PIF Castelfidardo - International Accordion Prize
The world accordion competition in its Marche capital
About PIF Castelfidardo
The world accordion competition
When you arrive in Castelfidardo in September, in the hinterland of the province of Ancona, you immediately realize that the accordion is not just any instrument here: it's an identity. In this town in the Marche region, where Paolo Soprani started the first artisanal production in the mid-19th century, the International Accordion Prize, now known worldwide by the acronym PIF, was born in 1976. It is one of the most prestigious and long-standing competitions dedicated to this instrument, attracting performers, teachers, and enthusiasts from every continent.
A Roll of Honour that Launches Careers
The PIF is not just a competition: it's a launchpad. The careers of some of the greatest Italian accordionists, such as Massimiliano Pitocco, Claudio Jacomucci, Cesare Chiacchiaretta, and Samuele Telari, have taken off from its finals. Winning in Castelfidardo means entering a history spanning half a century. The main category, the Prize, offers the most coveted trophy, awarded at the end of three increasingly challenging tests before an international jury.
Not Just a Competition: A Widespread Celebration
Alongside the actual competition, the PIF is above all a celebration of music that invades the entire town. For five days, the Teatro Astra, the Auditorium San Francesco, the Salone degli Stemmi, and the central Piazza della Repubblica host dozens of free concerts: from classical repertoire to jazz, from tango to world music, including the most experimental fusions. It's a packed schedule, designed for both industry professionals and those discovering the surprising versatility of the accordion for the first time.
Competition Categories
- Prize — the main category for soloists, with a live final round
- Classical and Virtuosic for soloists
- Chamber music and accordion orchestras
- Jazz, World Music, and Astor Piazzolla sections, for soloists and ensembles
Castelfidardo, Capital of the Accordion
Organized by the Municipality of Castelfidardo and the Pro Loco tourist board, the PIF is the pinnacle of a vocation that runs through the entire town in the Marche region: here you'll find historic accordion factories, the International Accordion Museum, and a network of artisans who continue to export instruments worldwide. Participating in the PIF, even just as a spectator, is the best way to understand why this corner of the province of Ancona is considered the world home of the accordion.
PIF Castelfidardo — edition 2026
PIF 2026 — The 51st Edition
The 2026 edition of the International Accordion Prize returns to Castelfidardo from September 9 to 13, with the artistic direction of accordionist and composer Cesare Chiacchiaretta, himself a winner of the competition in 1993. The organization is managed by the Municipality of Castelfidardo and the Pro Loco led by Ruben Cittadini.
The competition is divided into categories for soloists (Prize, classical, virtuosic, jazz, world music, Astor Piazzolla) and ensembles (chamber music, accordion orchestras, jazz and world ensembles). The awards ceremony takes place at the Teatro Astra on the day of the final round, with a performance by the winners. Alongside the competitions, dozens of free concerts animate Piazza della Repubblica, the Auditorium San Francesco, and the Salone degli Stemmi.
Programme PIF Castelfidardo 2026
International Competition
The 51st edition takes place from September 9 to 13, 2026 and is dedicated to the accordion for soloists and ensembles. Artistic Director: Cesare Chiacchiaretta.
Competition Categories
- Prize — main category for soloists, with live final round
- Soloists classical section and virtuosic section
- Chamber music and accordion orchestras
- Soloists and ensembles for jazz, world music, and Astor Piazzolla categories
Mandatory Piece
For the final round of the 'Prize' category, the announced mandatory piece is 'Signature' by composer Michele Mangani.
Registration
- Registration opens: April 1, 2026
- Registration closes: September 3, 2026
- Fees: €50 for soloists in the classical, virtuosic, jazz, world music, and Astor Piazzolla sections; €100 for chamber music, orchestras, and ensembles in the jazz, world music, and Astor Piazzolla sections
Awards Ceremony
The awards ceremony for the winners will be held at the Teatro Astra in Castelfidardo on the day of the final round, with a performance by the awardees (maximum 5 minutes) as the concluding event of the competition.
Concert Schedule
The complete program of free concerts will be published on the official website in the weeks preceding the event. As tradition dictates, dozens of concerts will take place between Piazza della Repubblica, the Auditorium San Francesco, the Salone degli Stemmi, and the Teatro Astra. The detailed program will be announced on the official website pifcastelfidardo.it.
Highlights PIF Castelfidardo 2026
Prices PIF Castelfidardo 2026
Practical information — PIF Castelfidardo
How to Get There
Castelfidardo is located in the province of Ancona, a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast. By car, it can be reached from the A14 motorway (exit Loreto-Porto Recanati). By train, get off at Osimo-Castelfidardo station and continue with local transport. By plane, fly to Ancona Falconara Airport (about 40 km away).
Tickets
Most of the concerts in the program and access to the competition's preliminary rounds are free. Competition entry fees range from 50 euros (for soloists in the classical, virtuosic, jazz, world music, and Astor Piazzolla sections) to 100 euros (for chamber music, orchestras, and ensembles). Registration opens on April 1st and closes on September 3rd.
Tips
Take the opportunity to visit the International Accordion Museum in the historic center and the artisan workshops of the town. It's advisable to book accommodation in advance: in September, Castelfidardo welcomes competitors and audiences from all over the world.
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Where does it take place — PIF Castelfidardo
Teatro Astra e centro storico
Piazza della Repubblica, 60022 Castelfidardo