30 March | 31 March | 01 April | 02 April | 04 April | 05 April | 06 April
20 Years Shanghai Accordion History

Over eight years, the annual Gala Concert for accordion enthusiasts has become a cultural event that embodies Changning’s unique character as an international,  innovative and high quality urban district.

Under the theme of “The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity” this year’s Accordion Arts Week bring together leading accordion artists from six countries – Russia, Moldova, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Finland who will perform alongside outstanding musicians from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region.

From classical to popular, from solo to ensemble, from the whisper of the bandoneon to the rhythm of the electronic accordion – we shall hear echoes of the world as the profound sentiments of Eastern melody. The live internet broadcast of the concert was seen by over 800,000 viewers.

This concert features accordion as a language between cities, a bride between tradition and the future, and above all, the tenderest resonance deep within our hearts.

Guy Jieyan, Deputy Head of Changning District People’s Government, speech included:
On behalf of the People’s Government of Changning District, I would like to extend a  warm welcome to all our distinguished guests from China and around the world.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have long supported the development of culture and tourism in Changning. 

The Shanghai Spring International Music Festival is an important part of the city’s cultural life.  Over the past eight years,  since the International Accordion Culture and Arts Week was introduced to Changning, it has grown into a vibrant platform for artistic exchange and collaboration.

During this time we have continued to build the “Changning Music” brand, bring together outstanding musicians and high-quality cultural resources from across China and around the world. Through these efforts music and culture have become an integral part of everyday life in our district.  We have also worked to creta an open and inclusive platform for international cultural exchange.

Taking the accordion as a cultural bond, we connect different cultures and traditions, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding through the arts.  In doing so, we bring together the richness of Chinese culture and the diversity of global music on a truly international stage.  At the same time we are actively promoting the integration of culture, commerce, tourism and ecology.

By creating diverse cultural experiences and travel, we aim to stimulate the vitality of the economy and welcome visitors from near and far to enjoy performances and explore Changning and experience the energy of the city.

We aim to bring accordion music into streets, campuses, and public spaces throughout the district as part of our efforts to develop Changning into a distinctive destination for international visitors highlighting Changning’s unique character as an international innovative and high quality urban district.

Inspired by Xi Jinping “Thought on Culture” we will continue to embrace a people-centered approach to urban development.  By delivering this Accordion Arts Week to the highest standards, we aim to further promote the deep integration of culture, commerce, tourism, sports, exhibitions and green development.

I wish this event a great success.  May you all have a wonderful evening.  Thank you.

At the end of the exciting concert, people and friends gathered on stage to talk and for pictures with fans.

Speech by Mirco Patarini – President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) at Fusion of Tradition and Modernity “Premier Hongqiao” The Grand Ceremony Concert.

Dear Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! It is a great honor to be back in Changning, Shanghai, to take part in the 2026
“Shanghai Spring” The 8th International Accordion Culture and Arts Week. On behalf of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers—the Shanghai Musicians Association, the Shanghai Changning District Administration of Culture and Tourism, and the Shanghai Changning District Federation of Literary and Art Circles — for your hard work and dedication.

The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes is a member of the International Music Council and serves as its only international academic organization for the accordion. Our mission is to connect the global accordion community and to support the inheritance and innovation of accordion art. Over
the years, I have been delighted to witness the vibrant development of accordion art in China and to see how it has become deeply integrated into the cultural life of the people.

Since the first “Shanghai Spring” International Accordion Culture and Arts Week was held in Changning in 2019, seven successful editions have taken place. Each year, the creative themes and varied formats continue to impress. Tonight’s Fusion of Tradition and Modernity “Premier Hongqiao” The Grand
Ceremony Concert, promises to be a wonderful cross-disciplinary artistic celebration, and I am truly looking forward to it. This is just one highlight of the Arts Week.

When I received the schedule, I was full of admiration. This year’s Arts Week has once again pushed beyond the boundary between the professional stage and daily life, bringing the sound of the accordion into public spaces such as airports and zoos, as well as natural scenic areas. It also includes activities like community engagement and educational discussions. As a special new initiative, the “Accordion Arts Map” cultural tour has been introduced—a pioneering idea in the world of accordion! This approach gives accordion art both an international perspective and a warm connection to daily life.

As President of the CIA, I very much hope that, perhaps as a visitor, I might meet some of you in the streets and alleys of Changning, and together we can play the most romantic spring melodies on the accordion. This is now the 8th “Shanghai Spring” International Accordion Culture and Arts Week. Following local tradition, please let me show you how I would say it in Shanghainese: (In Shanghainese) “Soe fon jin lo tze geq, zan nin lo lin geq!” (“The accordion is really great! Changning is really wonderful!”).
Thank you all!
Mirco Patarini – President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA)

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Festival Guiding Organization
Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), Member of the International Music Council (IMC), an official NGO partner of UNESCO
Festival Host Organizations
• Shanghai Musicians Association
• Shanghai Changning District Bureau of Culture and Tourism
• Shanghai Changning District Federation of Literary and Art Circles
Festival Organizers / Organized by
• Shanghai Changning District Cultural and Tourism Management Center
• Accordion Professional Committee, Shanghai Musicians Association