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33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
The 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week opened with a very successful Opening Concert on the 3rd August. Video above: The Finale of this concert was the premiere of Snow Dance Concerto for Accordion and Erhu, composed by Liu Qiao, performed by Yuri Shishkin (Russia) and Shao Dan (China) with the Symphony Orchestra of Harbin Normal University conducted by Yue Xuefeng. A full report of the event, pictures, video and competition results be online from 8th August. 2016 at: 2016Harbin |
Cotati Accordion Festival to Feature a Western Theme, California – USAby Rob Howard |
The 26th annual Cotati Accordion Festival, scheduled for August 20th and 21st, will feature a Country and Western theme this year. The Doo-Wah Riders, Sourdough Slim, The Vivants, and Debra Peters and the Love Saints will be bringing their western sounds to the stage, along with accordionists from Croatia, China, Finland and Canada. The festival includes a jam tent, a Polka tent, the Zydeco Dance Party, the Student Stage, the alternative Accordion Apocalypse Stage, along with more than 70 vendors, food, beer and wine. The Cotati Accordion Festival is a non-profit event that has donated thousands of dollars to local good causes since its inception 26 years ago. For further information email: info@cotatifest.com |
Yuri Shishkin at 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Yuri Shishkin performing on the Opening concert of the 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week. Malaguena by E. Lecuona arranged and performed by Yuri Shishkin. |
3rd Festival Internazionale, San Vito dei Normanni – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The third Festival Internazionale takes place from August 21st to 25th in San Vito dei Normanni, Brindisi (BR), Italy. This festival is a collaboration between the Academy of Music Cultural San Vito and San Vito dei Normanni and the municipality of Castelfidardo. The chief guest is the accordionist Massimo Signorini, who will perform in the opening concert on Monday August 22nd, 9.30pm, at the Chiostro dei Domenicani. On Tuesday evening August 23rd, 9.30pm, there will be a Grand Gala evening at the Ristorante Vecchia Lamia. The following evening, Wednesday, 9.30pm, there will be a concert at the Chiostro dei Domenicani featuring musicians from the Musica Popolare dell’Accademia di Musica Lucia Iurleo, followed by music from 11pm along the streets of the centre of San Vito dei Normanni. The festival’s competition takes place at the Chiostro dei Domenicani, where the results will be announced on the final day, followed by a final concert at 9.30pm. For further information email: accademimusicsanvito@gmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Welcome to Harbin International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Picture above is Prof. Wang Hongyu, Artistic Director of the 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week welcoming all the Chinese and international teachers to the jury and organisation briefing and dinner on 2nd August. Along with many well known Chinese accordion teachers, there was a large list of international guests / jury include many famous musicians and teachers from many different countries (alphabetical order): Ondassyn Abdullahayev (Kazakhstan), Franck Angelis (France), Patricia Bartell (USA), Miljan Bjeletic (Serbia), Raymond Bodell (UK), Eddy Jozef Flecijn (Belgium), Maciej Frackiewicz (Poland), Aleksander Gataulin (Russia), Harley Jones (New Zealand), Boris Lenko (Slovakia), Alexander Kapitan (Russia), Marko Kassl (Germany), Aleksandar Kolovski (Macedonia), Tatjana Marx (Australia), Yves Moulin (Switzerland), Mirco Patarini (Italy), Primoz Parovel (Slovenia), Zoran Rakic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Volodymyr Runchak (Ukraine), Samgar (Kazakhstan), Herbert Scheibenreif (Austria), Viatcheslav Semenenko (Russia), Yuri Shishkin (Russia), Ivan Šverko (Croatia), Raimondas Sviackevicius (Lithuania). Prof. Li Cong, President of the China Accordion Association spoke welcoming everyone and thanking Prof. Wang Hongyu and his team for organizing the large international participation, a record number of competition entries and wishing everyone a most successful 2016 Harbin International Accordion Art Week. The Harbin 2016 China Summer International Accordion Art Week and international competitions is organized by the The Ministry of Culture of China, the Harbin Municipal People's Government, the Department of Education of Heilongjiang Province; Organizer Harbin Normal University. Prof. Wang Hongyu is also the President of Music College of Harbin Normal University. |
Ksenija Sidorova’s ‘Carmen’ named classical recording of the month, Winnipeg - Canadaby Rob Howard |
Ksenija Sidorova’s ‘Carmen’ is named classical recording of the month in Canada by Classic 107, Winnipeg’s classical and jazz radio station. Classic 107 reports: One of the newest signings to Deutsche Grammophon is accordion player Ksenija Sidorova. Ksenija’s ‘Carmen’ presents an authentic reflection of the Latvian accordionionist’s charismatic personality. “Carmen fascinates me,” she notes. “Of course I wanted to bring something new to this music, to let Carmen speak with a different voice. The accordion doesn’t have to breathe like a singer, so there are no restrictions to what I can do with this music. I could be daring and passionate, just like Carmen, and share in the multicultural musical ideas created by my wonderful collaborators.” There’s much more Carmen to come from Ksenija thanks to a run of performances that opens in Dortmund in April and continues in Latvia and Chicago later in the year. “I feel that people of all ages are ready to connect with Carmen and so I want to take this project on the road.” She has shared the stage with guitarist Miloš Karadaglic at the Classic Brits in 2012. The show, presented at London’s Royal Albert Hall, paved the way for her to work with, among others, Avi Avital, Juan Diego Flórez, Sting, Bryn Terfel and Rolando Villazón. Last year she toured an early version of her ‘Carmen’ project as part of the “Night of the Proms” concert series, delighting tens of thousands at major arena and stadium venues across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. “It was so exciting for me to explore the idea of ‘classical meets pop’. I saw just how open people were to this music and to the instrument.” |
Russian Folk Music Quartet Performing, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
The Russian Folk Music Quartet were performing on the Opening Concert of the 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week on the 3rd August. They perform Causcasion Melodies. A full report of the event, pictures, video and competition results be online from 8th August. 2016 at: 2016Harbin |
Jukka-Pekka Kuusela at Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival - Finlandby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
Finnish accordionist Jukka-Pekka Kuusela performed together with cellist Joona Pulkkinen and Kuhmo Festival orchestra, under baton of Nicholas Daniel, ‘Seven Words’ by Sofia Gubaidulina at the famous Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and also at Kainuu Poem Week. He also played other music by Gubadulina and Piazzolla. Furthermore he - as a professional conductor - conducted the tango opera by Astor Piazzolla ‘Maria de Buenos Aires’, which was performed in Liisalmi and which was also the final concert of Kuhmo Chamber Music Festivat. The bandoneon part was played brilliantly by Henrik Sandås. The audience gave a standing ovation for the triumphal performance. |
Accordion and Violin Duo Perform Fade Away, Harbin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Duo Alexander Kolovski and Momchilo Kufojanakis (violin) from Macedonia performed Fade Away composed by Tan Jialiang at the Opening Concert of the 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week. |
Michael Bridge on Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30 - Canadaby Rita Davidson Barnea |
CBC Radio Canada presented the 2016 edition of their annual list of Canada's emerging classical music talent. Yearly since 2013, they have been polling conservatories, music competitions and professional training programs from coast to coast, and creating a who's who of the nation’s next classical music stars. Twenty three year old Michael Bridge from Canada is the first accordionist ever to be on the "30 under 30" list. Excerpts from the CBC website: "Music is not a job, it's a lifestyle." says Michael Bridge. In May he received an Emerging Artist Award from the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. Last season, he performed as soloist with the Ontario Philharmonic String Quartet, the Lethbridge Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Soundstreams. Michael Bridge has given world premieres of 15 new works. In 2016-17, Michael will complete his master's degree in accordion performance at the University of Toronto and play music by Astor Piazzolla and William Bridges with the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra. |
Competitions Start at Harbin Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Competitions began on 3rd August at the 33rd China Harbin Summer Music Festival International Accordion Art Week. Wang Xiao from Shanghai, performing "In the Waterside" (arranged by Tan JiaLiang) competing in the Virtuoso Entertainment category. |
Accordion Visit to Castelfidardo, Italy, May 16th to 20th 2017 - Italyby Rob Howard |
London-based accordionist Peter Le Geyt is currently planning an accordion visit to Castelfidardo, Italy, May 16th to 20th 2017. B Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis, with a deposit deadline of August 30th. After this date any bookings received will be subject to availability. The proposed itinerary includes flights, hotel accommodation, coach transport throughout, factory visits, entrance fees, places of interest, group dinner with entertainment, and accordions to play during the stay. Fully escorted. This will be Peter Le Geyt’s 4th organised visit since 2012 and on each occasion attendees have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For further information email: plg@plgmarketing.com |
Future events |
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham’s 30th Anniversary Tour, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
The ever popular fiddle/accordion duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are on tour, celebrating their 30th anniversary year as a duo. Two of the most admired musicians on the present day Scottish traditional folk scene, Aly and Phil have a large and loyal following. Fiddler Aly Bain was a founding member of the Boys of the Lough, and Phil was the accordionist with Silly Wizard. Their tour dates include: August 5th – Orkney Theatre, Kirkwall Grammar School, Orkney August 6th – Town Hall, Montrose August 7th – Fraserburgh Leisure Centre, North Links, Seaforth St, Fraserburgh August 10th – La Gaiete Spiegeltent, Fringe, North Berwick August 12th – Corn Exchange, Market Square, Melrose August 13th – The Ryan Centre and Theatre, Fairhurst Rd, Stranraer August 14th – Festival Theatre, Pitlochry, Perthshire August 17th – Victoria Halls, Sinclair St, Helensburgh August 18th - Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay August 19th – Arainn Shuaineirt, Strontian August 23rd – Aros Hall, Main St, Tobermory, Isle of Mull August 24th – Bunessan Village Hall, Isle of Mull August 26th – Perth Concert Hall August 27th – Eden Court Theatre, Inverness September 1st – Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen September 2nd – Elgin Town Hall, Morayshire September 3rd – Meldrum Academy, Old Meldrum, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire September 5th – Gairloch Village Hall, Ross-shire September 6th – The Aros Centre, Portree, Isle of Skye September 7th – Village Hall, Loan Fern, Ballachulish September 9th – Motherwell Theatre, Civic Centre, Motherwell September 10th – Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, Fife September 11th – Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate, Edinburgh September 16th – Albert Halls, Dumbarton Rd, Stirling September 17th – Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock September 18th – Paisley Town Hall September 22nd – Eastgate Theatre, Peebles September 23rd – Howden Park Centre, Livingston September 24th – Craighouse Village Hall, Isle of Jura September 29th – Victoria Hall, Campbeltown, Argyll September 30th – The Buccleuch Centre, Langholm, Dumfries & Galloway October 1st – Queen’s Hall, Clerk St, Edinburgh For further information email: phil@philcunningham.com |
Claudia Buder in BBC Proms Concerts, London - UKby Rob Howard |
On Monday August 8th, 1pm, at the Cadogan Hall, London, there is a concert celebrating the music of Kurt Weill and of proponents of the subversive and at times irreverent ‘Third Viennese School’. Performing are the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, featuring soloists Håkan Hardenberger – trumpet, HK Gruber – vocalist, John Constable – piano, Mats Bergstrom - banjo/guitar, and Claudia Buder – accordion. Trumpeter Håkan Hardenberger, banjo player Mats Bergström and accordionist Claudia Buder perform HK Gruber’s ‘Busking’, in a Prom which also includes Dutilleux’s ‘Timbres’, ‘espace’, ‘mouvement’ and Beethoven’s ‘Fifth Symphony’. This concert takes place on Wednesday August 10th, 7.30pm, at the Royal Albert Hall, London. This concert is an event in the annual BBC Henry Wood Promenade Concerts. Claudia Buder, from Leipzig, Germany, studied the accordion with Professor Ivan Koval at the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar, and with Professor Mie Miki at the Folkwang Universität der Künste Essen. She has won prizes at many national and international accordion competitions. She has taught at the Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland, the University Prešov, Slovakia, the ARTEZ Enschede, Netherlands, the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt, and the Hochschule für Musik in Münster. Claudia Buder’s chamber-music activities, with a number of different ensembles, have been documented in a range of CDs; she has also performed with larger ensembles such as the Ensemble Ascolta, Ensemble Avantgardes and the Ensemble Modern. She has appeared as soloist with the Amsterdam Sinfonietta, BBC Philharmonic and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, and has commissioned numerous new works from composers such as HK Gruber, Georg Katzer, Steffen Schleiermacher, Rebecca Saunders and Annette Schlünz. For further information email: claudia.buder@gmail.com |
Les Nuits de Folklore sur l’Aubrac, Nasbinals - Franceby Rob Howard |
Les Nuits de Folklore sur l’Aubrac are three evenings of dancing to accordionists on Wednesday August 10th, 17th, and 24th, all beginning at 9pm, at La Rosee de Matin, 48260 Nasbinals. Nasbinals is a commune in the Lozère department in southern France. Entry is 7 Euro. Performing are accordionists Laurent Mallet (August 10th), Gilles Saby (August 17th), and Thierry Bonnefous (August 24th). |
Renzo Ruggieri in ‘Valentino e Tango!’, Castellana Grotte (BA) – Italyby Harley Jones |
Renzo Ruggieri performs in ‘Valentino e Tango!’ on Thursday August 11th, 10.15pm, at Grotte di Castellana, Piazzale Anelli, 70013 Castellana Grotte (BA). This show, which tells the story of Rudolf Valentino, involves special guest Stefania Santoro, and dancers and choreographers of Argentinean Tango. Free admission. |
Stanislav Angelov Tango Quartet Concerts, Johannesburg - South Africaby Rob Howard |
On Wednesday August 17th, 8pm, the Stanislav Angelov Tango Quartet performs at The Orbit, 81 de Korte St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Orbit is a popular live music venue and bistro. The concert will be repeated on Saturday August 20th, 7pm at the Argentinean Association, Marks Park Sport Club, Orange Rd, Johannesburg. The line-up for these concerts are Stanislav Angelov – accordion, Petrus de Beer – violin, Marlize Koch – piano, Neville Nhlanhla Radebe – double bass, and Juan Simon - vocals. For further information email: info@theorbit.co.za |
Seamus O’Sullivan @ Tynedale Accordion & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
On Thursday August 18th, 7.30pm, accordionist Seamus O’Sullivan is the guest at the Tynedale Accordion & Fiddle Club, Hexham and District Ex-Servicemens Club, I Hallstile Bank, Hexham NE46 3PQ, Northumberland, North East England. Seamus O’Sullivan, from Glasgow, is a highly accomplished accordionist, pianist, and Irish dancer, and the winner of many competition awards. He is a regular accompanist at Irish dancing competitions (feis) around the world, on both accordion and piano. |
Dominic Karcic to Perform for Long Island Accordion Alliance, New York - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Accordionist Dominic Karcic and vocalist Cheryl Spielman will entertain with their programme, ‘From Broadway to the Met…plus’ on Wednesday August 24th, 6pm, at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, New York. Come hear the music from the American Song Book, Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, Opera, Operetta and more. Reservations are recommended. |
Fintan Stanley Concerts, Massachusetts - USAby Rob Howard |
Boston-based Irish accordion entertainer Fintan Stanley performs as follows at the Cape Cod Irish Village, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts: Wednesday August 24th, Thursday August 25th, Monday September 5th, Tuesday September 6th, Sunday September 11th, Sunday September 25th, Monday September 26th, Monday October 3rd, Tuesday October 4th, Monday October 10th, Sunday October 16th, and Monday October 17th. All concerts begin at 8pm. Fintan Stanley, born in County Louth, Ireland, is based in Boston, USA. In 1955 Fintan was the first to win an All-Ireland Championship title on a Continental chromatic accordion. He later played in several bands, most notably the Gallowglass Ceili Band and with Dermot O’Brien & The Clubmen, and for many years has performed as a solo accordionist. He has worked mainly in the USA, Ireland and the UK, and also in Germany and Italy. For further information email: Info@TommyFoxs.com |
Peter Dranga (Russia) To Perform for Michigan Accordion Society - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Video: Peter Dranga Performances medley Michigan Accordion Society President Joe Recchia invites all:"As we continue to celebrate our 20th year anniversary, the Michigan Accordion Society is working very hard to bring great accordion performers to Michigan. This time, we are very pleased and excited to present Accordionist Peter Dragna from Russia on 17th September. Peter is an extremely talented Entertainer, Singer and Accordionist. This is a very special appearance as Peters shows are high energy and very exciting! Please do not miss this opportunity to see a brilliant performer as you will see by his promo video. See video above." Peter will perform only one concert in Michigan and will be in town for one night only on Sept 17, 2016. The show starts at 8:00 PM. Dranga was born in 1984 to a family of musicians. Under the influence of his father, Dranga began to play accordion. In 1990 he was accepted to the Richter music school.In 1996, Dranga won VI Moscow Open Competition of accordionists and in October the same year he won the International Competition of accordionists in Castelfidardo, Italy. In 1997, Dranga participated in the13th International Music Festival in St. Petersburg. In 1998, he performed at the International Music Festival in Beijing, China, and won the International Competition of accordionists in Asturias, Spain. In 1999 he was named Laureate at the VII Moscow Open Music Competition and began his concert career organised by Russian Cultural Foundation. He graduated from high school and enrolled in Gnesin Academy of Music. Peter is a versatile performer and is very involved in theatre work, charity performances, solo and band performances all over the world. To order your tickets on line or call the Bergman Center in Bloomfield Township, MI at 248-661-1900. MAS members will receive a $5.00 ticket discount! This concert is expected to sell out so please get your tickets early! |
New and Updated Sites |
New Article: Joe Cerrito, Consummate Musician and Extraordinary Educator - USAby Harley Jones |
A new article written by Joan Grauman (AAA Historian) titled "Joe Cerrito, Consummate Musician and Extraordinary Educator" has been published at: http://www.accordions.com/articles/joe_cerrito.aspx This exceptional article details the extensive musical career of Joe Cerrito with many historic pictures and quotes from family and former students. |
Updated Arrangements Now Available, Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
Updated Site: - Michelle arranged by well known teacher, performer and arranger Gary Dahl. Catalog: DH0132 and - Abide With Me arranged by Gary Dahl. Catalog: DH0217 Any clients who have already purchased this music may email for the updated arrangement which will be provided by email to you without charge. |
Updated Site: Franco Cambareri Two New Works Released - Australiaby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri has released two new compositions: cfranco210 - Ballade Pour Lucia Ballade Pour Lucia is a sweet melody with a Romantic Feeling. cfranco211 - Ballade de Don Florencio Ballade de Don Florencio is a Happy Latin Disco These works are eSheet (pdf file, able to be emailed to you) and can be purchased online with secure server credit card. |
Andrea Di Giacomo Releases "Accordion Colours" CD/mp3 Album - Italyby Harley Jones |
International competition winner Andrea Di Giacomo has released his first CD, catalog no: ADG01 - Accordion Colours. The album is also available as an mp3 download / individual tracks. Tracks are: 01. Medley Jazz (Ray Noble/Charlie Parker) 2:56 02. Roma Tango (Renzo Ruggieri) 6:00 03. Mahnà Mahnà (Piero Umiliani) 3:37 04. Il Postino (Lui Bacalov) 2:53 05. Coco Mazurka (Joao Frade) 1:56 06. Lo Scuro e il Chiaro (Renzo Ruggieri) 4:35 07. Tango Italiano (Renzo Ruggieri) 4:33 08. Volo degli angeli (Carmen Carozza) 3:04 09. Lisa (Frank Marocco) 1:53 10. La Tempesta (Andrè Astier) 1:45 11. Acquarelli Italiani (Renzo Ruggieri) 4:11 12. Tico Tico (Zequinha Abreu) 3:20 13. Carnevale (Renzo Ruggieri) 4:22 14. Genova (Renzo Ruggieri) 3:32 Tracks 1, 3, 4, 8 and 12 arranged by Renzo Ruggieri Tracks 6 and 13 feature Lorenzo Bosica Track 14 features Renzo Ruggieri and Renzo Ruggieri Orchestra |
New Music: Three Songs by Gary Daverne Released - New Zealandby Gary Daverne |
ED0065 - Three Songs (Duet) composition for accordion and piano (1. Fireside Fantasies, 2. The Awakening, 3. The Journey) have been released. They are available as a group of three works (Catalog ED0065) or also available individually. ED0066 - Fireside Fantasies - accordion & piano ED0067 - The Awakening - accordion & piano ED0068 - The Journey - accordion & piano Purchase online with secure server credit card capture by Paypal, the worlds largest online payments system. |
New Site: Lars Ek Original Compositions - Swedenby Harley Jones |
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: ek111 - Djupbackens Ros ek112 - The Handsaw ek113 - Fornuddsvalsen ek114 - Fors Majeure ek115 - The Savior ek116 - Bridal from Futurity ek117 - The Choir of the Birds ek118 - Gondoljären_The Gondolier ek119 - Hambo from Breim ek120 - Hot Accordion Boggie ek203 - Lars Ek Special 3: The Shortcut to Playing and the Bellows - Technique for The Accordion. 24 pages. During the years I have noticed a growing need of a ”shortcut” to perfected technique because of the long time it takes to study the conventional way. That’s the reason why I have created this book of technique for accordions. This is no treatise, but a ”shortcut” to improved playing skills by practicing what is the most effective at the shortest of time. |
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