On November 17th, at 7.30pm, the Accordion Department at the Royal Academy of Music celebrates its 20th birthday with a concert in the Duke’s Hall at the RAM, Marylebone Road, London.
The performers include Owen Murray (picture right), Miloš Milivojevic, Zivorad Nikolic and Ksenija Sidorova. The program includes works for classical accordion and string quartet: Patrick Nunn - 'Escape Velocity', Mozart - 'Adagio and Rondo K617', Piazzolla - 'Three Tango Sensations'.
Accordion studies were introduced to the Academy in 1986. Head of Accordion, Professor Owen Murray will present a pre-concert talk, ‘The first 20 years’, at 5:30pm in the Concert Room.
Highly respected teacher Frank Segedin died recently. He was very versatile, and taught numerous instruments across a wide variety of styles, including classical, rock, blues, jazz, folk, bluegrass, Country & Western, and Flamenco. The instruments he taught included accordion, piano, keyboards, guitar and violin. Frank Segedin, a World War Two veteran, had been a teacher for several decades.
11th International Accordion Music Festival, Vilnius - Lithuania
The 11th International Accordion Music Festival, organized by the Lithuanian Accordion Association, was held in Vilnius, from October 26th to 28th.
Seven concerts including various international artistes as well as Lithuanian accordionists presented very colorful programs, ranging from classical, jazz, variety, to difficult and serious contemporary music for accordion.
A highlight of the festival was the premiere of a work by Lithuanian composer Zibuokle Martinaityte: ’Breakthrough - a Concerto for Accordion and Chamber Orchestra’. The Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Robertas Servenikas and soloist Raimondas Sviackevicius (picture right), premiered the Concerto at the opening concert of the festival. The Concerto is in three parts. Many great reviews followed the performance as well as much interest from the mass media.
Other concerts included: Alexander Shirunov (picture left) (Russia), Nadezhda Guseva (Russia), Pawel Nowak (Poland), Duo Expromt (Belorus), Duo of Latvian Music Academy (Latvia), ‘4Tango’ (picture top left) ensemble: Raimondas Sviackevicius – accordion, Mindaugas Backus - cello, Danielius Rozovas - accordion - Rusne Mataityte – violin; Quintet ‘Concertino’, leader Profesor Ricardas Sviackevicius; Quintet ‘Modus’, Accordion Orchestra ‘Consona’, (all from Lithuania); Accordion Orchestra ‘Akord’ (Poland). These performers presented a variety of styles.
The festival included a trade show, with exhibitors including Karthause-Schmuelling, from Germany, UAB ‘Intermusic’, from Lithuania, and ‘Astra’, from Poland. The most popular accordion brand name in Lithuania, Excelsior, was represented, showing various models of accordions.
The artistic director of the festival is the President of the Lithuanian Accordion Association, Professor Ricardas Sviackevicius.
Photo Reports. International Trade Fair for Musical Instruments & Accessories, 18 – 21 October 2006, Shanghai.
Over 33,000 visitors from 90 countries poured in to the 5th ‘Music China’ in Shanghai last week, October 18th to 21st. With 971 music product suppliers from 24 countries – including several accordion manufacturers and dealers - spread over five halls, Music China delivered a massive selection of traditional and contemporary musical instruments and accessories from all over the world. There are opportunities for dealers and distributors in the local Chinese market as well as making contacts from the European and American markets.
Music China’s primary role is to bring eastern and western buyers and sellers together, and creating new business partnerships. But because of its unique position in Asia, the show also functions as a centre for educational and cultural exchange across all geographical borders. A number of live shows, specialist seminars and workshops were offered at this year’s event, entertaining visitors and exhibitors, allowing them to increase their market and product knowledge, and providing opportunity for them to learn from their industry peers.
Accordion Factories present in China....click here for a photo report.
In the town of Dreux, the accordion club under the direction of Francoise Bourlier and the Community of Aglomeration of Drouais, decided to devote one day of their annual cultural program to the accordion. During the morning, the Dreux Accordion Orchestra held a rehearsal in the new arts centre under the direction of teachers Francoise Bourlier, Laurent Derache and Roman Jbanov. Also, an exhibition of Piermaria accordions took place in the arts centre.
In the afternoon, the doors were opened to the public for a great concert, which included video extracts featuring Maurice Larcange. Artistes performing included Francoise Bourlier, whose program featured pieces by Claude Thomain, Celino Bratti and others. The artiste invited to open the concert was Laurent Derache, who presented with great virtuosity a program of jazz.
Roman Jbanov, from Russia, performed the second half of the concert interpreting a music written for organ, harpsichord, violin, symphony orchestra, and, of course, the accordion. Roman’s performance was expressed with smoothness of playing, much emotion, virtuosity and his usual contact with the public. A lot of people appreciated very much this day dedicated to the accordion, and the organizers wish to hold a similar event next year.
Caister International Accordion Festival, Norfolk - UK
The Caister International Accordion Festival takes place at Haven Holiday Park, Norfolk, from November 2nd/6th. The all-star guest list includes Art Van Damme (picture left) (USA), Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), Pearl Fawcett-Adriano, Gary Blair, Jack Emblow and Tony Compton, Romano Viazzani and Norvic Concordia.
The festival includes a trade show and the bi-annual National Accordion Music Composers’ Competition, organised by the North Staffs Accordion Club. Heather Smith, Caister organizer, photo right.
Accordionist Milos Milivojevic performs as follows:-
November 7th, at 5.45pm - Keble College, Oxford University
Milos Milivojevic – accordion, Maria Oldak – violin, Andrew Harvey – violin, Amy Wein – viola, and Morwenna Del Mar – cello
The program includes:- Eduardo Toldra – ‘Vistas al Mar’, and A.Piazzolla – ‘Selection from 5 Tango Sensations’
November 8th,at 7.30pm - Bongo Club, 37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8BA, Scotland
November 25th, at 7.30pm - The Crypt, St Giles Church, Church Street, Camberwell, London SE5 8QU
For the November 8th and 25th concerts, the following applies:-
Milos Milivojevic – accordion, Ruth Ross – trumpet, Corado Canonici -double bass, Ignacio Molins - percussion
The program includes new works by Mark Bowden, Emily Hall, Chris Mayo and Anna Meredith.
November 17th, at 7.30pm - Duke’s Hall, Royal Academy of Music, London - Accordion Department’s 20th Birthday Celebration
November is National Accordion Month in ‘Nordeast’ Minneapolis.
Minnesota's finest celebration of the free-reed instrument family - the Ninth Annual NE Accordion Festival has it all: concerts, workshops, jam sessions, and dances. Music from cool jazz to sultry tangos, Hot Club to oom-pah: Bach to Balkan. This festival takes place on November 10th and 11th at the Aldo Moroni Gallery, California Building, 2205 California Street NE in ‘Nordeast Minneapolis’.
Musicians on button accordion, diatonic, concertina and piano accordion from Canada and the East Coast join Twin Cities favorites include: The Golden Strings Trio with Larry Malmberg, John Scaffeo (Canada), Machinery Hill, Dan Newton, Dee Langley Eric Ray & Jenny Schultz, Patrick Harrison, Dan Turpening, Jose Curbelo, Joanna Arnold Darrow (New Jersey), Jerry Minar (2006 Lifetime Accordion Award Recipient), Hank Thunander, and the Orkestar Bez Ime.
AND....the annual massed band Squeezer-in Accordion Orchestra with guest conductor 1963 World Accordion Champion, ‘Skeets’ Langley!
The Castletown Accordion Festival takes place in Kells, County Meath in the Irish Republic on November 25th. This competitive festival is organised by John and Yvonne Chilton.
Peter Soave, from the USA, plays bandoneon with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, on February 23rd 2007, at 7,30pm. The perfmance takes place at the Concert Hall ‘Vatroslav Lisinski’, Zagreb, and includes ‘Finlandia’, by Jean Sibelius, ‘Bandoneon Concerto’, by Ástor Piazzolla, and ‘Symphony No 6 in A minor –‘Tragic’, by Gustav Mahler.
On March 5th 2007, at 7.30pm, Miran Vaupotic plays bayan with the Croatian Chamber Orchestra in the Grand Concert Hall of the Croatian Music Institute, Zagreb. The program includes ‘First Suite’, by Handel, ‘Eshaton’ – for bayan and orchestra, by Davor Bobic, and Symphony No. 45 in F# minor, by Hadyn.
Peter Piccini - accordionist, composer, arranger, performer, releases 3 updated works and 2 new works for accordion available for purchase online. 'Dreams of Love', 'Remember Portofino', 'Take a Chance with Me', 'Tango Per Te', 'Swingin Time'. Samples of this music are available on the site. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card.
A new site selling a CD titled "El Primero" with sound samples. Music performed by Fabio Alderighi. Purchase online.
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On November 17th, at 7.30pm, the Accordion Department at the Royal Academy of Music celebrates its 20th birthday with a concert in the Duke’s Hall at the RAM, Marylebone Road, London.
The 11th International Accordion Music Festival, organized by the Lithuanian Accordion Association, was held in Vilnius, from October 26th to 28th.
A highlight of the festival was the premiere of a work by Lithuanian composer Zibuokle Martinaityte: ’Breakthrough - a Concerto for Accordion and Chamber Orchestra’. The Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Robertas Servenikas and soloist 
Other concerts included: 
The artistic director of the festival is the President of the Lithuanian Accordion Association, Professor Ricardas Sviackevicius.
‘Music China’, Shanghai – China
Music China’s primary role is to bring eastern and western buyers and sellers together, and creating new business partnerships. But because of its unique position in Asia, the show also functions as a centre for educational and cultural exchange across all geographical borders. A number of live shows, specialist seminars and workshops were offered at this year’s event, entertaining visitors and exhibitors, allowing them to increase their market and product knowledge, and providing opportunity for them to learn from their industry peers.
In the town of Dreux, the accordion club under the direction of Francoise Bourlier and the Community of Aglomeration of Drouais, decided to devote one day of their annual cultural program to the accordion. During the morning, the Dreux Accordion Orchestra held a rehearsal in the new arts centre under the direction of teachers Francoise Bourlier, Laurent Derache and 
The Caister International Accordion Festival takes place at Haven Holiday Park, Norfolk, from November 2nd/6th. The all-star guest list includes Art Van Damme (picture left) (USA), Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), 
The festival includes a trade show and the bi-annual National Accordion Music Composers’ Competition, organised by the North Staffs Accordion Club. Heather Smith, Caister organizer, photo right.
Accordionist Milos Milivojevic performs as follows:-
November is National Accordion Month in ‘Nordeast’ Minneapolis.
‘Accord - On – Stage’ presents Russian accordionist Aidar Gainullin on November 18th, at 7.30pm, in the Neuer Saal Musikum Salzburg.
On March 5th 2007, at 7.30pm, Miran Vaupotic plays bayan with the Croatian Chamber Orchestra in the Grand Concert Hall of the Croatian Music Institute, Zagreb. The program includes ‘First Suite’, by Handel, ‘Eshaton’ – for bayan and orchestra, by Davor Bobic, and Symphony No. 45 in F# minor, by Hadyn.
