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30th November 2001 This weeks news | Past News | Send news


Editors Note
Accordions Worldwide USA representative, Kevin Friedrich is currently in New Zealand until December 5th and Accordions Worldwide Director Harley Jones is also in New Zealand until December 4th. Over 35 accordionists met for dinner at an Auckland restaurant on November 27th to celebrate Kevin's appointment as the CIA President and his 40th birthday! While in Auckland, Kevin will finalise details for a series of three concerts in Auckland and Dargaville during May 2002. His concert program will include "Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra" performed with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne.

Wayne Knights Webmaster

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This Weeks News


70th Birthday Celebrations for Besfamilnov - Ukraine

Moscow 1997Contributed by Tania Lukic-Marx

with his wife Elena, students: Tania Lukic-Marx & Goran Tirnanich, 1988On December 6th a concert will be held at the "Lisenko" Ukrainian National Philharmonic Hall dedicated to the jubilee of famous Ukrainian accordion concert artist and Professor at the Ukrainian National Music Academy - Vladimir Besfamilnov. Besfamilnov, who was awarded the title of "Peoples Artist of Ukraine" by the Ukrainian Music Council (the most prestigious award and title given to any artist in the former Soviet Republic), will be celebrating his 70th birthday and 65 years of his performing career.

Besfamilnov in 1958Besfamilnov with studentsPerformances will be given by famous Ukrainian accordion artists such as V. Murza and S. Grinchenko, as well as Besfamilnov's present and past students Hovrun, Padij, Kistenev and Hruschevich.

As a part of the concert, recordings of Besfamilnov performing will be played to the audience including "Czardas" (Monty/Yashkevich), "Rumanian Dance" (Rizolj), "Flight of the Bumble Bee" for the accordion, violin and bass (Zubitsky). Over 300 people are expected to attend this concert. Following this, a banquet will take place with 100 of Besfamilnov's colleagues, fellow musicians, family and friends.

Besfamilnov performs with the Chamber orchestra, 1988, KievThe next day (December 7th) a concert in the honour of Besfamilnov will be held at the Ukrainian National Music Academy. Besfamilnov dedicated his whole life to the accordion, performing, teaching and promoting it. He was the first Soviet representative at the Coupe Mondiale (together with Galkin in 1956), where they both shared the 3rd Prize. Since then, Besfamilnov has tirelessly worked on promoting the instrument. He was a pioneer in the area of playing with symphony and chamber orchestras, organ and piano and was always keen to promote new repertoire and composers for the accordion. Amongst his students are Vladimir Zubitsky, F. Guerouet, Tania Lukic-Marx, G. Tirnanich, D. Modrushan, Mamliga, Hovrun, Padij and many, many more. You can read more information on his new website.

 

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Accordion and Cello Concerts - Japan

Accordionist Mika Väyrynen will perform a concert at Kobe Gaguin University in Kobe with cellist Yoko Hasegawa on December 1st. Their program will include works by Bartok, Mussorgsky and Händel. The duo will perform again at the Musashino Cultural Hall in Tokyo on December 6th.

The duo also released their new CD last month in Japan on the JVC Victor label. For further details email: mika.vayrynen@pp.inet.fi

 


Successful Pakefield Accordion Festival - England

WorkshopThe first Pakefield Accordion Festival held from November 14th to 19th at the Pontins Holiday Centre in Pakefield, nr. Lowestoft (organised by Heather Smith, Editor of "Accordion Profile" magazine), was a huge success. Performers included Vladimir Ushakov & Svetlana Stavitski (Russia & Latvia), Barbara Ann Martindale (Canada), Gregory Frenard (France), Djorge Gajic (Yugoslavia), David & Anjie Lukins, Andy Anderson, Heather Smith, Charlie Watkins, Johnny Coleclough, Larysa Bodell, Norvic Concordia and Colchester Accordion Showband.

Vladimir Ushakov & Svetlana StavitskayaGregory FrenardA variety of workshops were conducted by Vladimir Ushakov & Svetlana Stavitski, David Lukins, John Leslie, Bert Santilly, Heather Smith, Johnny Coleclough, Brian Jenkins, Ray Bodell and Peter Whiteley. Adrienne Sharpe organised "Free & Easy" sessions and "Songs of Praise", while Harry Hussey played after hours jazz sessions in the Queen Vic Pub, as well as delighting diners during their meals with his request sessions.

Djorge GajicThe "Enid Mitchell's Do-Si-Do Ceilidh Band" (under the direction of MD Peter Whiteley), provided music for dancing during and after the concerts. Trade stands were displayed by WEM, Electronic Accordions, Accordions of London and Geof Holter Accordions.

The event was so successful, that future annual festivals are planned.

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Gnessin-Academy of Music Concert - Russia

Contributed by Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions

Friedrich Lips' accordion class at the Russian Gnessin-Academy of Music in Moscow held a rather extraordinary concert in its Big Concert Hall with participants performing seldom heard music. Soloist Marija Vlasova performed "Ludus Tonalis" (P. Hindemith). Later, six accordionists played J. S. Bach's "Musikalisches Opfer" ("Musical Sacrifice", BWV 1079) which was originally written for chamber orchestra, flute, violin and continuo. This work is based on a musical theme given by Frederic the Great and was finally dedicated to the Emperor by Bach as a "musical sacrifice".


"His Majesty the Accordion" at Cantalupo Ligure - Italy

Paolo BagnascoContributed by Carlo Fortunato

A charity event entitled "His Majesty the Accordion" was held on November 19th in Cantalupo Ligure, a town in the Apennines spanning between Liguria and Piedmont where the free-reed instrument has deep roots. This celebration of the accordion featured eleven artists from several regions and represented a meeting between music and the social commitment of the Red Cross and its volunteers, particularly in light of the recent world events. The evening reached its peak with a performance by accordionist Paolo Bagnasco, a prominent exponent of the Italian dance music scene.


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Duo 2000 Christmas House Concert - South Africa

Duo 2000 will perform their final "House Concerts" in Robindale, Randburg on December 7th, 8th and 9th. The Duo have added twelve new pieces to their repertoire including "Twilight Time", "Guitarrero" and "Come Heart's Delight" which they will play at these concerts. For further details email: duo2000@global.co.za


John MacDonald's 50th Album - Australia

CD coverJohn MacDonald, Australian based Scots accordionist/entertainer reached a milestone in his career this week when he released his 50th CD entitled "Years Apart". The 16 track CD features some of his personal favourites as well as his most requested numbers from his Live performances. Tracks include "Tritsch Tratsch Polka", "Lift the Wings" (from River dance), "Under the Double Eagle", "The Bluebell Polka" plus a variety of popular Scottish and Irish Jigs and Reels.

The album was produced by John himself, and features both acoustic and MIDI accordion. For further details email: scotlandthebrave.m@scotland.com


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College Freiburg Offers Accordion Studies - Germany

University FreiburgUniversity Freiburg in Freiburg, Germany will offer degree studies in accordion from April 2002, tutored by Teodoro Anzellotti. Students wishing to take part in this course must sit an entrance examination. Applications must be submitted in writing. For further details email: info@mh-freiburg.de

 


Castelfidardo Test Pieces - Italy

Contributed by Paolo Picchio, Art Director of the Competition

Following the announcement that next year's "Città di Castelfidardo" Trophy and Competition will take place from October 9th to 13th 2002, the organisers of the event have issued the list of test pieces to be played by the candidates. The test piece in the Concert section ("Città di Castelfidardo" trophy) will once again be "Te Lucis ante Terminum" by Andrzej Tuchowski (published by Rondo Hlavní St., 22 14000 Prague, Czech Republic). The other test pieces include:
Section "A" (up to 12 years of age): second ("En la calesita") and fourth ("Jugando con las ardillas") movements of the "Suite para niños no. 2 De Otoño" by Bogdan Precz (Bèrben Via Redipuglia, 65 60122 Ancona, Italy)
Section "B" (up to 15 years of age): third movement ("Opening one Ouverture no. 1") from "9 friends" by Per Nørgård (Wilhelm Hansen Bornholmsgade 1 DK 1166 Københaven K Denmark)
Section "C" (up to 18 years of age): "Quadratum" by Jean-Jacques Werner (EMT Editions Musicales Transatlantiques 151-153, Avenue Jean-Jaurès F-75019 Paris, France)
Section "D" (no age limit): third movement ("Corale e Recitativo") from the "Sonata no. 1" by Anatolij Kusjakov (Intermusik Schmülling - Postfach 1609 - D-59159 Kamen, Germany).


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Sacramento Jazz Festival - USA

The "Jazz in Nevada County" festival took place in Nevada County, Sacramento, California on November 23rd and 24th. The event featured "Odeon" (with accordionist Dr William Schimmel), Wynton Marsalis (trumpet) and Ted Nash (saxophone & clarinet) who performed two "sell out" concerts. Over 2,000 people enjoyed their program, which included Duke Ellington's "Ahmad", Debussy's "Premiere Rhapsody", works by Ted Nash and a blues jam. Following these concerts, jam sessions were held at Kirby's Creekside Restaurant and Bar, which continued late into the night. The band played many jazz standards and blues.

Workshops were also given by Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Ted Nash and Dr. Schimmel for hand picked young local jazz students.

Prior to this festival, Dr Schimmel performed at the Sonic Boom Festival on November 11th in New York. His program included "Small Hotels", written, performed and sung by himself to lyrics by George W. S. Trow, with dramatic direction by Micki Goodman. New York times critic Paul Griffith called the work "sharp and cynical". The Sonic Boom Festival is considered by many to be the world's most prestigious contemporary music festival.

 


Russian Bayanist Performs in The Netherlands

Russian bayanist Anatoli Senine will perform at the Zoeterwoude shopping centre in Zoeterwoude, Zuid-Holland on December 1st. His program will include West European and Russian classical works, Russian folk songs and dances, and original compositions. For further information email: Muziekschool_Anatoli_Senine@hetnet.nl


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Celtic Colours Festival - Canada

Simon ThoumireConcertina player Simon Thoumire performed at the Celtic Colours Festival held on the island of Cape Breton (East coast of Canada) last month. A variety of concerts were held each evening in different communities.


Accordion Teaching Report Concert - China

Contributed by Li Cong

Shi Zhengming's Accordion Teaching Report Concert was held in the Little Concert Hall, Shanghai Music Conservatory on November 3rd. This was 7th teaching report concert held by the Association. Shi Zhengming graduated from the Affiliated Middle School of Shanghai Music Conservatory. From 1973 to 1983, he was the accordionist in the Military Band of China People's Liberation Army and was very active in Beijing. Since his return to Shanghai in 1983, he became the Vice Director of the Library of Shanghai Music Conservatory.

At this concert, five of his students gave performances of Chelny's 740 Studies, Chopin waltzes and duet pieces. In attendance were Li Cong (President of the Shanghai Accordion Association), Pan Li (Vice President of SAA), committee members, accordion teachers and students.


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"Spur" Concerto Performance - England

On November 23rd, David Farmer gave a critically acclaimed performance of the famous accordion concerto "Spur" in the presence of the composer, Arne Nordheim at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in England. David performed in the St Pauls Hall with the University of Huddersfield Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Nicholas Ponsillo.

 


Cathedral Concert - Colombia

Cathedral of MonteriaColombian Accordionist Lácides Romero, will perform at the Montería Cathedral in Montería on December 1st. The concert will take place to celebrate the appointment of the new Bishop, Julio Vidal. Romero's program will include "Allemande and Gigue in G Major", "Pasacalle con Variaciones" (Handel), "Saltarella" (Leybach) and Slavonic Dance No 8 (Dvorak). For further details email: lacidesromero@yahoo.com


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1st "Music from the Soul" Competition - Italy

Roberto FuccelliContributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Roberto Fuccelli, (Director of the Musical Academy by the same name), and Daniela Bottoni have organised the first "Music from the Soul" Competition. This competition in composition and performance is inspired by the works of Antonio Meneghetti. The pictorial theme to be transformed into music is "Marine Landscape". Candidates wishing to take part in the first round must send a video or audio recording, while the final (which was to take place in Lizori near Perugia on September 16th, but was later postponed) requires the musicians to play live in front of an audience and adjudicators chaired by Meneghetti. This well-known academic is the author of the phrase on the competition poster, that reads "Music is in its essence a sound image which flows into the psyche". The overall winner will receive a cash prize of 3 million Italian Lira.



50th Anniversary Concert - Germany

Contributed by Max Strausswald and Martin Costa

A concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Münchner Quintenzirkel orchestra will be held at the Anton-Fingerle-Bildungszentrum in Munich on December 8th. The event will feature guest conductor Ingeborg Mückenberger, founder of the orchestra with performances by the Bavarian Masters Orchestra and Jacobi with an All-Star Formation. For further details email:
MaxStrausswald@t-online.de

 

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"Bonjour Accordion" Concert - Japan

Contributed by Toru Katou

On December 2nd, a concert entitled "Bonjour Accordion" will be held at Kureo Osaka Higashi (JR Kyobashi Station) in Osaka. This event will feature Osaka accordionists such as Misuzu Minou, Kanako Kato, Chikaie Yoshida, Hajime Yoshikawa, Michio Wada, Hisaji Sugimura, Eizo Miyatani and Kenji Tatsumi. For further information phone Sohama Music at: +81 6 6966-3050


New French National News Online

A new edition on News Francais, the French National News is now online. If you would like to contribute an item for this news, email Greg Frenard at: greg@accordions.com


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New Accordion Books - Spain

Contributed by Mikel Astigarraga

lDuo Seraphin music publishers recently released two new volumes of scores for accordion. The first is dedicated to Mexican folklore (Rancheras) and the second to Basque Fandangos. Six volumes have also been published previously and all can be bought through the web. For further details email: mastigarra@euskalnet.net


New Article Online

A new Article entitled "Review: Astor Piazzolla - A Memoire" written by Keith Elshaw is now online.


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New Sites/Updated Sites

www.accordion-o-rama.com Information on Accordion-O-Rama, stockists of a tremendous selection of new and re-conditioned accordions, plus specialists for tuning, mechanical repair, and electronic accordion repairs.

www.accordions.com/pierremussi Information about French accordionist Pierre Mussi, winner of the 2001 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment Class

www.accordions.com/dallape Updated information on Dallape Accordion Manufacturers including new email address

www.accordions.com/milonga Updated information on the Milonga Quintet, based in Italy

www.pigini-accordions.com/distributor Updated information on Polish Pigini distributors including new contact information



Belini AccordionAntique Accordion Information

Jeannette would like information on the C. Belini accordion (pictured). Email: gerardkuitert@home.nl


 

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