The CIA is pleased to announce the official launching of World Accordion Day.

At the recent 120th CIA General Assembly of Delegates in Glasgow, Scotland, members representing almost 30 nations, unanimously voted to declare World Accordion Day as May 6th (the day the accordion was patented in 1829). On this day, the CIA will coordinate an annual world wide celebration, in a unified global crusade to promote the diversity of the accordion and the outstanding artists that play it.

Already existing on a national basis, on various days, in many countries around the world, World Accordion Day is a unique global opportunity to promote public awareness of the accordion, an instrument without boundaries, one that spans all cultures and musical genres.

From a solo performance to a Concerto with a 100 piece Symphony Orchestra, from a Duet or Trio to a 40 piece Accordion Orchestra, from the majestic sounds of the handmade acoustic reeds to the latest in Digital Technology, from newly commissioned original works to dazzling transcriptions of the classics, from Classical to Jazz, from Ethnic to Pop, from the pit orchestra in a Broadway Show to the background music in a TV Commercial, from Tchaikovsky to Gubaidulina, from the tiny diatonic instruments to the multi octave concert models, from the shelves of a Museum to center stage at Carnegie Hall, from Private Music Studios to the most esteemed and respected Conservatories in the world, there is no limit to where one might find the accordion, or have the opportunity to enjoy the variety of ways in which it is utilized.

The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes first World Accordion Day will be held on 6th May 2009, the 180th birthday of the accordion. Accordionists from around the world are invited to join this inaugural celebration, while paying homage to the accordion.

This International event will serve as an exciting means to bring everyone together in a unified effort to promote public awareness of the accordion and its many capabilities.

For further information, visit the World Accordion Day web