What stood out to you about the 2024 Festival? What memories did you take home?
Jonas Thaler
This year I planned in advance and made sure I would attend the 2024 ATG Festival in Kansas City. The event did not disappoint. So many concerts, big and small, world-class performers and composers, serious music. I thought I had a broad view of the accordion and its place in the world of music, but the overall effect of so much listening, conversing, asking questions, has been incredibly valuable for me.If there was one “highlight” that outshone all the other bright spots of my time in Kansas City, it was the final rehearsals and performance with the ATG Festival Orchestra honoring Joan Cochran Sommers’ 90th birthday, and decades of innovation in the world of music and music academe. I was completely surprised at how joyful, generous and energetic this wonderful woman is at the podium, and in chance meetings backstage. Playing in the orchestra was my highlight. I missed a few bars, but much fewer than I was afraid I would, and found myself repeating Dr. Sommers’ admonitions as I watched (like a hawk) the movements of her baton. There were plenty of moments when I felt my own playing soar in vibratory sync with the other players, and learned that this is the true pleasure of symphony, and that the audience and the conductor are enjoying it too. There is no experience like it.
Chris Boris-Esteban
I had the ultimate privilege of performing with a 74 accordion orchestra, including worldwide professional accordionists, 44 choir members, and percussionists at the ATG (Accordion Teachers Guild) in Kansas City, Mo., the last week of July. One of our charts, “Let There be Peace on Earth,” brought a moving emotional response to all who witnessed the moment, bringing the entire orchestra and choir performing together as one.
The festival honored an iconic lifetime member, Dr. Joan Cochran Sommers, in regal form for her 90th birthday, and I was thrilled and honored to follow her incredible skill and grace as the conductor of our orchestra. The invitation and my place as an accordionist in one of her additional ensembles outside of the orchestra was one of few defining moments in my own personal achievements.
It was a week of competitions, concerts by professionals and competition winners, rehearsals, workshops, boxes of music for sale, and accordion vendors. We were treated to composer, arranger, and accordionist virtuoso from Spain, Gorka Hermosa, and witnessed his immeasurable accordion talent during his performances on stage. Our orchestra played "Oparoa," an orchestral piece he composed included in our repertoire. There was time to learn about many different accordion styles from many performers, hear a variety of genres, witness excellence in both Dr. Sommers' personal ensemble and also the Canadian ensemble, and enjoy a variety of solo and duet performances throughout the day. It was an unforgettable experience of accordion passion and accomplishments for all.
Diane G. Bryniarski, President -Chicago Accordion Club
Besides being the roadie for my CAC member Bea at the ATG Festival, as she was a player in the 74-piece orchestra, my other favorite thing was to attend the nightly concerts offered. Each night was delightful. I noticed the fest tried a few new things, such as incorporating other groups to perform with the headliners, such as Mirco Patarini from Italy playing with The Kansas City Symphony Strings, or Grayson Masefield from New Zealand playing with Ensemble Iberica (violin, guitar, viola, bass) based out of KC, and the ATG Festival Orchestra playing two songs with a 40-piece choir. Besides the names already mentioned, other performers included Dr. Michael Bridges and his incredible arrangements for the digital accordion, and Stas Venglevski with Nikolay Bine as a duo. But the one that played with such intensity that the back of my neck was sweating at the conclusion was Gorka Hermosa, composer, bayan performer, and a celebrity in Spain. On his first visit to the US, he played his original compositions with the sounds on his instrument telling a story, such as passionately playing for Ukraine and their troubles. His body language matched his musical sounds, as he had an athletic style of expressive playing. It was so interesting to witness his talent. One of his compositions was also dedicated to Joan C. Sommers for the fest orchestra to play with her directing. All-in-all, I enjoyed the concerts, all of the artists, and how Kansas City seemed to embrace the fest by joining in musically.
Boguslaw Rachwal, Lisle, IL
What an amazing experience at the festival this year! This was my third time attending and I have to say, it just keeps getting better and better. I feel like I'm really starting to understand the accordion and connect with other players in the community. The community is so welcoming, from beginners to pros, everyone is included! The workshops were so informative and I picked up some great tricks and skills from the talented artists. It's such a great opportunity to learn and grow as a musician. And the evening concerts were absolutely phenomenal! Each one had its own unique vibe, with incredible artists and a captivated audience. It was truly a feast for the soul. I had the privilege to be a part of the ATG Festival Orchestra this year, playing alongside some famous artists and under the baton of our amazing director. It was such a fantastic experience. The whole event was a wonderful tribute to Professor Joan Cochran Sommers. I can't wait for next year's festival to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and continue to be a part of this incredible accordion community. See you there!
Deb Frye
I am a beginning accordionist! Convinced by my sister (she prefers the word "Inspired") about a year ago, I am attempting to learn a new instrument. My presence at the ATG festival was as a spectator not as a participant, but I was wanting to learn and pick up on all the playing tips I could.
The workshop given by Cory Pesaturo on Genre was amazing! Taking a simple melody and changing key, rhythm, tempo or harmony showed not only the ability of the musician to change the tune to a different era, location, or culture but also the versatility of the accordion. The participants in this festival were from all around the world and it was exciting to discover how their style of playing and performance reflected their heritage, although I must admit I had to google "Where is the Republic of Moldova". The week ended with the amazing performance by the festival orchestra. Along with everyone else in the audience, all I could say is WOW!
Dallas Vietty
I left the festival feeling inspired and motivated to create and explore my accordion.Memories that are staying with me:
The UMKC Community Accordion Orchestra. Who knew the xylophone sounds so good orchestrated in the stack with the accordions?! The arrangements and orchestrations were so very new and interesting to me.
Gorka Hermosa's set of original compositions on Wednesday evening. Gorka's personal expression, emotional communication, a 'humanitarian' quality to the music...something I can't find the exact words for.
All of the accordion soloists I had the pleasure to see in concert performances (Bine, Bridge, Hermosa, Masefield, Patarini, Venglevski) blew me away.
The effect of viewing world-class execution and performances in person is motivating, inspiring, and deeply educational.
Elayne Doggett Plano, TX
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to get to go to ATG! It was so much fun to meet performers from all over the world! My favorite thing was being a part of the incredible accordion orchestra under the baton of Joan Sommers! Performing in the orchestra was such an inspiring experience! The concerts were so amazing to watch and listen to! There were such incredible, talented accordionists at ATG! Thank you for the awesome time I had! Thank you!
Elisabet Roeder, Camas, WA
This year the ATG was held in Kansas City, MO for 5 days. I really appreciated the educational opportunities with workshops, orchestra practice and evening concerts by the best in the world.
Everything was organized. The schedules for every day were easy to follow. The bus to rehearsal and concerts was always on time. The hotel was very nice.
It’s always good to see old friends and make new friends. A new friend I made was the second place world champion who is from Stockholm Sweden, and number four from USA.
Maureen Jarosh and orchestra, Calgary, AB, Canada
We in Calgary, have very, very few live events to go to hear world class accordion artists. This opportunity in Kansas was fantastic!!! We were so pleased to have many, many people come to us with appreciation for our playing . I would like to thank all ATG members for their encouragement and efforts putting this event together. I have always learned so much from watching the competitors, amateur and professional. I see new and amazing competitors and workshops that help me be a better teacher.
I was very happy to see all different styles of accordions recognized as equal instruments on the world stage.
About 5 years ago in Victoria CIA, new music compositions alienated the audience. This event was better. Perhaps the pendulum has swung far enough and representation of melody has returned to the new compositions.
I had the opportunity to meet all the people I admired and found everyone so approachable and helpful.
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