Bachelor and Master studies in Vienna, Austria
Contributed by Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif of Friedrich Lips Productions

A new accordion class directed by the international renowned Polish accordionist Grzegosz Stopa was opened at the Conservatory of Vienna (Private University) recently. Entry exams for 2006/07 will be held on June 9th 2006. Please send your application as soon as possible to:

For further information email: studieninfo@konswien.at or g.stopa@konswien.at
 

Blackpool Accordion Festival, Lancashire - UK
Contributed by Rob Howard

The annual Blackpool Accordion Festival, held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, featured the incredible midi sounds and great musicianship of Jean-Louis Noton (France), whose colourful performances of a truly global repertoire amazed his audiences.

The other overseas guest accordionist, Ottar Johansen, from Norway, was in sober contrast to the flamboyant Frenchman, but with an equal level of technique and musicality. Ottar, who was taught by Toralf Tollefsen, had a flawless technique and was adept at both the accordion classics and with swing music. He had a vast repertoire of music, all committed to memory, could take any requests, and was willing to play virtually 'at the drop of a hat'.

Scotland's Ian Cruickshanks, a Shand Morino button accordionist, was the other guest and workshop leader. His technique could also be described as flawless, and his bright and bouncy playing of Scottish dance music evoked memories of the great Jimmy Shand.

England's Rosemary Wright and Scotland's Walter Perrie were other guests whose concert appearances added considerably to the festival, as did the stage performances of teenage duo Lindsay Garvin (accordion) and Auriol Evans (cello).

The quality and variety of the music heard during the weekend must have satisfied most tastes, and was a credit to festival organiser Tom Duncan.
  

Dr William Schimmel Performs in Rossini's Last Work, New York - USA
Contributed by Rob Howard

On April 30th, William Schimmel took part in an historic performance of Rossini's 'Petite Messe Solennelle' for chorus, soloists, piano and harmonium. In this rarely performed work, Dr Schimmel realized and performed the harmonium part on the accordion, as well as supplying a 'virtual orchestration' spontaneously during the rehearsals and performance.

The Mass was written in 1863 and lasts about one and a half hours and is designed to be performed in salon like settings due to its accompanying small forces. Rossini died in 1868.

The performance took place at St George's Church, a New York City landmark. It was performed by the St George Choral Society and conducted by Matthew Lewis, who stated the following in the program notes: "The use of the accordion in today's performance, while a bit unconventional, is actually closer to Rossini's intention, that of harmonium and piano alone.

The harmonium (a reed organ without a pedal board, but pumped by the organist while playing) was a very popular instrument in the 19th century. Even today it is not difficult to come across these antique, often ornate and beautiful cabinet instruments in antique stores.

Many composers wrote music for the harmonium, including Frank, Faure and Vierne. It made possible a whole range of chamber music, or salon music, that was normally performed in more intimate settings. The accordion and harmonium are, after all, pretty similar - both operating on a wind supplied generated by the player, and their sounds are very similar since their 'stops' are similar.

I hope you enjoy this performance, and that it gives you an idea of the fresh whimsy and charm that are so prevalent in this wonderful piece".

Matthew Lewis e-mailed Schimmel after the first rehearsal: "It's a real pleasure to work with you. It's a great feeling to just let someone do their thing and know that it will be great".
 

Henry Doktorski Performs with Pittsburgh Chamber Orchestra, Pennsylvania - USA
Contributed by Rob Howard

Concert Accordionist Henry Doktorski will perform with the Pittsburgh Live Chamber Orchestra at Synod Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (behind St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland) on May 6th at 8 pm. The program includes a performance of 'Step,' a tango for chamber orchestra by Pittsburgh composer Jeremy Sment.

Other works on the program are: 'Overture to L'Italiana in Algeri', by G. Rossini, 'Concierto de Aranjuez' (Guitar Concerto) by J. Rodrigo, 'Claire de Lune', by Debussy, and 'Classical Symphony, op. 25', by S. Prokofiev.