Akkordeon-Akut 5th to 9th October 2011

Akkordeon Akut 2011 - 2. International Festivalval for Jazz, Woldmusic and Comedy in Halle /Saale

“How come an accordion festival?” people kept asking us from all sides when we first introduced the idea of giving birth to an international according festival in Halle/Saale.

But the idea itself is rather simple: The instrument itself together with its relatives bandoneon, harmonium and concertina (to name but a few) offer such a wide variety in sound and style, that it is absolutely no problem to to do a whole series of festivals with them. Unnoticed by most, these instruments have become an integral part of various musical traditions in many parts of the world like the Tango in Argentina, the chanson in France and in Russia Forró in Brazil, Irish Folk and many more.

The accordion has also very strong roots in Middle Germany with factories in Gera, Magdeburg and Klingental. These instrument makers still have a international reputation and there are a lot of accordion orchestras in this regions as a legacy of this vital scene. In the musical schools of Saxony-Anhalt alone there are 11 active accordion ensembles comprised of youngsters who not only care for the traditions but also add new flavors and show possible future directions and new possibilities for the instrument. This is a potential we would like to exploit and push into the centre of public attention. And that's how the idea of an accordion festival emerged, a festival which presents international stars and also integrates the very vital, local scene.