Akkordeonist!

Where else but in the harbour city of Hamburg could there be a festival dedicated entirely to the accordion, often called »Schifferklavier« or ship's piano? That the festival takes place in the red light district of the Reeperbahn is no coincidence, since it reflects the accordion scene – international, provocative and very much alive. There is scarcely a musical genre in which the accordion is not at home. So this festival, »Akkordeonist!«, will present a panorama from the 200 year history of this instrument which has dominated folk music in the whole of Europe and large parts of South America. As can be expected, the classic members of the instrumental family will all feature, such as the bandoneon of Argentine tango, the mouth organ of Alpine folk music, the so called »Musette« of French dance music, the »Quetschn« of Viennese heurigen-music, but also on show are some »wild young things« heading off into previously unexplored musical territories. In other words, expect joie de vivre and a passion for dancing, both always associated with the accordion, and you won´t be disappointed!