Accordions at 'Jauna Muzika' Festival - Lithuania

From April 17th to 23rd, 'Jauna Muzika', an event that is the second most important event of new music in Lithuania after the 'Gaida' festival was held. The accordion was featured prominently, with accordionist and composer Raimondas Sviackevicius performing his latest projects. One concert was dedicated to Lithuanian composers.

One work, by Donatas Prusevicius, 'A Piacere', for accordion, voice and surround system, was played in the Contemporary Art Center. 'Piece' was dedicated to the late Pope John Paul 11, and Vilija Sulcaite wrote the text. Accordion was used in an original way, all possibilities and sound techniques were mixed with voice and electronic background. The surround system played an important role in this work, which was written in a free structural form.

A work by Ramunas Motiekaitis 'Apsup(k)ti', written for accordion and electronics, also used surround system sound. The idea of that piece was to show how the accordion adapts to very unusual material. The composer used very high accordion registers to create a more intensive and 'crazy' feeling. Sounds for the background music were selected from different live acoustic sounds and were electronically transformed. The extremely high volume level caused the audience a very big shock, but the results were very well received.

The second concert that included accordion music was 'Lithuanian Multimedia Premieres'. American composer True Rosaschi, who is currently living in Lithuania, wrote a piece named '40 days - 40 nights for Live Accordion', involving accordions, EPS sound system and live surround electronics. For the first time accordions were used performing through the Internet. R. Sviackevicius played on stage in Tolerance Center, Vilnius, at the same time Pauline Oliveros in New York (well known composer and accordionist) responded to live material through Internet, and composer True Rosaschi made the electronics live, controlling all processes.

The work was written in four very different parts, from very loud fff chords in the beginning to very soft and beautiful harmonic textures, using a wide range of accordion sounds. The accordion parts, using players on two different continents, also involved much improvisational material. The project was high acclaimed by music critics and composers alike.
 

Accordion Festival, Déons - France
Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

A large-scale accordion festival will take place in Déons, from June 3rd to 5th, including concerts and a Grand Bal Musette. The guest artistes include Marcel Azzola, Raül Barboza (Argentina), Les Blankass, Andre Broccoletti, Jean-Louis Noton, Rossy, and Andre Verchuren. The opening concert, on June 3rd, at 8.30pm, features Marcel Azzola and Raül Barboza.

On June 4th, in the Centre de Congrès, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, there will be a free demonstration of instruments manufactured by Cavagnolo, Maugein, Hohner, Jupiter, Ballone Burini and Mengascini. In the evening, at 9pm, there will be a Grand Bal Musette dance featuring Andre Broccoletti and Andre Verchuren. The final concert takes place on June 5th, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, featuring the demonstrators from the previous afternoon.

For further information email festivalodeon@yahoo.fr
 

Cello and Accordion Concert, Norwich - UK
Contributed by Rob Howard

On May 10th, at 1pm, Borut Zagoranski (classical accordion) and Ashok Klouda (cello) will perform a concert at Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich. Their program includes:- JS Bach - 'Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Cembalo no 1, BWV1027'
Sofia Gubaidulina - 'In croce'
Saint-Saëns - 'Prière'
Elena Firsova - 'Cruxifiction'
Piazzolla - 'Le Grand Tango'

For further information email info@n-joy.org.uk

Jimmy Shand Junior Performances, Scotland - UK
Contributed by Rob Howard

The Jimmy Shand Junior Trio will perform at Letham Village Hall, Letham, Fife, for a series of Old Tyme Dances, from 7.30pm on May 11th, June 8th and July 13th. Jimmy Shand Junior is the son of an accordion legend, and a very fine player and recording artiste in his own right.

For further information email graeme_noble40@hotmail.com

Help/Information Required

I have a vintage accordion from my grandfather, and would like to know more about it, if possible. It is in its original leather case, custom built in Italy by Cingolani (?). It has a serial number 9304. If you have any information on this please get back to me. Thank you! - Aimee. Email: Kismet4kat@aol.com

United States National News - May edition of the United States National News is now online. Contains news of activities from across the United States, upcoming festivals, contact information for associations and clubs in the United States as well as the May feature article entitled The Brothers Deiro as Composers by Henry Doktorski.