The London Accordionist - Solo Accordionist

This award winning accordionist and twice All-Ireland champion is available for all kinds of events and her varied repertoire includes Irish, French, Italian, Scottish, Eastern European, Russian and South American music.

She is available as a solo performer and can also be booked as a Duo/Trio/Quartet or Quintet with combinations of Guitar, Violin, Banjo, Percussion, Harp & Bass. 

In addition to public performances, she has entertained at countless corporate and private events over the last decade. She weaves a rich tapestry of melodies from France, Galicia, Italy, Canada, Cape Breton, Eastern Europe, Argentina and Louisiana with style and cosmopolitan taste. With her infectious energy and exuberance, she is guaranteed to bring any celebration, wedding, party, corporate event, ceilidh, to life! Amongst her many clients are President Mary McAleese, Sting, Antonio Carluccio, Guy Ritchie and Thandie Newton. She is currently based in London and able to perform at events worldwide. 

Other Highlights

Festival & TV appearances including Glastonbury & USA's The Late Late Show, as well as sharing festival billings with Jools Holland, The Chieftains, Maire Ni Bhraonain (Clannad), The Proclaimers, Luka Bloom, Brian Kennedy, Paul Brady, Mary Coughlan and many more.

Featuring on numerous TV programmes, BBC Alba’s “Horo Geallaidh”, UTV’s “Kelly Show”, RTE’s “The Late Late Show”, “Mary Kennedy Show” and “The High Reel”, TG4's “Ionad Cois Locha” and “Sult”, the latter a collaborative project with Donal Lunny (Bothy Band, Moving Hearts).

Her albums being aired on RTE Radio, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, Lyric FM, as well as countless regional BBC and radio stations throughout the USA. 

She is also in demand as a studio musician having recorded on albums with Wolfstone, Maire Breatnach, Mark Nevin (Fairground Attraction) and Russian legend Boris Grebenshikov.

 

"The London Accordionist is a highly respected piano accordionist and her solo album “The Attic Room” combines breath-taking virtuosity with a genuine love and feeling for the music she plays." - Hot Press Magazine

 

"Outstanding instrumental prowess with a spirit and joie de vivre that is truly captivating." - Celtic Connections Festival

 

"Intriguing tapestry... beautiful harmony and cosmopolitan taste…" - Irish Times

 

"The London Accordionist is one of the best at coaxing genuine sounds from the stomach Steinway, a sterling musician!" - Irish Voice New York

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The London Accordionist - Solo Accordionist Repertoire

Irish

  • The Galway Rambler (reel)
  • Pinch of Snuff (reel)
  • The Sligo Maid (reel)
  • Plains of Boyle (hornpipe)
  • Rockin’ the Boat (jig)
  • Haste to the Wedding (jig)
  • JB’s Reel
  • Mna na hEireann (slow air)
  • Carolan’s Concerto
  • Magic Slipper, Johnny Leary’s (polkas)
  • The Star Above the Garter, Dingle Regatta (slides)
  • The Coolin (air)
  • Molly Malone (waltz)
  • The Marino Waltz

Scottish

  • Scotland the Brave (march)
  • Miss McLeod’s (reel)
  • Sailor’s Hornpipe
  • Atholl Highlanders (jig)
  • Highland Strathspey Set (strathspey)
  • Margaret’s Waltz
  • Highland Laddie (highland fling)
  • Ay Fond Kiss (air)
  • Little Cascade (reel)
  • My Love is like a Red Red Rose

French

  • La Mer
  • Under the Bridges of Paris
  • La Vie en Rose
  • Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
  • Lusignac
  • The Last Time I Saw Paris
  • Pigalle
  • Fleur de Paris
  • No Regrets
  • Chanson D’Amour
  • I Love Paris
  • Under Paris Skies
  • Breton Wedding March
  • Ev Christr ta Laou (Breton)
  • La Valse d’Amelie
  • Can-Can
  • Song from Moulin Rouge (1952 film)
  • Nurse’s Waltz
  • Bourre
  • Le Poule Huppe

She also offers music from Eastern Europe, Russia and South America

The London Accordionist - Solo Accordionist Feedback

Thank you thank you for playing at our wedding! We had a truly fabulous evening, the music was excellent, the atmosphere was high and the dance floor was packed all night. Everyone commented on what talented musicians Colette's band were and the whole ambience of the evening including the sensitivity of the caller, helped our two families get to know each other. Thanks again.

Brid Scanlon, Candid Arts Trust, 3 Torrens St. London EC1V 1NQ

Steve and I are back from our honeymoon now and just wanted to say a huge thank you for the wonderful ceilidh you orchestrated at our wedding! It was the highlight of the night! And my legs paid for it the following day! Everyone enjoyed it tremendously. All the best for the future!"

Asma and Steve, Wedding Goodwood House

We were delighted with our choice of The London Accordionist and her band for our recent charity céilí in central London. Their energetic caller was amazing in the number of dances she knew and the ability she had to persuade the crowd to get on their feet and dance. The music was exactly what we were looking for, the musicians very accomplished and always ready to take suggestions, and they played a mix of old favourites and some new dances to ensure that novices and experienced céilí goers had great fun. We will certainly be contacting them next time around! Thanks.

Judith Ni Bhreaslain, Ceili in The Brewery, Chiswell St. London EC1 4SD

Thank you so much for playing at our wedding, you were absolutely brilliant and everyone was talking about what a beautiful touch your playing was, it turned something nice into something magical, and my mother even commented about what a lovely and charming woman you are too. We can't believe you took the time to learn the music we had suggested, including the L'Atalante theme, we are very grateful indeed. We had a really amazing day and you contributed significantly to thank - so thank you. Best wishes

Brendan and Fionnuala, Wedding on canal barge, Regent's Canal, London

Hi, Thank you so much for the amazing music you provided us on our wedding day. So many guests commented on how your music created the perfect atmosphere. The tune - ceremony - that you learnt for us was just so wonderful and a few people stated it put the hairs up on the back of their neck when you played it. Thank you.

Tara Kenny, Ham Polo Club

Thank you so much for everything you did on Saturday to make my party a successful celebration of my big birthday. Your music was truly lovely, and I thought it was just perfect for the event. So beautifully melodic, it allowed everyone to chatter on while still being clear and strong and audible. I enjoyed everything, but I was able to sit and listen to the Jacques Brel songs especially. I thought you played them so well, and you were great to have learnt them for me. I hope you enjoy having them in your vast repertoire. We may not be auditioning for Riverdance any time soon, but I think it was clear that we really loved your swinging ceilidh style. I'm so glad I remembered you so well from our last event, and thought to invite you to play for me. Many many thanks.

Maura Rafferty, Greenwich Rowing Club, London

You were all marvellous and every one loved your playing. Thank you once again. Your warmth and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated and a number of people would love you to play for them in the future. Hope to do it again in the not too distant future! Much love to you all.

David Lynch (Actor) , Haselmere, Surrey

Hi, just a quick email to say how honoured we were to have you play at the wedding. You complimented the venue perfectly and played amazingly! Everyone mentioned how great you all were and how they enjoyed the music thoroughly. Wishing you all the best in the future. With sincere thanks,

Olivia Hollands, St. Neot’s, Cambridgeshire

The right atmosphere was so important at our Tepee party. So much thought and effort had gone into the night from the pagan story teller to the life sized animatronic polar bear. We couldn’t have hoped for a better folk duo . The London Accordionist completely understood the evening and were so relaxed and happy to sit under the stars next to the fire. Playing tune after tune. That really created the atmosphere I was hoping for. Even stepping in to fill the time when the drummer got lost on his way here and also very happy to play a few carols at the end where 80 of us sang along. We will definitely request them again as not only were they talented musicians but really lovely people!

Natasha Duffield (Actress) , Petworth, Sussex

It was a real pleasure to have The London Accordionist playing at our wedding reception. There were beautiful accordion sounds floating across our garden: atmospheric and elegant, without being intrusive. She was also a lovely presence to have at our event, friendly and warm. If you're thinking about having an accordion at your wedding, hire them!

Imogen Walford and Edward, Yoxford, Suffolk

What a brilliant way for our mother Rose to enjoy her big day on Sunday. Your amazing music was certainly the icing on her cake and the compliments from the guests about your highly talented trio flowed even faster than the champagne at her afternoon tea party! So many, many thanks for your contribution to what was a really lovely occasion. Mum was delighted and will remember with fond memories for ever.

Yvonne Sowman, Great Dunmow, Essex

She worked with us on an event we ran for the National Gallery and Marks & Spencer. She responded to our brief brilliantly - happy to say the entire process was seamless. Her music choices brought the event to life and she was able to work fluidly and professionally with the team when the plans for the day changed shape.

Paul Anderton, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

We booked The London Accordionist for our 10th wedding anniversary, an informal party at our home. With an Irish family and friends who love Irish music, we were keen to have a blend of popular folk songs and more instrumental tunes to encourage dancing... The band were fantastic - superb musicians, friendly and engaging and open to music requests. The audience, from 7 months to 70, loved the set. We would highly recommend the band and look forward to booking them for our next party.

Emma and Paul, Surbiton, Surrey

The London Accordionist - Solo Accordionist Videos