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Highlights |
DAILY REPORTS: AAA 85th Anniversary Festival - USAby Harley Jones |
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The 85th anniversary celebrations of the American Accordionists' Association! (AAA) festival will be held at the Marriott Philadelphia West in Conshohocken, PA, from July 12th to 16th, 2023. Online Daily Reports: 2023AAA85th The outstanding line-up of festival guest artists includes Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), US Air Force Strings, Joey Miskulin, Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, Joan Sommers conducting the Festival Orchestra, Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo, Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joanna Darrow, Busso Festival Orchestra conducted by Frank Busso Jr. and many more. The festival features a multitude of concerts, workshops, activities, and trade show. See full article: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=09-Jun-2023&lang=en#art20162 There will be Daily Reports with pictures and video on the AAA website, 12th to 16th July. Link to the AAA 85th Anniversary Festival Daily Reports: 2023AAA85th |
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"Erling Grönstedt 100 Years" Celebrations - Swedenby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() ![]() A celebration "Erling Grönstedt 100 years" will be held in Kramfors, Sweden on July 28th and 29th, 2023 organised by Jörgen Sundeqvist. Erling Grönstedt (1923-2012), his brother Karl Grönstedt (1912-1983) and quartet members Hans-Erik Nääs (1910-1984) and Andrew Walter (1914-1978) all grew up in the same little village and were well known and respected accordionists. All four of them were inspired by the Italian-American accordionists Pietro Frosini, Pietro and Guido Deiro, Anthony Galla-Rini and Charles Magnante. They developed their own musical style and way of playing the accordion, which made them unique and famous. They came up with something new and a more modern way of playing and writing music. Erling Grönstedt was also the first accordion teacher in Sweden and introduced the classical accordion as a serious instrument in music schools. Many well known accordionists in Sweden have been students of Erling Grönstedt. As so many other accordionists did at that time, Erling Grönstedt also moved to Stockholm, but after he retired, Erling moved back to his roots and lived his last 25 years in Kramfors and Ådalen. See poster for concert performer and program details: 2023Gronstedt.pdf |
London Accordion Orchestra (LAO) “Bellows Across Borders” Concert Series – UKby Rob Howard |
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The London Accordion Orchestra (LAO) will hold a joint concert with the Bavarian State Youth Accordion Orchestra (conducted by Stefan Hippe) at St. Gabriel's Church in Pimlico, London, England, UK on September 3rd, 2023 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. This concert is one in a series entitled “Bellows Across Borders”. Their programme includes music by Astor Piazzolla, Márquez (Danzon No. 2), a new piece by LAO conductor Ian Watson, Elgar‘s famous “Pomp and Circumstance”, music by Händel and Tchaikovsky, as well as original works for accordion orchestra. See poster for details. |
Remembering the Wonderful, Unforgettable Faithe Deffner - USAby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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![]() Newly published article: Remembering the Wonderful, Unforgettable Faithe Deffner: http://www.ameraccord.com/fdeffner.php It is very important for future generations of accordionists and musicians to have this valuable information. Joan shares, "As the organization’s historian, I have been writing historical articles on events that led up to the creation of the AAA and were important for AAA." To date, Joan has thoroughly researched and written over forty articles about the history of the AAA including AAA Formation, AAA History, Charles Magnante, Guy Klucevsek, Joey Miskulin, Frank Busso Sr., Lou Coppola and Joan Sommers and many more. You can read these articles on the AAA website, www.ameraccord.com. I encourage you all to take the time to read them. On behalf of the AAA and AWW, I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Joan Grauman Morse for all her dedication in researching and writing the detailed information which Joan so lovingly organizes and continues to this day!" |
Gorka Hermosa: New Work "Téng Lóng" Premiered in Chinaby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() The new piece was commissioned by the "2nd Accordion Composition Contest" held at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. |
20th International Accordion Festival – Italyby AWW |
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The 20th International Accordion Festival will be held in Garibaldi Square in Massafra, Taranto, Italy from August 28th to September 1st, 2023. This year’s festival will be dedicated to Dr Pasquale D'Erchia. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Results: Online Accordion Star International Competition 2023by Christine Johnstone |
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Video: Results are announced for the online Accordion Star International Competition 2023. 18 + Professional Category: 1st place – Hongting Liu (China) 18 + Amateur Category: 1st place – Elijah Clements (USA) 18 + Bands Category: 1st equal place – Nikolay Bine (Canada) and Galymzhan Narymbetov GN Septet (Kazakhstan) Best Music Video: 1st place – Group Palladium (Lithuania) |
Amy Jo Sawyer Receives “Foundation Fellow Award” – USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
![]() She received the award at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Conference held in Reno, Nevada, USA earlier this year. Amy Jo Sawyer has devoted much of her musical career to the accordion. Her concertizing, composing, arranging, and administrative activities, currently President of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG), have enhanced recognition of the accordion as a concert and popular/jazz instrument. Amy Jo has written music for, and performed with, the University of Missouri at Kansas City Accordion Orchestra, under the direction of Joan Sommers, on four international tours. She has performed with the Sacramento and St. Louis Symphonies, including accompanying tenor Luciano Pavarotti. |
Francisco Martins Wins Ex-Aquo Award - Portugalby Christine Johnstone |
![]() Francisco, student of the accordion class of teacher Paulo Jorge Ferreira competed in the category of "Higher Education" of the competition, which took place at the António Lopes Gallery, in Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Portugal. |
Results: 2023 Accordiomania International Competition - Bulgariaby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() Teachers and musicians from Germany, Spain, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina took part. Results: Classics Category: 1st - Victor Georgiev (Grade 5) and Denislav Banev (Grade 10) I Solo Category: 1st - Iskren Todorov II Solo Category: 1st - Jolanda Otto III Solo Category: 1st - Todor Mijajlovic IV I Solo Category: 1st - Catalin Gusevatîi V Solo Category: 1st - Theodore Marinov VI Variety Category: 1st - Bozhidar Karzhin VIII Chamber Music Category: 1st - Duo Silver tone (Jolanda Otto, Timea Krahl) IX Chamber Music Category: Accordiomania Ensemble (Denislav Banev, Stanislav Neshkov, Maya Todorova, Stanislav Murdzhev, Ivaylo Georgiev) The event also included masterclasses with Raimondas Sviackevicius (Lithuania) and Radu Ratoi (Moldova - picture above left), who also was a member of the jury, presented two workshops and a solo concert. |
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Mary Ann Covone: ATG President Featured in Sigma Alpha Iota Journal - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
![]() The article also gives an excellent short story of the history of the ATG, the recent and coming festival, the value of the ATG syllabus, and the establishing of her Chicagoland Accordion Academy. The Pan Pipes journal was distributed to just under 10,000 professional musicians, professors, teachers and music students in colleges and universities. Sigma Alpha Iota is a professional sorority for women in the field of music. Link to complete article: PanPipesCovone.pdf |
Grand Music Art XV International Video Competition - Russiaby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
![]() The competition includes categories for folk instruments (such as the accordion), other instruments and vocalists. Results will be published online on July 27th, 2023. For details phone: +7-925-025-89-95 |
Future events |
"Foleada" Performs at Festa Junina – USAby Christine Johnstone |
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“Foleada”, which includes accordionists Jamie Maschler and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, will perform at the annual Festa Junina, held at Om Culture in Seattle, Washington, USA on July 8th, 2023 from 5pm. Festa Junina celebrates the harvest season in Brazil. Dancing is an important part of the celebrations and is centered around the quadrilha, a typical Festa Junina dance accompanied by live Forró music by Foleada, with DJ Tomás “spinning great music during band breaks”. Attendees can expect Brazilian Square Dancing, Xaxado performance (full costume) by Bahia in-Motion, fun games for children and much more. Children 12 and under are free of charge. See poster for details. |
Rudolstadt Folk Festival - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() In addition to live concerts, the festival will also be broadcast on DLF Kultur and MDR Kultur stations. Performances this weekend as follows: July 8th: Une touche d’optimisme (France - picture top) July 8th: NouWell cousins (Germany - picture below) |
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Accordionists Entertain at Dance Evening - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
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Accordionists will entertain at a Dance Evening held at the Onger Os Haesenplein Community Centre in Landgraaf, Limburg, Netherlands on July 13th, 2023 at 5.30pm. Performers include The Black Rolandertjes accordion duo, Hans Franken, Hub Sauer and Jo Pecak. See poster for details. |
Ville Hiltula Ensemble Performs Piazzolla Concert – Japanby Christine Johnstone |
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The Ville Hiltula Ensemble will perform a Piazzolla Concert at Saal Bridge in Takasaki City, Osaka, Japan on July 15th, 2023 at 2pm. The ensemble features Ville Hiltula (bandoneon), Hanako Tanimoto (violin), Satoko Tsutsumi (piano) and Sari Nakajima (cello). For details email: villehiltula@gmail.com |
Dave Evans & Dan Warner Duo at Lomond Hotel - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
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Dave Evans (accordion) and Dan Warner (guitar) will perform at the Lomond Hotel in East Brunswick, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on July 16th, 2023. The duo enjoy performing some of their favourite songs from the 60’s and 70’s so feel free to come along and dance or sing along. |
Cafe Accordion Orchestra "Summer Samba" Concert - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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The Cafe Accordion Orchestra will perform a "Summer Samba" concert at the Belvedere Stage, Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA on July 20th at 7pm. The group perform “an eclectic mix full of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude”. For details email: daddysqueeze@yahoo.com |
Jean-Louis Noton Accordion Workshops – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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Jean-Louis Noton will run accordion workshops at Hotel Les Sapins in Manigod, France from July 20th to 27th, 2023. Tutors include Jean-Louis Noton, Roman Jbanov, Michel Madeira and Frédéric Buch. Three courses are available as follows: • July 20th to 24th, 2023 • July 24th to 27th, 2023 • July 20th to 27th, 2023 For further information email: jl.noton@wanadoo.fr |
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Luigi Carniglia Performs at Italian Festival - Argentinaby Christine Johnstone |
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Luigi Carniglia will perform at an Italian Festival held at the Marienheim Cultural Centre in Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina on July 22nd, 2023 at 5pm. See poster for details. |
Ian Lowthian: Charity Ceilidh Concert Weekend – Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
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Ian Lowthian will run a Charity Ceilidh Concert Weekend (with easier tunes) in Ettrickbridge in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders, on July 22nd and 23rd, 2023. The weekend features a group concert performance in the Kirkhope Parish Hall, Ettrickbridge to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Care. For details email: ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
Past News List of Linksby AWW |
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Release of 2023 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations 2022 Coupe Mondiale, October 04 - 09, Switzerland Daily Reports from 05 October |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2023 Competition Information PIF Castelfidardo 2022 Daily Reports |
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XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports |
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Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year |
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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 |
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AAA information, USA 2023 AAA Festival News Link |
New and Updated Sites |
76th Coupe Mondiale Entry Closing Date – 15th July 2023by Harley Jones |
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![]() Entry closing date is 15 July 2023 and all entry information is online at: Coupe Mondiale Online entries at: 2023CM-Rules Acommodation prices from 35€ for the room including breakfast and the halls for music excellent. Information for hotels at: http://www.coupemondiale.org/2023/bh_accommodation.html Full information at: Coupe Mondiale |
ATG Festival: A Weekend of International Talent - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) 2023 festival will be held from July 19th to 23rd, 2023 in Lisle, Chicago, USA, Featured artists are coming from all over the world such as Grayson Masefield from New Zealand, who will premiere the latest composition by Gorka Hermosa (picture left) entitled “Meditatio”. Other performers include Duo Kollektiv (Austria), The Polyphonia Orchestra (Reunion Island), Nikolay Bine (Canada), Stas Venglevski (USA), and the (UMKC) Community Accordion Chamber Ensemble, directed by Joan Sommers (USA). A special treat this year will be Kevin Friedrich, joined by organist Tony Payne (Associate Professor of Music, Director of Special Programs and Artist Series at Wheaton College), Ron Dake (bass accordion) and Nathaniel Holman (percussion) in a performance of a work titled ‘Dargaville Impressions’ by well-known English accordionist and composer Ian Watson. The two movement work was commissioned by Kevin Friedrich in honor of the refurbishment of the historical organ at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of his home town, Dargaville, New Zealand. For Festival pricing information and Festival Registration, please visit the website: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) |
Romuald Lefebvre: Interview "Meet the Musician Behind the Sound" - Italyby Harley Jones |
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![]() ![]() The Romuald Lefebvre interview is now published edited by Andrea Di Giacomo. Romuald Lefebvre performed with the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra in 2017. He is also teaching at the Conservatoire de Calais and Boulogne-Sur-Mer. Concerned with the development of the accordion, he was one of the founders of the l'Association des Professeurs de Haut de France. He recorded 2 solo albums, "Eclectique" in 2013 and "Toccata" in 2014. Read the interview at: English: http://www.accordions.com/interviews/Meet-Lefebvre.aspx Italian: http://www.accordions.com/interviews/Meet-Lefebvre-it.aspx |
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Newly Released Renzo Ruggieri Virtuoso Arrangement, Il Postino - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() Catalog: rrenzo528 - Il Postino composed by Luis Bacalov, is a newly released arrangement by Renzo Ruggieri for virtuoso entertainment accordion. Renzo Ruggieri writes: "This is a very EFFECTIVE arrangement of a famous composition from the film Il Postino. The special feature of this arrangement is that all the MELODY is rich with contrast from a very soft mood to a very rich yet difficult performance section. Available online, only €10 at rrenzo528 |
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