The 2024 ATG Festival is honoring Joan C. Sommers and celebrating her 90th birthday in Kansas City MI, July 23 – 27, 2024.

There are a number of special events including the ATG Festival Orchestra directed by Joan C. Sommers playing new music by Gorka Hermosa and Ian Watson, the UMKC Community Accordion Orchestra directed by Joan C. Sommers.

A superb array of international level performers including:

2024 ATG International World Cup Accordion Competition

ATG is also pleased to announce a special competition offering a $5,000 first prize and $3,000 second prize for our 2024 Festival in Kanas City, Missouri celebrating Joan Sommers’ 90th year. Details for entry and performance are below:
1. Entrant may be of any nationality.
2. Copy of Passport must be shown on Entry Blank.
3. There is an Entry Fee of US $75.
4. A photo of the Entrant must be sent with the Entry Fee.
5. All entries must be received by ATG no later than June 1, 2024.
6. Anyone needing a Visa should contact ATG as early as possible but no later than February 1. Anyone needing a Visa is urged to apply as quickly as possible.
7. Any costs incurred by entrant to obtain the Visa must be paid by the entrant.
8. 2 awards: First Place ……..US $5,000.

Second Place …. US $3,000.
1. The competition will be held in One Round. Entrants must draw for playing position on Thursday afternoon and may not change the position. If the entrant is not at the drawing, someone will draw for them.
2. Entrants must present themselves as artists to an audience; presentation, dress and stagecraft all being important.

3. Entrants are to play an own choice program of at least 23 minutes minimum with 25 minutes as absolute maximum time allowed.
4. The own choice program must consist of a minimum of 5 pieces.
5. The program must have pieces which demonstrate different styles and moods.
6. The program must be primarily classical with one piece that would be considered Entertainment.
7. Movements from longer pieces (Suites, Sonatas, Theme & Variations) are acceptable.
8. At least two (2) of the pieces must be originally composed for the accordion.
9. The program must show proficiency in the use of both free bass and stradella bass.

Some pieces might use all free bass while others might use all stradella or a combination of both.
1. All pieces must be performed by memory.
2. One copy of each piece must be submitted with the Entry Form. This may be a PDF copy or a physical copy. If a piece is new and not published, it will be secure within the ATG contest committee and will not be distributed to anyone else.
3. There will be a panel of several adjudicators.
4. Scoring will be based on 25 points for the highest grade. One of the highest grades and one of the lowest grades will be omitted for the final number of points earned.
5. This is a competition for solo accordionists playing acoustic reed instruments only.

Download pdf of the above rules: 2024ATG-Competition.pdf