The 2026 AATA Australian Accordion Championships and Celebration was held on 6th and 7th June in Five Dock, Sydney, Australia, giving many young Australian accordion players their first competition experience. With a focus on encouraging youth, the AATA event provided players as young as seven years old a platform to showcase their skills in solo, duet and small ensemble categories.

In addition to a busy accordion competition schedule, this year’s event combined with the 1st Sydney International Youth Invitational Piano Showcase. By combining these events, it allowed accordionists and pianists to come together and participate in a masterclass, given by Lionel Reekie from New Zealand.

The Gala Concert featured accordion competition prize-winners, together with accordion ensembles, Funkordion and Accordions Alfresco. The audience was also treated to an exceptional performance by the Sydney Balalaika Orchestra sextet, featuring AATA vice-president, Richard She.

Renowned Sydney based accordion performer and teacher, Paolo Campanari Brancondi closed out the afternoon as the featured special guest artists, showing the versatility of the accordion through his programme of original Free bass works, European Folk Music and Hollywood Movie Themes.

The Australian International Accordion Championships are open to competitors from any country, and although the association does provide this opportunity for younger players, its prestigious senior concert artist and entertainment categories are ideal for advanced players to gain international competition experience alongside other well-respected competitions.

The AATA is a premiere voting member of the Confederation Internationale des Accordionistes (CIA) and looks forward to welcoming players and accordion enthusiasts from all over the globe to the 2027 event to be held in Sydney on 12th and 13th June next year. For information, visit AATA