Accordions Worldwide "The Squeeze"
9th October 1998
- Weekly Accordion News from around the world -
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 EDITORS NOTE

It appears as though we have got through our initial few bugs with the new Accordion Yellow Pages Database becoming an online database. I would like to thank everyone for your patience. However, if you still experience any further minor difficulties, please send me an email about them.

I would like to also thank everyone for your nice emails wishing us a Happy Birthday. This year, although there were no formal celebrations (we were too busy!) it was nice to hear from our friends all over the world.

Wayne Knights Webmaster


 THIS WEEKS NEWS
Jérôme Richard Does it Again – France
Swingalicious in Boston – USA
Rare Find - UK
Mika Väyrynen Records "Partita" – Finland
Accordionists Honoured - New Zealand
Rave Reviews - South Africa
Accordionist at "Cinema" Opening - Germany
Flying Scotsman at Concert – England
Meishi International Accordion Festival – China
Lips Accordion Course – Netherlands
Accordion Rock in Denmark
Eleven New Books by Gary Dahl – USA
Premiere Issue of "Accordo" Magazine – Belgium
Josef Karle Retires after 36 Years – Germany
Accordionist Marries – Italy
Magical Festival – France
60th Anniversary Concert – Germany
Celebration Concert – Japan
Accordionist Performs With Theatre Production – Australia
Tianjing Accordionists Win - China

 Jérôme Richard Does it Again - France

Jerome RichardContributed by Frédéric Deschamps

The qualifying rounds of the 4th Tremplin Prestige Hohner competitions were held on September 27th in Pontarlier, Doubs organised by APH teacher Michèle Chabod. Jérôme Richard won the Tremplin category, his 4th consecutive win. His other successes include the Coupe Mondiale, Klingenthal and the Michèle Boudet Trophy.

This competition allows young accordionists to play in "ball" situations accompanied by rhythm on keyboard or drums. The selection criteria are not only musical but also relate to adaptation of rhythm, stage presence and the arrangement of the chosen programs.

Competition winners were:
Daniel Menetrier (Tremplin Prestige Junior)
Benoit Chabod (Pre-tremplin Category)
Jérôme Richard (Tremplin Prestige Hohner Category)

A special prize voted by the public was awarded to Daniel Menetrier, who also won the junior category. The event was a great success with a capacity crowd enjoying the competition and afternoon dance, followed by a solo concert by Jérôme Richard, who played his competition pieces. Alexandre Leauthaud, (1997 Tremplin Prestige Hohner winner) also performed.


 Swingalicious in Boston - USA

Phoebe LegereAccordionist Phoebe Legere will hold a "Swingalicious" evening at "Mama Kin" in Boston on October 23rd where she will perform two sets of swinging accordion entertainment which will include original songs from her upcoming album, "Swingalicious". Phoebe has written her witty, uptempo songs about East Village life and love for swinging horns.

Critics have said the following about Phoebe: "She is beautiful, talented and sexy" "she rocks, she shocks, she shakes the rafters playing piano, accordion, or hot pink guitar"

Phoebe has recently released her latest CD "Last Tango in Bubbleland".


 Rare Find - UK

Lachenal AccordeaphoneChris Timson has just acquired a rare and unusual instrument, a Lachenal Accordeaphone. He believes there may be as many as eight of these concertinas in the world today, but he only knows the whereabouts of three. The instrument is in good condition, playable, with good woodwork and reeds.

Chris believes the instrument was manufactured to counteract the effect of major competition from accordion makers in 1935 to 1936. "The idea was to produce an English concertina with an accordion sound, so they put three reeds onto every note. Unfortunately being concertina makers they made it like a giant concertina instead of using far cheaper and more appropriate accordion technology. It must have cost a small fortune to build each one, and they never recouped the tooling-up costs."

Chris's instrument has the word Accordeaphone cut into the fretwork on both sides. The name "Sid Ive" is clearly painted on the front of the instrument, and the case has a professional card inside it for "Sid Ive, English Concertina, 110 Gladstone Avenue, Wood Green, N22". Chris would like to find out more information about the original owner, so if anyone knows anything of Sid Ive, please email: chris@harbour.demon.co.uk


 Mika Väyrynen Records "Partita" - Finland

Contributed by Christine Adams

On October 26th, accordionist Mika Väyrynen (Finland) will record "Partita" and "Summer Pictures" (Matti Murto) with the National Broadcasting Company. Väyrynen premiered "Partita" at the Lahti International Organ Festival on August 4th. The piece will be published by Edition Modus-Music in Spring 1999.

For further information email: mika.vayrynen@pp.inet.fi


 Accordionists Honoured - New Zealand

Scroll of HonourContributed by Wayne Knights

On Tuesday October 6th, the annual Benny Awards honouring the New Zealand Entertainment Industry was held by the New Zealand Variety Artists Club.

This prestigious evening was held in Auckland, with the awards being presented by many of New Zealand's finest entertainers. The Jones family of Alan (deceased), Marie and their three children Harley, Heather and Maurice were presented with the Merit Award for services to the accordion by well-known accordion entertainer Silvio de Pra (1987 Benny Award recipient). Unfortunately Accordions Worldwide director Harley Jones is currently attending international accordion competitions overseas and was not able to be present.

The top Benny award was then presented to one of New Zealand's leading opera singers, Dame Malvina Major, who among her other musical activities is also an accordionist!


 Rave Reviews - South Africa

Contributed by Amarillie Ackermann

On September 25th and 26th accordionist Sergio Zampolli (South Africa) and pianist Rocco de Villiers performed popular concerts at the "Aardklop" Arts Festival in Potchefstroom (near Johannesburg) to over 160 people each night. The duo have been receiving rave reviews in South Africa, with recent performances in Bloemfontein, Grahamstown, and Johannesburg and radio and television interviews. Their varied program included works by Astor Piazzolla (Años de Soledad and Oblivion), Camilo (Theme from "Suite Sandrine") and South African folk songs with both performers also playing solos.

The duo will perform at the "Jazz for You" festival, Johannesburg on November 15th and 20th.

For further information email: duo2000@global.co.za


 Accordionist at "Cinema" Opening - Germany

Cinema OpeningContributed by Intermusik

On October 18th accordionist Jens Schneiderheinze will open the new arts "Cinema" in Munster together with his partner Thomas Behm. Attached to the cinema is the café and "Garbo" restaurant. The redesigned cinema includes a stage for drama and music performances in its large hall. Mr Schneiderheinze invited a Russian accordionist to entertain guests at the opening ceremony.


 Flying Scotsman at Concert - England

Contributed by Christine Adams

Gary Blair performed a concert on September 26th at the Glusburn Institute, North Yorkshire together with Anita's Accordionists (Bradford) and a host of other performers. The popular concert was almost a sell-out. Gary (backed by drummer Rodney) played a variety of pieces including Canadian Reels, Scottish Waltz, American Express, Scottish and Irish Jigs, the Flying Scotsman and sing-a-longs.


 Meishi International Accordion Festival - China

Contributed by Li Cong

The 98 "Meishi Cup" International Accordion Festival began on September 28th in Chengdu. Over 200 accordionists took part in the competition, which was held in two sections; the national competition (September 28th to October 2nd) and the international competition (October 3rd to 5th). The jury for the international competition included Walter Maurer (Austria), Elsbeth Moser (Germany), Joan Cochran Sommers (USA), Guy Vivier (French), Wu Shou Zhi (China), Wan Yu Ping (China), Zhang Zi Min (China) and others.

This competition was sponsored by Ma Jian Yi (Director of Meishi Electric Power Group Ltd), who donated US$15,000 in prizemoney.


 Lips Accordion Course - Netherlands

Contributed by Dr Herbert Scheibenreif

The Groningen Conservatory (Netherlands) has established a new accordion course with masterclasses by Friedrich Lips. The classes, which will be held four times a year began in September. During a concert Friedrich Lips played a premier performance of Roman Ledinov's "Pictures of landscape" and continued with "Fantasy in F minor" (W.A. Mozart) and "River of Love" (A. Rjabov).


 Accordion Rock in Denmark

Contributed by Mette Kathrine Jensen

On November 20th folk and rock band "Cornucopia" will perform a concert in Aagaard Forsamlingshus together with six other accordion and folkmusic bands. The group comprises of nine musicians (aged 15 to 27 years old) playing traditional and new Danish folk music, which they arrange themselves.

They have played at various accordion festivals, birthdays, harvest and folk festivals in Denmark and are currently preparing their first CD.

For further information email: metkath@hotmail.com


 Eleven New Books by Gary Dahl - USA

Mel Bay Publications, USA, has contracted Gary Dahl to write 11 new accordion books, most of which will include CD's recorded by the author. Currently available are "Jazz Accordion Solos" and "French Tangos" with CD and a transcription of zydeco recording artist, Clifton Chenier. A CD of 10 of the transcribed 15 tracks is available recorded by the Chenier band.

In 1999 Mel Bay will be releasing "Italian Music for Accordion". This book will feature many popular arias such as Nessun Dorma and O Mio Bambino Caro. 1999 releases also include 15 Louisiana Cajun Classics from a CD of the same name and 15 Tex-Mex Classics from a CD.

Later in 1999 and 2000 will be a few "learn to play" books, Cajun and Zydeco, Tejano, a Latin Tango book, a Rag Time book of famous rags, a Classical favourites book, Hymns, Gospel favourites and a Chord Melody Method.

For further information email: garydahl@webtv.net


 Premiere Issue of "Accordo" Magazine - Belgium

Contributed by Joeri De Jongh

The premier issue of the new Belgian accordion magazine "Accordo" was released recently in Belgium and Europe with translations in French and English. The magazine included an interview with Maria Kalaniemi at the Dranouter folk festival, an article about Louis Spagna (Belgian accordion manufacturer), a report about accordion magazines worldwide, an article on accordionist Hector Delfosse who died in August, plus advertising sections and a concert calendar. Reaction to the magazine has been positive so far and the editor encourages feedback from accordionists to assist with future improvements.

The first public issue will be available in January 1999, which will include a penpal section and editorial letters from accordionists worldwide. For further information write to: Accordo vzw, Postbus 86, B-2900 Schoten, Belgium, Europe.


 Josef Karle Retires after 36 Years - Germany

Contributed by Uli Ebner

At the district meeting of the German Harmonika Association (DHV), Dreilanderecke district, Chairman Josef Karle announced that he will not stand as a candidate for the next election. For the last 36 years Josef Karle has been active on the board of the association. He was deputy chairman for 14 years and chairman for the past 22 years.

Josef Karle was awarded a certificate of merit by DHV Secretary Mr Arnold Kützli, to honour his contributions to the association. He was also awarded the title of Honorary Chairman for the Dreilanderecke district. Josef Karle is still active on the board of the AO Inzlingen, where he has worked for 39 years.


 Accordionist Marries - Italy

Paolo Picchio and Bride Silena Cingolani CapomagiContributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Many famous accordionists travelled to Castelfidardo a few days prior to the Città di Castelfidardo International Competition and the Astor Piazzolla Award, to attend the wedding ceremony of Paolo Picchio (Artistic Director of the events) and Silena Cingolani Capomagi. The wedding was held at the Basilica S.Giuseppe da Copertino of Osimo with music provided by the Milonga Quintet. The traditional wedding lunch was held at the Hotel "Tre Querce", followed by a cocktail and concert party with live accordion music by artists including Luciano Biondini, Renzo Ruggieri and Cesare Chiacchiaretta.


 Magical Festival - France

Marielle RoyContributed by Frédéric Deschamps

On September 13th the Association Musicale du Sud-Saumurois (Sud-Saumurois Musical Association) led by president Lucette Landais and advisor Jean-Luc Amiard (APH registered teacher) held its third accordion festival in Arènes de Doué-la-Fontaine (Maine et Loire region).

The team of Hohner Artists which included Marielle Roy, Jérôme Richard and Frédéric Deschamps, plus the Emorine/Schbanov duo gave popular performances. A demonstration of Hohner accordions took place in the magnificent setting of the Foullon caves. A ball with Marc Pascal, Mickael Larcange and Domi Emorine gave a magical finish to the afternoon.


 60th Anniversary Concert - Germany

Contributed by Michael Dathan

On October 18th the Bickenbach Accordion Orchestra will hold their 60th Anniversary Concert at the Bickenbach Bürgerhaus, Bickenbach. There will be performances By the Bickenbach Accordion Orchestra and Ensemble, and guests from the Pfungstadt Accordion Association. A planned highlight for the evening will be "Music for accordion orchestra and percussion" by Paul Kühmstedt.

For further information email: dathan@dialup.nacamar.de


 Celebration Concert - Japan

Contributed by Toru Katou

On November 29th a concert will be held to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the founding of "Tokyo Roh". The concert starts at 2 pm at the Tsutsuji Hall, Kita Topia, Oji, Kita ward, Tokyo. For further information phone: + 81 45-861-1654


 Accordionist Performs With Theatre Production - Australia

Accordionist Elizabeth Jones (Sydney) has been playing in the New Theatre, Newtown, production of "Mother Courage and her Children" (Brecht). The season Runs from September 5th to October 24th. Elizabeth also provides a half-hour set for the production "Three Maids" at the Old Fitzroy Theatre, Woolloomooloo from September 29th to October 18th.

In addition to these productions, Elizabeth performed the Hindemith Kammermusik No.1 at the NSW Conservatorium of Music on September 29th with the "Ensemble Antartica" (a group of musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera Orchestra who specialise in 20th Century music). The following day they performed the same piece, which was recorded by the ABC Radio Station.


 Tianjing Accordionists Win - China

Contributed by Li Cong

The "Parrot Cup" accordion competition was held in Tianjing recently, organised by the Tianjing Conservatory, and supported by the Tianjing Instrument Factory. The three day competition included accordionists of all levels.

Tianjing accordionists (from the Conservatory) also performed at the Beijing International Accordion Festival, gaining top prizes in the competition. The Tianjing Conservatory believes its students are successful because of current opportunities for students to gain experience overseas.


 NEW SITES
http://www.accordions.com/charlesnunzio Accordion retailer, repairer and composer from New Jersey, USA


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