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First recognised in 2009, World Accordion Day, which is observed on 5 May, was inaugurated in Italy before the bug bit the rest of the world, turning the celebrations into a global phenomenon. The second post-Covid event kicks off with a concert at the Alma Café in Rosebank, Cape Town, at 6pm on Friday and will culminate in a dinner, expo and concert at the Drostdy Theatre in Stellenbosch on Sunday at 1pm.
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Top South African accordionists will lead the commemoration, including Leon Albert Oosthuizen, the president of the nonprofit organisation SAFRA (SA Free Reed Association), whose mandate is the development of the accordion, bandoneon, diatonic accordion and other free reed instruments. Others include Loren Ehlers, Ralikoriana koete Masholu (RKM), and Mahamba, aka Mr Dreams.
Detailing the entertainment attendees can expect, Oosthuizen named a tango dance session accompanied by piano, country dancing, traditional Austrian dance and South African music.
Oosthuizen said:
He dropped names like Johnny Clegg and Paul Simon as some of the most prominent artists whose sound was enhanced by the accordion.
In addition to his declaration about the instrument being incorporated into this era’s popular music, Oosthuizen revealed that for the first time in 30 years, the University of Cape Town currently has students pursuing tertiary education in the accordion. This qualification, he said, would amplify the students’ chances to perform in world championships post-graduation.
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Tickets for the Alma Café leg of the celebrations are already on sale for R200 at bookings@almacafe.co.za, while those for the main event at the Drostdy Theatre can be purchased at webtickets for R310. The latter covers all three parts of Sunday’s event.
