Richard Galliano is one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of the accordion, a central figure in the instrument’s renewal across jazz, classical music, and popular tradition. Trained at the Nice Conservatory, he developed a personal language from the very beginning, capable of combining technical virtuosity, expressive depth, and an extraordinary openness to diverse musical styles.

A defining moment in his career was his meeting with Astor Piazzolla, who encouraged him to rediscover the accordion’s folk roots and bring his own artistic vision to life. This insight gave birth to “New Musette”—an original synthesis of French tradition, jazz improvisation, and contemporary influences that has played a decisive role in redefining the instrument’s place in modern music.

Throughout his career, Galliano has collaborated with some of the most prominent figures on the international jazz scene, including Chet Baker, Michel Petrucciani, Ron Carter, Charlie Haden, and Wynton Marsalis, among numerous other leading artists.
In parallel, he has engaged with the world of classical music, interpreting and recording works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach. By collaborating with international orchestras and ensembles, he has played a vital role in bringing the accordion to major concert venues worldwide.

A prolific musician and tireless explorer, Galliano has recorded dozens of albums—ranging from solo performances to orchestral arrangements—and has composed numerous works that testify to his ability to blend formal rigor with creative freedom.
His stage presence, both elegant and intense, restores a new dimension to the accordion, positioning it as the protagonist of a musical narrative capable of uniting tradition and innovation, intimacy and international reach.