The Introduction
In the first half of 2024, Accordion Worldwide (AWW) received unexpected information from Korg through a channel involving Luigi Bruti, along with some exciting news. This was provided under the condition that AWW first agreed to a comprehensive news embargo and signed a strict Confidentiality Agreement.

The exciting news was that Korg, a major Japanese instrument manufacturer, was about to release a new digital accordion. The instrument’s development was already nearing its final stages.

AWW was invited to the official “Introduction Event” for major Korg distributors and potential demonstrators at the Proel Factory (the manufacturer of the Korg Fisa Suprema). This event took place in Italy on May 30th, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m.

Korg Japan was represented by Kenya Matsui and Fati Fehmiju at Proel, where all attendees had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the product, its incredible features, and its sounds. The new accordion was named the Korg Fisa Suprema, with “Fisa” derived from the Italian word fisarmonica (accordion in Italian).

The Korg Fisa Suprema was introduced live on stage for the very first time by Luigi Bruti (Dexibell Italy R&D Leader and developer of the orchestral part of the Fisa Suprema) and Fati Fehmiju (Project Leader, Product Manager, and the main developer of the accordion part of the Fisa Suprema). Both Luigi and Fati worked passionately to bring this instrument to life. They also played key roles in facilitating communication between the Italian and Japanese teams collaborating on this exciting project.

The demonstration highlighted significant technical advancements, particularly the instrument’s innovative bellows technology. This technology featured improved sensitivity, enabling various types of bellows shakes and enhanced control, which the developers described as “a bellows that perfectly reproduces the feel of an acoustic instrument.”

The demonstration showcased a vast array of sounds, including sampled accordion reed sounds, orchestral and vocal tones, drum and percussion effects, and many special effects, offering users an incredible range of sound options.

A unique feature of the instrument is the “Easy Mode,” designed for non-technical players, while for those excited by the world of technology, there is an “Advanced Mode.”

During lunch and coffee breaks, attendees had the chance to interact with the Korg Fisa Suprema Development Team, sharing their opinions and initial impressions. The response to this innovative instrument was overwhelmingly positive.

The official release date was announced as September 6, 2024.

September 6th, 2024: World Korg Fisa Suprema Release
Algameko, Korg’s distributor in Italy, organized a spectacular premiere performance during the opening concert of the 2024 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships at the Theatre Astra in Castelfidardo.

The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), a member of UNESCO’s International Music Council (IMC), served as the ideal stage for unveiling the extraordinary Korg Fisa Suprema. The event was attended by numerous renowned accordion professors and performers from around the world.

This historic performance introduction of the Korg Fisa Suprema by Pietro Adragna can be viewed here:

September 9th, 2024 Official Presentation to the Accordion Industry, CIA Officials and Accordion Teachers
AWW has covered both events:
https://accordions.news/korg-fisa-suprema-a-new-digital-accordion-star-is-born/
where you can view several videos and pictures of the first presentation in May 2024 and during the premiere performance.

On Monday 9th of September 2024 the Korg Fisa Suprema was presented On Stage during the 77th Coupe Mondiale of the Confédération International des Accordéonistes (CIA), demonstrated by Pietro Adragna and Luigi Bruti from Italy.

Please view: https://accordions.news/korg-on-stage/
To officially open the performance of this exciting new digital accordion: Mayor of Castelfidardo Roberto Ascani, the CEO of the Korg Italian Distributor/Algameko Stelvio Lorenzetti, Tracy Parkinson from Korg/UK, Luigi Bruti/Italy (musician, technical expert and sound designer) and Fati Fehmiju/Japan (composer, accordionist, sound designer and technician of the KORG Japan), all spoke.

They all warmly welcomed the worldwide audience of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and their president Mirco Patarini as well as representatives, accordion teachers, performers and accordion associations from many countries around the world.

These two events in Castelfidardo in September 2024 completed the International Introduction and Launch of the Korg Fisa Suprema to the accordion world. A most (or very) impressive launch to accordionists from many parts of the world.