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Highlights |
2022 Coupe Mondiale in Zofingen, 4-9 October - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
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![]() At the 146th CIA International General Assembly of Delegates Congress last month, the 2022 Coupe Mondiale hosting contract was signed by accordeon.ch President Yvonne Glur and CIA Vice-President and accordeon.ch Coupe Mondiale organizer Ruedi Marty with CIA President Mirco Patarini, General Secretary Kimmo Mattila. Picture above. The accordeon.ch host made a presentation to the Congress delegates from 19 countries plus 6 countries attending via proxy. The presentation containing a lot of information about the city, concert venues, hotels and travel information can be downloaded: 2022CM-Presentation.pdf Zofingen is a small city of 12,000 inhabitants about 60 km from Basel and Zürich airports, with Zürich being one of the most important airports in Europe, connecting Switzerland to the whole world. The concert halls are in the middle of Zofingen and within 5 minutes walking distance of each other. The main concerts and competitions take place in the large City Hall, which can hold up to 450 people. |
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New Dates, 2023 World Music Festival Innsbruck - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
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The Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e. V. (DHV) has announced the change of dates from 2022 to 2023. The World Music Festival Innsbruck will now be held in Innsbruck, Austria from May 18th to 21st, 2023. Every held every three years, several thousand participants and visitors are thrilled when the German DHV Association invites them to the World Music Festival. The event features lots of concerts and many competitions in a variety of categories for accordion, harmonica and Styrian harmonica and is one of the larger world accordion events. |
Petar Dincic (Serba) Wins Masters Coupe Mondiale - Germanyby Harley Jones |
![]() The candidate must perform a program of three or more pieces including: One Baroque work. Two (2) pieces of contrasting character and style. One (1) of these pieces must be an original work for accordion. Complete cyclic works or a selection of movements can be played. Playing time: suggested minimum of 15 minutes to maximum 20 minutes. Petar Dincic (Serba) Music program: Domenico Scarlatti Sonata In A Major, K24 Staffan Mossenmark Water Spirit Franz Liszt Edute No 2, E Flat Major Daily Reports of video, pictures and results is online. There is video of every Coupe Mondiale contestants performance and the concerts, provided by the CIA Video Archive and Education Project. Video Homepage & Video Timetable at: 2021CM-Video Daily Reports, pictures, results at: 2021CM-Report |
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Video: Klaus Paier Performs Composition “Premiere Suite” with the Camerata Sinfonica - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The video is recorded live, 21 July, at St. Pauler Kultursommer 2021, the largest music festival in Lower Carinthia with a series of events between Pentecost and the Assumption of Mary. |
Online ATG: Friedrich Lips Workshop - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() Professor Lips will discuss the role of the accordion in today’s general music culture. Globally, how does it interact with other instruments and groups? For details, view the website ATG or email: atg.accordioniststeachersguild@gmail.com |
Sirius Accordion Trio (Italy) Wins International Competition for Chamber Music - Germanyby Harley Jones |
The International Ensemble - Classical Music category held at the 2021 Coupe Mondiale was won by the Sirius Accordion Trio (Italy). Performers were: Bianco, Michele (Accordion) Nardelli, Alberto (Accordion ), Secundo, Pietro (Accordion ). The Candidates must perform: Own Choice Program of concert music consisting of at least two (2) pieces with contrasting style. Marking will take into consideration program choice, level of playing and ensemble work. Playing time: maximum 20 minutes. Music program Sirius Accordion Trio: V. Semionov Toccata Barbara K. Olczak Maestoso Mesto K. Hakola Arara' First Day Of Spring P. Baranek |
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Online: II All-Russian Competition of Folk Instrument Performers, Perm - Russiaby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
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The II All-Russian competition of performers on folk instruments "Russian Melody" will be held online this year for button and piano accordion on the basis of the Children's Music School No. 10 "Dinamika" from November 22nd to 26th, 2021. The competition is held with the support of the Department of Culture and Youth Policy of the Perm City Administration. Permian The main objectives of the Competition are to expand the possibilities of creative formation of performers on folk instruments, identification and support of the most gifted students, along with the expansion and strengthening of interregional ties. The jury consists of Ozerov Sergey Alexandrovich (button accordion, N. Novgorod), Kartashov Viktor Dmitrievich (button accordion, Saratov), Burlakov Mikhail Sergeevich (button accordion, Moscow) and Novikov Grigory Vladimirovich (Russia, N. Novgorod). Competition categories include: Solo Bayan (pupils, students, teachers) Solo Accordion (pupils, students, teachers) Ensemble accordion and mixed instruments (pupils, students, teachers) Teacher-student (including mixed instruments) Orchestra (from 12 players) Entries close on November 15th, 2021. For details email: permstruni@gmail.com Download competition rules here: 2021PermRules.pdf |
Amsterdam Accordion Association Insulinde Anniversary Concert – Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() ![]() The event will be held at the Dorpshuis Landsmeer (Landsmeer Village Hall) in Landsmeer, North Holland, Netherlands. Following the concert, there will be a cocktail hour with accordion music by Sjaak Wester (picture below). For details email: mart.stralen@live.nl |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Peter Milovanov (Russia) Winner of the 2021 Junior Coupe Mondiale - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Winner of the 2021 Junior Coupe Mondiale category is Peter Milovanov (Russia). Music requirements of Junior Coupe Mondiale category: Round I The candidate must perform three pieces: One Baroque work. Two (2) pieces of contrasting character and style Notifications: Minimum one original work for accordion must be included. One of the pieces can be a single movement from a cyclic work. Each piece must be from a different composer. Playing time for Round 1: maximum 15 minutes. Music requirements: Round II The candidate must perform: Minimum of two (2) pieces must be played of which one must be an original work for accordion. Complete cyclic works or a selection of movements can be played. Playing time: maximum of 15 minutes. Music Program of Peter Milovanov Round I D. Buxtehude Praeluadium And Fuge In G-Moll Buxwv 149 D. Scarlatti Sonata Number 73 In H-Moll V. Semionov “the Tale Of The Quiet Don” Round II V. Semionov Sonata Number 2 “basqueriad” O. Novachek “perpetual Motion” |
Alexey Peresydly Wins Yugra Grant Competition – Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
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![]() Alexey performed the premiere program ''Earthly Captivity'' which included works of a deeply philosophical context, contemporary academic music written for the accordion, that was intended to reveal to the listener long-known truths from a different angle of view. Pieces included Alexander Zhemchuzhnikov - ''He who dwells under the blood of the Almighty in the shadow of the Almighty will calm down...", Vasily Serdyshov - ''From darkness to light'', Alexei Peresydly - ''Earthly Slavs'' and Sergey Zyatkov - ''Three Pieces for the accordion'' (''Lay there and then - hear", ''Mechanisms of tenderness", and ''Twinkle''). Alexey’s project ''The art of Ugra for the whole planet" won a large grant, with which he plans to publish further music, perform his works in the future and produce a film concert ''Mosfilm". |
7th International Accordion Days in Prague Annual Competition and Festival 2021 - Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() Video: Viktor Stocker (10 years - Czech Republic), the winner of the Under 13 category. His high score of 24, 18 points, gave him the best scored soloist of the competition The 7th International Accordion Days in Prague Annual Competition and Festival 2021 was held in the Concert Hall of the Prague Conservatory, Czech Republic from October 28th to 31st. Event co-hosts were the Prague Conservatory, the Society of Czech Accordionists the Club Tours Concert Agency. The festival and competition attracted more than 100 players from eight countries. Picture above left: Front row competition winners - Jan Švejda 2nd prize in the 4th category, Martin Šulc winner of the 6th category (centre) and Martin Kot winner of the 7th category (right). Picture below: Jury members Andreas Nebl, Josef Hrebík, Jörgen Sundeqvist, Stefan Hippe, Mirco Patarini and Ladislav Horák. |
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Results: Online 72nd Perth Accordion & Fiddle Festival - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
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The 72nd Perth Accordion & Fiddle Festival 2021 was held online during October from Redgorton, Perth in Scotland. Accordion adjudicators were James Coutts, Michael Philip and Freeland Barbour. Competition result were announced on October 30th, 2021 apart from the All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Solo Championship, which were announced live on BBC Radio Scotland “Take The Floor” program on Saturday 30th October 2021. Winner of the 2021 All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Solo and picking up the coveted Jimmy Shand Shield was: Duncan Black from Edinburgh 2nd place - Liam Stewart, Galston 3rd place - Clelland Shand, Dunfermline Download full results here: 2021PerthResults.pdf |
History of AAA Music Commissions by Prof. Robert McMahan - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() Robert McMahan is the recently retired Professor of Music at The College of New Jersey and was also the Area Coordinator of Musicianship and Composition, as well as artist-teacher of classical accordion. A full list of AAA Music Commissions is online at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php A brief history of the AAA Composers’ Commissioning Committee has been revised and is online at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions1.php Articles about individual AAA Music Commissions is going to be published over the coming months with the list of articles to be published at: http://ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php The first article titled: “The First [AAA] Commission: Prelude and Dance, by Paul Creston” is online at: http://ameraccord.com/commissions/creston.htm The AAA Composers’ Commissioning Committee welcomes donations from all those who love the classical accordion and wish to see its modern original concert repertoire continue to grow. The American Accordionists’ Association is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. They can easily be made by visiting the AAA-Store at http://www.ameraccord.com/cart.aspx which allows you to both make your donation and receive your tax deductible receipt on the spot. For additional information, please contact Dr. McMahan at grillmyr@gmail.com |
Nikola Djoric Performs Bach, Gubaidulina & Piazzolla at Wiener Musikverein - Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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Gubaidulina's sonata “Ex expecto” in particular aroused the listeners' curiosity with its many new effects, such as multi-part ricochets or the use of the air button. The well-known "Toccata and Fugue in D minor", BWV 565 is one of the highlights of J.S. Bach's works. While the toccata tends to represent the virtuoso, sometimes playful element, the fugue then pays homage to the strict contrapuntal movement, resulting in an artful polyphonic structure. In the 20th century this work gained new creative life on the youngest contemporary instrument - the bayan. In the "English Suite N° 2 in A minor", BWV 807 (Prélude - Allemande - Courante - Sarabande - Bourrée I - II - I - Gigue) Djoric impressed with interpretive subtleties including the floating lines that make the charm of Bach‘s "English Suites“. S. Gubaidulina (recently celebrated her 90th birthday) is an important composer in Russia in the 20th century. She is the author of numerous works for symphony orchestra, chamber and vocal music. In the 1980s, S. Gubaidulina's work achieved international recognition. For bayan she wrote “De profundis” (1978), “Seven words” for bayan, violoncello and strings (1982), “Et exspecto” - Sonata in 5 movements (1986), “Silenzio” for bayan, violin and cello ( 1992), “Tatar Dance” for bayan and two double basses (1992), “Under the Sign of Scorpio” - variations on six hexachords for bayan and orchestra (2003) and “Fachwerk” for accordion, percussion and orchestra (2009). “Et exspecto” refers to the second appearance of Christ. The focus of the sonata is the conflict between two spheres of sound. The pure and clear chorale is juxtaposed with sonorous clusters. The theme of the chant, now clear, now mysterious and mystical, now solemn, appears in all movements except in the finale. In the culmination of the 4th movement, the chorale seems to feel strengthened on its painful-majestic path, but the initially harmoniously simple chords together with the imperceptibly emerging figurations gradually acquire a dissonant structure, and this mutation leads to grandiose clusters over the entire range of the Instrument. The sound of the air button, which represents the howling of the wind, plays a major role in the sonata. This tonal effect, which in the finale takes on a sound shape, creates the image of a winter snowstorm ... and evokes an association with the sonata B flat minor by F. Chopin. Astor Piazzolla wrote an "Ave Maria" (Tanti anni prima / Many years ago) for violin and piano for the 1984 film "Enrico IV", based on the play of the same name by Luigi Pirandello (1922), the flattering melody of which soon became popular. In addition to numerous arrangements for various instruments, the one for accordion can often be heard. Accordionist Nikola Djoric has made a name as a soloist and chamber musician and has already performed in the Wiener Musikverein, the Philharmonie Cologne, the Konzerthaus Berlin and the Gasteig in Munich. With his accordion he is constantly exploring previously unknown sound spectra in the classical repertoire, strictly adhering to the original text. From this, as well as from his affinity for contemporary music, he draws his inspiration for such grandiose evenings. |
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Concertino Accordion Band Performs at “Be Free Fest” - Moldovaby Christine Johnstone |
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The “Be Free’ Fest was held in Chisinau, Moldova from October 29th to November 4th, 2021, organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Romania and Moldova. The Concertino Accordion Band (pictured below) performed a concert entitled “Piazzolla 100” at the Sala Mare, Teatrul National Satiricus Ion Luca Caragiale in Chisinau, on November 4th. Their performance celebrated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Argentine composer, Astor Piazzolla with a program including “Michelangelo 70”, "Milonga del Angel", "Porteña Spring", "Autumn Porteño", "Porteño Winter", "Verano Porteño", "Oblivion", “Tango Ballet”, "Goodbye Nonino", “Escape”, "I am Mary", “Escape and Mystery”, and "Let's go to the devil". |
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Amalgalis Duo Perform in Vilnius Festival - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
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The Amalgalis Duo, which consists of accordionists Daniel Lis and Ewa Grabowska-Lis performed in concert at the Akordeono Festivalis at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater (LMTA) in Vilnius, Lithuania on November 3rd. Their performance included the world premiere of “Running on the street” (Leszek Kolodziejski), as well as the latest works dedicated to their ensemble by Polish composers, such as Bogdan Dowlasz, Mikolaj Majkusiak and Maciej Zimka. |
Video: Julie Accordion Happy Halloween Performance - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
Happy Halloween everyone! We hope you enjoy this video of the Addams Family Theme by professional Sydney accordionist - Julie Accordion (Julie Wisniewski). |
2021 Bari Accordion Festival - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Performance at the Bari Accordion Festival final concert by the Folksongs Tango Project. Francesco Palazzo (accordion and festival Artistic Director), Tiziana Portuguese (voice), Michele Campobasso (piano), Donato Pugliese (violin), Paolo Debenedetto (saxophone) Camillo Pace (double bass). The City of Bari, - whose Piccinni Conservatory was the third in Italy to activate one of the most important chairs of the accordion in 1993 - is now hosting the first edition of the Bari Accordion Festival. A total of 6 concerts on 3 evenings held at the Salesian Cloister - Redeemer Church in Bari, Southern Italy from October 15th to 17th, 2021. Artistic Director Francesco Palazzo is accordionist and teacher at the Bari Conservatory. The event, which was supported by the Bari Municipality, the Apulia Region and the Patrocini entities, included six concerts over 3 evenings. Festival accordionists included: United Sounds with Pasquale Barberio (accordion), SudEstada Ensemble with Tiziano Zanzarella (accordion), Shanah Tovah with Fabio Zurlo (accordion), duo composed of Pietro Adragna (accordion) and Giuseppe Sinacori (guitar), Alchémia with accordionist Loderini, Folksongs Tango Project. |
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Video: Alex Acco Performs “Fly me to the Moon” - Koreaby Christine Johnstone |
Alexander Sheykin aka Alex Acco performs “Fly me to the Moon” with vocalist Eunyul Lee and guitar, bass and drums. The video was recorded at an online concert presented by COZ against the backdrop of Jamwon and Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, Korea. |
Video: “Olé Guapa” Live Performance - Germanyby Heather Masefield |
Video: This video of André Rieu (violin) & his Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Olé Guapa live at the Waldbühne in Berlin. Taken from the DVD 'La Vie Est Belle'. Solo accordionist is Johann Strauss Orchestra accordion/bass trombone player Leon van Wijk. |
Future events |
Accordionist Will Holshouser Tours The Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
![]() Accordionist Will Holshouser will tour The Netherlands this month with Eric Vloeimans (trumpet). During the tour, the duo (pictured left) will perform “Redbud Winter” composed by Will Holshouser, which is commissioned by the American Accordionists' Association (AAA). The piece was premiered at the AAA Seminars curated by Dr. William Schimmel, on July 30th, 2021 and was written in memory of Will's mother, Cynthia Shoemaker (1939 - 2021). Netherlands Tour dates as follows: November 5th: Theaterkerk Wadway Opmeer November 6th: Theater Ludens Voorburg November 7th: De Kleine Willem Enschede November 11th: Lantaren Venster Rotterdam November 12th: De Roode Bioscoop Amsterdam November 13th: Schouwburg De Kring Roosendaal November 14th: Vredeskerkje Bergen For further information: holshouserwill@gmail.com |
Mickaël Clément Entertains at Grand Reopening - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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Accordionist Mickaël Clément will entertain at the Grand Reopening of the Restaurant Odile in Eix-Abaucourt, France in November 7th, 2021. Mickaël will perform from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. See poster for details. |
Ladislav Horák and Petr Tomeček Duo Concert - Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
![]() Their program will include Sinfonia No. 3 G major (Vivaldi) plus works by Astor Piazzolla – Oblivion, Suite del Ángel and Las cuatro estaciones porteñas (The four Buenos Aires seasons). For details email: vstupenky@pko.cz |
Live: 55th Anniversary Jahreskonzert Akkordeon-Orchester Wesseling – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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The Akkordeon-Orchester Wesseling will hold their annual concert at the Wesselinger Rheinforum in Wesseling, Germany on November 13th, 2021 at 4.30pm. The event entitled “Not only Beethoven Celebrates its Anniversary”, will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the orchestra and Beethoven, as most concerts honouring his 250th birthday last year had to be canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. Therefore the first half of the program (under the direction of Anita Brandtstäter) will be dedicated to the great Bonn-born composer. As a world premiere the orchestra will present the “Beethoven Highlights” (written especially for them by Gottfried Hummel), with excerpts from symphonies 1, 5, 6 and 9, the chorale “Die Himmel Rühmen”, the Moonlight Sonata and the piano sonata “Für Elise”. The theme of the 5th symphony was also used in pop and disco music and they want to present “Celebration” by Sebastian Klein and “A Fifth of Beethoven” by Josef Retter. In the second half, they will present a colorful mix of music that shows the diversity of accordion music, from a rock overture “On Stage” (Thomas Ott), to “Anos de Soledad” (Astor Piazzolla), film music, electro swing and pop classics. For details email: a.brandtstaeter@netcologne.de |
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“Skipinnish” Live 2021 Festive Tour Concerts - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() “Skipinnish” will perform live concerts as part of their 2021 Festive Tour in November and December this year. The band features Angus MacPhail (accordion - picture left) with band members on bagpipes, guitar, violin, drums and vocals. Concert schedule as follows: • November 20th: Victoria Halls, Selkirk, Scotland • December 4th: Barrowland in Glasgow, Scotland • December 11th: Perth Concert Hall in Perth For details email: info@skipinnish.com |
“Scythian” CoMMA Performing Arts Centre Concert - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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“Scythian” which includes accordionist Dan Fedoryka (picture below), will perform at the CoMMA Performing Arts Centre in Morganton, North Carolina, USA on November 20th, 2021 at 7.30pm. This will be Scythian's final North Carolina show of 2021 and the end of their Roots & Stones Tour. The CoMMA is a state of the art venue, which will make for an amazing musical experience! The band plays “roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling song writing, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance, rock concert experience.” For details phone: 800-939-7469 |
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Klaus Paier Duo Performs with 2021 Bachmann Prize Winner, Vienna - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() The performance will feature Nava Ebrahimi (Tehran), who will read her text “The Cousin”, which was awarded the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize 2021, while the duo perform. The event is held in conjunction with the Days of German Language Literature Bachmann Prize and organised by Konzerthausgesellschaft. For details email: ticket@konzerthaus.at |
“The Henry Girls” Music Show, Dublin - Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
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“The Henry Girls” (pictured above) will perform a live Tracks in the Snow Music Show at “The Ark”, Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland on December 4th and 5th, 2021. The show by the three sisters from Co Donegal, is aimed at primary school classes and includes Listening & Responding, Composing and Performing strand units of the Music curriculum. The trio also provide free downloadable classroom pack, “which provides a range of accessible music activities and creative approaches connected to the theme and songs of the show. The activities will encourage music-making projects in the classroom and support imaginative music responses to the performance which are relevant to the composing and performing music curriculum strands.” In line with Covid-19 regulations, audience capacity is reduced by 50% plus the venue has implemented new safety measures such as enhanced ventilation, thorough cleaning between performances, face coverings, hand sanitising stations, perspex screens and a new one-way system. For details email: thehenrygirls@gmail.com |
Childrens Corner |
Video: Akordeonový Orchestr Pohoda - Prague Competition Orchestra Winners - Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
Video: The Akordeonový Orchestr Pohoda (Pohoda Accordion Orchestra), conducted by Ivana Laštovicková won the orchestra category of the 2021 7th International Accordion Days in Prague Annual Competition and Festival in Czech Republic this week. This video is their performance of “Up to the Stars”. |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site - Online: ATG Professional Development Course – USAby Christine Johnstone |
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The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) have launched a new quarterly workshop series: Professional Development for Accordion Teachers. The first workshop will be held online on November 7th, 2021 from 3pm to 6 pm Central Time. Join Joan Sommers and ATG President Mary Ann Covone for a class on professional development for accordion teachers. See the ATG website for registrations. |
Updated Site: 2022 NAA Convention Plans Released – USAby Markus Baggio |
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![]() The 2022 NAA Board Members and Planning Team, which includes Norman Seaton, Sharon Seaton, Nick Ballarini, Nancy Bernstein, Markus Baggio and Sabine Baggio, advise that after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, they are looking forward to an in-person event in Richardson, Texas. Save the dates as follows: Wednesday March 16th to Saturday March 19th, 2022 at the Hilton Hotel, Richardson, Texas, USA. The convention will include many presentations, workshops, interactive sessions, a Fun Band and the Dance Band (in Memoriam of Sheila Lee). There will also be plenty of time for informal meetings and Jam Sessions at night. A preliminary schedule will be released in November and registrations will open early December, 2021. The 2022 event will follow all health guidelines of the State of Texas, the local authorities, and the Hotel to keep attendees safe. Further information will be advised in future Accordions Worldwide Weekly News publications and the USA News. |
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