Cypriot composer Andys Skordis has won first prize in Category A of the International Accordion Composition Competition “Jaume Padrós 2026”, beating 218 composers from 48 nationalities.
The prize includes a commission for a new work, which will receive its world premiere at the Mixtur Festival 2026 and will subsequently be published by Acord Edicions.
The competition is organised by Acord Edicions in cooperation with the Mixtur Festival to mark 100 years since the birth of Catalan composer Jaume Padrós Montoriol, with the aim of promoting new works for accordion and highlighting his musical heritage.
This year’s edition drew an exceptionally high level of entries, according to the organisers, making the selection process particularly demanding.
The jury consisted of Víctor Estapé, Mateja Zenzerovic, Oliver Rappoport and Oriol Saladrigues, with Rappoport and Saladrigues representing the Mixtur Festival.
Skordis works in contemporary music and has more than 90 works to his name, including operas, symphonic works, chamber music, gamelan works, and music for theatre and dance.
His works have been performed internationally at contemporary music concerts and festivals.
He has received a number of international awards, including the Buma Toonzetters, Berlin Opera Prize, Black Pencil Prize and Fedora Prize, as well as first prize for orchestral composition from the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
