Pia Russ wins Styrian accordion competition

Fourteen-year-old Pia Russ from Leutschach won the 43rd Styrian accordion competition, impressing the judges and audience at Steinhalle Lannach, ORF reported. She received a Strasser accordion valued at 7,500 euros.

Russ performed the compulsory piece “Teufelstein Polka” and the optional piece “Hopfengold” by Irmi Schuhbauer. She studies accordion with teacher Margit Goriup-Gigerl.

In the live ORF broadcast on Saturday, Russ finished ahead of Lenny Lednik from Voitsberg and Timo List from Stallhofen. Florian Raser and Elias Tanner placed behind them. The jury awarded Russ 34 points for the compulsory piece and 37 out of 40 for the optional piece.

The jury included musician and presenter Franz Posch, accordion world champion Klara Mißebner, Steirisches Volksliedwerk managing director Michael Weissensteiner and Radio Steiermark presenter Paul Reicher. The competition was held for the 43rd time and broadcast on ORF television for the 31st time. The two top finishers each received a Styrian accordion, while the other three finalists received prizes.