The University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Chamber Accordion Ensemble are preparing for an upcoming performance in Lisle, IL (Chicago) as part of the upcoming 80th Anniversary Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival. The ATG Festival is July 20-24, 2022 in Lisle, Chicago. Excerpts from the ATG website:

All players are alumni of the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and former members of the renowned UMKC Accordion Orchestra with guest member Joanna Arnold-Darrow joining the group for the 2022 performances. The players make their living in various careers, but each have remained devoted to promoting the accordion and its varied repertoire, which includes transcriptions, commissions and other original works.

The UMKC Accordion Ensemble directed by Joan Cochran Sommers include:
Seated L to R:  Betty Jo Simon (former ATG President), Samantha Jarquio Wagner, Joan Cochran Sommers (Director, former ATG President), Christine Jarquio Nichols, Jane Christison. Standing back row L to R: Mary Ann Covone, (current ATG President), Ron Dake, Ron Barrow, Kevin Friedrich (former ATG President), Cathy Sue Weiss.

They recently performed in Chicago, San Francisco, Kansas City, the 80th Anniversary of the AAA in Alexandria, VA. and in Superior, WI at the World of Accordions Museum.  In addition, they have participated in the USA contributions to previous World Accordion Day events, when videos of their performances were broadcast during the live presentations.

Joan C. Sommers has held numerous positions in several music organizations, including the Accordionists & Teachers Guild International (ATG) and the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA – IMC-UNESCO) where she was recently awarded lifetime Honorary Membership.

The UMKC Chamber Accordion Ensemble performs under the direction of Joan C. Sommers who also plays as a member of the ensemble. Joan C. Sommers was awarded the title of Professor Emerita upon her retirement from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music (USA), where she established and taught the accordion degree program for forty years. She has arranged innumerable works for both Accordion Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble over many years, works that have been performed around the globe.

Today she enjoys performing with fellow accordionists in duo, with other instrumentalists, with the UMKC Chamber Accordion Ensemble and as guest Conductor with various orchestras around the world including leading the magnificent World Accordion Orchestra XI in Shenzhen, China on August 18, 2019.

The 2022 University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Chamber Accordion Ensemble pictured are:  Standing: Mary Ann Covone, Ron Dake, Ron Barrow, Kevin Friedrich, Cathy Sue Weiss. Sitting: Betty Jo Simon,  Samantha Wagner, Joan C. Sommers (Director), Christine Jarquio Nichols and Jane Christison (not pictured: Joanna Arnold Darrow.)

The UMKC concert takes place on Thursday, July 21, 2022, 7:30 PM concert at Wheaton College.

Plan to attend the 80th Anniversary of the ATG.