Austria

Did you know? It has always been the aim of the Austrian Association to promote the accordion in Austrian public life. Nowadays, international accordion festivals are being held in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and Hallein regularly. This year, our CIA member, the Harmonikaverband Österreichs (HVÖ) will host the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships from 27 October to 2 November, 2014. The Austrian Accordion Association has hosted the Coupe Mondiale on three occasions (after Vienna 1960, Salzburg 1970 and Linz 1983) under the auspices of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes and we are delighted to return again this year. In addition to the Coupe Mondiale, it is also the 60th Harmonikaverband Österreichs (HVÖ) Anniversary Celebration, which will be held during the event!

World Accordion Day is the perfect day to begin this year long celebration of accordion!

Welcome to Salzburg!

Klaus Paier and Asja Valcic - Tango Loco

Salzburg is a city in central Austria, near the German (Bavarian) border with a population of some 150,000 in 2013. If you have seen the movie The Sound of Music, you may think you know all there is to see in Salzburg. Admittedly, it is difficult not to burst into songs when you're walking along the Salzach River, or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress which looms over the city.   However, in addition to the association with Julie Andrews, and as Mozart's birthplace, visitors will discover an array of exciting attractions that makes this city one of the world's most popular tourist destinations!   In terms of tourism, Salzburg is brand of worldwide repute. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Salzburg Festival, the baroque old town, the spirit of the Sound of Music and numerous famous visitors and residents, have all contributed to Salzburg’s profile on the world stage.   The city is, and always has been, a talismanic place for music lovers, romantics and connoisseurs. Nor has the city lost any of its congeniality over the years. On the contrary, tradition is accompanied by modern points of contrast, creating a fascinating combination in both the city’s architecture and cultural offerings.

What:  World Accordion Day
When: 6th May
Why: a unified global effort to celebrate and promote the Accordion
Where: World Wide!
Contact: Harley Jones - CIA Public Relations Officer e-mail: harleyaccordion@yahoo.com