In the Year of the Accordion and in the spirit of German-British friendship, the accordion orchestra of the Elmshorn Music School invites you to a very special concert evening at the historic Laeiszhalle Hamburg. Under the title »Bellows Across Borders«, two outstanding orchestras from the European accordion scene will come together: the accordion orchestra of the Elmshorn Music School and the renowned London Accordion Orchestra.
The Elmshorn Music School Accordion Orchestra, conducted by Susanne Drdack – winner of the City of Elmshorn Culture Prize – has made a name for itself nationally and internationally since its foundation in 1980. With numerous successes in competitions, including the German Orchestra Competition and the World Music Festival in Innsbruck (vice world champions in 2019), it stands for musical quality and creative repertoire.
The London Accordion Orchestra, founded in 1999 and conducted by internationally renowned concert accordionist and composer Ian Watson, is considered one of the leading orchestras in Great Britain. It thrills its audiences with exciting programs, innovative works by contemporary composers, and impressive performances – for example, at London’s Union Chapel or at festivals throughout Europe.
With »Bellows Across Borders«, the two orchestras are celebrating their first joint concert series – a musical bridge across the English Channel. The audience can look forward to a varied program featuring original compositions and arrangements from both countries – passionately interpreted by two orchestras that, despite their different roots, speak a common musical language.
PERFORMERS
Akkordeonorchester der Musikschule Elmshorn ensemble
London Accordion Orchestra ensemble
Kinder- und Jugendchor der Liedertafel Elmshorn choir
Susanne Drdack director
Ian Watson director
