João Barradas stands out as one of the most creative musicians on the contemporary European accordion scene, moving seamlessly between classical tradition and improvised music.
He has won some of the most prestigious international competitions, including the Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon (twice), the Coupe Mondiale, the Castelfidardo International Competition, and the Okud Istra International Competition (Croatia). A leading figure in contemporary accordion performance, he has premiered dozens of works written specifically for him over the years. In addition, he is also dedicated to research, transcription, and the composition of original music for his instrument.
He is responsible for the first accordion recitals in such distinguished venues as the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and the Aix-en-Provence Festival, and has performed as a soloist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of esteemed conductors such as Edward Gardner, Alondra de la Parra, Sylvain Cambreling, and Christoph Poppen.
In the realm of jazz, he has extended the influence of his instrument by collaborating with some of the most important contemporary improvisers, including Mark Turner, Peter Evans, Aka Moon, Greg Osby, Mike Stern, Rufus Reid, David Binney, Gil Goldstein, Perico Sambeat, Christian Lillinger, Tineke Postma, and Ben Van Gelder, as well as ensembles like the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. His debut album for Inner Circle, titled "Directions", was nominated for “Best Album of the Year” by Downbeat magazine.
He was named an ECHO Rising Star by the European Concert Hall Organization in 2019.
In 2024, João Barradas was Artist in Residence at the Casa da Música, in Porto, and was awarded the Sir Jeffrey Tate Award in Germany. He has extended the influence of his instrument by collaborating with some of the most important contemporary improvisers, such as Mark Turner, Peter Evans, Aka Moon, Greg Osby, Mike Stern, Rufus Reid, David Binney, Gil Goldstein, Perico Sambeat, Christian Lillinger, Tineke Postma, Ben Van Gelder, and larger ensembles such as the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. His debut album for Inner Circle, titled "Directions", was nominated for “Best Album of the Year” by Downbeat magazine.
He was named an ECHO Rising Star by the European Concert Hall Organization in 2019.
In 2024, João Barradas was Artist in Residence at Casa da Música, in Porto, and was awarded the Sir Jeffrey Tate Award in Germany.
