The talented virtuoso accordion player Ksenija Sidorova and SIGNUM saxophone quartet from Germany present a joint concert programme entitled ‘Anima’.

The Latin word ‘anima’ signifies breath, spirit and soul. Breath is considered the source of life in many cultures, and in this programme featuring an accordion side by side with a group of saxophones all sounds are created naturally – through imparting air, through breathing. The musical spectrum of the project is as multifaceted as the musicians’ interpretation, as the human soul that is made up of character, consciousness, perception, thought, feelings, sensitivity.

Ksenija Sidorova, extolled as a ‘revelatory’ musician (The New York Times) of ‘breathtaking virtuosity’ (The Observer), is the leading contemporary ambassador for the classical accordion. A unique and charismatic performer, Ksenija is passionate about demonstrating the whole extent of the instrument’s vast potential. Comprising music by a diverse range of composers, from Bach to Piazzolla, from Efrem Podgaits and Václav Trojan to Erkki-Sven Tüür and Georges Bizet, her repertoire also includes new accordion concertos written especially for her and numerous chamber projects.

The four members of the SIGNUM saxophone quartet - Blaž Kemperle, Jacopo Taddei, Alan Lužar and Guerino Bellarosa – met in Cologne, where they joined their forces in 2006. Professionally trained in Cologne, Vienna and Paris, the musicians have been influenced and inspired by prestigious chamber ensembles and musicians like Quatuor Ébène, Artemis Quartet and Gabor Takács-Nágy. A prize winner of numerous international competitions, the quartet performs on many European stages. The SIGNUM saxophone quartet was recently named The Best Ensemble at the prestigious Festspiele Mecklenburg Vorpommern festival in Germany.

SIGNUM has also previously performed at Cēsis Concert Hall, appearing with the cellist Margarita Balanas at Cello Cēsis Festival in 2017.