Australian Accordion Teachers Association

AATA President Tania Lukic-Marx officially opens the weekend of competitions and festival.

AATA organisers Atila Fadi, Lina Chegodaev, Tania Lukic-Marx and Milica Obradovic.

Lina organising the trophy display.

Jury for Saturday morning was Heather Masefield, Ivan Liashenko (AATA Vice-President), Lina Chegodaev, Milica Obradovic and Lionel Reekie.

For 2008, a number of New Zealanders were present including Amber Masefield, Tony Davies-Jones and NZAA Treasurer Carol Yan.

More kiwis were Alexandra Reekie (who started the competition by winning the first class) pictured with her mother Elena Reekie - not pictured here but below is well known NZ accordionist Lionel Reekie who was judging.

NZAA Secretary Heather Masefield and AATA President Tania Lukic-Marx chatting at morning break.

Lionel Reekie and Tania

Kelvin Luu was one of the younger competitors.

Allen She performing

Contestants waiting to perform, Allen She, Danilo Garovic, Brendan Wang, and in the background is the poster for the 2009 Coupe Mondiale which is being held in Auckland, New Zealand in August.

After the morning session the prize giving took place. Here Richard She is awarded First Prize for a category by AATA Vice-President Ivan Liashenko and President Tania Lukic-Marx.

After everyone had enjoyed the lovely restaurant facilities at the famous Marconi Club, it was time to begin the afternoon session.

Above Tania welcomes the Belarus competitors Dimitry Kuprianuk and Vladislav Pligovka (winner Klingenthal 2007 highest solo category) to the competition venue.

The afternoon began with the draw for playing order for the top solo category, the Australian International and Pacific Accordion Solo Championships. Here Guan Xuan of China makes her draw for playing order.

A total of 11 contestants were in the top category making for the complete afternoon of competition. Wu Bolin of China.

Yan Weizhuo of China.

Chen Binging of China was awarded Highly Commended.

Wei Wei of China.

Vladislav Pligovka (Belarus) was placed First with the highest marks of the competition. His performance was greatly enjoyed by
a very enthusiastic audience.

Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) was defending his 2007 title, achieved the largest audience applause and a popular second in the Open International category and 1st place International Pacific Champion.

Three handsome young men proudly representing their countries and the accordion. Vladislav Pligovka (Belarus) 1st place; Dimitry Kuprianuk (Belarus) 3rd place; Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) 2nd place.

Competition Results