a month of inactivity, I decided to pick up my accordion again and learn to play upside down, because I was so desperate for music and practice. I worked like that for a few weeks, and fortunately for me, my right arm healed, and I was able to put my accordion back on its right side and play normally again!

Do you find a connection between your art and healing?

Vincent: Yes. When I play, it’s like letting things out (emotions, doubts, etc.). The music becomes a space where all that can move, change, shape, breathe. So music helps me to feel better and sometimes to be better, and I hope that if it’s good to me, it’s also good for the people!

We are living in a very difficult and challenging time. If you could give one piece of advice to yourself, your fellow artists, or the audience – what would it be?

Vincent: Stay curious, focus on what you’re doing, and believe in what you’re doing. Even if it’s getting harder and harder, you’ve got to keep going, believe in yourself, in the power of music, and go for it!

What do you expect from your upcoming performance at FRAMED FEST? / What is your wish for this specific show?

Vincent: I’m already hoping we’ll have a great time together, with the other artists and the audience.

Emile and I have been playing together for over 10 years now, and this must be our 750th concert as a duo! And what I’m hoping for, and this is what usually happens, is to be surprised during the concert, to be pushed around, etc., in short, to feel how alive music can be!!! And every time it’s different, which is why I can’t wait!

By Yael Nachshon Levin 

Photos by JP_Retel