The rise in popularity of the harmonium in the second half of the nineteenth century brought with it a large repertoire of chamber music, especially in France, where the instrument had been developed and refined. The combination of harmonium with piano was an especially popular one. As well as original compositions, the harmonium attracted composers making arrangements for reduced forces.

The accordion, taking the role of the harmonium on these recordings, produces sound in a near identical way – air passes over vibrating free reeds made of metal.

It is the performers’ hope that the subtle shift from the 19th century French harmonium to a modern classical accordion will enable these delightful pieces to be performed more often and to gain the widest possible audience.

Following his studies in Serbia, award-winning accordionist Miloš Milivojević was awarded a full scholarship from the Royal Academy of Music where he became the first accordionist ever to win the RAM Club Prize open to all instrumentalists and was the winner of the prestigious Derek Butler London Prize at the Wigmore Hall.

Miloš has premiered many works and has performed at many venues and festivals across the UK and around the world. He has appeared with orchestras and opera companies and is a member of the London Tango Quintet, Kosmos Ensemble, AccordDuo and the Balkan group Paprika. He regularly performs with guitarist Craig Ogden and violinists David Juritz and Lizzie Ball and his playing is featured on the award-winning Bollywood movie Barfi. He has performed tango live in front of millions on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV programme. Miloš was awarded an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music ARAM for his contribution to music.

Steinway Artist Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, in parallel with his highly successful career as a recording artist. Callaghan’s repertoire includes over fifty concertos, highlights of the standard solo and chamber works of the 19th and 20th centuries, and much that is rare and unexplored, one cornerstone of his work is his commitment to British music. His reputation and experience in chamber music led to his accepting the role of Director of Music at London’s celebrated Conway Hall, curating one of the longest-running series of its kind in Europe.

“Milivojević’s artistry on the humble button accordion took the breath away” – The Independent

“Clearly a musician of curiosity and discernment, Callaghan’s robust piano-playing is also thoughtful, subtle and refined.” – Gramophone