Daily Report 19th August, 2016 Tacheng Accordion Festival, Xinjiang Uygur, China , 18-20 August 2016, Index page

Rehearsal for the Guinness World Record Attempt.

More than 1,500 performers gathered to rehearse for the attemp to break the Guinness record for the most accordionists in an accordion orchestra. The orchestra will perform 'Song of the City' (Tacheng) by Chen Cuoqing, a piece composed specifically for this world record attempt performance.

Angela Wu from the Beijing office for the Guinness World Records outlined the guidelines necessary for the attempt to qualify as a world record, including all participants needing to start and finish the performance in its entirety, the piece performed must be an organized piece such as a multi part piece (ie: accordionists getting together for a mass Jam Session would not count), each person must peform their part, with neutral monitors allocated per 50 performers to make the final count and ensure that all performers play each of their parts, and complete the piece which must be at least 6 minutes long.

These accordionists from Tacheng have been working on this project for several months, and almost 100% perform the work by memory!

1,500 accordionists rehearse in Tacheng.

Accordions, Accordions and more Accordions.

Kimmo Mattila (CIA General Secretary) and Kevin Friedrich (CIA Ambassador) with many of the
young accordionists who will participate in the world record attempt, to be conducted at the Closing Ceremony.

Accordions, Accordions and more Accordions.

CIA Executive members Kevin Friedrich and Kimmo Mattila enjoyed sharing some
musical friendship with their orchestra section members during technical breaks.

Chen Cuoqing - Conductor, at rehearsal.

Guinness World Record Accordion Orchestra

Guinness World Record Accordion Orchestra

Accordion Posters throughout Tacheng

Accordion Posters throughout Tacheng

Pietro Adragna (Italy), the winner of numerous International Competitions performed to a capacity
audience primarily made up of children. They thoroughly enjoye their afternoon concert with
most rushing to the stage afterwards to take picturs and collect autograhps from Pietro.

The young children ready to enjoy the concert

Concert Host introducing Pietro Adragna

Video: Segura Ele by Pixinguinha

Pietro Adragna

Video: Valse Medley (various composers) arranged by Pietro Adragna.

Pietro Adragna

Video: Classic Medley (various composers) arranged by Pietro Adragna.

Pietro Adragna

Video: Tico Tico by de Abreu

Figaro's Aria by G. Rossini, arranged by Pietro Adragna.

Pietro Adragna

The fans waiting their turn to get Pietro's signature and photo.

Accordion Corner at the City Square is a weekly feature where accordionists perform for Dancers throughout
the summer months. This evening's event also featured select items by some of the
visiting guest artists. Approximately 3,000 people attended to enjoy the beautiful
summer evening full of music and dance.

Dancers enjoying the accordion music.

Valery (Varuzhan Shanshiyev)

Dancers enjoying the accordion music.

Dancers enjoying the accordion music.

Iosif Purits

Zhang Yu Long

Dancers enjoying the accordion music.

Pietro Adragna

Beautiful crowd scene of enjoyable music and dancing in the park.