Accordion renews its image as 2026's top instrument

Accordionist Matthias Matzke has a deep passion for his instrument, and his inspiration goes beyond its sound. "You can really push yourself to the limit, and there's a correlation between muscle power and the sound produced," he said.

Matzke's appreciation for the accordion began in his childhood. Now, he serves as one of the ambassadors for the instrument of the year in 2026.

"The accordion sparks the imagination. Sometimes it sounds like an orchestra with wind instruments, but you can also cover pop songs wonderfully," he told DW.

Germany's state music councils have been selecting an instrument of the year since 2008. This initiative highlights instruments that typically have a niche role in orchestras or are considered solo instruments, such as the mandolin in 2023 and the tuba in 2024.

The focus is also on instruments that unite people across different musical genres. In 2025, the chosen instrument was the human voice, and in 2026, it will be the accordion, which enjoys a prominent role in many cultures, from Russia to Latin America and throughout Europe.

Renowned performers showcase the accordion's versatility through captivating live performances. Social media is full of clips featuring accordionists performing feats you wouldn't normally associate with the instrument.

Camilo Rivera from Chile plays the accordion while inline skating. Martynas Levickis from Lithuania floats in the clouds and plays his instrument in a hot air balloon. "At one point, the connection with the audience was lost due to the Wi-Fi being cut off. That was the highlight: Music vanished into the sky," Levickis told DW.

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Accordionist Andreea Gheorghita (#Balkandreea) is setting viewing records on TikTok by performing pop songs with Balkan rhythms for her over 500,000 followers and playing at techno festivals.

Matzke also captivates audiences with his band Vangardion, showcasing the accordion's versatility beyond traditional folk music. "In Germany, the accordion often carries the cliche of being played in a very traditional way, so it surprises many when I do something different with it."

Matzke is particularly enthusiastic about digital accordions, which also work well in rock music. "For example, I have an electric piano sound and can create new and fascinating soundscapes," he added.

Hohner, the renowned German accordion manufacturer, is working to give the instrument a fresh image. The company offers a range of accordions that cater to various music genres, from folk to heavy metal. This diversity is reflected in their product line, which includes modern, trendy colors aimed at mainstream audiences, exclusive models for professional musicians, and special editions like the Corona II Los Tigres, created specifically for the Hernandez brothers of the Mexican band Los Tigres del Norte.

"Among Latin Americans, the accordion is an integral part of the lifestyle," explained Michael Mantay, marketing manager at Hohner. "There are talented musicians who attract millions of views and perform at festivals."

One notable example is the Vallenato Festival in Valledupar, Colombia. Vallenato is a popular folk music genre in the country. "At this festival, 30,000 to 50,000 people flock to a small village with 20 stages. The accordion is prominently featured, even in the evolving styles of traditional vallenato."

Hohner claims to be the market leader in accordion manufacturing, producing special instruments tailored for all types of players. Beginner-level instruments are made in China, while the company's flagship product, the Gola, is created in Trossingen, Baden-Württemberg. "It's named after an Italian accordion maker, and it even has gold parts," said Mantay.

Hohner manufactures instruments for the European and American markets at its production facilities in Castelfidardo, Italy. This town has been a hub for accordion manufacturing since the 19th century and is often referred to as the "city of the accordion."

The company's history dates to the 19th century, when in 1857, watchmaker Matthias Hohner began manufacturing harmonicas. "His sons then traveled to different continents to promote the instrument, especially in America, where it had a large market in blues music," said Mantay.

Additionally, Hohner has been producing accordions since the early 20th century. The accordion enjoyed its peak popularity between the 1920s and 1950s, until electric guitars emerged and eventually dominated the rock and pop music scenes.

Hohner not only manufactures musical instruments but also established the Hohner Conservatory in Trossingen. According to the company, this is the only vocational college for accordion teachers in Germany. Matzke completed part of his training there. Additionally, Hohner participates in the Instrument of the Year initiative and supports ambassadors like Matzke.

Matzke has dedicated many years to sharing his passion for the accordion as a teacher. "Some people associate accordion music with French street cafes, while others connect it to Astor Piazzolla's Argentine tango," he said.

Matzke aims to help his students realize their own accordion dreams in class. To reach a broader audience, he founded the digital learning platform Accordio and developed methods that help users to learn both by reading notation and by ear.

The goal of the organizers of the Instrument of the Year initiative is to introduce the accordion to a broader audience, particularly in schools and through social activities and special concerts.

"What our society needs now, especially in these times, is a way for people to come together and communicate through music," said Matzke, adding that the portable accordion makes this possible. "While authentic live music is still in demand, it isn't practiced enough." He hopes that the Year of the Accordion will help to change this.

This article was originally written in German.