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National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
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![]() The Convention offers concerts, workshops, ‘join the band’, jam sessions, dancing, trade show, new instrument presentations, and a ‘swap shop’. The theme of this year’s NAA Convention is ‘Duet Together’. Only in Plano, Texas, would any organization dare to build a whole convention around a pun – ‘Duet Together’?!! Event activities include: • Thursday: Fun-and-EZ Band plus Accordion Orchestra • Thursday: Group Concerts plus Featured Duets • Friday: Buffet Concert plus Friday Dance Party • Saturday: Artist Reception plus Sat. Accordion Concert • Sharing Time: Conventioneers Learn plus Conventioneers Perform • Multimedia: Accordion Convention plus Musical Art Show Accordionists involved this year include Stas Venglevski, John Simkus, Brent Buswell, Debra Peters, Elena and Gregory Fainshtein, Kim and Dan Christian, Sharon Fox and Lu Le Brun. If you are coming to this convention, send your registration information via mail (with check) and complete the on-line request for a performance time and location using the “Performance Event Interest Survey.” For full information, registration form and detailed program at: National Accordion Association (NAA), http://accordions.com/naa/convention/index.html or email: NatlAccordion@SBCGlobal.net |
Festival National D'Accordeon, Termignon La Vanoise - Franceby Grayson Masefield |
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![]() The 14th Festival National D'Accordeon in Termignon La Vanoise, in the Rhône-Alpes region of South-Eastern France was held from the 24th to 30th January. Festival Director is Pollux (Daniel Pichon). It was a celebration of all styles of accordion and featured classical concerts, gala musette, ball musette and many more. Performers included: (alphabetical order) Balbazar Trio, Cerdane Cigliutti-Nossent, Orchestre v. Desnault, Guillaume Fric, Daniel Gainetdinoff, Anthony Gilbert, Elsa Gourdy, Fabrice Guillot, Elodie Genoud, Yannick Leybros, Frederic Laurent, Grayson Masefield, Laurent Michelotto, Yves Moulin, Pierre Peribois and TV presenter Pascal Savard. Every afternoon and night there were performers at all the main restaurants and bars and accordionists of all levels were welcome to join in. To conclude the event there was a Parade with all the accordionists walking down the main street to the ski station while it was snowing! The event ended with a rousing finale and a fireworks display. |
Haute École de Musique de Lausanne (HEMU) University of Music - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
![]() The closing date for applications for the next academic year is 1st March. Auditions are on April 28th. Download: 2015HEMU_admissions.pdf The HEMU’s classical and jazz departments afford students university-level training based on both theory and practice, and facilitate their immediate entry into the professional world at the end of their studies. The accordion tutor is Professor Stéphane Chapuis and HEMU students of accordion for 2014-2015 are: - Naomi Sanchez - Swiss - Bachelor 1 - Grayson Masefield - New Zealand - Bachelor 3 - Tiffanie Mueller - Swiss - Master Pédagogie 1 - Shuang Ma - China - Master Pédagogie 1 - Lisa Biard - Swiss - Master Pédagogie 2 - Dimitri Bouclier - France - Master Pédagogie 2 - Christel Sautaux - Swiss - Master Soliste 2 The HEMU’s Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are accredited by the Swiss Confederation and the ‘Musique et arts de la scène’ division of the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES -SO), Switzerland’s largest professional training network. Studies at the HEMU lead to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, which in turn lead to a professional career. Additional continuing education courses for advanced students are also offered. The amount and variety of course offerings enable students to access a wide range of professional activities. Students can work towards becoming a concert artist, an orchestral player, a soloist, or an orchestral or wind instrument conductor, as well as studying jazz composition, and music pedagogy. HEMU studies are divided into two cycles. The first, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree (BA), usually lasts three years and requires a total of 180 ECTS credits. Students wishing to enter the second cycle, which leads to a Master’s degree, must have a BA. The Master's degree (MA) program requires a total of 120 ECTS credits, usually lasts two years, and leads to a Master of Arts in Music degree. Students may also work towards a second Master’s degree with a maximum of 90 required ECTS credits. For further information contact: Stéphane Chapuis |
19th International Week of Accordion "Alcobaça 2015" – Portugalby Harley Jones |
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![]() The International Week will include the 20th National Trophy as well as the 1st Accordion International Contest on May 29th and 30th. Download entry forms and competition regulations in English at: 2015Alcobaca.pdf Closing date for entries is: 15th May 2015 As this is first time the International Contest is taking place, it will not be possible to have significant prizes. The main objective with this first edition is to give the opportunity to all young accordion players to assess their knowledge/skills compared to other international events. Alcobaça is a Portuguese city, located 12km from the Atlantic Ocean, with stunning sights such as Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça (World Heritage of Humanity), Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, etc. Alcobaça is located 70km from Lisbon. The Contest Regulations are now available, and the International Week complete program (concerts and masterclass) will soon be published. For further information email Aníbal Freire, President of Accordion Association of Alcobaça/Portugal: anibalfreire@hotmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Mary Tokarski New AAA President, Connecticut - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() A concert accordionist, Mary Tokarski performs both nationally and internationally as a soloist, with symphony orchestras, string quartets, and various ensembles. Mary has appeared as a soloist with the Prince George’s Philharmonic (Maryland), the Moravian Symphony (Czech Republic), the Auckland Symphony (New Zealand), The Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra (Massachusetts), the Waterbury Symphony (Connecticut), the Bronxville Pops Orchestra (New York), the Hamden Symphony Orchestra (Connecticut) and most recently with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (Massachusetts). She has toured China several times with the Mantovani Orchestra, performing both in the orchestra and as a soloist. She has accompanied the musical ‘Fiddler On The Roof’, performed with the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center Orchestra for ‘Lord of the Rings: Return of the King’ complete with the film, and in the Opera ‘Four Saints In Three Acts’ by Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein. Mary was also featured in the Westport Country Playhouse production of ‘Sing For Your Shakespeare’. For more than 20 years, Mary served as Director of Music Education at Tokarski Music Center in North Haven, Connecticut, where she taught piano and accordion, conducted the choral and ensemble programs, supervised the pre-school programs, and served as a Music Educator in the North Haven Department of Education's Early Childhood Development Program. Mary currently teaches accordion and piano at her home in Northford, Connecticut. In collaboration with Karen Malan-Uribe and fellow AAA officer Joan Grauman (an illustrator/artist from Maryland), Mary selected and recorded the music and narration for the guided reader children’s book “An Accordion! What Is That?” released in 2010, and now in an iBook format! ? www.accordionbee.com Mary has performed internationally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland and Switzerland – as well as extensively in the USA. As a two-time United States Champion she represented the U.S. in the Coupe Mondiale (World Championship) events in Belgium and France. She has served on the Board of Directors for the AAA in multiple capacities, is one of the founders of the Connecticut Accordion Association and is a member and former Executive Officer of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG). As an educator, Mary presents workshops and master classes on improving musical skills, and coaches on all aspects of performance throughout the U.S. and Canada, and recently at the Peter Soave Music Academy in Sauris, Italy. Mary has also served as an adjudicator at festivals around the U.S. as well as serving on jury panels for world events. Mary began her music career at the age of 7 with Michael Fernino of Ansonia, Connecticut. During the course of her musical career she has studied theory, performance, ensemble and orchestral training with professors from Yale University, Indiana University, Peabody Conservatory, Boston University, the University of Texas and the University of Denver. In addition, she has had extensive Kindermusik training at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and Princeton University, and has attended numerous seminars on the psychology of teaching, technics for ‘special needs’ learners, and LOTS of education-related topics! Mary has the distinction of winning over 185 trophies and awards for her performances in competitions, and was elected to the Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 2002, the Oxford's Who's Who in 1992, was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in 2004, and received the AAMS Recognition Award in March 2011. We congratulate Mary on her new role as AAA President, and we wish her much success as she and her team lead this prestigious organization during the upcoming term of office. Note: As Mary begins her new role, we offer our sincerest condolences to her on the sad loss of her devoted husband Frank. Mary had just returned from her concert tour in China with the Mantovani Orchestra to learn of husband's cancer diagnosis and tragically lost him a week later. Family and friends gathered for his beautiful funeral service in North Haven, CT, on January 24th. Our thoughts are with Mary during this difficult time. |
Video: In G - Tribute to Gino Pigini, Castelfidardo - Italyby Francesca Pigini, Pigini Accordion Factory |
![]() This video was filmed on the 27th June 2014, when accordion factory Pigini s.r.l. celebrated 100 years since the birth of the father of the accordion factory - Gino Pigini. Picture left: Massimo Pigini speech with background picture of father Gino Pigini. Also on the clip celebrating this event, were the staff of the Pigini accordion factory, suppliers, distributors and of course, some of the many famous accordionists who play Pigini instruments. 4th July 2014 News report: Gino100 4th July 2014 Photo report: www.accordions.com/pigini100 |
William Schimmel has 4 World Premieres plus a Feature in a Movie - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
![]() Also on the same program which took place on January 23rd were two encores, which also happened to be world premieres: ‘Rain in the Gardens’ and ‘Air for the C scale’, both composed by William Schimmel. On February 15th William Schimmel will premiere his new work, ‘Max to Max for Accordion and Strings’, with the North South Consonance Orchestra under the direction of Max Lifchitz. This event will take place at Christ and St. Stephen’s Church in Manhattan. William Schimmel is featured in the new film, ‘The Humbling’, starring Al Pacino. The film was directed by Barry Levinson and the music was composed by Marcelo Zarvos. This is William Schimmel’s third collaboration with Marcelo Zarvos, the first being ‘The Beaver’, starring Mel Gibson directed by Jodie Foster, the second being ‘Ray Donovan’, the TV series starring Lev Schreiber. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Video: Life of Yuri Kazakov, Honored December 2014, Moscow - Russiaby Harley Jones |
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Yuri Ivanovich Kazakov, People's Artist of the USSR - the first in the USSR paved the way for other Russian artists who are renowned around the world. In December, Yuri Kazakov was honored for his major contribution to the development of the accordion at the XXV International Moscow Festival “Bayan and Bayanists”. Picture above of Yuri Kazakov making a speech at his presentation, presented by Friedrich Lips. This video about the history/life of Yuri Kazakov by ProtaVideo (Anatoly Morozov, pictured in video box) is one of 274 videos on youtube by ProtaVideo. |
Nihad Hrustanbegovic CD Release of ‘The Four Seasons’ - Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() Nihad Hrustanbegovic has spent the last 7 months arranging and recording ‘The Four Seasons’ for concert accordion, completely based on the urtext music score. The album was recorded in the Zeews Concert hall in Middelburg, The Netherlands for Zefir Records. The release of Nihad's 6th solo album, Vivaldi's ‘Four Seasons’, takes place on Valentine's Day Saturday February 14th and will be available in all classical CD record shops and Libris bookshops in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg and on international websites. On Sunday 15th February at 8 pm, will be a CD presentation and concert which will be broadcast on De Balie TV with internet HD streaming. The places and the dates of Nihad’s ‘The Four Seasons’ European concert tour will be announced in March 2015. For further information email: info@nihad-accordeon.com |
Video: Eva Zöllner, Ensemble Con Tempo (Azerbaijan), Conductor Vladimir Runchak - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
From the 5th Qara Qarayev International Contemporary Music Festival. Performance. "Night Cabaret", 18 April 2013, published on Dec 16, 2014. Titled: Mauricio Kagel, Variété (1977). Ensemble Con Tempo (Azerbaijan), Conductor Vladimir Runchak (Ukraine); AVA Dance Company (Germany/Spain); Eva Zöllner (accordeon, Germany) Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators. Baku, Azerbaijan |
New album by Jacques Pellarin: ‘Accordion rushes Vol 2’ - Franceby Rob Howard |
Video promo above, by Lucas Pellarin. Published on Jan 2, 2015 " L' EPHEMERE " HD ( version solo ), composer Jacques Pellarin, Album "Accordion rushes Vol 2" - released 2015. With the digital release of ‘Accordion rushes Volume 2’, this closes a cycle of three albums by French accordionist Jacques Pellarin, devoted to his so-called ‘imaginary cinema’, with a very melodic, nostalgic accordion, and orchestra in a recording studio. The album has a sound that evokes a certain tradition accordion in the French cinema, and is inspired by famous composers such as Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, Francis Lai, François de Roubaix, Michel Legrand, Georges Delerue, Jean Wiener. Inspiration is also nourished by the atmosphere of films of Federico Fellini, Jean-Pierre Melville, Claude Sautet, La nouvelle vague, Jean-Pierre Jeunet. For further information: jacques.pellarin@wanadoo.fr |
Video: William Schotte, Sonia Rékis and Marc Gosselinby Harley Jones |
Published on Jan 12, 2015, Performers William Schotte (vocalist, cello), Sonia Rékis (accordion, vocal chorus) and Marc Gosselin (violin, percussion, vocal chorus). |
Accordeon Jazz Salon, Owned by Alex Neuman, Haifa - Israelby Harley Jones |
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An article wirtten by Eli Bass about Accordeon Jazz Salon owner Alex Neuman including pictures. JazzSalon |
Video: Sur un air d'accordéon n°12by Harley Jones |
French musette TV program. Performers: Erika - What's going on James Caubert - La polka du Vimen Erika - Amzazing Greese Michel Pruvot - Je voudrais t'embrasser James Caubert - Venez sur la piste Les félines - La danse du sabre If you enjoy, visit the other Sur un air d'accordéon programs on Daily Motion. Erika - La valse de Saint-Bernard |
‘14 Years Ago’: Cirque du Soleil and the Accordionby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() Now a hugely successful and popular worldwide organization with many differently themed circus shows, Cirque du Soleil has always employed accordionists amongst its accompanying ensembles. Long may this continue. Accordionist Performs with Cirque du Soleil - New Zealand Contributed by Heather Masefield Accordionist Suzie Gagnon (Canada) toured New Zealand in January with the Cirque du Soleil ‘Alegria’ as part of a two year Asian Pacific tour. The show has 56 artists, 6 musicians and 2 vocalists. Suzie not only plays the accordion but also has special stage makeup, an extravagant costume, acts, and takes part in difficult choreography for 10 performances a week! She travels with 6 accordions, and plays piano, chromatic and diatonic instruments. After Auckland the group will perform in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane (Australia), before going to Taiwan, Singapore and China. |
Future events |
Declan Aungier plays for dancing – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday February 6th - Toughers Ballroom, Newbridge, County Kildare Saturday February 7th - Bellsfort Inn, Newmarket on Fergus, County Clare Sunday February 8th - Gandon Inn, Ballybrittas, County Laois Monday February 9th – Ballykealy Manor, Balton, County Carlow Sun:-Gandon Inn Ballybrittas Co.Laois Mon:-Ballykealey Manor Ballon Co.Carlow. Declan Aungier began learning the piano accordion at the age of 9, took up Irish/Scottish traditional music at age 13, and became All-Ireland Under 18 Piano Accordion Champion in 1987. He switched to the 5-row Continental button accordion, and works as a solo entertainer, with many CDs to his credit, covering music varying from Country and Western, Irish traditional, jazz, and pop music. For further information email: declan@declanaungier.com |
Erika’s Monthly Dance Dates, Floreffe – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
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Stanislav Angelov Concert, Stellenbosch – South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() The line-up for this concert is Stanislav Angelov – accordion, Petrus de Beer – violin, Willie van Zyl – saxophones & clarinet, Dave Ledbetter – guitar, Charles Lazar – double bass, and Frank Paco – drums. For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
David Vernon and Alex Hodgson Tour, South Island – New Zealandby Rob Howard |
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In the next fortnight versatile accordion entertainer David Vernon and singer/guitarist Alex Hodgson, both from Scotland, perform a 20 dates tour of the South Island, New Zealand. February Saturday 7th, 7.30pm - Timaru RSA February Sunday 8th, 2pm - Fairlie Pub 2pm February Monday 9th, 7.30pm - Geraldine Club February Wednesday 11th - Nelson Club 10am - 40min School show Noon - 40min Senior Citizen show 5pm - 1 hour Bar show February Thursday 12th - Blenheim Club 10am - 40min School show Noon - 40min Senior Citizen show 5pm - 1 hour Bar show February Friday13th, 8pm - Hornby Club February Saturday 14th, 8pm Kaiapoi Club 8pm February Monday 16th - Coronation Hall, Dunedin 11am - 1 hour Senior Citizens show 2pm - 40min School show February Tuesday 17th – Cricket, Scotland v NZ February Wednesday 18th - Coronation Hall Mosgiel 11am - 1 hour Senior Citizens show 2pm - 40min School show February Thursday 19th, 8pm - Wanaka Club February Friday 20th - Galleon Complex Oamaru 2pm 40min School show 8pm full show February Saturday 21st, 8pm - Ranfurly Town Hall February Sunday 22nd, 7pm - Ashburton RSA For further information email: dvernon100@aol.com |
Duo ‘Pagoda’ Concerts, Brighton, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday February 20th, 7.30pm - St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Brighton BN1 3LJ Sunday February 22nd, 7.30pm - The Barn Church, Atwood Avenue, Kew, London TW9 4HF Lovers of Playford music will be interested in the Playford music course with Karen Wimhurst, Richard Heacock and Paul Hutchinson at Halsway Manor from March 23rd – 27th. For further information email: paulaccordion@gmail.com |
Life and Music of Anthony Mecca Presentation, Connecticut - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
![]() The admission fee is $5 per person to CAA members. Non-members: $10 per person. |
New and Updated Sites |
New and Updated Site: Updated Arrangement of Ebb Tide - USAby Gary Dahl |
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Updated Site: Franco Cambareri New Workby Franco Cambareri |
![]() ![]() Catalog No: cfranco190 Cafe Seville (Solo) as an eSheet, able to be purchased online with credit card and sent to you by email. Cafe Seville is a sentimental Flamenco Piece. |
Updated Site: Franco Cambareri New Work Danza Guapaby Franco Cambareri |
![]() Catalog No: cfranco192 Danza Guapa (solo) as an eSheet, able to be purchased online with credit card and sent to you by email. Danza Guapa is a Happy Paso Doble Dance. |
Updated Arrangements of Misty, Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
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Updated Site: Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ)by Heather Masefield |
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CD Reviews |
CD Review: Buffoni CD by Black Pencilby Joan C. Sommers |
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