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Highlights |
AAA 70th Anniversary Festival and Competition, Washington DC - USA
57th All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, Tullamore, Republic of Ireland
Premiere Work for World Accordion Orchestra II - Scotland
‘Pawnshop Accordions’, New York – USA
Roland UK V-Accordion Competition, Somerset – UK
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
Achuapa International Music and Solidarity Festival, Achuapa - Nicaragua
Dartington Accordion Workshop Week, Devon – UK
Accordion Recital, Monterrey – Mexico
‘Trio avec accordion’ Concert, Brittany – France
Festa Coloniale Italiana, California – USA
Heather Smith in Concert, Stockport – UK
New and Updated Sites |
New Music - Alexander Shirunov
New Features - Alexander Poeluev
New Music - Gary Dahl
New Information - RMAC
New Photos - Grayson Masefield
New Forms - Coupe Mondiale
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
2nd International Accordion Contest, Jao – Brazilby Rob Howard |
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  The 2nd International Accordion Contest takes place in the city of Jaú, San Paolo, from August 21st to 23rd. Leading Brazilian accordionist Waldonys will carry out the opening ceremony.The adjudicators include Mirco Patarini (picture right), Professor Roberto Bueno, Vice President of the OMB (Order of the Musicians of Brazil), Professor David Saidel, Oswaldinho of the Acordeon, Waldonys, Elizeu Vargas, and Bruno Moritz (winner of the first contest - picture right lower). Festival highlights include the release of Bruno Moritz’s first CD, and a concert performance by Argentinean accordionist Alejandro Brittes. The contests, which begin at 9.30am each day, will be broadcast via the internet through the site: www.valerio.com.br during the three days of the event. For further information email: concurso@scandalli.com.br |
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AAA 70th Anniversary Festival and Competition, Washington DC - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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 The American Accordionists' Association 70th Anniversary Festival and Competition in takes place on August 13th to 17th at the Holiday Inn, Arlington, VA (Washington DC).This year's festival features the highly accomplished accordionist Alexander Poeluev (Russia) plus featured guests Mary Tokarski with pianist Dessie Vaughan, jazz accordionist Joe Cerrito, and guest conductor Dan Desiderio conducting the festival's orchestra and massed band. There will be three international competitions with over $12,000 in prizes at stake: the AAA International Piano Accordion Competition, the annual Vivian Vivio Stolaruk International Entertainment Competition for Accordionists, and the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition for Female Accordionists. Workshops at this year's festival include: * Magnante - His Life and Recordings - Ray Oreggia) * Music of the Valtaro Musette - Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia * Master Class with Alex Poeluev * AAA 70th Anniversary Exhibit - Joan Grauman * The Accordion In the Symphony Orchestra from Tchaikovsky to the Present - Dr. Robert McMahan For further information email: aaa1938@aol.com |
57th All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, Tullamore, Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
 The 2008 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil will be held in Tullamore, County Offaly, from August 22nd to 25th. The All Ireland, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, is the world’s largest festival of Irish music, song and dance, with over 200,000 people gathering from all over the world, during this cultural celebration. There will be over 10,000 competitors and performers taking part in this mighty 'Feast of Irish Music'.Accordions and other free reed instruments figure prominently at this festival. Separate solo competitions are held for the 2-row button accordion, piano accordion, concertina, harmonica, melodeon, and a ‘miscellaneous’ for a variety of instruments that includes three row diatonic and five row chromatic button accordion. There are also competitions for the following ensembles: duet, trio, ceili band, instrumental group, accordion band, and miscellaneous ensemble. For further information email: info@fleadh2008.com |
Premiere Work for World Accordion Orchestra II - Scotlandby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
 One of the many features at the CIA Coupe Mondiale to be held in Glasgow Scotland from 21st -26th October is the CIA World Accordion Orchestra II.This mass accordion orchestra will feature three works 1. Springtime Symphony by Graham Romani 2. Film Noir: City of Night by Leonard Stack – a world premiere conducted by the conductor of the inaugural World Accordion Orchestra, Joan Sommers (USA). 3. A Scottish March selection arranged and conducted by Graham Laurie. Players include all members of the CIA Executive, many of the NAO Executive, CIA international delegates, the Colchester Accordion Orchestra (MD Elaine Beecham), the Graham Laurie Paisley Orchestra, the Brian Laurie Academy Orchestra, the Dutch Accordion Project Orchestra to make the performance a really grand event. All accordionists attending the Coupe Mondiale are invited to join the World Accordion Orchestra II and be part of this exciting musical event (minimum grade 5). Last year everyone who participated had a most enjoyable experience. Rehearsals will be on Friday afternoon and Saturday with the performance on Saturday evening. To register please fill in the submit form on the World Accordion Orchestra II webpage. |
‘Pawnshop Accordions’, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 ‘Pawnshop Accordions’, an accordion-inspired drama and a recent work by playwright Jonathan Wallace, will run from August 9th to 16th as part of the annual New York International Fringe Festival. The play will be staged at Bleecker Street Theatre, 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012.Described in the advertising as “A hallucinatory drama of community and violence in New York’s netherworld,” ‘Pawnshop Accordions’ tells the story of a cynical EMT, a mute accordionist, a sinister Albanian, and a prophetic schizophrenic struggle to protect one another - not exactly ‘Fiddler on the Roof’! The play features Gina Samardge (of the Maestrosities and Main Squeeze Orchestra) as Zaida, the mute accordionist, and she will be performing live accordion music onstage, including traditional Eastern European and klezmer songs and original compositions. For further information email: webmaster@fringenyc.org |
Roland UK V-Accordion Competition, Somerset – UKby Romano Viazzani |
  Time is running out to enter the Roland V-Accordion Competition at St. Audries Bay, Somerset, September 6th and 7th. Even at this late stage late entries will be considered… so give it a bash. There are V-Accordions to be won in the junior and senior championship categories, and prize money for the Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced sections. Championship winners will represent UK in the International final in Rome in November where the prize money is E5000.The weekend also includes demonstrations of Roland Virtual Accordions by Romano Viazzani and Karen Street. For further information email: jr@carillonstudios.co.uk |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Sergej Tchirkov in Opera Performance, St Petersburg – Russiaby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Sergej Tchirkov took part in the semi-staged performance of Thomas Ades' opera ‘Powder Her Face’, conducted by Timati Redmond. The event took place at the Marrinsky Concert Hall, St.Petersburg, on July 12th.In June, Tchirkov also performed the accordion part in Henri Dutilleux's ‘Correspondances’, under Valery Gergiev, as a part of Mariinsky Theatre ‘Stars of the White Nights’ Festival, with the composer in attendance. For further information email: tchirkov@inkin.de |
Future events |
Sidmouth Folk Week, Devon – UKby Rob Howard |
 Sidmouth Folk Week (previously called Sidmouth International Festival), takes place from August 1st to 8th in the town of Sidmouth, England. This festival offers a range of activities including concerts, ceilidhs, pub sessions, workshops, dance displays, and children's activities.The large guest artiste list includes many performers and ensembles featuring accordions and other free reed instruments, including Asha, Hazel & Emily Askew, Damien Barber, Mark Bazeley & Jason Rice, Belshazzar's Feast, Bob & Gill Berry, Boldwood, Jim Causley, Roy Clinging, Pete Coe, Andy Cutting, Fidget Pie, 422, The Gadjo Club, Grand Union, Tony Hall, Shona Kipling, John Kirkpatrick, Last Night's Fun, Moveable Feast, Pendragon, Ed Rennie, Rubus, Alistair Russell & Chris Parkinson, Poisson Rouge, Dan Quinn & Will Duke, This Way Up, Tinkers Bag, Toothless Mary, Trinculo, Trio Threlfall, Karen Tweed, The Watch, Wheeler Street, and Pete Wood. For further information email: info@sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk |
Achuapa International Music and Solidarity Festival, Achuapa - Nicaraguaby Rob Howard |
 The 8th annual Achuapa International Music and Solidarity Festival takes place on August 8th and 9th, involving professional and amateur musicians. During the day there is an arts and craft fair, and also horse racing, followed from 5pm onwards by music and dancing in the town centre and surrounding districts. Musical styles include everything from ragtime to reggae, with accordions featuring amongst all kinds of instruments.The entertainers came from different cities and villages in Nicaragua and countries such as the USA, Cuba, Brazil, Denmark, Chile, Spain, Scotland, England, and the Spanish Basque country. Local bands Don Felipe Urrutia y Sus Cachorros, Los Alegres de Santa Rosa, and Los Rusticos all feature accordionists, perform traditional folk music and contemporary songs, and are always popular. The entertainers came from different cities and villages in Nicaragua and countries such as the USA, Cuba, Brazil, Denmark, Chile, Spain, Scotland, England, and the Spanish Basque country. Local bands Don Felipe Urrutia y Sus Cachorros, Los Alegres de Santa Rosa, and Los Rusticos all feature accordionists, perform traditional folk music and contemporary songs, and are always popular. |
Dartington Accordion Workshop Week, Devon – UKby Rob Howard |
 The annual Accordion Workshop Week, part of the International Summer Series, takes from August 9th to 16th, at Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EL.Directed by Ian Watson, the accordion course will focus on ensemble as well as solo performance. There is no set repertoire and participants are encouraged to prepare pieces of varying genres for presenting in workshop sessions. A partial focus will be performance presentation and programme planning. Participants should be able to read music and have prepared at least one solo piece to work on in classes. For further information email: summerschool@dartington.org |
Accordion Recital, Monterrey – Mexicoby Rob Howard |
| Accordionist José Alfonso Valadez Alanís will give a recital at the Casa de la Cultura de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo León, on Wednesday August 13th, 7.30pm. Entrance is free. The program includes works by Albeniz, Lecuona, Lehar, Ponchielli, Strauss and Frosini. For further information email: josevaladez@intercable.net |
‘Trio avec accordion’ Concert, Brittany – Franceby Rob Howard |
 On August 15th, Bruno Maurice – accordion, A. Mochkov – violin, and S. Mouchet - cello together perform the music of Bernard Cavanna, including his composition ‘Trio avec accordéon no 2’. The concert, organised by the music publishers Éditions Musicales Européennes, takes place at the Académie de Guérande, Brittany.For further information email: info@emepublish.com |
Festa Coloniale Italiana, California – USAby Rob Howard |
 The Festa Coloniale Italiana takes place on August 16th, 3pm, at San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton St, San Francisco.This event celebrates the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club's 90th anniversary with music and dancing from the sextet Bella Ciao, singer/guitarist Steve Albini, and Trio Amore. Bella Ciao is a San Francisco-based six-piece band, featuring accordionist Tom Torriglia, that plays and sings Italian favorites old and new. Trio Amore is present traditional Italian music and opera for the public's enjoyment. The trio features the voices of soprano Maria Fassio Pignati, tenor Peter Girardot, and accompanist Ron Borelli on accordion and keyboard. For further information email: administration@sfiac.org |
Heather Smith in Concert, Stockport – UKby Rob Howard |
 Heather Smith is the guest artiste at Stockport Accordion Club on Wednesday September 10th, the concert beginning at 8pm. Best known these days as the editor of the magazine ‘Accordion Profile’ and as a festival organiser, Heather Smith is also a very fine accordionist, who particularly enjoys playing the works of composers such as Pietro Frosini, Guido and Pietro Deiro, Charles Magnante, etc. The Stockport Accordion Club Orchestra (MD Brian Jenkins) will perform a supporting spot.Stockport Accordion Club is based at Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel Street/A560 Hyde Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1BL (J25/M60). For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
New Music - Don Grzannaby |
| The website has been updated to include many .pdf samples of his original and arranged music. The site also includes a printable order form for his sheet music and CD and Cassette recordings. Please visit: www.accordions.com/dongrzanna |
New Music - Alexander Shirunovby Alexander Shirunov |
| Young Russian concert artiste Alexander Shirunov who appears around the world at many major accordion festivals, has expanded his website to include a complete translation in Russian. Please visit: www.accordions.com/shirunov |
New Features - Alexander Poeluevby American Accordionists' Association |
| The website has include the latest information for their 70th Anniversary Festival to be held in the Washington DC area from August 13th to 17th 2008. Featuring Russian accordionist Alexander Poeluev the festival also features three international competitions with $12,000.00 in Prizes as well as the annual National Competition and Festivals. Please visit: www.ameraccord.com |
New Music - Gary Dahlby Gary Dahl |
| His site has been updated to include new music samples as well as .mp3 files of selected works. Please visit: www.accordions.com/garydahl |
New Information - RMACby Rocky Mountain Accordion Celebration |
| The RMAC in Philipsburg, Montana on Friday and Saturday, August 1st and 2nd 2008, has been updated to include the latest information regarding its festival. Please visit: www.accordions.com/rmac |
New Photos - Grayson Masefieldby Grayson Masefield |
| His website has been updated with revised text including his recent international competition successes and new photos. Please visit: www.accordions.com/gmasefield |
New Forms - Coupe Mondialeby Coupe Mondiale |
| The website has been updated with new online entry forms systems. Please visit: www.coupemondiale.org |
CD Reviews |
by Riccardo CentazzoHelp Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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