German accordion ensemble join Chinese players for Beijing concert

An accordion ensemble from Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany and a group of Chinese accordionists gave a concert at the National Library Arts Center in Beijing recently.

Hippe Stefan, musical director of the Accordion Youth Orchestra Baden-Wurttemberg, conducted the concert, which saw the oldest player Ren Shirong, 85 take to the stage.

Ahead of the performance, musicians from the two countries exchanged ideas about accordion music and the instrument before rehearsing together.

Founded in 1965, the ALJO/BW is composed of some 30 players aged between 16 and 27.

The ensemble first toured China in 1994 and then returned in 1998, 2007, 2010 and 2013.