THE NIEPOLD-CUTTING DUO BRINGS TOGETHER TWO GREAT MUSICIANS AND FRIENDS.  TWO STRONG PERSONALITIES IN THE SMALL WORLD OF THE DIATONIC ACCORDION. A MEETING TO CHALLENGE, TO BE INSPIRED. TO BRING TOGETHER TWO VERY PARTICULAR PERSONAL UNIVERSES WITH INTELLIGENCE AND MISCHIEVOUSNESS

Anne Niepold (Belgium) is an extraordinary accordionist and composer. As a performer she is a true force of nature; brash, adventurous and phenomenally skilled. She takes the humble accordion in startling directions; she has always had a reputation for breaking the conventions around this instrument, never hesitating to take it out of her comfort zone. Beside her solo projects, she performs with numerous arts companies at home and abroad, and has numerous recordings to her name. A passionate tutor with almost 20 years experience, Anne holds a masters degree in composition and arrangement from the prestigious Brussels Royal Conservatoire and has taught courses for all levels of ability across Belgium, and in France and Germany.

Andy Cutting (England) is a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon player with an ear for a fine tune. He is also a warm and emotive performer, modestly engaging his audiences with his self-deprecating wit and then flooring them with downright staggering musicianship. Andy has been consistent musical force since he came swiftly to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella. Many would say that Andy is a living legend – he is a 3 times winner of the BBC Folk Musician of the year Award, adored by fellow musicians and audiences alike. As well as a thorough grounding in the English tradition, Andy’s influences extend way beyond these isles, particularly to the music of Central France and to the storming Quebecois tradition.