Between October 23–28, 2025, Chișinău will host the first edition of the Moldova Accordion Days – International Competition and Festival, organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and Pigini Accordions, and created by Festival Founder and Artistic Director Radu Ratoi.
The event will bring together talented young people and professional musicians from around the world, offering them the opportunity to showcase their artistry, exchange experiences, and celebrate the diversity of accordion music.
The competition is structured into four main sections:
- Classical (solo) – Junior & Senior
- Entertainment / Virtuoso Music
- Chamber Music & Ensembles
- Folklore & World Music
Winners will receive valuable prizes, including cash awards. View Category RULES.
Registration close September 30th, 2025, and can be completed on the REGISTRATION link.
In addition to the competition, the program will feature concerts with internationally renowned artists, masterclasses, workshops, and cultural networking events, turning Chișinău into a hub of accordion music for an entire week.
Masterclasses
Radu Rățoi (Moldova)
Professor of accordion at the University of Transylvania in Brașov (Romania), internationally recognized concert performer, laureate of multiple international competitions, and recipient of the “Master of Arts” national prize, awarded by the President of the Republic of Moldova.
Vladimir Murza (Ukraine)
Professor, head of the department of folk instruments of the Odessa National Music Academy named after A.V. Nezhdanova. Soloist of the Odessa Regional Philharmonic. Laureate of the national (Ivano-Frankivsk, 1984) and international (Klingenthal, Germany, 1988) competitions.
Sergiu Mirzac (Moldova)
Accordionist, educator, and lecturer at the Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts in Chișinău. A member of the renowned Concertino accordion band of the National Philharmonic, he has performed internationally and guided many students to prize-winning success. With over a decade of teaching and stage experience, Sergiu continues to promote the artistry and cultural richness of the accordion worldwide.
Simone Zanchini (Italy)
Acclaimed accordionist known for pushing the boundaries of jazz, classical, and contemporary music. He has performed worldwide at top festivals and collaborated with renowned musicians including Paolo Fresu, John Patitucci, and Frank Marocco. With award-winning albums and a unique blend of tradition and experimentation, he stands out as one of today’s most innovative voices on the accordion.
Moldova Accordion Days aims to become a tradition in the international cultural calendar of the Republic of Moldova, promoting the accordion as both a classical and contemporary instrument, and strengthening cultural dialogue through music.
More details and registration: www.moldovaaccordiondays.com
