On its 18th birthday, this world music festival explores Spain
Still going strong after 18 years, the city’s own International Accordion Festival continues to showcase the instrument in various unexpected ways by both local and international talent. This year’s theme, Viva España, focuses on the Iberian Peninsula, with numerous Spanish combos coming like the Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra. Featuring Spanish lead singer Sandra Sangiao supported by musicians from Spain, Ukraine, Italy, Greece, Serbia and France, their music is rooted in Balkan folk and Klezmer, expanded by Eastern European, Catalonian and South American influences.
Other highlights include festival openers Grossmütterchen Hatz & Klok, playing explosive Balkan music; the highly experimental Belgian Anne Niepold, backed by Hendrik Vanattenhoven and Etiene Plumer; and local mainstays like the Wiener Tschuschenkapelle, Dobrek Project and returing guests Attwenger, who will close the festival with their trademark fusion of Volksmusik and Punk, as well as the celebrated Italian folk musician Riccardo Tesi.
In addition, the iconic New York group The Klezmatics, a household name in the Klezmer world, will honor the festival with a performance.
February 25-March 26, various locations. akkordeonfestival.at
