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Easter Weekend - Weekly News Publication, Saturday 7 pm Italy Timeby Harley Jones |
Because of Easter Weekend, the Weekly News will be published 24 hours later than usual on Saturday 7 pm Italy time. |
Frankfurt Musikmesse General Report Online - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
A full report of pictures and some video of the 2017 Frankfurt Musikmesse is online at: Frankfurt2017 The Frankfurt Musikmesse has been running since Wednesday 5th April and finishes on Saturday 8th April. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm daily. Accordion factories exhibiting include: Beltuna Halle Hall 8 Level 0 Stand E10 Bugari Armando and Bugari Evo Hall 8 Level 0 Stand F20 Cagnoni Srl Hall 8 Level 0 Stand F11 Dino Baffetti Hall 8 Level 0 Stand G19 Dallape in visit Excelsior Hall 8 Level 0 Stand G14 Harmonikas s.r.o. Hall 8 Level 0 Stand D26 Italcinte in visit Mengascini Nello Srl Hall 8 Level 0 Stand F21 MusicTech Hall 8 Level 0 Stand E20 Orla Srl Hall 9 Level 0 Stand C01 Pigini Srl Hall 8 Level 0 Stand G14 Scandalli Accordions Hall 8 Level 0 Stand E21 Zero Sette Hall 8 Level 0 Stand F20 |
Ikutaro Kakehashi (1930-2017), Osaka – Japanby Rob Howard |
Ikutaro Kakehashi, an outstanding electronics engineer, inventor and innovator, was the founder of the Roland Corporation in 1972. He had previously founded Ace Tone, an electronic organ company later taken over by the Hammond Organ company. Kakehashi dedicated his life to designing and producing electronic and digital instruments, such as keyboards, drum machines, and the Roland Virtual Accordion. In 2013 he won a Grammy for developing the MIDI, an acronym for Musical Instrumental Digital Interface, one of the most widely used digital musical facilities, introduced in 1983. He received many awards from universities and other institutions for his lifetime’s work including the CIA Merit Award in 2011. In 1988 Roland purchased Rodgers Organ Company, fulfilling Kakehashi's lifelong dream to build large classical organs. For the accordion world, Kakehashi’s major contribution was to introduce the Roland Virtual Accordion - the world’s first fully digital accordion - in 2004, following many years of intensive research in collaboration with Italian accordion technicians. This ground-breaking project resulted in Roland’s brand new ‘Physical Behaviour Modelling’ technology, which brought with it the control and range of tonal dynamics normally only found on an acoustic instrument. Combining the playability of a quality acoustic accordion with all of the practicalities of an electronic instrument, the Roland V accordion was quickly embraced by accordionists worldwide, and led to an international Roland V Accordion competition - Reports from 2007 at 2013 Rome Festival Ikutaro Kakehashi passed away on April 1st at the age of 87 years. |
Friedrich Lips Workshop and Klaus Paier Workshop and Concert - Austriaby Rob Howard |
Russian virtuoso and educator Friedrich Lips leads an accordion workshop from July 10th to 14th in Viktring, Kärnten, Austria. Friedrich Lips has long been a Professor at the Gnessin Institute in Moscow, Russia. In his work as a teacher, performer, festival organizer, adjudicator, etc, Friedrich Lips has made a contribution to the development of the accordion and accordionists that few could match. For further information about the Lips Accordion Workshop, download the brochure and application at: 2017LipsViktring.pdf Email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at Klaus Paier (jazz accordion) and Asja Valcic (violoncello) will also hold their workshop at the same time. Together with Friedrich Lips, they appear in concert "Viktring Connection" in the church of Viktring on Tuesday 11 July at 8 pm. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Matthias Matzke Demonstrates Bugari Evo at Frankfurt Musikmesse - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Matthias Matzke was performing at the Bugari-evo stand and here he performs the 4th movement of Impasse composed by Franck Angelis. Apologies for the noisy background in quiet playing sections. Other videos by Matthias Matzke are in the Frankfurt Musikmesse General Report at: Frankfurt2017 |
Gorka Hermosa CD Presentation and Future Concerts – Spainby Rob Howard |
Accordionist and teacher Gorka Hermosa has released a new CD ‘ELE, Lorca-Lauxeta’, and has held a press conference to present the CD. Picture right: Gorka holding new CD. There are also three concerts this weekend to showcase this new recording, as follows: Friday April 7th, 10.30pm – Zelai Arizti, Zumarraga (Gipuzkoa), Basque Country Saturday April 8th, 1pm – Errenteria, San Sebastian Saturday April 8th, 8pm – Teatro Principal, Donostia - San Sebastian Sunday April 9th, 7.30pm – Teatro Principal, Donostia - San Sebastian For further information email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
Video: Paolo Miles Demonstrates MusicTech DigiBeat at Frankfurt Musikmesse - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Paolo Miles demonstrates MusicTech DigiBeat digital accordion with his "Medley of Movie Themes" at the MusicTech stand. Other videos by Paolo Miles are in the Frankfurt Musikmesse General Report at: Frankfurt2017 |
Video: All Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica 2017 - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
Video 1 at 2017All-Russian - Friedrich Lips performing a world premiere of the Michael Bronner composition "Eight Sonnets About Love" for bayan and chamber orchestra. Video 2 at 2017All-Russian - Rest of concert with detailed performers list. Upon initiative of the chair for bayan and accordion of the Gnessin Music Academy in Moscow, the annual All-Russian Day of the bayan, the accordion and the harmonica was started in 2010. For 2017, a concert was held in the concert hall of the Gnesin Music Academy, 18th March. |
Video: Aleksandar Nikolic Demonstrates the Scandalli Bandoneon - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Aleksandar Nikolic, well known teacher, bandoneonist and leader of the famous Beltango Quintet, was filmed at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, playing some sound samples to demonstrate the tonal quality of the latest production Scandalli bandoneon. Apologies for the noisy Musikmesse background in the quieter playing sections. The Scandalli Bandoneon was first announced at the 2016 Frankfurt Musikmesse and for 2017, the production models are on display. Aleksandar Nikolic, was thanked by Scandalli CEO Mirco Patarini for his part in developing the bandoneon model. Aleksandar Nikolic has "now been using a production model extensively on tour in many countries during the last few months. These many international tours have proved the durability and reliability of this new bandoneon." |
Samuele Telari New CD, - Italyby Rob Howard |
Italian accordionist Samuele Telari has released a new CD, ‘Limes’, issued by VDM Records. The tracks include: ‘Preludio e fuga BWV 544’ – JS Bach, ‘De Profundis’ - S. Gubajldulina, ‘Andante con moto da La Morte e la Fanciulla D810’ - Schubert, ‘Messa da Requiem’ - Runchak, ‘Ombra, omaggio a Lorenzo Indrimi’ - Turi, and ‘Dance Macabre’ (composer unknown). A short extract from the CD booklet, by Sandro Cappelletto: "This recording was done all the way from the beginning to the end, with no pauses during the execution of every piece, and with no subsequent cuts throughout the editing nor interventions during the mixing process. This difference is drastic. The choice of the pieces reflects the personality of this young performer. Telari is a total musician, a quiet, thoughtful and elegant artist, often absorbed in intangible listening practices”. Samuele Telari has won first prizes at many prestigious accordion competitions, including the “Città di Castelfidardo” (2013), Premio Civardi (Val Tidone Competition), Contemporaneamente Fisarmonica (Santa Cecilia Conservatory), Premio FENAM, and more. He has performed in concert at the “Day of the Ukrainian bajan and accordion-2014” Festival (Kiev), at the invitation of the famous composer Volodymyr Runchak, the Concert Season “Società Umanitaria”, and the “Star of Competitions” festival in Kragujevac (Serbia). He also played with major orchestras such as “I Virtuosi Italiani” at the Sala Maffeiana in Verona and the State Hermitage Orchestra at the Musical Olympus Festival held in St. Petersburg, where he performed in the world premiere of ‘Zenith – Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra’ by Enrico Blatti. For further information email: merlino.st@gmail.com |
Mary Tokarski and Mascot Buzz Treble Read Accordion Story to Pre-Schoolers - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Excerpt from the TownTimesNews.com WATERBURY — Pre-school aged children and their caregivers are invited to join guest accordionist Mary Tokarski and her mascot “Buzz Treble” for the story An Accordion! What Is That? Children will see, hear, touch and even learn to play the accordion during this special story time! Mary Tokarski is a concert accordionist who performs both domestically and internationally with orchestras and as a member of The ‘K’ Trio. For over 20 years, Mary served as Director of Music Education at Tokarski Music Center in North Haven, CT. Story Time for Toddlers is $3 per child, ages 3-5. For more information and to pre-register call 203-753-0381, ext. 130. The reading is based around the book "An Accordion! What Is That? Looking at the accordion inside and out'. Cover picture below. Three fellow accordionists have combined their special talents to create this delightful children's book about their favorite instrument which includes a CD with narration and music. Full information at: www.accordionbee.com |
Review: Julie Best @ Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
What a fantastic concert we had last night, with everybody playing on top form. Julie Best, from Carlisle, is living proof that you really don't need to import international players to have a great accordionist topping the bill. Her stylish and highly polished playing of Carte Postale, Blaze Away, Hot Points (Frosini), Irish Jigs, and lots more went down a treat with our audience. Julie must have played at least 30 pieces, covering a wide range of music, and all played with her light touch that is great to listen to. If you weren't there, you missed a treat! The Stockport Accordion Band, soloist Helen Rich, and the all-female quartet Accordion Spice performed excellent supporting spots. |
Classical FM Features Thibaut Trosset - Franceby Harley Jones |
Classical FM and its Digital Radio station featured "Video Game Music", Tetri Level 50 = really fast accordion playing, Les covers de Persiflette (also known as Thibaut Trosset) and the youtube channel. Video 1: Tetris 10 Levels of Difficulty, featured in the Classical FM article. Video 2: Doctor Who - Générique/Opening Theme composed by Ron Grainer, arranged by Thibaut Trosset. |
Future events |
Martynas Concert Tour – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
The highly accomplished Lithuanian accordionist Martynas Levickis is to spend this month performing concerts with a string quartet on a tour of Lithuania. His programme will include works by JS Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, and Piazzolla. The tour dates include: April 7th – Birstonas Culture Centre April 9th – Utena Culture Centre April 10th – Ukmerge Culture Centre April 11th – Jubarkas Culture Centre April 12th – Marijampole Culture Centre April 17th – Raudondvaris Arts Incubator April 18th – Anyksciai Culture Centre April 20th – Panevezys Culture Centre April 23rd – Taurage Culture Centre April 24th – Mazeikiai Culture Centre April 25th – Klaipeda Concert Hall April 26th – Silute Culture Centre April 27th – Plunge Culture Centre April 28th – Concert Hall ‘Saule’, Siauliai April 29th – Church of St Catherine, Vilnius Martynas Levickis, known usually as Martynas, graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London, and performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Auditorio Nacional in Mexico, Debussy's residence in Paris, the Berlin Waldbühne, etc. In his home country he won ‘Lithuania’s Got Talent’ on national TV. Martynas is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in recognition of his distinguished contribution to music in his field, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Lithuanian World Arts Council. For further information email: bethany@martynasmusic.com |
Irish Accordion Association Open Festival 2017, Meath – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
The Irish Accordion Association (IAA) will hold their Annual Festival on April 8th and 9th in the Castle Arch Hotel, Trim, County Meath. Plans are at an advanced stage for the 2 day Festival which will include accordionists from Ireland, UK and Germany. Competitions will commence at 9am on Saturday 8th and will continue until 5.30pm. Results for the day will be announced immediately after the last competition. There are soloists, duets ensembles and orchestras competing during this time. Sunday will feature competitions from 10am until 4pm approx. A free Gala Concert will be held at 4.30pm and will feature some of the prize winners plus a number of magnificent orchestras: including the VivaMusica Accordion Orchestra (Germany), the Wiesbaden Accordion Ensemble (Germany), the Castletown Accordion Orchestra, and the Royal Meath Accordion Orchestra. This is the only accordion festival in the Irish Republic, and it gives young performers a platform for them to display their music skills. For further information email: chilton_accordion@hotmail.com |
Akkordeon Orchester 1960 Mullekoven e.V. Concert, Siegburg – Germanyby Rob Howard |
The Akkordeon Orchester 1960 Mullekoven e.V. performs in concert on Saturday April 8th, 8pm, at the Stadtmuseum Siegburg, Forum (Market 46). Siegburg is a city in the district of Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 1957 by Peter Weidenbruck, its first conductor and later Chairman, the Akkordeon Orchester 1960 Mullekoven e.V., the orchestra has performed concerts far and wide, and currently has 25 players. For further information email: mail@aom1960.de |
JAC & Co Concerts, New Jersey - USAby Rob Howard |
Corrine Pellarin – vocals and Jacques Pellarin – accordion, known as the duo JAC & Co, are on tour in the USA. On Saturday April 8th, 7pm and 9pm, they perform their French music at Gregory’s Restaurant, 900 Shore Road, Somers Point, New Jersey. Admission is free. Jacques and Corrine Pellarin live in Savoie, France, and perform regularly in Switzerland, as well as the UK, Germany, and the USA. “We are happy to share some French culture through icons such as Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Yves Montand and Juliette Greco and take the public to St. Germain des Pres in the 1950s and ’60s or the Champs-Elysees,” says Jacques Pellarin, who plays the accordion in the duo. “The public likes to sing along with us!” |
Weisbaden Accordion Ensemble Concert, Kilkenny – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
On Monday April 10th, 8pm, the Weisbaden Accordion Ensemble from Germany performs a special fundraising concert for The Mother of Fair Love Special School in Kilkenny, in south-east Ireland. The concert, which is also being run in cooperation with the Kilkenny Accordion Club, also features local artists. The Weisbaden Accordion Ensemble will play a mixed program to suit all tastes. The concert will be held in The Brog Maker, Castlecomer Rd, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny. There is no cover charge, but there will be a donations box at the door. |
Volodymyr Kurylenko Concert, Malden - Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
Ukrainian bayan player Volodymyr Kurylenko is in concert on Sunday April 9th, 12.30pm until 2pm at the Cafe De Muse, Kerkplein 12, 6581 AC Malden, Netherlands. Born in 1973, Volodymyr Kurylenko graduated from Sumy musical college in the Ukraine in 1992, and competed with many successes in international competitions. His repertoire includes pieces by composers starting from JS Bach up to modern times, from classical to jazzy and entertaining music. For further information email: bayan.ukraine@gmail.com |
Roman Jbanov Concert, Clermont-Ferrand – Franceby Rob Howard |
Accordion virtuoso Roman Jbanov performs in concert on Sunday April 9th, 7.30pm, at the Museum Henri-Lecoq, 15 rue Bardoux, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand. Clermont-Ferrand is a city and commune in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central and south-west France. Roman Jbanov was born in the Ukraine in 1976. He began playing the accordion at the age of six years of age, and in 1988 he entered the Secondary Special Music School (S.S.M.S) Lyceum attached to the M. I. Glinka Novosibrisk State Conservatory, and in 1994 entered the M.I. Glinka Novosibirsk State Conservatory. He went on to win many prizes in competitions, and tour internationally. Since 1997 he has performed with French accordionist Domi Emorine as the Paris-Moscow Duo. For further information email: duopm@sfr.fr |
Tony Kearney @ Blairgowrie Accordion & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
London-based Irish accordionist Tony Kearney is the guest at the Blairgowrie Accordion & Fiddle Club on Tuesday April 11th, 7.45pm. The club meets at the Red House Hotel, Station Rd, Coupar Angus, Perthshire PH13 9AL, Scotland. Shand Morino player Tony Kearney, originally from Cork in the Irish Republic, is a very experienced dance and concert musician, and has to date recorded five CDs. For further information email: blairgowriebandfclub@yahoo.com |
‘Accordion Ax’ Concerts, Ax-les-Thermes – Franceby Rob Howard |
From April 11th to 16th ‘Accordion Ax’ is a series of accordion concerts at various venues in Ax-Les-Thermes, France. Performing are the Duo le Lampion, Duo Emilie Cadiou/Ode Bouttard, Pulcinella, Sebastien Farge Trio, Orchestre Jacques Demeurs, Paris-Moscow Duo, and Quatour Toulouse Accordeon. Further details of dates, times and venues are on the poster. Ax-les-Thermes is a French commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. For further information email: laciedusoufflet@icloud.com |
Victor Prieto Jazz Accordion Master Classes, Ourense City – Spainby Rob Howard |
Victor Prieto’s International Jazz Accordion and Modern Harmony Master Classes take place in Ourense City, Spain, July 8th and 9th and July 15th and 16th. Places are limited to 8 for each master class, so early applications are advised. The master classes are in English, but French, Spanish and Portuguese are also spoken. There will be a rhythm section (bass and drums) for both days. The master classes cover the following subjects: Improvisation: in different styles and understanding scales. (Pop, rock, bolero) - not only in jazz. -Comping: how to form chords, close position, open position, upper structures. -Poly-Chords: technique "Chord Approach on both hands." -Styles; how to phrase and comp: Jazz, blues, Brazilian, traditional tango, new Tango, and other styles of modern harmony. -How to work and what to do in a recording studio when you get only chord changes. - watch videos and analyse them. How the accordion interacts with other instruments depending on the instrumentation of the groups. (Duo, Trio, Solo, singer, piano) - A book with material will be given to each student for further studies and review (to take home with you). - Practice and perform with a rhythm section (bass and drums). -How to use the registers and voices of the accordion to orchestrate and have a bigger variety of colours and sounds. Victor Prieto is based in New York, where he performs regularly and also leads master classes. He previously studied classical accordion at the Conservatory in Ourense. For further information email: masterclass@victorprieto.net |
Interest Growing In Frog Festival Accordion Competition - USAby Harley Jones |
Excerpts from an article written by Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune. Interest is growing in the Frog Festival Accordion Contest, where the winner in the adult division walks away with a brand new handmade accordion. The contest, to be held under the Frog Festival Pavilion on Saturday, May 13, has been expanded slightly due to the overwhelming interest shown in the inaugural event, according to Blaine Dupont, chairman. Last year’s contest saw a total of 14 participants in three age division. In the Youth (ages 10 and under) and Junior (ages 11 through 17) divisions, top three winners are awarded cash prizes. The Adult Division is a winner-take-all contest, with first place awarded the accordion. All competition rules, regulations, and registration forms will be available at www.raynefrogfestival.com |
New and Updated Sites |
MusicTech "Know the People" Interview, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
"Know the People" Interview: with: MusicTech Owners Claudio Sabbattini and Maria Rita Bartomeoli Editor: Holda Paoletti-Kampl "Know the People" of Castelfidardo who have made this small city so famous around the world for their quality accordion products. Interview at: 2017MusicTech |
Updated Site: Franco Cambareri Two New Compositions Released - Australiaby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri has released two new compositions: cfranco222 - Dolce Ricordi Grade 3, 2 pages, Dolce Ricordi (Sweet Memories) is a slow Romantic Ballad. Sound sample .mp3 file and sheet music sample online. cfranco223 - Flamentango Flamentango has a slow Romantic introduction followed by a Fiery Flamenco Tempo. Sound sample .mp3 file and sheet music sample online. These works are eSheet (pdf file, able to be emailed to you) and can be purchased online with secure server credit card. |
Lars Ek Music Books - Swedenby Harley Jones |
ek201 - Lars Ek Special No. 1 Album Album of 6 works, 19 pages of original compositions for only 12 Euro. 1. Brospannet 2. Snokangan 3. Fornuddsvalsen 4. A Malva Rosa 5. Karlekstankar 6. Vals fran Drefviken ek202 - Lars Ek Special 2 Album Album of 7 works, 23 pages of original compositions for only 14 Euro 1. Attacka Marschen 2. Yodelling Accordion 3. Jularbogladje 4. Ska vi dansa Schottis 5. Sambo Hambo 6. Vals till Helmer Grundstrom 7. King Cotton Trad. Arr. ek203 - Lars Ek Special 3: The Shortcut to Playing and the Bellows-Technique for The Accordion Over 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. Further information and sample pages at: ek203 |
Updated site: Karthause-Schmülling - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Karthause-Schmülling recently restarted business and the catalog is steadily being uploaded to the internet. Over 130 titles were loaded in the last week. |
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