Moldova Accordion Days

General Information and Rules for Contestants:

1st Edition Moldova Accordion Days – Competition 2025

AcordArt invites musicians and audiences alike to experience the dynamic world of accordion music in the heart of Eastern Europe. Held in Chișinău, Moldova, from October 23-28th, 2025, the festival promises a rich program of concerts, masterclasses , workshops, and international competition.

Bringing together soloists and ensembles from across the globe, the event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, artistic growth, and celebration of musical diversity. Accordionists of all ages and nationalities are welcome to participate, please see the categories and instructions to submit applications below:

With the support of the Cultural Ministry of Moldova and Pigini Accordions, Moldova Accordion Days aims to inspire the next generation of musicians while honoring the instrument’s deep traditions and modern innovations.

• Registration deadline: early deadline August 25th, last deadline September 30th.
• The registration fee: Early deadline: See below for each category. Final deadline: €40 per person, per entry.
• Participants may enter multiple categories, but they are not permitted to present the same program in more than one category.
• Registration close September 30th, 2025, and can be completed on the REGISTRATION link.

1. General overview

• Official title: Moldova Accordion Days – Competition 2025 
• Organizer: AcordArt Association 
• Location: Chișinău, Moldova 
• Dates: October 23–28, 2025 
• Supported by: Ministry of Culture of Moldova, Pigini Accordions
• Media Partners: 

Program highlights: 

• International competition for soloists and ensembles 
• Concerts with world-renowned artists 
• Masterclasses & workshops 
• Cultural exchange and networking events 

2. REGISTRATION 

3. ELIGIBILITY 

• Open to accordionists of all nationalities. 
• Categories are divided by age and type of music performed. 
• Age calculated as of October 23, 2025. 

4. COMPETITION CATEGORIES & REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS 

5. PERFORMANCE RULES 

1. All pieces must be performed live without playback. 
2. Music may be played by memory or with sheet music (no penalty). 
3. The order of works may be changed after submission. Change in the program performed only with the notification to organisers. 
4. Duration must respect category limits – exceeding time may lead to point deduction. All the timings are calculated based on music time of each piece.(time between the pieces doesn’t count). Performers can exceed a maximum of 10% of the maximum time.(Example: 20 minutes limit ± 2 minutes) 
5. Organizers will provide warming up rooms 30 minutes before the performance Sound check might be possible only under certain circumstances.(please write to email in case of need)
6. For the FOLK categories, Organizers will provide a folk ensemble for accompaniment for a fee of 20 euro (included one rehearsal and one performance). For the winners and gala concert performers the organizers will cover the expenses. NB. Please tick the box in case you need when you apply. Scores must be sent latest on September 30th. Folk Ensemble: cimbalo, viola, 2 violin, 1 double bass, 1 clarinet, 1 panflute. (candidate can decide for less players in case of need). 

6. JURY 

• Composed of internationally recognized artists and teachers. 
• Jury decisions are final and cannot be appealed. 
• Jury members will NOT vote for their own students and to any student they have taught in the last 2 years. 
• NO discussion between the members of jury are allowed during the category 
• Jury will take into consideration: technical mastery, Musical expression, interpretation, Stylistic accuracy, Stage presence,overall impression, and others. 
• Jury will vote based on 25 point system. Prizes will be decided following next system:  

1st Grade diploma – 23 points and more

2nd Grade Diploma – between 21 and 22,99 points

3rd Grade Diploma – between 20 and 20,99 points.

7. AWARDS & PRIZES 

• Diplomas & medals for the highest 3 marks in each category 
• Monetary prizes for winners in each category 
• Special awards: 

– Best performance of contemporary work 
– Best performance of a Moldovan player 
– Best performance in Folk Music category provided by Bugari sponsor 
– A voucher of 500 euro for purchasing the new Bugari Heritage model 
– Young Talent Prize (for under 14) 
– Special prize to perform in the next edition of Moldova Accordion Days 

8. LOGISTICS & ACCOMMODATION 

• Competition location: Str. Hristo Botev 4 , C.E.E.A. S. NEAGA, CHISINAU, MOLDOVA
• Participants are responsible for their own travel, visa, and accommodation. Note: There is no visa requirement from EU countries and all the European Countries. Please check entry requirements, or contact organisers for help. 
• Organizers can provide recommendations for hotels & hostels. 

9. MEDIA & COPYRIGHT 

• By participating, contestants grant organizers the right to record, photograph, and broadcast performances for commercial and non-commercial use. 
• No additional fees will be paid for such use. 

10. CANCELLATION POLICY 

• Registration fees are non-refundable except in cases of event cancellation. 
• The organizers reserve the right to modify schedules or categories if necessary. 

11. CONTACT & OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

Email: moldovaaccordiondays@gmail.com 
Website: www.moldovaaccordiondays.com
Official Instagram, YouTube and Facebook: @MoldovaAccordionDays

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