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Excellent Entries for 'Live' 74th Coupe Mondiale in Munich - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Secretary General Kimmo Mattila writes: "The CIA congratulates the 2021 Coupe Mondiale host, the Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) upon attracting 74 entries from 22 countries for the 74th Coupe Mondiale, 13 - 17 October in Munich." While Covid is causing problems for travel from some countries, a live Coupe Mondiale with live jury is clearly very popular with the contestants and their teachers. Additionally, the CIA has received 44 delegate registrations from 23 member countries for the CIA International Congress with many Delegates also participating as jury for the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships. CIA President Mirco Patarini writes: “My best welcome to all people that will attend the 74th Coupe Mondiale, and my warm wishes to all competitors. We will have a great event with real music in a live situation, and all our young players will have the chance to express their talent without limits. Good luck!!" Download printable event poster at: 2021CM-poster.pdf |
Kevin Friedrich Releases 'Reflections' CD - USAby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
New York based accordionist Kevin Friedrich has recently released a CD of his live performances titled ‘Reflections’, catalog friedrich02. Kevin says “Over the course of my accordion career I have had the joy of performing an array of music spanning transcriptions, showcasing the genius of the great Masters such as Johann Sebastian Bach through to creative original works for the accordion. Many of these performances were in conjunction with my days of competing in International competitions such as the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Coupe Mondiale (1979, 1980 and 1981) and Klingenthal (1986) and during my Conservatory studies in both Kansas City (USA) and Paris (France).” Kevin goes on to say “One of the few regrets I have in life, is that I didn’t professionally record all this magnificent repertoire at the time I was performing it. In those days it was a rapid succession of exams and competitions often enticing new works. In the excitement and challenge of learning, the older repertoire was often unceremoniously discarded, making way for the new. Fortunately not all was completely lost and there were occasions that my live performances were recorded. Often these were made on cassette tapes, as was common in the 1970s and 1980s. While not ideal in this age of digital recording, in the interest of preserving recordings for prosperity’s sake, I feel blessed to have them.” At the request of the New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) Kevin has now compiled a series of his performances which will serve as a historical record of some of his work. An exponent of both the piano and button keyboards, some of the pieces are performed on his Pigini Super Sirius Bayan, (Instrument No. 85 - C System) and some on his Titano Emperor JW5 Piano Accordion (quint free bass system). Along with these live memorized performances, come a variety of considerations including external noises, imperfections in performance and the quality of the original tape. All these things could have been addressed and corrected in a recording studio at that time, but now have been captured for eternity due to the nature of live performance. Kevin remains grateful to his teachers Ben and Doreen Emmett, Harley Jones (New Zealand), Joan C. Sommers (USA) and Max Bonnay (France) for inspiring him to continually explore and learn a variety of repertoire, something he continues to this very day. The tracks include: Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565) by J. S. Bach; A Farewell to St. Petersburg, No. 10, The Lark by Mikhail Glinka, arr. M. Balakirev; Reflections by Karen Fremar (I. The Prairie, II. The Plaza, III. The Festival); Four Pieces in Old Style, (III. Aria) by Georgiy Shenderev; Prelude and Fugue “The Great” in A minor (BWV 543) by J. S. Bach; Sonata by Alexander Timoshenko (II. Rondo, III. Lento Doloroso, IV. Rondo Finale); Prelude and Fugue No. XV in G Major (WTC I - BWV 860) by J. S. Bach; Concert Suite for Accordion by Albin Repnikov (I. Recitative and Toccata) and Sonata No. 2 (III. Vivacissimo Con Spirito) by Vladislav Zolotaryov. After leaving New Zealand, Kevin studied with Joan C. Sommers at the University of Missouri, Kansas City where he obtained his Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance. In addition to the piano accordion, Kevin has also mastered the bayan and it is with this instrument that he furthered his studies at the Conservatoire Paul Dukas in Paris, France studying with CIA World Accordion Champion, Max Bonnay. Kevin has performed in concert, on radio and on television in many countries as a soloist, with Symphony Orchestra and as a member of The International Trio, the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra, the Musicale Accordion Orchestra and the Auckland Accordion Symphonietta from New Zealand and as a member and concert master of the renowned University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Accordion Orchestra. More recently Kevin has served as Concert Master for the CIA World Accordion Orchestra at their concerts in the USA, Scotland and New Zealand. After serving as a Vice-President for eight years, Kevin served two four year terms as President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), the umbrella organization for more than 35 countries and their National Accordion Associations. Since the CIA (member of the International Music Council, IMC-UNESCO) formed in 1935, this was the first time ever that a non-European has held this title. At the conclusion of his Presidency, Kevin was elected to the CIA Executive Committee as CIA Ambassador. Kevin currently makes his home in New York City where he has lived since 1989. Keeping close ties to his homeland of New Zealand, Kevin curates the Accordion Gems, A Master Collection of Accordions in Time historical accordion exhibition at the Dargaville Museum where he hosts regular fundraising concerts. In the USA, in addition to playing in the UMKC Community Chamber Accordion Ensemble, his accordion activities include serving on the Board of Directors for both the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) and the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) as well as being First Vice President for the world’s largest accordion museum, A World of Accordions Museum (AWAM) located in Superior, Wisconsin. For more further information and ordering ‘Reflections’ catalog friedrich02 as well as his CD showcasing the music of New Zealand composers Gary Daverne ‘The Journey”, catalog friedrich01 please visit: http://www.musicforaccordion.com/eTracks/inform/friedrich/index.htm |
Online: Mika Väyrynen World Premiere Concert Video Link – Finlandby Veli Kujala, Head of the Classical Accordion Studies, Sibelius-Academy of the University of Arts Helsinki |
Picture above: Paavo Korpijaakko (left) and Mika Väyrynen. Mika Väyrynen will perform a solo recital at The Great Hall of The Sibelius Academy on Wednesday 8th September at 19.00 Finnish time (UTC +3). The concert will be live-streamed. A link to the live stream will be added to the following website at the latest an hour before the beginning of the concert: https://www.uniarts.fi/en/events/mika-vayrynen-of-life-and-death/ Full concert information at: 2021MikaVäyrynen |
Ksenija Sidorova Performs at “Last Night of the Proms” - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
Ksenija Sidorova (picture right), will perform at the “Last Night of the Proms”, one of the world’s greatest classical music festivals on September 11th, 2021 in the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, London (picture above). The event will also be televised on BBC TV. Ksenija will accompany Stuart Skelton, “one of the great tenors of his generation and a regular in all the major international opera houses” for the “climax of the 2021 festival”. Ksenija is a Royal Academy of Music graduate. Her concert repertoire spans from Bach to Piazzolla, Podgaits, Trojan and Bizet as well as new accordion concertos composed especially for her. |
International Accordion Week, Calabria - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
The live event, “International Accordion Week” directed by Marco Gemelli will be held in Calabria, Italy from September 5th to 10th, 2021. The event will include confirmed masterclasses by Mirco Patarini, Renzo Ruggieri, Ladislav Horak, Geir Draugsvoll, Olivier Douyez and Volodymyr Runchak at the "Colonia San Benedetto" (picture left) in the municipality of Cetraro (CS). Due to Covid-19 travel restraints, New Zealand accordionist Grayson Masefield is regrettably unable to attend this event. For further details email: marcogemelli7@gmail.com |
Accordionists Celebrate Farroupilha Month - Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Bruna Scopel and Augusto Camargo performing Selecao Teixeirinha Brazilian TV Show Galpão Crioulo (RBS TV RS - Gshow) will feature concerts and events during the September 2021 Farroupilha Month in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The celebrations will begin with a studio performance by Bruna Scopel (accordion – picture above) and Augusto Camargo (guitar) on September 5th. The duo will perform their new song "Canta Sabiá" as well as taking part in an interview about their career. This year's Farroupilha Month celebrations honour the bicentennial of Ana Maria de Jesus Ribeiro, better known as Anita Garibaldi and the Galpão Crioulo TV show has prepared a program that revives the heroine's life. Accordionists Fofa Nobre and Acord's will sing and play songs that honour Anita Garibaldi, the most remembered female figure of the Farroupilha Revolution. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
"Accordéons-nous.org 2021" International Festival - Belgiumby Christine Johnstone |
Picture top: Competition winners at the Awards Ceremony. Picture above left: Winner of the "Prize Accordéons-nous .org 2021" was Michele Bianco (picture centre above left). Video: Michele Bianco performance at the 2021 PIF Castelfidardo competition - II Round Program: A. Kusyakov "Sonata no 1, IV movement” L. Janácek "Our Evenings" V. Vlassov "Suite I movement" V. Zubitsky "Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35, Finale after P. I. Tchaikovsky" Picture above right: "Accordéons-nous.org 2021" celebration cake The 7th International Accordion Festival combined with the 4th International Competition, 3rd National Competition, and 2nd International Masterclass was held in Mons, Belgium from August 24th to 29th, 2021, organised by Accordeons-nous.org, ARTS² (Royal Conservatory of Mons) and the City of Mons. The event included the "Accordéons-nous.org 2021" International Masterclass, which was held at the Royal Conservatory of Mons and included a concert by participants. The concert program is pictured below. Download detailed results: 2021Accordeons-nous.pdf |
XIV International Accordion Composition Competition Francisco Escudero – Spainby Christine Johnstone |
The XIV International Accordion Composition Competition Francisco Escudero will be held in Zarautz, Basque Country, Spain on October 8th, 2021, organised by Hauspoz Euskal Herriko Akordoei Elkartea. The objective of the contest is to promote the creation of pieces for solo accordion and for accordion in chamber music. Their length may not exceed 10 minutes. The competition is open to composers of any age and nationality. Only pieces written after January 2017 will be admitted. Works presented may be commissioned, but must never have been previously performed either in public or through any digital or mechanical means. Entries close on October 1st, 2021 Download competition rules here: 2021EscuderoRules.pdf |
National Accordion Convention Request for “Expressions of Interest” for the 2022 Convention – USAby Norman Seaton, President National Accordion Association (NAA) |
The National Accordion Association (NAA) is inviting you to submit your “Expression of Interest” for the 2022 convention, which will be held in Richardson, Texas from March 16th to 19th, 2022. The convention will consist of traditional activities plus a focus group discussion related to 2022 popular styles of music. The 2022 Planning Committee is looking for individuals to participate in both the focus group discussion and to present workshops related to new opportunities. The 2022 door of opportunity to conduct a workshop during the 2022 Convention closes on September 15th, 2021. For details email: NatlAccordion@SBCGlobal.net |
Royal Academy of Music Welcomes Live Concerts From November, England - UKby Christine Johnstone |
The Royal Academy of Music in London, England welcomes the return to live in-person concerts from November 1st, 2021. “Please rest assured that we will continue to prioritise the safety of our visitors, students and staff to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. As part of this process, booking is now compulsory for all events.” On November 4th at 1pm, an accordion chamber music recital will be held at the Angela Burgess Recital Hall (picture above right). Performers include accordionists Flávio Rodrigues, Jinjie Kang, Emmy-Constantin Dumitru, Alise Silina and Iulian Ciobanu. This is a free event and bookings open to the general public on Wednesday September 15th, 2021. To book, please phone +44 20 7873 7373 from 10am to 4pm. |
Joan Grauman and Dr. William Morse Perform for the Golden Arts Festival - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
For decades, the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Dr. William Morse, has been performing annual outdoor concerts for the Golden Colorado Arts Festival. The festival takes place each August in downtown Golden along the beautiful Clear Creek and Historic Park. Due to the pandemic, the orchestra has not been meeting in person for well over a year. This year, in lieu of an orchestra performance, small ensembles of mostly orchestra members played for two evenings during the festival. The first night featured a brass quintet and several small string groups. The second night of performances featured the accordion! Joan Grauman and Dr. (Bill) Morse (picture above left) played a set of duets by Frank Marocco, Stas Venglevski, Guy Klucevsek, and a few classical pieces arranged for two accordions by Bill Morse. The accordion was also featured in “Tryptych”, a trio consisting of cello, piano and accordion, a group that has delighted Colorado audiences for several years. Tryptych played several selections by Astor Piazzolla and ended with excerpts from the gorgeous Enigma Variations by Elgar, all arranged by Bill Morse. These musicians were joined by a terrific cello sextet for an evening of fun and, as a few audience members stated, “wonderful live music — finally!! It has been way too long!” Picture below: “Tryptych” left to right - Rodney Farrar, Bill Morse, Peggy Lyon |
Future events |
Samuele Telari Performs at Festival della Piana Del Cavaliere - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Samuele Telari performs J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, filmed at Linden Hall Studio, Deal, UK in November 2020. Samuele Telari (picture above - member of the group “Opificio Sonoro”) will perform at the Festival della Piana Del Cavaliere in Chiesa di Santo Stefano, Umbria on September 5th, 2021 at 12.00. The event will include performances by students of the Highly Specialized Academy of the Carlo Felice Theater in Genoa Orvieto, and will begin with a nature walk through the medieval streets of Orvieto, leaving Piazzale Giacomo Matteotti at 10.00 pm. The concert entitled “Signals in Goldberg” will include Goldberg variations by Andrea Agostini and works by Johann Sebastian Bach. For details email: info@festivalpianadelcavaliere.it |
Isabelle Debarre Orchestre Entertains in Brittany - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
The Isabelle Debarre Orchestre (which features Isabelle on accordion and vocals - picture left) will entertain in Bain de Bretagne, Brittany, France on September 5th, 2021 at 2pm. The group perform a variety of dance music. The event is entitled La Musique en Couleur (Music in Colour). For details email: isabelle.debarre@gmail.com |
“Cricket & Snail” Duo Entertain on Restaurant Day - Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
The “Cricket & Snail” duo will entertain at “Restaurant Day” in Kolovraty, Prague, Czech Republic on September 5th, 2021 at 11.30am. The duo (picture left), which features James Carlson (accordion) and Lucie Carlson (violin) perform original music, French chansons, classical, Celtic and klezmer tunes. See poster for details. |
Orchestra Popolare del Saltarello Concert in Tortoreto - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
The Orchestra Popolare del Saltarello will perform a concert at the Arena ViviTortoreto (South Promenade) in Tortoreto, Abruzzi, Italy on September 6th, 2021 at 9pm. The group of musicians and dancers, which includes accordionist Danilo Di Paolonicola (composer, arranger and teacher of accordion at the Conservatory "A . Casella "de L’ Aquila - picture above left) plus vocalists, bagpipes, organ, flutes, tambourines, mandolin, guitars, bass and drums offers a repertoire of popular Abruzzo songs, ranging from traditional to Saltarelle, Spallate and Ballarelle. For details email: orchestrapopolaredelsaltarello@gmail.com |
Los Texmaniacs Entertain at Sell-Out Music Festival – USAby Christine Johnstone |
Video above: Segment from full concert video by Los Texmaniacs. Los Texmaniacs (pictured below) will perform with guitarist Peter Rowan at Michael Hearne's 15th Annual Big Barn Dance Music Festival held in Kit Carson Park, Taos, New Mexico from September 9th to 11th, 2021. The festival is a sell-out and will include performances by nineteen solo and group acts from 2pm daily. |
Vancouver Squeezebox Circle and Accordion Noir Festival – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
The September Squeezebox Circle accordion drop-in is now planned for September 10th from 7pm to 9pm, in the covered pergola in the centre of Strathcona Park, Vancouver, BC. Participants are invited to bring their instruments and music stands and if you have something new to share, bring copies of the music if you want folks to play along! The following day (September 11th), the 14th annual Accordion Noir Festival will be held at Strathcona's Maclean Park from 2pm to 5pm. Performers include bluesy gospel squeezebox player, Ana Bon-Bon, jazz group “Hot Water Quintette” and Hummingbird Quartette among others. For details email: accordionnoirfest@gmail.com |
“Incoerente Duo” Performs at Church of San Rocco, Naples - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
The Incoerente Duo, which includes Giorgio Dellarole (accordion) and Alessandro Tampieri (violin) will perform at the Church of San Rocco in Chiaia, Naples, Italy on September 11th, 2021 at 7.30pm The event is organised by the Pietà de 'Turchini Foundation of Naples and Volcanic Talents Ensemble of Pietà de' Turchini. The concert is part of the programming of La Campania Theater, Dance and Music, a project promoted by ARTEC/MED System in collaboration with SCABEC - Campania Cultural Heritage Society and Campania Festival Foundation. Their program will include works by Cima, Castello, Frescobaldi, Mealli, Merula, Corelli and Bach. For details email: info@talentivulcanici.it |
Granny’s Attic Performs at September Folk Festivals, England - UKby Christine Johnstone |
“Granny’s Attic”, which includes Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon) will entertain at numerous folk festivals in England during September. September concert dates as follows: 9th to 11th - Bromyard Folk Festival 12th - Swanage Folk Festival 18th - Otley Folk Festival 23rd - The Barn in Baston 24th - Upwood Village Hall Performing Arts Events 25th - The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club Anniversary Concert (with Jez Lowe and Martin Carthy) For details email: band@grannysattic.org.uk |
Quartetto Aires Performs “The Sounds of Stone” Concert - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Quartetto Aires (pictured below) will perform a concert entitled “The Sounds of Stone” at the Teatro della Pietra in Bergolo, Italy on September 12th at 4.30pm. This concert is part of the Stagione concerti d’estate (Summer concert season) in Bergola. Quartetto members are Alessandro Ambrosi, Alex Modolo, Mauro Scaggiante and Federico Zugno. Their repertoire covers transcriptions from classical and baroque pieces as well as original pieces specifically written for the ensemble. For details email: bergolo@ruparpiemonte.it |
“SiBDUO” and “Symmetry” Perform at "From Solo to Quintet" Concert - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
The concert entitled "From Solo to Quintet" will take place in the Jaani Kirik concert hall in St. Petersburg on September 16th at 8pm. Two striking ensembles “SiBDUO” and “Symmetry” have teamed up to show all the power and beauty of the accordion. The concert will begin with a solo performance and then, as others join in, new facets of the accordion will be revealed. Each performer has a bright, unique emphasis, and when they are together it is “an extravaganza of emotions and the beauty of sound.” The concert repertoire consists of original accordion music written by living composers, Petri Makkonen, Franck Angelis, A. Nizhnik, Renzo Ruggieri, A. Adrshin and others. “SiBDUO” consists of Alexander Sirotkin and Andrey Bityutskikh and “Symmetry” includes Arkady Shkvorov, Vladimir Stupnikov and Arthur Adrshin. See poster for details. |
Childrens Corner |
Videos: 2021 Online Australian International AATA Music Championships and Festival - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
Video 1: Winner: 2021 AATA Australian National 6 years and under Champion - Denise Li playing Babeko Polka Video 2: Winner: 2021 AATA Australian National 8 years and under Champion - Alvin Xiao playing Gay Vienna & Melody of Love News article and full competition results published: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=27-Aug-2021&lang=en&s=17961 |
New and Updated Sites |
2021 CIA Video Archive and Education Project, Munich - Germanyby Harley Jones |
The Scandalli Accordion Factory is the sponsor of the 2021 Video Archive and Education Project. The "Video Archive Education Project" is a project initiated in 2010 by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) with assistance from sponsors and Accordions Worldwide. Videos should be online approximately 1 hour after the live performance or live competition and viewers will have free downloads of Coupe Mondiale competitions playing a vast range of different types and styles of music. The project includes a video of all the Coupe Mondiale categories and their contestants to be kept in the CIA archives in Finland, which over the coming years will become a wealth of historical recordings, including the premiere of many original accordion works and the emergence of upcoming artists at the Coupe Mondiale. We thank the Scandalli Accordion Factory for their sponsorship enabling this ambitious free project to assist accordion students and tutors throughout the world. |
Site Update: AAA Presidents Announcements - USAby Harley Jones |
Site Update: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) President Dr. Joseph A. Ciccone announcements of future events. |
Updated Site: Accordion Russia Newsby Christine Johnstone |
The Accordion Russia News has been updated with new additional articles. |
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