The HVÖ Harmonikaverband Österreichs will celebrate its 70th birthday with three large festival concerts in Perchtoldsdorf near Vienna, in Saalfelden (Salzburg) and in St. Peter-Freienstein (Styria)! They cordially invite everyone to celebrate with them and to participate in and enjoy the musical highlights.

Three concert schedule dates:

• April 14th, 2024 – Grandiose Gala Concert to begin the celebrations held in the historic Perchtoldsdorf Castle, Vienna. With the focus on the accordion and the accordion orchestra, the concert will feature performances of well-known original works from the past decades by various Austrian ensembles and orchestras. In addition performances will be given on the Styrian harmonica, bandoneon, harmonica and Schrammel harmonica.

• June 15th, 2024 – Anniversary Concert in Saalfelden, Salzburg. This concert will include the accordion in combination with the Styrian harmonica, bandoneon and harmonica, and in combination with other instruments.

• October 12th, 2024 – Final anniversary concert in St. Peter-Freienstein, Styria, where the Styrian harmonica will be in the foreground. Accordion, bandoneon and harmonica will also be prominently represented.

In 2024, the HVÖ would also like to thank Werner Weibert (picture left), who is celebrating his 15th anniversary as President of the association this year, for his local and international commitment.

Under his Presidency supported by his active board members, the HVÖ has been an important body for the accordion and the harmonica world in Europe. Werner Weibert was awarded in 2018 in Finland, the CIAMerit Award, recognising his oustanding contribution to the international accordion movement. The HVÖ has been a Premiere Voting member of the CIA since its earliest days and the HVÖ has hosted the Coupe Mondiale in 1960, 1970, 1983 and 2014. The HVO has organized many international festivals and also international competitions for the Steirische (Diatonic) accordion throughout its history.

The HVÖ website says: “Let’s celebrate this musical anniversary year together and experience the diversity of harmonica sounds in Austria. Look forward to rousing concerts, impressive competitions and emotional moments that reflect the power of accordion and harmonica music.”