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Highlights |
'Paolo Soprani' Award Presented to Simon Zanchini, Castelfidardo - Italy
Dalian TV Provide Video of Opening Concert TV Broadcast - China
DHVev Osterarbeitswoche Easter Work Week, Trossingen – Germany
International Accordion 'Vilnius 2017 Konkursas' - Lithuania
NZAA Merit Award Presentation to Prof. Li Cong (China) - New Zealand
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Gary Innes new CD ‘Era’, Scotland – UK
Video: Music and the Brain, Jessica Grahn at TEDxWesternU - USA
Video: Tuulispää (Kuu Records, 2016) CD by Karuna - Finland
Future events |
Antonio Spaccarotella Concert, San Giovanni in Fiore – Italy
Oivind Farmen and Havard Svendsrud ‘Trekspillcafe’ Tour – Norway
Budapest Café Orchestra Concerts, Channel Islands - UK
Marcelo Caldi and Soraya Ravenle Shows, Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
Bayan Mix and Quartetto Gelato Concert, Ontario – Canada
Nicolas Demizieux Dance Afternoon, Compiegne – France
Christine Schmid & Olaf Creutzburg Cabaret, Kirchzarten - Germany
Ian Lowthian’s Accordion Weekends, Scotland – UK
Ksenija Sidorova Concerts, Tokyo – Japan
Rosemary Wright Recitals, Rugby, Hinckley – UK
2nd Grand Gala D’Accordeon, Gien - France
New and Updated Sites |
Renzo Ruggieri New Solo Arrangement With String Orchestra Arrangement Free - Italy
Two New Works by Douglas Ward Released by Charnwood Publishing - UK
Gary Dahl Releases Ashokan Farewell Arrangement - USA
Updated Site: New Information Alessandro Mugnoz CD
New Site: Lars Ek Original Compositions - Sweden
New: Espana Cani Ensemble Arrangement by Palmer-Hughes - USA
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Highlights |
2017 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Ennis - Irelandby Harley Jones |
 The 2017 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann organized by Comhaltas takes place in Ennis, Co. Clare, Irish Republic from 13 - 21 August 2017The Fleadh Cheoil is a huge competition and festival of Irish music, song and dance, with approximately 10,000 competitors and performers, including sections involving large numbers of accordionists, melodeon, concertina and harmonica players, as well as many ceili bands, accordion and marching bands. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has three very well-known elements: competitions, concerts and street sessions. This is a festival with accordion in so many bands, playing in so many places of the town. Accordionists love viewing and participating in the festival. An estimated 400,000 visitors are expected in the Clare County Capital from August 14th to 22nd for what is considered the world’s largest showcase for the Irish traditional arts. “The awarding of this prestigious event to Ennis for the second year running is a huge vote of confidence in the town’s capacity to host large events" said Mayor of Ennis, Cllr. Pat Daly. For further information email: info@fleadhcheoil.ie |
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'Paolo Soprani' Award Presented to Simon Zanchini, Castelfidardo - Italyby Harley Jones |
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 Video: Simone Zanchini, Angelika Niescier, & Stefano Senni, European Music Festival in Vietnam, Latakia Blend Live @ Hanoi November 19, 2016.The "Paolo Soprani" award, established in 2010, is awarded annually by the Scandalli company to prominent personalities of the musical world. The idea was to create a prestigious award in the name of the founder of the accordion industry of Castelfidardo and to make the award every year to a person who achieved something at very high level for the image and diffusion of Italian accordion. The 'Paolo Soprani' Award was made to Andrea Bocelli in 2015 and for 2016, has been presented to the accordionist Simone Zanchini by the President of Scandalli Accordions Mirco Patarini, in the presence of the Castelfidardo Mayor Roberto Ascani and Castelfidardo Commissioner of Culture Ruben Cittadini (picture above). Appropriate recognition to Simon Zanchini, an acclaimed performer of the accordion who annually presents accordion throughout Italy and around the world to jazz and general music audiences. Previous winners of the prestigious Premio Paolo Soprani Award are: 2010 to Gian Mario Spacca, President of Marche Region; 2011 to Vincenzo Canali, President of the Accordion Museum Castelfidardo; 2012 to Harley Jones, Founder of Accordions Worldwide internet news/culture sites; 2013 to Viatcheslav Semionov, composer, concert artist and teacher; 2014 to Raymond Bodell, President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA); 2015 to Andrea Bocelli for having raised the accordion image all over the world. 2016 to Simon Zanchini, acclaimed Jazz accordion exponent. The award sponsor is Scandalli Accordions and the Premio "Paolo Soprani" Award statue is the design creation of famous Italian sculptor Franco Campanari and is a real work of art in bronze, coming complete in a specially designed box with a published book about the art of Franco Campanari. |
Dalian TV Provide Video of Opening Concert TV Broadcast - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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 Video above: Amazing, 125 children from Year One, No.1 Dongang Primary School all playing from memory.Dalian TV have now provided video of the Opening Concert of the 2016 Dalian International Accordion Festival and 2nd National Accordion Festival for Middle Age & Senior Citizens. This Opening Concert was broadcast live to Dalian region in China. View the Opening Concert video at: 2016Dalian The 2016 Festival organising team led by Festival President Sun Jiashen (picture left) were assisted by sponsors: - Dalian Municipal Federation of Literature and Art and co-sponsors: - Dalian Musician Association - Dalian Muncipal Public Arts. A full report, pictures and video, of this historic event is at: 2016Dalian |
DHVev Osterarbeitswoche Easter Work Week, Trossingen – Germanyby Rob Howard |
 A DHVev Easter Work Week (Osterarbeitswoche), for conductors of adult orchestras, orchestra players and ensemble players takes place from April 9th to 13th, Easter week , in Trossingen.Topics include: • Conducting and interpreting • Skilled orchestral playing • Ensemble playing • Popular ensemble and orchestral literature The tutors include: Fritz Dobler, Thomas Bauer, Johannes Baumann, Heidrun Neugebauer, Hans-Günther Kölz, Wolfgang Ruß, and Andreas Nebl. There are a limited number of participants and timely registration decides your participation!! Applications close 10th February. The event also includes concerts: 9th April, Symphonic Accordion Orchestra Hessen conducted by Thomas Bauer 10th April, Hohner-Konservatorium - Live 11th April, Markgräfler Akkordeon Ensemble 12th April, Matthias Matzke and Leonie Kratz (Soprano) Brochure with full information including prices and course application form at: 2017Oster.pdf |
International Accordion 'Vilnius 2017 Konkursas' - Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
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 The Lithuanian Accordionists Association (LAA) in collaboration with the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater is organising 'Vilnius 2017 Konkurksas' from 29 March to 1st April 2017.'Vilnius 2017 Konkursas' competitions are open to accordionists of all nationalities. President of the LAA Raimondas Sviackevicius (picture left) welcomes everyone and says that "Competitors are grouped into 12 categories by the age and the chosen genre of the performance. You will hear the soloists and ensembles of various configurations, also the orchestras performing various genres of music." Download Rules at: 2017Vilnius.pdf Entry closing date: 12th February |
NZAA Merit Award Presentation to Prof. Li Cong (China) - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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 On the 28th January 2017, the New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) held a reception in Auckland central with the venue provided by NZAA Life Member, composer, conductor and arranger Gary Daverne.The presentation was made by NZAA President Sonja Palinich (picture above). The reception was to honor Prof. Li Cong (China) who was visiting New Zealand on holiday, for the many years of accordion relations between New Zealand and China and particularly to honor "his services to the development of the accordion in New Zealand and the world." Pictures and award citation at: MeritAwardLiCong |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Pieter Bosma Demonstration - Netherlandsby Harley Jones |
| Pieter Bosma, specialist Bugari-Evo accordeons at Muziekhuis Da Capo, Netherlands, is demonstraing the Bugari-Evo. Enjoy the music. Published 7th December 2016 |
Gary Innes new CD ‘Era’, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Gary Innes has this week launched a new CD ‘Era’, which can be purchased on all music sites and on his website. All of the tracks on the album have been composed By Gary Innes, including three songs sung by Robert Robertson, Alec Dalglish and Siobhan Miller.Track list: Yarra Wine Valley, The Road to Lochaber, The Caman Man, Crazy Street, May Life Always Be Peachy, The Highland Obama, Zara, Loch Arkaig, Grace and Pride, Our Heroes. Gary Innes has recently become the presenter of the popular long-running BBC Radio Scotland programme ‘Take the Floor’ in succession to Robbie Shepherd MBE. He also plays in the Scottish award-winning celtic supergroup Manran. |
Video: Music and the Brain, Jessica Grahn at TEDxWesternU - USAby Harley Jones |
| Video of a lecture by Jessica Grahn about Music and the Brain. Jessica Grahn, Cognitive Neuroscientist, talks about the power of the human mind and how it can be transformed through music. The cognitive benefits of making your own music are also renowned and probably greater for accordionists than any other instrument. Our bellows instruments have (in most cases) a different treble and (standard) bass keyboard plus using the bellows for volume control. A most beneficial mental and physical co-ordination workout EVERY time you play and best of all, its FUN too! So how about making some time to play your accordion today and every day! |
Video: Tuulispää (Kuu Records, 2016) CD by Karuna - Finlandby Harley Jones |
 Tuulispää (Kuu Records, 2016) CD by Karuna,Karuna features three talented contemporary folk music instrumentalists and composers from Finland. Tuulispää is Karuna’s second album and it brings together their own chamber music style with lively Nordic folk music influence. Players are: Teija Niku (accordion and melodeon); Juha Kujanpää (piano and keyboards) amd Esko Järvelä (nyckelharpa, violin, and guitar). |
Future events |
Lady Maisery Concerts – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
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| The trio Lady Maisery, from the UK, visits the Netherlands this weekend, performing as follows: Friday February 3rd, 8.30pm - De Oosterpoort, Gronigen Saturday February 4th, 9pm - Muziekcafé De Lantaern, Zevenaar Sunday February 5th, 3.30pm - Roots aan de Zaan, Zaandam Lady Maisery is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominated trio, whose members are Hannah James - voice, accordion, clogs, Hazel Askew - voice, harp, concertina, and Rowan Rheingans - voice, fiddle, ban-sitar. They have two CDs to their credit, ‘Mayday’ (2013) and ‘Cycle’ (2016). For further information email: enquiries@ladymaisery.com |
Antonio Spaccarotella Concert, San Giovanni in Fiore – Italyby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Antonio Spaccarotella performs a recital on Saturday February 4th, 8.30pm, at the Salone Chiesa Padri Cappuccini, San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy.Antonio Spaccarotella has won numerous international competitions. He holds master classes, and teaches modern and classical accordion at the Nuove Armonie Musical Institute in Italy. |
Oivind Farmen and Havard Svendsrud ‘Trekspillcafe’ Tour – Norwayby Rob Howard |
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| Accordion duo Oivind Farmen and Havard Svendsrud are on a tour titled ‘Trekspillcafe’ next week in Norway, February 4th to 9th, with concerts in six venues/cities. The details are on the poster. Oivind Farmen has had many successes in competitions, including Klingenthal (Germany), the Internazionale "Città di Castelfidardo" (Italy), and winning the first prize in the Trophée Mondial de l'Accordéon in Faro, Portugal. He is much in demand as a soloist and as a chamber musician. Havard Svendsrud is a well established professional performer of both classical and traditional entertainment music, both as a soloist and with many orchestras. He was appointed ‘cultural ambassador’ for the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, involving a long-term commitment in Venezuela in 1995. He has also toured in the USA, Iceland, Finland, Italy, UK, and throughout Scandinavia. |
Budapest Café Orchestra Concerts, Channel Islands - UKby Rob Howard |
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| The Budapest Café Orchestra performs concerts in three of the Channels Islands next week. On Monday February 6th, at around 11am, they will be playing and talking live on BBC Radio Jersey. The concert dates include: Monday February 6th, 8pm - Jersey Arts Centre Tuesday February 7th, 8pm - Alderney Town Hall Wednesday February 8th, 8pm - Guernsey St James' Concert and Assembly Hall Line-up: Christian Garrick – violin, darabuka, Eddie Hession – accordion, Kelly Cantlon – double bass, and Adrian Zolotuhin – guitar, saz, domra. The Budapest Café Orchestra play traditional folk and gypsy flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia, such as Klezmer, Romanian Doinas, Hungarian Czadas, and beautiful ballads. Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires – plus a few surprises along the way – a show by the BCO is good enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube! |
Marcelo Caldi and Soraya Ravenle Shows, Rio de Janeiro – Brazilby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Marcelo Caldi and the singer Soraya Ravenle and their backing band perform in shows on February 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd, 9pm each evening, at the Teatro Do Leblon, Rua Conde De Bernadette, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Marcelo Caldi, schooled in the many traditional folk music styles of Brazil in addition to a classical education, is an accomplished accordionist, pianist, composer, arranger, orchestrator, and singer. He has released several CDs documenting a wide range of different music influences from the Argentine tango to choral works. |
Bayan Mix and Quartetto Gelato Concert, Ontario – Canadaby Rob Howard |
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| A concert featuring both the duo Bayan Mix and the Quartetto Gelato takes place on Wednesday February 8th, 8pm until 11pm, at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 3B7. Bayan Mix are the Russian accordionists Dmitry Khramkov and Serguei Voitenko, who have extensively toured have toured in the cities of Russia, Swiss, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Great Britain, Canada and China. Quartetto Gelato is a Canadian classical crossover quartet whose members are Peter DeSotto tenor, violin, mandolin, Liza McLellan - cello, bass, Alexander Sevastian - accordion, piano, and Colin Maier oboe, clarinet, English horn, guitar, mandolin, piano, saw. Their musical repertoire consists of a mix of classical masterworks and operatic arias with tangos, gypsy and folk songs from around the world. Their performances include elements of humour and dance. For further information email: info@rhcentre.ca |
Nicolas Demizieux Dance Afternoon, Compiegne – Franceby Rob Howard |
 On Thursday February 9th, 2.30pm until 7.30pm, there will be dancing to the music of the accordionist Nicolas Demizieux and his band at the Centre des Rencontres de la Victoire, 112 due Saint Joseph, Compiegne, northern France. Admission is 10 Euro. |
Christine Schmid & Olaf Creutzburg Cabaret, Kirchzarten - Germanyby Rob Howard |
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| On Friday February 10th, 8pm, accordionist and vocalist Christine Schmid performs a cabaret concert with the actor Olaf Creutzburg at Buchladen, HollentalstraBe 96, 79199 Kirchzarten-Burg, Germany. Entrance is 15 Euro. Christine Schmid studied at the Hohner Conservatory Trossingen and at the Opera Workshop at Basel Conservatory. Later she attended the Jazz School Basel and Paris in music theory, accordion and vocals. After her studies she had various engagements such as the title role in ‘Marlene Dietrich’ at the Musical Theater in Basel and regular appearances as a guest soprano with the Spa Orchestra Badenweiler, followed by appearances on radio and television. Christine Schmid is also vocal and speech trainer and also as a successful model and mannequin. For further information email: christ.schmid@web.de |
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Ian Lowthian’s Accordion Weekends, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 Scottish accordionist and teacher Ian Lowthian regularly organises weekends for accordionists in the Borders region, and below are the current figures for spaces available in his 2017 programme.February 11th/12th - Beginners/Intermediate Accordion Weekend 7/12 spaces taken March 11th/12th - Intermediate/Advanced Accordion Weekend - Full Up! April 8th/9th - Slightly Jazzy MIXED INSTRUMENTS Weekend - 12 so far April 29th/30th – 2nd Box (Accordion Accompaniment) Weekend - 10/12 spaces taken June 10th/11th - Anything Goes Accordion Weekend - 5/12 spaces taken July 8th/9th - MIXED INSTRUMENTS Weekend - with Sunday afternoon concert - 12 so far September 2nd/3rd - Accordion Bass Work Weekend - 10/12 spaces taken September 30th/Oct 1st - Scottish Music Accordion Weekend - 10/12 spaces taken November 11th/12th - MIXED INSTRUMENTS Ceilidh Weekend - Full Up! December 9th/10th - Christmas Accordion Weekend - 6/12 spaces taken For further information about the weekends email ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
Ksenija Sidorova Concerts, Tokyo – Japanby Rob Howard |
 Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova makes her concert debut in Japan next week, with two concerts. On Saturday February 11th, 6pm, and on Sunday February 12th, 3pm, she performs at the NHK Hall in Tokyo with the NHK Orchestra, conducted by Paavo Järvi.The programme, same for both concerts, includes ‘Silhouette’, Hommage à Gustave Eiffel (2009) - Pärt (Japan première), ‘Prophecy for Accordion and Orchestra’ (2007) - Tüür (Japan première) ‘Symphony No.2 D major op.43’ – Sibelius Ksenija Sidorova, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, UK, has pursued a hectic and highly successful international concert career, performing all around Europe, USA, Brazil, Israel, Senegal, and other countries. |
Rosemary Wright Recitals, Rugby, Hinckley – UKby Rob Howard |
 Accordion soloist Rosemary Wright performs two lunchtime recitals in churches, as follows:Tuesday February 21st, 1pm – St Andrew’s Church, Rugby, Warwickshire Wednesday March 1st, 1pm – St Mary’s Church, Hinckley, Leicestershire Rosemary Wright is a former All Britain Champion, and also a former Principal of the British College of Accordionists. Her many accomplishments include adjudicating at NAO competitions, examining for the BCA, composing, teaching various instruments, performing at many accordion festivals and clubs, and recording two solo CDs ‘Accordion Divertimento’ and ‘Accordion Safari’. |
2nd Grand Gala D’Accordeon, Gien - Franceby Rob Howard |
 The 2nd Grand Gala D’Accordeon takes place on Sunday February 26th, 2.30pm until 7.30pm, at the Salle Cuiry, rue Jean Mermoz, Gien, France. Accordionists performing non-stop for dancing include Angelique, Jerome Richard, Cyril and Virginie Danrey, and Jean-Francois Carcagno and his orchestra. Admission is 12 Euro.Gien is a commune in the Loiret department in north-central France. Gien is on the Loire River, 80 km from Orléans. |
New and Updated Sites |
Alessandrini Accordions Factory Interview, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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 Video 1: Giorgio Conte at CQFP 2011Video 2: Piotr Rangno @ Jazzfest Gronau 2013 "Know the People" Alessandrini Accordions Factory Interview 2017Alessandrini with: Tonino Alessandrini (Owner) Daniela Alessandrini (Owner) Editor: Holda Paoletti-Kampl "Know the People" behind the manufacturing of accordions in Castelfidardo who have made this small city so famous around the world for their quality accordions. Interview 2017Alessandrini |
Renzo Ruggieri New Solo Arrangement With String Orchestra Arrangement Free - Italyby Harley Jones |
 Renzo Ruggieri has released a new arrangement. Catalog: rrenzo511 Figaro by Gioacchino Rossini. This is a very skillful and useful arrangement. The accordion solo is arranged for solo concerts and the same accordion solo also works with full string orchestra accompaniment. Listen to the video above, performer Mario D'Amario. To my knowledge, this is also the only version of Figaro for Accordion and String Orchestra. This Renzo Ruggieri 40 page score includes the accordion solo, string orchestra conductors score and all the parts for the string orchestra. The price of the music is only €10 for the solo and Renzo is most generously giving the string orchestra score and parts arrangement for free. Samples from the pdf music file are online. Catalog: rrenzo511 Figaro by Gioacchino Rossini for accordion solo and for accordion solo with string orchestra. |
Two New Works by Douglas Ward Released by Charnwood Publishing - UKby Harley Jones |
 Two new works have been released by well known UK composer and performer Douglas Ward, published by Charnwood Publishing. DW938 The Happy Whistler Standard: Grade 4 Approximate playing time: 2 min 0 sec This happy-go-lucky little piece will make you want to dance! Written in G major, the introduction is eight bars long. It is quite hummable and memorable. It clips along at a jaunty pace through the first section, which requires some treble fingering dexterity. It changes to C major for the second section before returning to G major. DW939 Ali Baba’s Barber Approximate playing time: 2 min 30 secs. Written in D minor (using just three chords in the basses), this piece combines the mysterious with catchy, playful, and rhythmic. The introduction combines treble chords with a four-note lead-in bass motif. The treble melody and accenting invokes a Moorish feel, with accents and phrasing confirming the rhythmic theme. The second treble section is rapid and requires smoothness and dexterity of the performer, with an extended section displaying playfulness between treble and bass rhythms. After returning to the original theme the piece ends with a showy four-note treble glissando. The Douglas Ward page is now listing over 80 compositions and arrangements of eSheet and printed music available from Charnwood Publishing. Purchase with credit card online. |
Gary Dahl Releases Ashokan Farewell Arrangement - USAby Gary Dahl |
  Catalog No: DH0257 - Ashokan Farewell by Jay UngerArranger Gary Dahl writes about this new arrangement: The minimal use of embellishments is intentional so as to retain the poignancy of this composition. This arrangement is not hard to play but requires exceptional emotion to best convey the beautiful melody to your audience. Jay Ungar and his wife and fellow musician, Molly Mason, were running the Ashokan Camp, a summer arts school specializing in fiddle and dancing. While there, Ray Ungar composed the tune and their group, Fiddle Fever—recorded the song, including it as part of their 1983 album Waltz of the Wind. The inclusion meant that the song would need a name. Mason suggested “Ashokan Farewell.”. The release of the album generally coincided with the years Ken Burns spent researching and producing The Civil War documentary. In 1984 in particular, Burns was on the lookout for songs that could serve as the soundtrack for the documentary. Ken Burns heard the album and the rest is history. Sample page online and to purchase: Catalog No: DH0257 - Ashokan Farewell |
Updated Site: New Information Alessandro Mugnoz CDby Harley Jones |
 Information updated on site for CD by Alessandro Mugnoz and Claudia Menghi.A CD review has also been linked. Sounds samples online for: mugnoz01 |
New Site: Lars Ek Original Compositions - Swedenby Lars Ek |
 Lars Ek, composer, arranger, performer and teacher of Sweden has now released his original compositions on the MusicForAccordion.com site. See samples of the music and further information at:ek131 - Mikaelas Polka ek132 - The Norrtulls Waltz ek133 - Nu Blommar Angen ek134 - Oh Wunderful Archipelago ek135 - Polka for Fun ek136 - Ransaterjoy ek137 - Samba Isopor ek138 - Sambo Hambo ek139 - Schottis på Vikafjallet ek140 - Ska Vi Dansa Schottis |
New: Espana Cani Ensemble Arrangement by Palmer-Hughes - USAby Harley Jones |
 Re-released is the Espana Cani ensemble arrangement by the famed Palmer-Hughes with parts accordion 1 - 4 with an optional 5th accordion part. This is an eSheet publication sent to you by email (no postage) within 24 hours of purchase. Sample page online. mfa8048 |
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