The Accordion Orchestra is based in St. Josef. Shortly after its founding in 1986 and its entry into the registry of associations in 1987, the Accordion Orchestra was offered the opportunity to hold its rehearsal evenings in St. Josef. Here, the musicians—ranging in age from 10 to 80—meet every Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. for orchestra rehearsal. In addition to Papenburg, the orchestra also includes players from neighboring communities.
The orchestra plays an active role in the parish's musical programs, whether during the Harvest Festival, the Maypole celebration, the Christmas nativity play, or when accompanying Holy Mass.
Since 2000, the Akkordeonorchester e.V. Papenburg has been hosting an annual concert in June under the theme “Akkordeon L!VE” at the “Theater auf der Werft” in Papenburg. In front of a recently sold-out house, the 20-member orchestra treated the audience to an interesting mix of German pop hits, classical music, pop, tango, musical numbers, and evergreens. Additional regular performance dates or engagements upon request provide extra motivation.
Since 2022, the conductor has been Hannes Ostholthoff from Papenburg, who has also been active with the Lower Saxony State Accordion Orchestra and the Accordion Orchestra in Winschoten, among others. With great dedication, he has brought the orchestra—following the far too early death of his predecessor, Jan de Vries—to the impressive level it has today.
The annual barbecues and bike rides, as well as the Christmas party and joint celebrations of work anniversaries, are proof that we don’t neglect our social life.
We welcome anyone who would like to learn to play the accordion or actively participate in the orchestra or ensemble. Of course, we’re happy to hear from anyone interested—even those who aren’t actively involved!
Text: Papenburg Accordion Orchestra, Photo: Anna Siebert