The Colors of Invention, featuring Myriam Lafar, accordion, Ludovit Kovac, cymbalum, and Philippe Noharet, double bass were first brought together for a recording project, the brainchild of French violinist, Gilles Apap in September of 2000. 

This project, which also includes other instruments resulted in the release of a cd on the Apapaziz label entitled “No Piano On That One.”  However, the collaborative ensemble and the artistic brilliance of these four musicians made it clear that this was the launching pad for a brand new band.

The Colors of Invention’s unique blend of instruments lends itself to a variety of musical genres.  While the music they perform is rooted mainly in the classical tradition, the folklorique qualities of both the accordion and the cymbalum and the tremendous flexibility of Apap and Noharet as string players, lead them to an extensive range of styles, including American blue grass and old-timey music, traditional Rumanian tunes, as well as Irish fiddle tunes.

Each of the four players is a standout in their own right.  French accordionist Myriam Lafar has won numerous prizes and awards for her performances and is currently a recording artist on the Philips/Universal label, having just released a recording of French pop tunes.  Originally from Slovakia, Ludovit Kovac is widely sought after as one of the best young cymbalum players in Europe, performing at folk festivals and as soloist with such orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic.  Philippe Noharet is principal bassist of the Paris Opera Orchestra and can also be heard playing jazz on stage with Michel Legrand, touring with Ute Lemper, or recording in the studios for the film industry as well as for a variety of artists (from Aznavour to Zazie).  The Californian-based Gilles apap is eliciting enthusiastic response everywhere he goes, performing his violin on stages around the world, in recital, with orchestras or as the feature of several television documentaries.

Recent and current engagements for Gilles Apap and The Colors of Invention include La Cigale and the Chatelet in Paris, the Lille Mozart Festival, an the WOMADelaide Festival in Australia.  Their recordings are available online at www.gillesapap.com.