Editors Note

Accordions Worldwide would like to give heartfelt thanks to our CD Reviewer Tania Lukic-Marx for her superb reviewing of a great variety of accordion CD's since 1997. This is a very popular section of Accordions Worldwide and we receive many positive emails from accordionists thanking Tania for her reviews.

Tania's final review, on a CD by Vladimir Besfamilnov is currently online. Because of other musical commitments, Tania is unable to continue her reviews and we know that you will all miss her wonderful positive comments. All the staff at Accordions Worldwide wish to thank Tania for her important contributions over the last 6 years and wish her all the best for the future.

Wayne Knights Webmaster

Contributed by Sergej Tchirkov

Professor Matti Rantanen, head of the accordion department at the Sibelius Academy (Helsinki, Finland) performed in the St. Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatoire on September 9th. The concert was part of the "Days of Finland in Petersburg Festival" and included contemporary music by Finnish composers, such as Tiensuu, Rautavaara, Vuori, Nevanlinna, Valpola and Ruohomaeki. On September 8th, Rantanen presented a lecture on new music from Finland and gave a master-class.

Contributed by Kevin Friedrich

Accordionist Joe Soprani, who recently performed for mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves at the Mann Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia, appeared with Luciano Pavarotti and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (conducted by Maestro Leone Magiera) at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, on September 15th. This was Soprani's fourth appearance with Pavarotti in Philadelphia where he has accompanied him on a variety of popular Italian songs arranged by Henry Mancini.

Pavarotti sang selections by Scarlatti, Mascagni, Leoncavallo, Puccini and many other classics. Also on the program was soprano, Cynthia Lawrence who shared the spotlight with Pavarotti in solos and duets from La Boheme and L'Amico Fritz.

This concert may very well have been Pavarotti's last performance in Philadelphia before he retires.

Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

The 3rd Day of the Accordion will be held in Bari this month. This year, special guest Stefan Hussong (Germany) will attend the festivities.

On September 28th, the celebrations will begin in the morning at the Piccinni Conservatory with non stop performances by students of Francesco Palazzo and other accordion guests.

This will be followed (in the evening) by a performance by Stefan Hussong at "La Vallisa" Auditorium. The next day Stefan will hold a master class at the Piccinni Conservatory.

Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Accordionist Paul Chamberlain was the guest artist at "Les Amis de L'Accordeon" club on the Island of Jersey, just off the coast of northern France. The club night was held on September 2nd in the Devil's Hole public house and was organized by popular accordion entertainer Steve Roxton. A small group from the club began the evening by playing some lovely arrangements of well known sing-a-long tunes, led by Steve Roxton. Paul then played a wide range of music including Scottish, classical, French musette and light music favorites. The program was very well received by a friendly audience.

"Gem of the Kaipara" Deep in the Czech Republic

Kevin Friedrich with conductor Petr Poloanik and Gary Daverne with the Moravian Philharmonic

The piece "Gem of the Kaipara" which was written in memory of the late Mrs. Jenny Cocurullo, a lifetime member of the New Zealand Accordion Association, and long time supporter of the arts from Dargaville, New Zealand, was one of 10 works by Gary Daverne recorded during the four day session with the Moravian Philharmonic led by Czech conductor Petr Pololáník. This is Daverne's second CD of his original compositions.

Daverne's first recording of his orchestral music was recorded with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) and also included one accordion concerto, the "Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra" performed by soloist Harley Jones.

The renowned Moravian Philharmonic from Olomouc, Czech Republic has toured internationally to critical acclaim while performing in some of the finest concert halls of the world. Home of the Philharmonic, Olomouc is located about 3 hours east of Prague. Rich in history with cathedrals dating from the 1200's and the original centuries-old cobblestone Streets, Olomouc hosted such famous musicians as Mozart, Mahler and Dvorak during its history.

This new CD of Daverne's symphonic music is due to be released later in the year.

Contributed by Christine Adams

The annual Allan William Jones Memorial Scholarship Evening was held on September 14th at the Rose Centre in Belmont, Auckland. The event was established in 1981 with a scholarship fund to assist students in furthering their accordion and musical studies. The scholarship is named in honour of the late Allan William Jones who is fondly thought of as the "father" of the accordion movement in New Zealand.

At this year's event performances were given by four accordion orchestras and certificates were presented to candidates who had successfully passed practical examinations throughout the year.

Scholarships were presented as follows:

Grades 5 & 6: Callum Anderson
Grades 7 & 8: Campbell Hill, Alexander Selman and Kristina Panzic

Campbell Hill

Alexander Selman

Kristina Panzic

Douglas Mews Rosebowl (for the candidate with the highest mark from grade 4 and above): Gillian McNeill

Accordion Examination Board of NZ Merit Award: Betty Dunbar

Marie Efford-Masefield Travel Assistance Grant: Thwaites Family

Conservatory Makes Music in Museum - Italy

Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Accordionist Fabio Colaceci (student of Ivano Battiston), will perform a concert as part of the exhibit: "Il Conservatorio fa musica nei Musei" (The Conservatory Makes Music in the Museums). The concert will take place on September 22nd at the Museo di Preistoria in Florence. His program will include works by Bach, Frescobaldi, Albeniz and Tiensuu. For further information email: fcolaceci@libero.it

The Cape Town Tango Ensemble will entertain at a Tango Evening held at Waldorf School in Constantia, Cape Town on September 20th. The ensemble includes Stanislav Angelov (accordion), Jacek Domagala (violin), Albert Combrink (piano) and Basil Heald (double bass). For details email: sangelov@netactive.co.za

New Article by Lips Online

A new article entitled "Two Posters for One Concert (It seems like yesterday, Part 2)" by Friedrich Lips is now online in English and German.

The Accordiomania Duo (which includes Alex and Gyuzel from Russia) are currently performing on a daily basis at the Lotte World Adventure Amusement Park in Seoul, South Korea. The duo play a varied program that shows the versatility of the accordion including such popular pieces as "Libertango", "Oblivion" and "Its Snowing" along with jazz, pop and works by Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Zolotarev and Zubitsky.

The duo will continue to perform at this venue until May 2004. For further information email: accordiomania@hotmail.com

Accordionist Performs with Philharmonic Orchestra - Italy

Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Accordionist Eugenia Marini will perform with the Torino Philharmonic Orchestra on September 27th at the Sala Grande del Teatro Comunale in Alessandria. Their program will include "Hommage à Liége" (Astor Piazzolla) for guitar, bandoneon and orchestra. For details email: eumarini@tiscalinet.it

The Nelson Arts Festival began on September 17th with a performance by "Vivo" which features Tatiana Lanchtchikova (accordion) and Miranda Adams (violin). Their program included works by Mozart, Beethoven, Sarasate, Bartok & Elmsly, plus tango music for violin and accordion.

On September 19th Tatiana will perform with "Bravura" and well known New Zealand entertainers Jonathan Besser and Jackie Clark. The group will play a variety of pieces by Jonathan Besser.

After flying to Auckland to perform at the AK03 Festival on September 20th with Don Mcglashan, Tatiana will return to the Nelson Festival for a final concert on September 21st. This show is already sold-out and organizers are trying to secure another performance.

Contributed by Kevin Friedrich

The Texas Accordion Association in conjunction with the Addison Oktoberfest is sponsoring an accordion competition on September 21st, offering prize money of: 1st Prize - US$1000.00, 2nd Prize - US$500.00, 3rd Prize - US$100.00, 4th Prize - US$50.00, 5th Prize - US$25.00.

Registration forms are available at the information booth at the event, and contest rules are available by visiting the TAA website. For further information, please contact Greg Klugiewicz with your name, address, phone, and a statement on how you were inspired to play the accordion, and how you heard about this contest. Email: gklugie@comcast.net

Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

John Parenti is looking for an accordionist willing to play traditional Italian songs and romantic ballads for a newly married couple during their honeymoon in Italy from October 7th to 16th. The cities they will visit include Verona, San Marino and Bettona (Perugia). For further details email: mjparenti@sbcglobal.net

Accordéon Mélancolique which includes accordionists Jean-Pierre Guiran (accordion & vocals) and Cherie de Boer (accordion, vocals & percussion) have just completed their third album "Petits Fours Frais". This is a live album, which the duo says is a "frivolous CD with lots of variety" and is an enthusiastic follow up to their first CD's "L'Imparfait du Coeur" and "Parade des Poules".

This album contains tracks with guest musicians Nick McGuire (bass), John Ligthart (guitar), Koen de Cauter (saxophone & guitar), Jopie Jonkers (vocals), Antoon Aukes (percussion & tap-dance) and Thea van der Meer (saxophone). Tracks include "La Nena", "Volver" (Argentine Tango), Highland Reel and various pieces by Guiran. For details email: info@acmel.nl

Contributed by Sergej Tchirkov

Accordionist Vitali Dmitriev, winner of many international competitions, including Citta di Castelfidardo, Coupe Mondiale and Klingenthal released his new CD entitled "Avoid the Ground" which is devoted to original music for accordion. The CD tracks include compositions by Petri Makkonen, Eddy Flecijn, Vladislav Zolotaryov, Rene Jonssen and Astor Piazzolla.

Since 2002, Vitali has been teaching accordion at the St Petersburg University of Culture and Regional College of Culture and Art. For further CD information email: admitriev@front.ru

www.accordions.com/tchirkov Updated information on Sergej Tchirkov including CV details, repertoire and new contact information

www.accordions.com/cia The latest travel information to get to Stúrovo, Slovakia and Esztergom, Hungary for the 56th Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships. Information includes detailed options from Vienna, Bratislava Airport, Bratislava Train Station and Budapest. Also lists the CIA Hotline telephone number available during the festival and useful hotel/taxi phone numbers.

www.sykushner.com Updated contact information for ordering Klezmer Music Books and recordings from outstanding Klezmer accordion artist Sy Kushner

Chris Scott would like information on a 120 bass, 6/8 voice United piano accordion, possibly manufactured in the 1960's. Email: CScott@hughes-calihan.com