Notable artists and bold new features
Montmagny, September 16, 2025 — From August 29 to 31, Montmagny was once again the scene of a major musical celebration with the 36th edition of the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon. Despite unpredictable weather for the second year in a row, festival-goers braved the rain to attend some 20 concerts presented on indoor and outdoor stages in the city center.
Artists who won unanimous acclaim
Among the highlights of this year’s festival were performances by Michael Bridge and Kornel Wolak—back for a second appearance—who once again captivated audiences with their virtuosity and generosity. The Belgian duo Naragonia, Italy’s Natalino Marchetti, and Ireland’s Diarmuid Ó Meachair also left a lasting impression with their charisma and rich interpretations.
In terms of discoveries, French band Plume, a regular at European folk dances, charmed the audience with its unifying energy and captivating music. Yoana also touched festival-goers with her deeply moving compositions.
On the Canadian and Quebec side, the audience was able to discover Chanter la Pomme, Autoroute 15, and rediscover emerging artists from the traditional scene such as Alexandre Patry, Keven Desrosiers and Marc-André Cyr, Marc-Olivier Côté and La Déferlance, Traverse and De Temps Antan, to name but a few.
New features, jams, and shared moments
This edition was also an opportunity to innovate. For the first time in 35 years, the opening concert changed location and was broadcast simultaneously in both rooms of the Espace citoyen.
Another welcome addition was the three public jams held in the late afternoon, organized in collaboration with traditional music festivals and organizations. These gatherings allowed artists and festivalgoers to come together in a friendly and spontaneous atmosphere.
Despite the rain showers, the public once again demonstrated its attachment to the festival. The Bassin picnics (presented by the Caisse Desjardins de la MRC de Montmagny), the walking concerts, and the Youth Stage—with more than 15 budding artists—offered precious moments that will remain in our memories until next year.
A renewed local commitment
For several years now, the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon has set itself the goal of strengthening its ties with the community and promoting local purchasing. This commitment was once again demonstrated this year through collaboration with several regional organizations, including Troupe Hallélou, Maison des Jeunes, Havre des Femmes, the Canadian Legion, Collectif Triskel, and FADOQ. Their involvement contributed to the success and vitality of the event.
Already looking ahead to 2026
The Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon team is already hard at work preparing for the 37th edition, which will take place from September 4 to 6, 2026. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in early June 2026.
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About the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon
An international event, the Carrefour mondial de l’Accordéon has been held in Montmagny (Chaudière-Appalaches) during Labor Day weekend for 36 years. It brings together artists from Quebec, Canada, and a dozen other countries in a unique celebration of the many faces of the accordion. In 2020, the organization was accredited by UNESCO as an advisory body on intangible heritage.
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For more details
direction@accordeonmontmagny.com
418-248-7927 ext. 1
