Accordion extravaganza fuses East and West in Shanghai

A performance at the Hongqiao Art Centre in Shanghai's Changning district on April 5 showcased the fusion of Eastern and Western music traditions during the 7th International Accordion Culture and Arts Week, a key event in the 2025 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival.

Acclaimed accordionists from across the globe joined forces with local musicians, creating a harmonious tapestry of sound.

The evening's highlight came with a performance of Hundreds of Birds Worshipping the Phoenix, featuring Italian accordion maestro Piero Adragna and Hu Chenyun, a renowned suona (traditional Chinese woodwind instrument) performer from the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.

As Hu walked onto the stage from the audience, the soaring melody of the suona intertwined with the vibrant tones of the electronic accordion, creating a unique musical dialogue between East and West.

The International Accordion Culture and Arts Week has been a mainstay of the Shanghai Spring music festival for seven years, showcasing the versatility and dynamism of the accordion as a musical instrument.

This year's event expanded beyond traditional concert settings, reaching into the vibrant commercial districts and schools of Changning district. The initiative, aiming to blend performance, tourism, and consumption, transformed the arts week into a multi-faceted cultural experience.