A Must-Attend Event for Accordion Lovers
The highly anticipated 2025 NZAA South Pacific Accordion Championships & Festival will take place on Saturday, 31 May, and Sunday, 01 June, at the stunning Raye Freedman Arts Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. With its world-class acoustics and lighting, the venue provides the perfect atmosphere to showcase the talents of accordionists from around the globe.
A Celebration of Accordion Music
The South Pacific Accordion Championships and Festival is one of the premier events for accordion enthusiasts, offering a platform for both solo accordion performances and group performances, including duos, trios, ensembles, and orchestras. This festival is open to competitors and performers from all over the world, making it a truly international event that celebrates the art of accordion music in all its forms.
Hosted by Sonja Palinich, NZAA President
Sonja Palinich, the NZAA President, extends a warm welcome to all participants and attendees. Under her leadership, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all those involved, from seasoned professionals to emerging accordion talent.
"As the President of the New Zealand Accordion Association, I’m thrilled to host such a prestigious event that celebrates the versatility and creativity of the accordion," said Palinich. "We encourage performers of all ages and abilities to join us for this celebration of accordion music."
Categories for Every Age and Skill Level
The festival features a wide range of accordion competition categories designed to suit every level of player, from young talent to experienced professionals. Competitors can enter solo, duo, trio, and ensemble categories, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate in the festival, no matter their skill level or preferred performance style.
Internationally Recognized Rules for Competitions
The international solo categories in the 2025 South Pacific Accordion Championships closely follow the rules of the Coupe Mondiale, the most prestigious international accordion competition. This ensures that the competition is not only a celebration of the accordion but also a fair and challenging environment for all participants.
- The South Pacific international concert music category follows the same rules as the Coupe Mondiale Masters category, providing a rigorous and prestigious platform for top-level solo accordion performances.
- The South Pacific entertainment category mirrors the rules of the Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category, creating an exciting competition for performers specializing in show-stopping entertainment pieces.
- For younger participants, the Junior South Pacific entertainment category provides a platform for talented under-18 performers. The rules for this category mirror the first round of the Coupe Mondiale Junior category, allowing young accordionists to experience competition at a world-class level.
Important Event Dates and Deadlines
The 2025 NZAA South Pacific Accordion Championships & Festival is a not-to-be-missed event for both accordion players and fans alike. Make sure to mark your calendar for May 31st and June 1st, 2025, and prepare to be amazed by the immense talent on display.
Entries for the competition close on April 18, 2025, so make sure to submit your application on time. You can download the official rules and competition prospectus here.
Why Attend the 2025 NZAA South Pacific Accordion Championships & Festival?
Whether you’re a dedicated accordion enthusiast or a first-time attendee, the festival offers something for everyone. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:
- A global celebration of the accordion with competitors from around the world.
- Prestigious competition categories that mirror international standards, like the Coupe Mondiale.
- A stunning venue that showcases the talents of accordion performers with superb acoustics and lighting.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the best of accordion music and be part of this exciting international event. Stay tuned for more details as the festival date approaches!