The German Conference of State Music Councils has chosen accordion, Instrument of the Year 2026. This means that a versatile, modern and internationally acclaimed instrument will be the focus of the musical public for a whole year. The German Harmonica Association (DHV), German member of the CIA, welcomes this election, as it offers all musicians, orchestras and associations a unique opportunity to make the versatility and expressive power of the accordion visible.

The campaign year honors an impressively diverse instrument with an extraordinary tonal range. The accordion can unfold the fullness of an entire orchestra and at the same time bring out the finest chamber music nuances. Hardly any other instrument is so stylistically open and so the accordion is at home in almost every musical genre: from tango to musette, folk music, jazz and pop to contemporary music. This diversity will be experienced nationwide in the coming year.

With the title “Instrument of the Year”, the invitation is to all accordion players, ensembles, orchestras and associations to develop their own projects and events, such as concerts, workshops or creative hands-on formats. This action gives the instrument the chance to open doors and present itself to new target groups. Each initiative contributes to carrying on the special expressiveness and fascination of the instrument.

As a project of the state music councils, the “Instrument of the Year” is located in the respective federal states. The DHV regional associations work closely with the state music councils and actively participate in shaping the action year. Together, they plan central events, appoint ambassadors and set initiatives that strengthen the accordion regionally and nationally. This gives the theme year a strong nationwide structure and at the same time, room for regional accents.

For the DHV and its members, the “Year of the Accordion” has a special meaning. DHV President Niko Reith MdL emphasizes: “This is a great opportunity for our instrument to become even better known. We are very excited about this opportunity to present our impressively multifaceted accordion to the public. I would like to expressly encourage all musicians and all accordion orchestras to become active themselves and to use this special year for their own work. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to address new members and recruit young people.”

In many federal states, the first kick-off events will take place as early as January. They impressively show how present and lively the accordion is and what special effect it can have. Since its invention in the 19th century, it has shaped a wide variety of musical traditions and has long since had a firm place in the international cultural landscape.

All associations, orchestras and interested musicians are cordially invited to actively participate in shaping the year 2026 and to make the accordion visible in all its diversity.

Further information on the activities of the DHV regional associations and the state music councils can be found on their websites.

In the December issue of the DHV’s digital association magazine “Harmonika International”, selected formats are presented and concrete suggestions are published for clubs and orchestras on how they can actively participate in the “Year of the Accordion”.

Information in German: Instrument of the Year