“finalissimo – go!!”
69 pieces for solo accordion will have their world premieres in Weimar, Jena, and Schmalkalden
As the “Instrument of the Year 2026,” the accordion has been showcased in many different ways, garnering considerable attention. In Thuringia, the FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar has been and continues to be a key initiator and partner in numerous events. The conclusion of the Accordion Year is now marked by the “finalissimo – go!!” project: Over the course of a single weekend, a total of 69 new works for solo accordion will receive their world premieres in three concerts at three Thuringian music schools. Admission is free.
The project began with successful master classes led by the renowned Slovenian instrumentalists and composers Uroš Rojko and Luka Juhart in 2024. Following these, the FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar awarded each artist a composition commission. Similar to Béla Bartók’s intention in his “Mikrokosmos,” the goal was to create a collection with a progressive structure for young players. The composers set to work with such enthusiasm that, instead of a few individual pieces, they produced 69 compositions.
Both composers have been involved in the project from the very beginning. They were already guests in Weimar in June during the “Days of the Accordion,” an annual event held at the university. There, they presented initial drafts and worked with school and university students on the pieces. “Experiencing composers in person and seeing how they bring their ideas to life through sound fosters a connection to the works and helps cultivate an understanding of new music,” says Weimar accordion professor Claudia Buder.
From October 1 to 4, 2026, an advanced workshop was held in Ranis, where the compositions were explored in greater depth. Twenty-two students from five Thuringian music schools in Bad Langensalza, Jena, Schmalkalden, Rudolstadt, and Weimar, as well as students from the Weimar accordion class, are participating in the world premieres. All participating teachers are alumni of the Weimar Music University. Uroš Rojko and Luka Juhart will be present at the concerts. “This project builds a natural bridge between artistic creation and music education,” emphasizes Claudia Buder.
The project’s impact extends beyond the concerts: Luka Juhart has since published his works in three albums with a Slovenian publisher, thereby creating groundbreaking educational material. Uroš Rojko’s collection will be published by “Verlag Neue Musik” following its world premiere.
“finalissimo – go!!” is a collaboration between the FRANZ LISZT University of Music Weimar, the Thuringian State Music Council, the German Accordion Teachers’ Association (Deutscher Akkordeonlehrer-Verband e.V.), and the Thuringian State Association of Music Schools. The project is supported by the Free State of Thuringia, Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture.
Further information:www.lmrthueringen.de.
Concert schedule:
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – Weimar, Coudraysaal at the Johann Nepomuk Hummel Music School
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – Jena, Main Hall of the School of Music and Art
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m. – Schmalkalden, Town Hall
[October 23, 2006]