Concert accordionist performs Saturday

“I’m amazed at what you do with this instrument, I find it totally baffling!”

So said Keith Lockhart, maestro of the Boston Pops Orchestra, to Canadian concert accordionist Michael Bridge.

The quote is found on the website for Bridge, who will be bringing his music to Lethbridge on Saturday for a concert at College Drive Community Church.

Bridge was just 17 when he made his solo orchestral debut with the Boston Pops and has since performed on four continents, playing more than 100 concerts per year.

His honours include winning the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta’s Emerging Artist Award, the U of T Concerto Competition, and the Calgary Stampede Talent Search. In 2013, he placed second at the World Digital Accordion Championships, and he has adjudicated accordion competitions and taught masterclasses across the United States and Canada.

Bridge was named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30.” He is renowned for his dynamic stage presence and unique musical versatility. His repertoire, featuring classical masterworks, baroque, jazz, world music, folk dances, contemporary classical and digital accordion compositions, breaks all stereotypes regarding accordion music.

Saturday’s concert will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Casa, 230 8 St. S., or by calling 403-3932456.

Net proceeds from the concert will go to provide funding for scholarships given by the concert’s sponsor, Bellows to Brass. The scholarships are awarded to graduating students of the Palliser School Division to assist them with their further education.

For more information about Bridge, visit his website at