Over the past two decades, accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, originally from Latvia, has become one of the premier performers of the instrument globally, and has not just elevated the instrument on a professional level, but also continues to reveal its expansive musical and sonic possibilities with her virtuoso performances.

Over multiple recordings, she has expanded the modern accordion repertoire, and her latest album – 2026’s Prophecy – features contemporary works by Estonian and Latvian composers. The album, recorded with the Estonian Festival Orchestra and conducted by Paavo Järvi, features works by Estonian composers Erkki-Sven Tüür and Tõnu Kõrvits, as well as Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s ‘Prophecy’ concerto, a single movement work, is inspired by the concept of a ‘seer’, or one that sees the future. Correspondingly, the work has a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere, and is imbued with a sense of trepidation (perhaps from the seer being aware of what the future holds). From its frenetic, often discordant, beginning, to the calmer, though ominous, middle section, Sidorova’s accordion provides a whirlwind of activity, a kind of narrator of the story of the seer. Along with the expressive and energetic performance by the orchestra, the work reaches a powerful conclusion full of tension and foreboding.

Tõnu Kõrvits’ four ‘Dances’ also allow Sidorova to display the broad sonic palette that the accordion has to offer. The works, commissioned for Sidorova, were composed in close collaboration between the composer and the accordionist, and this allowed Sidorova to also influence the sound of the work, giving the composer ideas about the different sounds and unique aspects of the accordion to incorporate the work. Though the title is ‘Dances’, the work is less festive but more atmospheric, developing moods and ambiance.

As a kind of a peaceful epilogue to the album, as a respite from the often stormy Estonian compositions, is Pēteris Vasks’ ‘The Fruit of Silence’. Though originally composed as a work for choir and piano, in this arrangement by George Morton, the orchestra takes the place of the choir and Sidorova’s accordion performs the piano part, a gentle, single note meditation. Though the work no longer has words (the text was based on writings by Mother Theresa), Sidorova captures the ruminative and deeply spiritual nature of the work, and as the work draws to a quiet conclusion, Sidorova and the orchestra leave the listener in a tranquil and harmonious state of serenity.

Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova and the Estonian Festival Orchestra conducted by Paavo Järvi have gathered memorable performances of modern Baltic works on Prophecy. Sidorova continues to push the boundaries of what the accordion is capable of, revealing new facets and aspects to the sound of the instrument, as well as displaying her skill with technically demanding works, as well as nuanced interpretations. Along with the Festival Orchestra, the recordings on the album display a wide range of emotions and sentiments, creating engrossing and moving performances.

For further information, please visit Ksenija Sidorova’s website and the Alpha Classics website.

Prophecy

Ksenija Sidorova

Estonian Festival Orchestra, conductor Paavo Järvi

Alpha Classics, ALPHA1198, 2026

Track listing

1. Prophecy – Erkki-Sven Tüür

Dances – Tõnu Kõrvits

• I. Darkness (cadenza). Under the Cajun Moon
• II. Passacaglia
• III. Siciliana
• IV. Sarabande

• The Fruit of Silence – Pēteris Vasks (Arranged by George Morton for accordion, vibraphone and string orchestra)