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Accordion Controversies – Panel Discussion
Event date: 09/04/2026
Location: Curt-Sachs-Saal, 6 p.m.
with Prof. Dr Conny Restle (UdK), Dr Yongfei Du (Ethnological Museum), Dr Sydney Hutchinson (SIM). Moderator: Dr Maurice Mengel (Ethnological Museum)
The accordion originated in German-speaking Europe, but was soon adopted into traditional musical cultures around the world. Nevertheless, its role in these cultures remains a subject of heated debate amongst some. Do accordions destroy traditional cultures, or do they help to preserve them? Is the accordion inextricably linked to its Western origins, or should it rather be understood as a local or international instrument? On this evening, we will explore accordion cultures in Europe, Latin America and China from ethnomusicological, musicological, organological and musical perspectives. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy the sound of the instrument.
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6.00–7.30 pm
Curt-Sachs-Saal, Museum of Musical Instruments, State Institute for Music Research
Museum admission
In collaboration with the Berlin State Music Council
