As this week's AWW news goes online, the 2005 Coupe
Mondiale in Castelo Branco, Portugal, draws to a close. These
championships not only bring together many of the world's best players
in friendly competition, they also serve as the zenith of a great
worldwide fraternity of music-making using accordions. In a world
that all too often seems a gloomy place as a result of widespread
human malevolence and natural disasters, making music is a vitally
important antidote to our troubles. Those of us involved with the
accordion are fortunate inasmuch as we play and listen to an instrument
that crosses all cultural divides, and adapts easily to most musical
genres. Look out for the results of the Coupe
Mondiale on AWW.
When
the Warsaw accordion duo Jerzy Lukasiewicz and Robert Strombek made
its appearance in Neunkirchen on April 11th 1980 nobody could have
forseen that this concert would be the beginning of a remarkable
history of success. Herbert
Scheibenreif had become acquainted with the duo at international
accordion events and finally invited them to perform at a concert
in Neunkirchen.
The
long list of accordion artistes who have visited Neunkirchen since
those days itself reads like a WHO'S WHO of the international accordion
world: Vladimir Dolgopolov, Aleksander and Vitaly Dmitriev, Peter
Gerter, Frédéric Guérouet, Friedrich
Lips, Frank Marocco, Jean-Marc Marroni, Elsbeth Moser, Joachim
Pichura, Georg Schulz, Skiff, UMKC Accordion Ensemble (Joan
Cochran Sommers, MD), Hrolfur Vagnsson, Mika
Väyrynen, Warschauer Akkordoonquintett, Trio NATA BENE,
Viatcheslav
& Natasha Semionov, Trio ARS HARMONICA, Aidar Gainullin,
Stas
Venglevski and John Simkus, Dobrek Bistro, and Vladimir
Zubitsky.
Thus, during the past 25 years, Neunkirchen became an important
venue in the international accordion world and appears constantly
in international accordion newspapers like 'Harmonika International'
or 'Intermusik'
as well as on 'Accordions
Worldwide'. Often a concert in Neunkirchen was the starting
point for a tour all over Austria. In such a way, thanks to the
great development of the accordion internationally, various new
possibilities of the instrument could be demonstrated to an interested
local public, many prejudices could be reduced and new impulses
be given for the future to the instrument.
In order to celebrate this special anniversary of '25 years of international
accordion concerts in Neunkirchen', the co-operation with the local
cultural society succeeded in bringing 'Dobrek Bistro' to Neunkirchen
for a celebration concert on October 21st. Further events of this
celebration include: Duo Semionov (bayan/domra) on November 16th
and 'Klaus Paier Trio, featuring Frank Marocco' (American jazz legend)
on March 3rd 2006.
New
York-based accordionist William
Schimmel recently recorded a new soundtrack for the upcoming
cable television film: 'Tango MacNorton'. It is produced by and
will air on the Nickelodeon channel Schimmel comments: "'Tango
MacNorton' is about a 12 year old lad who saves his lunchroom at
his local middle school. He seems like a 'geeky' sort of lad with
not too much going for him. But he's able to stop the culprits of
the lunchroom staff from serving slop. He uses the only talent he
possesses. He knows how to tango. He tangos the bad dudes out of
the school (the tango becomes a kind of martial art) and saves LUNCH-
PERIOD."
Wade Tonken composed an unusual, novel and creative tango dominated
score and called on Schimmel for his expertise. He allowed Schimmel
to use his creative skills as an improviser as well as interpreter
- the accordion performing throughout the entire score. 'Tango MacNorton'
is a short film, but it will be enjoyed my many people for a long
time, especially those who possess unappreciated skills - and for
those who know the difference between a good lunch and bad cafeteria
slop.
Maria
Kalaniemi's Activities, Helsinki - Finland
Contributed by Rob
Howard
On
September 1st The Arts Council of Finland appointed accordionist
Maria Kalaniemi Artist Professor, one of four new Artist Professors
for a five-year term alongside composer Kaija Saariaho, writer Olli
Jalonen and artist Juho Karjalainen. Meanwhile, in Helsinki, the
Finnish National Theater production of 'Niskavuoren Nuori Emäntä',
featuring various Kalaniemi compositions, continues to run. This
show premiered in December 2004 and continues through November 2005
with a massively successful run of showings.
The Accordion Tribe film 'Music Travels', featuring Maria Kalaniemi,
is now released on DVD and can be obtained directly from the producer
Maximage. For further information email: info@maximage.ch
On November 2nd, Maria Kalaniemi will release her new solo album
'Bellow Poetry', with a launch concert at the Sibelius Academy Chamber
Music Hall.
Grammy
Award Nomination for New CD, San Francisco - USA
Contributed by Rob
Howard
'Legends
of the Italian Lounge', the new CD by the Italian-style band Bella
Ciao led by accordionist Tom Torriglia, has been nominated in the
first nominating round for a Grammy in the Pop Vocal Album category.
Bella Ciao play the classic Italiano music from the late 1950s as
well as today's hottest Italian-American hits, and are very popular
in California.
56th
All-Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, Perth - UK
Contributed by Rob
Howard
The
56th All-Scotland Accordion and Fiddle Festival takes place in the
New Concert Hall, Perth, on October 29th, organised annually since
1949 by Bill Wilkie - a record breaking continuous run. Contests
begin at 9am, and the festival incorporates the All-Scotland Accordion
Championships, including sections for all ages and levels of ability.
On October 29th, there is the annual pre-festival Ceilidh Dance,
held at the Queens Hotel in Perth from 8pm and featuring the music
of John Carmichael and his Scottish Dance Band.
The festival itself concludes with an all-star concert (6.45pm),
held in the New Concert Hall, starring Danielle Pauly, from France.
The concert has been a sell out for several weeks.
Eric
Bouvelle and Jacky Delance CD Available, Paris - France Contributed
by Rob
Howard
Accordionist
Eric Bouvelle and pianist Jacky Delance have performed together
for several years, since meeting on the set of the French television
show 'La chance aux chansons', hosted by Pascal Sevran.
Their 1998 highly rated CD 'Le Duo', which includes such pieces
as 'La Danza' (Rossini), 'Arabesque' (Debussy), 'Valses de Paris',
'Caprice Mazurka', plus several original compositions by the players
themselves, continues to be available.
Accordions
Break the Age Barrier and Form Balkan Village, Minneapolis - USA
Contributed
by Rob
Howard
The
following report has been submitted by Dee Langley (left): "On
November 5th, from 10am until midnight, accordionists spanning seven
decades (ages 15 to 82) play Jazz, Roots, Rock, Bavarian, Bulgarian,
Euro-dance, Swing, Balkan, Café, and Classical music at the
Eighth Annual North East Accordion Festival in NE Minneapolis. For
one day, the California Building Gallery is home to a multitude
of bellows driven music ending in a Balkan Dance with music by Orkestar
Bez Ime. November is National Accordion Month, live accordion, one
day, all day."
Artistes involved include: Larry Malmberg, Dee Langley, Dan Newton,
Orkestar Bez Ime, Patrick Harrison, The Osacho Sisters, Eric Ray,
Tom Sullivan, Dan Turpening, and special guest, Mike Alongi (Chicago).
Also appearing is The Ethnic Dance Theatre. At 10am, the event begins
with "SQUEEZ-IN', a massed accordion band. The venue is the
California Building Gallery, 2205 California St NE, Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
North
West International Accordion Festival, Blackpool - UK
Contributed by Rob
Howard
The
North West International Accordion Festival, held at Pontins Holiday
Centre, Blackpool, was a great success for all concerned. Organisers
Loretta Rolston and Gina Brannelli opened the festival with a reception
in the Sandpiper Bar, followed by an introduction to the workshops.
The workshops commenced, including a 'buskers free and easy welcome'
in the Dunlin Suite.
The trade show included Accordions of London, Geoff Holter Accordions,
The Accordion Shop, Accordion Exchange and Music World UK, and Charnwood
Music. Representatives from the NAO
and BCA and the editors of the Accordion
Times International Magazine were present at the event.
There were at least 12 workshops a day for Orchestra, Group, Duet
and Solo. Leaders included, Mr
Raymond Bodell, John Leslie, Jack Emblow, Tony Compton, Gina
Brannelli, Jean Hanger, Tracey Middleton, David Garwood, The Heath
Family - led by John Wilton and Robert Heath, Brenda Webster, David
and Elaine Batty, Alastair Cameron, David Vernon, and Junior Leaders,
William Langton and Stefan Bodell. The workshops were varied and
interesting, with each of the Leaders showing their skills, and
sharing their knowledge to a very appreciative audience.
Two monetary awards were given, with Certification, for the Best
Accordion Club 2005, judged on its presentation of a portfolio supporting
the activities, promotions, etc. This was presented to David Batty,
who received it on behalf of Leyland Accordion Club. The second
award was for Young Performer of the Year, and went to Stefan Bodell,
who appeared in concert at the festival.
The festival included a Question Time 1, with John Leslie, Raymond
Bodell, Harry Hussey and Gina Brannelli, who answered a great range
of questions and was enjoyed by all; there was humour as well as
expertise in the replies given by the experts. Question Time 2,
with Jean Hanger and Gina Brannelli, proved very interesting also,
with lots of questions regarding correct tutorial methods for very
young children, repertoire and technical points.
The festival concerts were spectacular, with the varied styles and
talents of Jack Emblow and Tony Compton, Daniele Ravaglia (Italy),
The Flores Brothers (France), Nelson Lebre (Portugal), Gina Brannelli,
Harry Hussey, David Vernon, Amaryllis, William Langton, Andrew Figg,
Stefan Bodell, the Petulengos (Sarah Jane, William, Julie and Nancy),
the 2Js (Jean and Jay), Hannah Heaney, Daizilee Pattison, Santana
and Soraya O'Connor, and Alexander Bodell.
The festival
was a complete success and the next North West Festivals take place
in late March and early November 2006 at the same venue. www.accordionfestivals.co.uk
or www.blackpoolaccordionfestival.com
Zero
Sette Akordeoi Orkestra Concerts, Gipuzkoa - Spain
Contributed by Rob
Howard
The
Zero Sette Akordeoi Orkestra will perform at the following venues:-
October 29th at 8pm - Paranifo Music Concervatory, Jaen
31st at 9pm - Theatre Victoria, Talavera de la Reina, Toledo
November 12th at 8.30pm - Theatre Reina Sofia, Belorado, Burgos
The Zero Sette Akordeoi Orkestra was founded in Lasarte-Oria, Gipuzkoa,
in the Basque Region in 1987 with José Antonio Mercero as
conductor. Elías Goikouria Erauzkin has been the orchestra's
conductor since 1990.
The
duo Arte di Musica, accordionists Annegrat Gratz and Thomas Rohoska,
are in concert on November 4th and 5th at Vinothek, Rheingauer 38,
StraBe, 65343 Eltville. The concerts begin at 8pm, and the duo's
repertoire includes classical, baroque, Argentine Tango and French
musette.
Christmas
Accordion Variety Concert, Worthing - UK Contributed
by Rob
Howard
Worthing
Accordion Club, based in Southern England, presents 'A Christmas
Accordion Variety Concert' on December 2nd, featuring Gennaro Fiondella
(left) and The Worthing Accordion Orchestra, with Special Guests
Lisa-Lee Leslie, Harry Hussey, and Dennis Henley and Friends. The
doors open at 7pm, and the venue is The East Worthing Community
Centre, Pages Lane, Worthing, West Sussex.
Recitals
and Seminar, Valladolid - Spain
Contributed by Rob
Howard
The
Asociatión Musical de Acordeonistas de Vallodilid has organised
some events, details as follows:-
December 3rd, at 8.30pm - Teodoro Anzellotti: classical accordion
recital at the Church of San Andrés.
December 4th to 6th - seminar led by Teodoro Anzellotti
December 17th, at 8pm - Tango Recital, featuring Fabián Carbone
(bandoneon), Blas Rivera (tenor sax) and Diego Pérez (piano).
Fundación
Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, Valledupar - Columbia
Contributed by Rob
Howard
The
annual Fundación Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata takes place
from December 15th to 17th. This large-scale competitive festival
celebrates the music of Columbia, whose origins are largely Spanish,
indigenous Columbian, European and African. Diatonic button accordions
are predominant in Columbia, and the festival contains a wide range
of sections, amateur and professional, for solo players and bands
featuring accordionists, with a range of prizes.
Paul
Chamberlain releases 2 new compositions: 'Neva'
and 'La
Meije'. Samples of the music are available online. The music
is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase
with credit card.
The
long list of accordion artistes who have visited Neunkirchen since
those days itself reads like a WHO'S WHO of the international accordion
world: Vladimir Dolgopolov, Aleksander and Vitaly Dmitriev, Peter
Gerter, Frédéric Guérouet, 
New
York-based accordionist 
On
September 1st The Arts Council of Finland appointed accordionist
Maria Kalaniemi Artist Professor, one of four new Artist Professors
for a five-year term alongside composer Kaija Saariaho, writer Olli
Jalonen and artist Juho Karjalainen. Meanwhile, in Helsinki, the
Finnish National Theater production of 'Niskavuoren Nuori Emäntä',
featuring various Kalaniemi compositions, continues to run. This
show premiered in December 2004 and continues through November 2005
with a massively successful run of showings.
Grammy
Award Nomination for New CD, San Francisco - USA
Accordionist
Eric Bouvelle and pianist Jacky Delance have performed together
for several years, since meeting on the set of the French television
show 'La chance aux chansons', hosted by Pascal Sevran. 
The
following report has been submitted by Dee Langley (left): "On
November 5th, from 10am until midnight, accordionists spanning seven
decades (ages 15 to 82) play Jazz, Roots, Rock, Bavarian, Bulgarian,
Euro-dance, Swing, Balkan, Café, and Classical music at the
Eighth Annual North East Accordion Festival in NE Minneapolis. For
one day, the California Building Gallery is home to a multitude
of bellows driven music ending in a Balkan Dance with music by Orkestar
Bez Ime. November is National Accordion Month, live accordion, one
day, all day."
The
North West International Accordion Festival, held at Pontins Holiday
Centre, Blackpool, was a great success for all concerned. Organisers
Loretta Rolston and Gina Brannelli opened the festival with a reception
in the Sandpiper Bar, followed by an introduction to the workshops.
The workshops commenced, including a 'buskers free and easy welcome'
in the Dunlin Suite.
Zero
Sette Akordeoi Orkestra Concerts, Gipuzkoa - Spain
Worthing
Accordion Club, based in Southern England, presents 'A Christmas
Accordion Variety Concert' on December 2nd, featuring Gennaro Fiondella
(left) and The Worthing Accordion Orchestra, with Special Guests
Lisa-Lee Leslie, Harry Hussey, and Dennis Henley and Friends. The
doors open at 7pm, and the venue is The East Worthing Community
Centre, Pages Lane, Worthing, West Sussex.
The
Asociatión Musical de Acordeonistas de Vallodilid has organised
some events, details as follows:-