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Highlights |
Friedrich Lips: Miniatures in the Accordionists' Repertoire - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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During their studies or in preparation for competitions, students mainly deal with large polyphonic and cyclic works such as sonatas, suites, etc. Unfortunately, during this period of their training, small pieces such as miniatures by great composers are often neglected. This repertoire in particular would be very important for concerts in order to captivate the audience and get them excited about the accordion. That's why Friedrich Lips, professor and head of the bayan and accordion department at the Russian Gnesin Music Academy in Moscow, organized a creative meeting with many valuable suggestions for a large audience, not only in the small hall of the academy but also via live stream on YouTube. Harpsichord music of the French composers at the end of the 17th century is part of the most original sides of European culture. In F. Couperin's (The Reeds, The Reapers), J.Ph. Rameau's (Bird's Chirping, The Hen) and L.C. Daquin's (The Cuckoo) "Miniatures" life in this gallant century is presented pretty vividly. There you find an exhibition of human portraits, descriptions of landscapes as well as scenes from everyday life. The works of the Spaniards I. Albeniz (Cordoba, Asturias) and E. Granados (Spanish Dance N° 5), the Cuban E. Lecuona (Malagueña) and the Brazilian H. Villa-Lobos (Dance of the White Indian) are well known in their versions for piano, guitar and also symphony orchestras. The bewitching miniatures by the Argentine composer A. Piazzolla (Sentido Unico among others) carry us away into the immortal world of the tango. The works of R. Shedrin (e.g. Basso ostinato, Humoresque, Quadrille from the opera "Not only love") - one of Russia's most important and prominent contemporary composers - distinguish themselves by their colourful melodies and their humour. Friedrich Lips arranged all the works for piano of all important Russian composers of the 19th century (M. Mussorgsky, S. Rachmaninoff, A. Borodin, A. Lyadov, V. Rebikov, A. Ilyinsky, N. Bogoslovsky, A. Rubinstein) for Bayan. Employing the melodic character of this instrument as well as its various sounds and bellow techniques, Lips was capable of creating new spheres of sound in the popular miniatures of Russian composers. Lips showed his unique versatility in performing different styles of music from all over the world, whether Austria’s F. Schubert (Moment Musical F-minor) and J. Strauss’ polkas, America’s G. Gershwin (Three Preludes) and D. Brubeck (Blues Rondo alla turca), Argentina’s E. Arolas (La Cachila) or Piazzolla’s tangos, or even I. Stravinsky (Tango) and V. Tchernikov (Woronesh Cowboy) from his home country. |
Ksenija Sidorova Performs at Cadogan Hall, London - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
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Ksenija Sidorova will perform in concert with the London Chamber Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in London, England on October 17th, 2023 at 7.30pm. This concert is the second in the London Chamber Orchestra's autumn series, conducted by George Morton. Their program will feature the UK premiere of Sergey Akhunov’s Chaconne, composed specifically for accordion, strings, and percussion, Symmetry (Dani Howard), Brandenburg Concerto No.3 (J.S. Bach) and 3 Preludes (George Gershwin) arranged by George Morton. |
"Check Accordion Trio" Tours Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
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The "Check Accordion Trio" (Czech Republic) will tour Brazil from October 14th to November 4th, 2023. See poster above for tour details. The main goal of trio members Markéty Laštovickové, Marie Cejnové and Michala Karbana is to show the accordion in a variety of musical genres. They focus mainly on classical music, but their repertoire also includes original and modern accordion, Balkan music, Argentine tangos and other compositions. Before they leave for Brazil, the trio will perform a chamber music concert in Gallery 14, Colonel Vlcek Square, Cerný Most, Prague, Czech Republic on October 11th, 2023 at 6.30pm. Free entry. For further information email: accordiontrio@hotmail.com |
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5th International Accordion Festival “Sevdalinko Harmonikom Opjevana” – Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() “If you love the sound of the accordion and enjoy playing it, this is your chance to shine! Come and show us what you know and we promise an unforgettable experience.” Online application deadline: October 30th, 2023. For details email: info@festivalsevdalinke.com |
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Flogging Molly Cruise a Sell Out - USA to Mexicoby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() Flogging Molly’s Salty Dog Cruise, which will take place from November 8th to 13th, 2023, is a sell out! Their accordionist is Matt Hensley (picture right). The five day cruise will begin sailing from Miami, Florida, USA through to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico. “From insane concerts, to an onboard skate ramp, to soaking up the sun, there's so much to look forward to!” |
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28th International Accordion Festival Hoogezand-Sappemeer - Netherlandsby AWW |
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The 28th International Accordion Festival Hoogezand-Sappemeer will be held at the Kielzog Theater in Hoogezand, Netherlands on October 8th, 2023 at 1pm, presented by Adri Kruijer. Performers include the Rembrandt Duo (Eddy Hoorenman and Huub Eikenboom), Frederic Langlais (France) and Daan de Groot. See poster for details. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Latest Article on AAA Commissioned Series, Aria by William Grant Stillby Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair of AAA Composers Commissioning Committee |
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![]() ![]() As with all my updated, expanded articles, this one includes new historical information, more photos from Elsie Bennett’s historical photo albums, and the new and very important feature of musical examples accompanying far deeper analytical descriptions of the work. View the latest article about Aria by William Grant Still at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions16.php Note: Readers, particularly those in the New York area, who would like to hear live performances of AAA commissioned works are encouraged to attend a free annual afternoon concert by Dr. William Schimmel and associated accordionists to take place in the Bruno Walter Auditorium of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, at Lincoln Center, on October 14, at 1:00 pm. Included in this year’s program are two AAA commissions, Lilt, by William Grant Still, and Lamentations, by Virgil Thomson, to be performed by Dr. McMahan. See article below titled: "Accordionist Dr. Bill Schimmel Performs with Musical Guests" in this news for more information. |
Pride of Glenavy Accordion Band are Recruiting – Northern Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
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Video: Pride of Glenavy Accordion Band The Pride of Glenavy Accordion Band are now recruiting new members. A special learners class will be held at the Glenavy Protestant Hall in Glenavy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland on October 9th, 2023 at 7.15pm. See poster for details. |
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Future events |
Richard Galliano 2023 Concert Tour - Chinaby AWW |
Richard Galliano is currently in China performing concerts as part of his 2023 Concert Tour. His next two concerts will be held at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Shanghai, China on October 6th and October 8th with the Soul Chamber Orchestra. See posters above for details. |
Wiesław Ochwat & Maciej Zimka Festival Performances – Polandby Christine Johnstone |
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Accordionists Wieslaw Ochwat & Maciej Zimka will perform at two festivals this weekend in Poland. The first is the VI Dolnoslaski Festiwal Muzyczny in Klodzko on October 7th, 2023, at 7pm. Their program will include works by Brahms, Grieg and Schubert. The second event is the Festiwal Muzyczny “Dobrodzien Classic Festival” in Opole at the Muzeum Diecezjalne on October 8th, 2023, from 7pm. Their program includes works by Gustav Mahler and J.S.Bach. See posters for details. |
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“Rustines de l’Ange” at 35th Jazzebre Festival - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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Accordion sextet “Rustines de l’Ange” will entertain at the Parc du centre Hospitalier in Thuir, Occitanie, France on October 8th, 2023, at 2.30pm, as part of the 35th Jazzebre Festival. The festival began on September 21st and will run through to October 15th, 2023. This event entitled “The Great Fanfare” will also celebrate Daniel Malavergne's 25th anniversary as director of the Grande Fanfare. “Rustines de l’Ange” will entertain with a fun “musical and choreographed show that takes you into a new world”. They will be dressed as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple playing the accordion with Edith Piaf, Bourvil, Marc Perrone and Astor Piazzolla. For details email: vieassociative@jazzebre.com |
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José Valente & Fernando Avila at 2023 "Accordion Small Fest" – Portugalby Christine Johnstone |
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The 2023 "Accordion Small Fest" will take place at the Academia de Música de Vilar do Paraíso, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal from October 12th, to 14th, 2023. Accordion tutors José Valente (Portugal/Denmark) & Fernando Avila (Brazil) will provide two masterclasses, two concerts, a lecture on “The Accordion in Southern Brazilian Music”, an accordion orchestra class and a final concert at the event. See poster for details. |
New Accordion Club: Angmering Accordion Club - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
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The new Angmering Accordion Club will hold their first meeting on October 13th, 2023 at 7.30pm, at the Angmering Community Centre in Angmering, West Sussex, England. See poster for details. |
Accordionist Dr. Bill Schimmel Performs with Musical Guests – USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
![]() He will be joined on stage by performers Brian Dewan, Corn Mo, Benjamin Ickies, Melissa Elledge, Dr. Denise Koncelik, William Komaiko, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Dan Cooper and Lynn Bechtold. Their program will include “a provocative array of new accordion works as well as new takes on old ones, with songs from all across the globe. From The Mexican Hat Dance, to Wozzeck, to Zen Blues, Schimmel and company will cross all borders.” Admission is free. For further information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Akkordeonclub Bischweier e.V. Concert – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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The Akkordeonclub Bischweier e.V. conducted by Thomas Braun, will perform a concert at the Markthalle Bischweier in Bischweier, Baden-Württemberg, Germany on October 14th, 2023 at 7.30pm. The group is looking forward “to entertaining you musically…with a varied program." |
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“Trio Vinculos” Perform "The Sounds of Tango" Concert - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
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“Trio Vinculos” will perform a concert entitled "The Sounds of Tango" at La Térmica Cultural in Ponferrada, Spain on October 15th, 2023 from midday. The Trio Vinculos includes Marta Cubas (accordion), Cristina Cubas (violin) and Alejandro Domínguez (piano). Their program features works by composer Astor Piazzolla: Four Buenos Aires seasons, Adios Nonino, Oblivion, Libertango as well as Tango Legacy (Omar Massa) and Zyriab (Paco de Lucía). The event is organised by Dinamiz-ARTj with the support of the Institute for Just Transition (ITJ) and the Energy City Foundation (CIUDEN). For details email: marta@cubashondal.com |
Michael Bridge Performs at Vintage Film Festival - Canadaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
![]() Accordionist Michael Bridge will perform at the Vintage Film Festival in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada on October 21st, 2023 at 2.25pm. Michael will accompany “Phantom of the Opera” (1925) silent film on digital accordion. For further information email: Michael@michaelbridgemusic.com |
Bandoneon Classic, Cinema & Tango Concert - Japanby Christine Johnstone |
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Ville Hiltula (bandoneon) and Janne Tateno (violin) will perform a Classic, Cinema & Tango concert at Aigat Salon in Kyoto, Kansai, Japan on October 25th, 2023, from 7pm, sponsored by the Kyoto Music Arts Advisory. The duo will perform a variety of tango, film music, and classical greats. See poster for details. |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
Past News List of Linksby AWW |
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2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports 2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports, Video |
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Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year |
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2023 AAA Festival Daily Reports 2023 AAA Festival Daily Reports |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2023 2023 PIF Castelfidardo Daily Reports, Video |
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2023 ATG Competition and Festival Photo Report 2023 ATG Competition and Festival Photo Report |
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XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports |
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2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article |
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Accordion Reed Production Article Link |
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Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link News article about Beniamino Bugiolacchi Article Link |
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Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
New and Updated Sites |
Grayson Masefield World of Accordions Museum Fundraising Concert - USAby Harley Jones |
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Video 1: Concert introduction by Kevin Friedrich, Bach Chorale (BMV 659) performed by Grayson Masefield. Video 2: One of several encores and standing ovation, speech about the importance of the World of Accordions Museum, encore performance of Tango for Claude composed by Richard Galliano. Thanks to sponsorship by American Accordionists' Association (AAA), Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG), USA News, Grayson Masefield and his family, every dollar of the ticket sales for the Grayson Masefield Fundraising concert was donated to the amazing World of Accordions Museum in Superior, WI. An enthusiastic audience were treated to an exciting concert featuring a range of music from Bach, Scarlatti to original works and popular entertainment music ending with encores and a standing ovation from the audience. Museum Curator Helmi Harrington expressed her grateful thanks to Grayson Masefield, the sponsors and the audience for their support. |
Stas Venglevski Concert & Workshop at A World of Accordions Museum – USAby Rob Howard |
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Stas Venglevski will perform at A World of Accordions Museum Harrington Arts Centre in Superior, Wisconsin, USA on October 15th at 2pm. Part of the proceeds from the concert will go to support A World of Accordions Museum. The following day, October 16th, Stas will give a free workshop at 2pm on original music for accordion. See poster above for details. |
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