President Betty Jo Simon welcomes all to attend and participate in the 73rd Annual Competition and Festival of the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) which will be held in Lisle, IL (Chicago) from July 17-21st, 2013.

This year you will have the opportunity to hear some of the world’s finest accordion artists in concert, attend a variety of interesting and informative workshops and Master Classes, perform in the popular ATG Festival Orchestra, celebrate at the Gala Banquet and Luncheon, shop at the ATG Marketplace, enjoy a variety of Concerts and meet your fellow accordionists from around the world!



All events are open to the General Public. You will find a diverse array of musical genres performed by a variety of accordionists. There is truly something for everyone. You are invited to come along and discover the magic and diversity of the accordion as presented by this year’s ATG Guest artists.

The featured Classical guest artist this year will be Martynas Levickis, a Lithuanian born concert accordionist. He was the 2010 Piano Accordion Coupe Mondiale Champion in Croatia and winner of “Lithuania’s Got Talent” 2010.

Guest artists and exhibitors include: Stas Venglevski, Joe Natoli ( article in this issue about him), Mirco Patarini ( see June USA News for more info), John Simkus ( see this issue for more info), Nick Ballarini, Dr. Helmi Harrington, SqeezinArt (Joan and Dan Grauman), Elena and Gregory Fainshtein ( June USA news), World of Accordions Museum, Godon Kohl, Avrum Levin, Abraham McWilliams, Donna Dee Ray, Soundscape Trio, and more!

Also appearing will be Orchestre Polyphonia, directed by Pierre Varo from the Ile de la Réunion (Réunion Islands) off the coast of Madagascar. The 50-piece student musicians composing the ensemble are between 12 & 20 years of age. They consist of not only accordionists, but include strings, woodwinds, brass, keyboards, percussion, singers and dancers.

They have made several tours of foreign countries such as Mauritius Island, South Africa, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australian, New Zealand and France. This year they will add Canada and the USA to their long list. So keep checking the ATG website for more Festival updates.

Tickets may be purchased an all inclusive package of tickets or you are also welcome to buy individual General Admission Tickets at the door for each event. Events take place at the International Hyatt Lisle, 1400 Corporetum Dr, Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 852-1234 $99 single, $109 double (plus tax).

Please mention “ATG” when making the reservation. The deadline for discounted room rates is July 1st. Purchase packages by July 7th for extra savings! Parking is available at the Hotel.

See the ATG website for further information: Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG)