The NordAccordion Festival 2024 took place from August 12-17 in Voss, Norway, gathering both international and Norwegian accordion talent under the direction of Geir Draugsvoll and producer Kristina Farstad Bjørdal. This year’s festival, like previous years, combined performances, masterclasses, and cultural engagement, providing participants and audiences with an enriching accordion experience.
The festival began on Tuesday, August 13, with the traditional opening concert at the Ole Bull Academy. The concert featured performances from a range of artists, including the Gemini Duo (Wanxu Zhao & Wanchen Zhao), who presented works by festival composer Staffan Mossenmark. Draugsvoll and Bjørdal performed excerpts from North Sea Historier, a piece by Ronny Kjøsen with lyrics by Øystein Hauge. Danish virtuoso Bjarke Mogensen also presented selections from his vast repertoire, contributing to a varied and compelling musical evening.
On Wednesday, August 14, the festival continued with a concert featuring the young accordionist Luca Bello, one of the rising stars of the accordion world. His performance showcased both his technical prowess and musicality, with a highlight being the premiere of a piece by composer Haining Dou. The composition skillfully incorporated local folk melodies from the mountains, bridging local tradition with an international perspective.
Thursday, August 15, saw a day of performances and educational activities. A free lunch concert at Voss Sparebank featured the Gemini Duo and students from the festival’s masterclasses. In the evening, the festival presented a composer portrait of Staffan Mossenmark, who has written accordion classics over a span of 35 years. The concert, held at the Ole Bull Academy, included performances by Draugsvoll and the Gemini Duo, bringing Mossenmark’s work to life.
Attendees of the festival were treated to the world premiere of Air Spirit by Mossenmark. This marked the first performance of Mossenmark’s complete spirit triptych; Woodspirit (1989), Waterspirit (2015), and Air Spirit (2024) was performed together, commemorating 35 years of artistic collaboration with Prof. Draugsvoll.
Additionally, Mossenmark’s rarely performed solo work, Midsummer Adventures (2000), was featured on the program. This expansive cyclic piece consists of five movements and runs for 23 minutes. An excerpt from this remarkable composition can be heard in the video below.
On Friday, August 16, the focus shifted to educational material for children and young people. A presentation on pedagogical instruments and resources for young learners was followed by a concert showcasing performances by children and youth. Later in the evening, festival attendees enjoyed a more informal event at the Tre Brør Opera Pub, where the opera duo Nickie & Julie (Nickie Johansson – soprano & Julie Holmegaard Schade – accordion) performed a unique and engaging set of opera classics, creating an intimate connection with the audience through direct interaction.
The final day of the festival, Saturday, August 17, included several significant performances. The Gemini Duo performed at the historic Stalheim Hotel, captivating the audience with their romantic accordion repertoire. In the afternoon, a student concert was held at Bakka Church, where festival participants had the opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned throughout the week. The festival concluded with a grand finale concert at the Ole Bull Academy, featuring performances from all participating students.
Throughout the festival, masterclasses were held daily, with prominent accordionists and educators such as Bjarke Mogensen and festival director Geir Draugsvoll guiding young talents. Professor Owen Murray from the Royal Academy of Music in London also participated as a special guest lecturer during the seminar.
The 2024 edition of NordAccordion was yet another successful celebration of the accordion, bringing together a dynamic mix of performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges. The festival continues to play an important role in nurturing the next generation of accordionists while offering audiences an opportunity to experience world-class performances in the scenic surroundings of Voss.
Upcoming Events at the Royal Danish Academy
The class of Professor Geir Draugsvoll at the Royal Danish Academy of Music will have two upcoming events in October.
October 24th, 2024 – 7.30pm to 9.30pm: Study Concert with Accordion Students, Studiescenen in 1970 Frederiksberg C.
October 28th, 2024 – 7.30pm to 9.30pm: Argentinian voices concert, Studiescenen in 1970 Frederiksberg C.
Astor Piazzolla: 4 seasons of Buenos Aires for quintet
Astor Piazzolla: Double concerto Hommage à Liège for bandoneon and guitar with strings
Thomas Gubbitsch: Argentine duos for accordion and guitar
Alberto Ginastera: Argentine duos for accordion and guitar
Both concerts have free admission, for further information email: dkdm@dkdm.dk
