Delegations from the four longstanding World Accordion Competitions made history this morning by holding their first ever joint meeting. Moderated by CIA President Kevin Friedrich, the representivites present included:
- Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA)
Kevin Friedrich - President
Kimmo Mattila General Secretary
- La Confédération Mondiale de l'Accordéon (CMA)
Frederic Deschamps - President
Jacques Mornet - General Secretary
- Internazional 'Citta di Castelfidardo' Accordion Competition
Mr. Beniamino Bugiolacchi
Vincenzo Canali
- Internationaler Akkordeon Wettbewerb Klingenthal
Mr. Mafred Gabler - Organizer
Observors /Assistants included:
Mr. Mirco Patarini - Italian Translator
Mr. Herbert Scheibenrief - German Translator
Mr. Raymond Bodell - Delegate from the NAO (host of 2008 Coupe Mondiale)
The CIA was founded in 1935, and from the commencement it was always recognized that one of the primary aims of the Confederation should be to elevate the status of the accordion.
Clearly, this would involve raising the standard of musicianship amongst players of the instrument, and with this objective in mind the CIA developed a World Accordion Festival for performers where contestants competed for the "Coupe Mondiale”.
The unifying force between each of the four organizations is they all been working for this very same goal for many years. As the CIA celebrates their 61st Coupe Mondiale, the CMA recently celebrated their 58th, Klingenthal their 45th and Castelfidardo their 33rd International competition for Accordionists.
Together, the four competitions have provided 197 years of International Festivals, making next year, 2009, with each of our four competitions, the magnificent milestone year of surpassing 200 joint years of International Competitions! On this milestone alone they have the great reason to reflect on the wonderful opportunities we have afforded some of the finest young accordionists in the world, as they strive for musical excellence.
Klingenthal and Castelfidardo recently united under the auspices of Sister cities, in their quest to support each other in their work to promote the advancement of the accordion. Similarly, officers of CIA and CMA work closely together and now serve as Executive team members for each others organizations.
Each of the four competitions has a unique identity, attracting participants and accordion dignitaries from around the world. Each has a stellar reputation for musical excellence, and our young accordionists from around the world prepare over a long period of time, striving for the honor of winning one of our respective World titles. The CIA and CMA move from country to country each year, and Klingenthal and Castelfidardo are centered in the heart of accordion capitals in their respective countries, continually developing on long standing tradition and support.
Regardless of individual structures, the work undertaken on behalf of the accordion from each of the four competitions, shows that the desire to provide outstanding opportunities for the accordionists of the future remains the underlying goal.
The representivites from each of the four competitions shared ideas about possibilities for joining forces on activities on behalf of the accordion. Each were highly impressed with the results of this historical meeting and the bringing together of the foud competitions under the friendship of music and the accordion.
The representivities concluded the meeting with a celebratory Champagne toast to the future of the joint cooporation and the accordion. |