From 23 to 27 August 2026, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and organized by the State Academic Concert Organization “Qazaqconcert” named after Roza Baglanova, the 79th International Accordion Competition “Coupe Mondiale” and the 156th Congress of Delegates of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) will be held at the Central Concert Hall in Astana.

This major international musical event is being held in Kazakhstan for the first time and marks the first occasion in the history of Central Asia that the competition has been hosted in the region.

“Coupe Mondiale” is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious competitions in the field of bayan and accordion performance. First held in 1938, the competition is now recognized as a leading professional platform bringing together outstanding performers from around the world.

The event will bring together internationally renowned musicians and cultural figures. Participants will include experts from 21 countries, as well as delegates from 16 countries who have submitted applications to participate. The countries represented include Australia, Austria, the United States, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Hungary, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, China, Lithuania, the Republic of Moldova, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Romania, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, France, Croatia, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, Chile, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

The leadership and representatives of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes will also travel to Astana for the competition. The distinguished delegation will include CIA President Mirco Patarini; Vice Presidents Li Cong and Zorica Karakutovska; Secretary General Kimmo Mattila; General Manager Harley Jones; Chief Ambassador Kevin Friedrich; as well as Confederation Chairman Alexander Selivanov and Deputy Chairman Grayson Mayshield.

Founded in Paris in 1935, the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes is a member of the International Music Council, an organization associated with UNESCO, and is one of the leading international organizations dedicated to the development and promotion of bayan and accordion music worldwide.

Kazakhstan’s successful bid to host this international event is a testament to the high recognition of the country’s cultural potential. The event will contribute to strengthening Astana’s position as a center for international cultural dialogue and enhancing Kazakhstan’s standing in the global cultural arena.

Programme

23 August 2026
At 16:00, the draw for the competition participants will take place in the Conference Hall.

24 August 2026
At 09:00, the official opening ceremony of the competition will take place in the Grand Hall. On the same day, competition auditions will begin from 09:00 to 21:30 in the Chamber Hall, Conference Hall and Rehearsal Hall.

25 August 2026
From 09:00 to 19:30, competition auditions will continue in the Chamber Hall, Conference Hall and Rehearsal Hall.

At 20:00, a concert by bayanist Olzhas Nurlanov, winner of the 74th International “Coupe Mondiale” Competition, will take place in the Chamber Hall.

26 August 2026
From 09:00 to 17:30, competition auditions will continue in the Chamber Hall, Conference Hall and Rehearsal Hall.

At 19:00, the “Tango” concert programme featuring the musical ensemble “Saz & Soul” and the “Samǵa” Quartet will be presented in the Grand Hall.

The competition programme will also feature creative masterclasses led by world-renowned bayan and accordion performers. These open-format sessions will provide young performers and participants with an opportunity to exchange professional experience, enhance their performing skills and gain insight into the practices of internationally acclaimed musicians.

27 August 2026
From 09:00 to 12:45, the final competition auditions will take place in the Chamber Hall.

At 11:00, a press conference will be held in the Briefing Hall.

At 16:30, the official award ceremony for the competition winners will take place in the Grand Hall.

At 19:30, the closing ceremony of the International “Coupe Mondiale 79” Competition will be held in the Grand Hall.

The International “Coupe Mondiale 79” Competition will become one of the significant events in the cultural history of Kazakhstan, contributing to the development of international artistic cooperation and promoting Kazakhstan’s national arts on the global stage.