Three young accordionists from the Algarve were the only representatives of Portugal at two international accordion competitions. Tiago Conceição, from Loulé, achieved 3rd place in the World Júnior category and 5th in Virtuoso Júnior at the 51st International Accordion Prize in Castelfidardo, Italy, an event that took place between September 9th and 13th and brought together more than 100 participants.
Also Bruna Palma, from Algoz, and Catarina Viegas, from Estoi, achieved relevant results in Castelfidardo. Bruna Palma finished in 6th place in Virtuoso Júnior, 7th in World Júnior and 6th in World Ensemble, while Catarina Viegas came 7th in Virtuoso Júnior and 8th in World Júnior. Tiago Conceição also achieved 6th place in the World Ensemble category.
The same three young people had already represented Portugal at the 79th World Accordion Cup, held between August 23rd and 27th in Astana, Kazakhstan, with approximately 150 participants. At the world competition, Tiago Conceição came 7th in Virtuoso Júnior, Bruna Palma 8th and Catarina Viegas 12th in the same category.
The competition is organized annually by the International Accordion Commission, a member of UNESCO. The three accordionists study with Nelson Conceição and had the support of the Garvefole Accordion Association, the Municipality of Loulé, the Parish Council of São Clemente, Mito Algarvio and local Rotary clubs.
