The first group of distinguished guests of the 79th Coupe Mondiale Accordion Competition has arrived in Astana, including representatives of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA).

The “Qazaqconcert” team welcomed the distinguished guests at the capital’s airport, extending traditional Kazakh hospitality. Among those who arrived were Mirco Patarini, President of the CIA; Harley Jones, CIA Public Relations Manager; Alexander Selivanov, Chairman of the CIA Music Committee; Grayson Masefield, Vice Chairman of the CIA Music Committee; Kong Yu (Crystal) Wang, Member of the CIA Music Committee; as well as CIA office representatives Heather Masefield and Amber Masefield.

The 79th Coupe Mondiale Accordion Competition, being held in Kazakhstan and Central Asia for the first time in its history, will take place from August 23 to 27. The event will also include the 156th CIA Delegates’ Congress.

Over the coming days, Astana will bring together leading masters of bayan and accordion music from around the world on one stage and become an important hub for the international music community.

Welcome to Astana!