With a new name and a new focus this year, the World Accordion and Tango Festival promises nine days of entertainment and workshop options for lovers of this reedy instrument and passionate dance.

The addition for the first time in Canada of the Trophee Mondiale (World Trophy) competition will bring to Victoria hundreds of bright young accordion stars from around the globe, each looking to make their mark.

Along with the annual festival goings-on, which include soloist and ensemble concerts, skills workshops and industry education opportunities, participants can immerse themselves in all things accordion between Nov. 10 and 15.

B次元官网网址淭his is B.C.B次元官网网址檚 largest off-season music festival,B次元官网网址� says event organizer Aleksandar Milosevic, who has overseen the change from the Victoria International Accordion Festival to the current combined event. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e expecting several hundred visitors coming from out of town, from as far away as India, Korea, China, across Europe, Brazil and Argentina.B次元官网网址�

The tango portion of the week, Nov. 16-18, features some renowned tango performers, including Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo from Argentina and Beltango Ensemble from Europe, among others.

Dance events, known as milongas, happen each evening at 7:30 at three different venues. Tango workshops are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at The Baumann Centre (925 Balmoral Rd.), 3 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Polish White Eagle Hall on Dock Street, and 3:30 and 5 p.m. at the Solwood Studio, 1303 Broad St. Tickets for tango events are available on the .

Accordion fits into many genres

痴颈肠迟辞谤颈补B次元官网网址檚 Mary Ross Klektau, an extremely versatile and experienced accordion player who has performed in numerous genres, including Scottish country dancing. SheB次元官网网址檒l lead one of the presentations on the week, touching on history and the specifics of accompaniment for accordion.

Many people might pigeonhole the instrument into the European cultural role in which it began, she says. But with elements of classical, chamber music, jazz and more, the festival will demonstrate the versatility of the accordion and its players.

B次元官网网址淚 think youB次元官网网址檒l get people saying, B次元官网网址業 didnB次元官网网址檛 know accordions could sound like that,B次元官网网址� Ross Klektau says. B次元官网网址淢y biggest thing is to educate people that accordions shouldnB次元官网网址檛 be stereotyped at all.B次元官网网址�

Variety of shows and workshops throughout the week

The main venues for the festival are the University of Victoria School of Music and Oak Bay HighB次元官网网址檚 Dave Dunnet Theatre, with First Metropolitan Church, The Baumann Centre, White Eagle Polish Hall and Royal Victoria Yacht Club also on the venue roster.

Throughout the festival, more than 200 performers will take part in dozens of concerts, workshops, dance nights, lectures and exhibitions. Milosevic points to the 50 hours of free programs, including the World Accordion Conference, and the Accordion Museum to be displayed by Tempo Trend Music at the UVicB次元官网网址� School of Music Nov. 11-14, as ways the public can get involved.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 like having two festivals back to back,B次元官网网址� Milosevic says.

For more information and to purchase tickets, you can visit . Tickets are also available at Tempo Trend Music, MunroB次元官网网址檚 Books, Long & McQuade, IvyB次元官网网址檚 Bookshop and TannerB次元官网网址檚 Books.

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