August 25 marks the opening of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale in Takapuna (Auckland), New Zealand.

In addition to the important world competitions, congressional and committee meetings, concerts, and social events keeping accordionists busy, it also is the gathering of participants performing with the popular World Accordion Orchestra III. This orchestra had its beginning at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale held in Alexandria, VA, continued at the 2008 Coupe Mondiale held in Glasgow, Scotland and now will have its third appearance at the 2009 Coupe Mondiale being held in New Zealand.

This year will give everyone the opportunity to work under the batons of three well-known conductors in the accordion field: Gary Daverne of New Zealand, Fritz Dobler of Germany, and Joan C. Sommers of the USA. Professor Dobler was also the CIACoupe Mondiale Champion in 1954.

The orchestra will perform three pieces, each of them especially prepared for the World Accordion Orchestra III by the three conductors.

Without doubt, the Grand Finale Concert performance of these three new pieces in the accordion orchestra repertoire will be an exciting and auspicious musical milestone for both orchestra participants and concert attendees.

You are invited to participate, too, whether as a player in the orchestra, or as a lover of accordion music who wishes to hear these many exciting accordion competitions, rehearsals, concerts, and to meet the hundreds of your fellow accordionists from all over the world who will be in attendance.

There are optional additional opportunities for you, also, since there are two adventures planned to begin on the day immediately following the conclusion of the official Coupe Mondiale.

On August 30, you may travel with your accordion friends to the city of Dargaville, the childhood home of CIA President, Kevin Friedrich.

It will be a day of sightseeing on the ocean beaches and driving through the famed forests, taking part in the mayor’s special champagne reception, attending another outstanding accordion concert featuring the Akkordeonorchester Hof (Hof, Germany) along with performances by Coupe Mondiale winners, visiting the local museum with its established accordion section, and concluding with a gala dinner and social evening, followed by a return bus trip to Auckland.

The next day may find you departing on a seven-day tour of several favorite tourist sites on the North Island of NZ and, if you are one of the World Accordion Orchestra III members, more performances after dinner.

Whether you play in the orchestra or not, you are invited to share the friendly atmosphere always present among so many accordionists from countries throughout the world. You will meet old friends, yes, but you will also make many new friends who share your enthusiasm and love for the accordion! Make your plans now to take part in this great musical adventure.

Full details re Additional Sightseeing and tours following the official 2009 Coupe Mondiale is online. Remember these tours are for everyone; they are not solely for performers.

If you are interested in playing in the World Accordion Orchestra III and would like more information regarding its music or other orchestra information, you may contact Joan Sommers, who is serving as CIA administrator of the orchestra at: sommersj@umkc.edu

You may also visit: www.coupemondiale.org Full details re Additional Sightseeing online.