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Highlights |
Bjarke Mogensen at ‘Rising Stars in Kremlin’, Aarhus, Vilnius – Russia, Denmark, Lithuania
Marco Lo Russo Receives 'Premio Latina Immagine 2011' Award – Italy
Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Family
ASA President Emeritus Else Brandman (1926-2011) NSW – Australia
‘The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners’ Book/CD, Yorkshire – UK
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordion Education and Promotional Concerts for 4,500 Children, Segovia – Spain
Dr William Schimmel's Recent Recording Activities, New York - USA
The Super Accordion Orchestra comes to Ripley, Surrey - UK
Helmut Jacobs ‘Fandangos’ CD, Hamburg - Germany
Grayson Masefield at the Blind Club and Happy Birthdays - New Zealand
‘14 Years Ago’ – Accordions at Disneyworld
Future events |
Concert in Honor of Victor Vlasov Anniversary Celebration - Russia
Erika Plays For Dancing, Incourt – Belgium
Natalya Chesnova’s Christmas Concert, Campagnola Emilia – Italy
The Seamus Cahill Band Ceili, Frederiksberg - Denmark
João Gentil Trio Concert, Coimbra – Portugal
War Songs in the Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Cheshire – UK
New and Updated Sites |
Manny Corallo selling his new christmas CD
Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer, releases 4 new composition
New Book, ‘The Man The Accordion And The Legend’ Available from MusicForAccordion.com
New Book, ‘Vintage Accordions’ Available from MusicForAccordion.com
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Charlie Watkins receives API Lifetime Achievement Award, London – UKby Ron Bennett |
 Industry veteran, audio pioneer and well-known accordionist Charlie Watkins received the API (Audio Pro International) Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association) event, held at Earls Court, London.The British engineer and musician became known as the ‘Godfather of modern PA’ for his groundbreaking approach to loudspeakers and PA for outdoor rock events. Having established his own company, Watkins Electric Music (WEM), in 1949, he found fame in the 1960s and 70s when WEM PA systems in the kilowatt range became standard for British festivals, such as the Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury. On receiving his award, Charlie Watkins commented: “I was surprised and delighted to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, especially as I have thoroughly enjoyed and still enjoy working with such lovely groups of musicians, engineers and road managers, over the past 70 years. I hope to continue my life inventing and working with such people for many years to come.” Charlie Watkins has been a popular figure at accordion events in Britain for many years, and his WEM amplifiers are used by most UK accordionists and accordion-led bands. |
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Bjarke Mogensen at ‘Rising Stars in Kremlin’, Aarhus, Vilnius – Russia, Denmark, Lithuaniaby Francesca Pigini, Pigini Accordion Factory |
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| During the recent festival in Moscow, ‘Rising Stars in Kremlin’, Bjarke Mogensen was the soloist performing works by Astor Piazzolla and conducted by Vladimir Spivakov. The concert took place in the Kremlin, and was attended by the First Lady of Russia, Svetlana Medvedeva (picture below). Bjarke Mogensen, born Denmark studied with Geir Draugsvoll at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and since then has won a number of music awards and is also well-known for premiering new works for accordion. He is a member with Rasmus Kjøller in the Duo Mythos. On December 10th Bjarke Mogensen will be the soloist at the Aarhus House of Music, Denmark, with the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Anders Koppel's Concerto Piccolo, conducted by Morten Ryelund. Bjarke will perform in the National Philharmonie in Vilnius, Lithuania, on December 30th as soloist with the Kremerata Baltica in works by Anatoly Senderovas, George Pelecis, Anders Koppel and Astor Piazzolla. In March Bjarke will once again perform as soloist with orchestra were he will play his release-concert with the National Danish Chamber Orchestra. The concert will take place in the concert hall of the Royal Academy of Music were he will perform works from his newly released CD featuring 4 Danish accordion-concertos by Per Nørgård, Ole Schmidt, Anders Koppel and Martin Lohse. For further information email: ml@tcartists.com |
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Marco Lo Russo Receives 'Premio Latina Immagine 2011' Award – Italyby Rob Howard |
 Popular Italian accordionist Marco Lo Russo has been designated this year’s recipient of the Premio Latina Immagine 2011 (Latin Image Award). The award is given to personalities who have distinguished themselves, without forgetting their roots, whilst promoting the culture and image of Latin America in Italy and beyond. The ceremony will take place on Sunday December 11th, 5.30pm, in the Teatro Armando Cafaro, Latina, Lazio, Italy. Admission is free. Marco Lo Russo performs on December 14th, 10am, at the conference ‘Viaggi verso un turismo di qualità ambientale’, in the Largo Dino Frisullo, Città dell’Altra Economia all’Ex Mattatoio di Campo Boario, Rome. For further information email: dina.tomezzoli@alice.it |
Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Familyby Harley Jones |
 Christmas Gift ideas for friends and family at: 2011 Xmas Gift Ideas.These ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers. Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 1,900 eSheet pieces, 350 CD/DVD’s, 1,700 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2011 Xmas Gift Ideas |
ASA President Emeritus Else Brandman (1926-2011) NSW – Australiaby Elizabeth Jones, ASA President |
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 Else Brandman died on December 1st 2011, aged 85 years, in Sylvania, New South Wales. Mrs Brandman was an inspirational lady and accordion teacher who had an enormous impact on all accordionists and musicians that she taught and educated. She will be missed by all.Else was a lady who could make you feel as if you where the only person of importance as she communicated to you. Her subtle humor (with Germanic slant) will be remembered by all, as will her fondness for champagne. It was in February 1970 that Mrs Brandman, acting as convenor, opened the inaugural meeting of the Accordion Society of Australia (ASA) at Rockdale Town Hall. President of the ASA was a position Mrs Brandman held from 1970 to 1983 then again from 1986 – 1995. With her determination and love for the accordion Mrs Brandman encouraged many children and teenagers into a love for music and new friendships. This was particularly evident at the yearly festivals that traveled state to state. Through her international contacts members of the Accordion Society formed friendships with overseas accordionists and many of us had a chance to travel overseas and study. Linked is an extract about her own life written by Else Brandman: Brandman extract. |
‘The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners’ Book/CD, Yorkshire – UKby Rob Howard |
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 ‘The Piano Accordion Absolute Beginners’ is a new tutor book, by Karen Tweed and Dave Mallinson (both pictured above), using English, Scottish, Irish and Morris dance tunes as teaching material, to guide adult learners through the often difficult process of coordinating two hands. The book contains details of the rudiments of music, lots of graded tunes, advice about playing the piano accordion, and much information about traditional music. Karen Tweed is a highly regarded accordionist and teacher, especially known for playing Irish traditional and other forms of folk dance music. Dave Mallinson is a self-taught melodeon and diatonic button accordion player, and the author/publisher of several popular tutor books on diatonic instruments. His musical experience gives him a unique insight into the problems and difficulties facing beginners and novices. There is also an accompanying CD, with all 89 tracks played by Karen Tweed, containing all the exercises and tunes in the book. For further information email: mally@mally.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Håvard Svendsrud Concert, Oslo – Norwayby Karen Svensrud |
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| Photo above: Left: Håvard Svendsrud (accordion), Daniel Andersson (accordion), Per Martin Grenlund (double bass), Tore-Morten Andreassen Figenschow (guitar) and Stein Medby (guitar). On Saturday November 26th Håvard Svendsrud performed his fifth accordion concert at the Oslo Concert Hall in Norway. Guest musicians appearing came from Tromsø in Northern Norway and Stockholm in Sweden. Music by the legendary Pietro Frosini was a common thread in the program. Associate Professor of electric guitar at the University of Tromsø, Tore-Morten Andreassen Figenschow and his band performed a series of virtuoso Frosini pieces, and really impressed the audience. Figenschow has accordion compositions transcribed to guitar as one of his specialties. He played ‘Hot Fingers’, ‘Dizzy Accordion’, ‘La Mariposita’, and more. Håvard Svendsrud and Sweden’s Daniel Andersson played their own solo sections. Svendsrud played ‘Italian Polka’ (S. Rachmaninov / Yashkewich), ‘Prelude, Op. 31’ (A. Volpi), ‘Rhapsody no. 2 C-minor’ (P. Frosini) and more. Andersson played a Russian folk tune, and ‘Cavatina Figaro’ (G. Rossini). The duo Dos Fueyes (Two Bellows) - accordion player Daniel Andersson and bandoneonist Jens Lundberg - played the Argentine tango. It has become a tradition that Håvard Svendsrud and his guest artists play something together as a finale. The concert this year was no exception - all the musicians played together ‘Bel Fiore’ (P. Frosini) and ‘Se Armo’ (A. Piazzolla). For further information email: haavard@hsvendsrud.com Photo below: Jens Lundberg (bandoneon) and Daniel Andersson (accordion). |
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Accordion Education and Promotional Concerts for 4,500 Children, Segovia – Spainby Raquel Ruiz |
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 From October 17th until December 2nd more than 4,500 children from schools in the region of Segovia, Spain, have been attending an educational series of concerts titled ‘The Family of Julieta Lengüeta’.In this concert, Angel Luis Castaño - concert accordionist and accordion professor in the Superior Conservatory of Music in Zaragoza, Aragon, Raquel Ruiz - accordion teacher of the Conservatory in Segovia, and Jesus Mozo - concert accordionist, have been showing to the children from 6 to 12 years old, more than 20 instruments of the accordion family, all of them belonging to the private collection of ancient instruments of Angel Luis Castaño and Raquel Ruiz. Julieta Lengüeta´s family is a musical story that includes in one hour live music played with ancient instruments as Khene, concertina, bandoneon, harmonica, diatonic accordion, classical and digital accordion, etc... music composed by Bach, Piazzolla, Rossini, and traditional music of Germany, Thailand, France, etc... The concert tour (28 concerts in total) has also been featured on the National Radio of Spain, with an article and interviews with Raquel Ruiz heard by more than 250,000 listeners in the magazine ‘Spain Directly’. For further information email: raquelru@gmail.com |
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Dr William Schimmel's Recent Recording Activities, New York - USAby Rob Howard |
 Dr William Schimmel and pianist Dr Hugo Goldenzweig have released a new CD, ‘A Chopin/Beethoven/Schimmel/Frosini Mix’. Included are Chopin's ‘Piano Preludes’, performed by Hugo Goldenzweig, ‘Chopin’s Accordion Preludes’, composed and performed by Dr. Schimmel, Beethoven's ‘Pathetique’ (1st Movement) interspersed with Frosini's ‘Rhapsody No 2’ (‘The Vaudevillian Pathetique’) and the first movement of Beethoven's ‘Appassionata’. Dr. Schimmel adds ‘spectral’ improvisations on accordion to Dr. Goldenzweig's piano performances. The CD is available on the IPS/STUDIO-MUSE label. Dr. Schimmel also performs with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra on the new CD/DVD release: ‘Concerto Andrea Bocelli in Central Park’ available in CD, DVD and Blue Ray. This concert includes Celine Dion, Tony Bennett and Chris Botti. Other performances and recordings include: ‘The Blue Flower’ (off-Broadway), a recording project with singer/songwriter/poet Vince Bell, an upcoming CD release of a new work by Anthony Cornicello and a recording of the highlights of Kiki Baby (off-Broadway). For further information email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
The Super Accordion Orchestra comes to Ripley, Surrey - UKby Alison Briggs |
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| Just when I thought I’d seen all the accordion world had to offer, the ‘Super Orchestra’ came along. On a November morning a few Saturdays ago, I found myself in Ripley Village Hall preparing for a day of playing alongside 70 other accordionists: a ‘super’ orchestra by anyone’s reckoning and led by Ian Watson. Read all of this article at: Super..... by Alison Briggs |
Helmut Jacobs ‘Fandangos’ CD, Hamburg - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
| ‘Fandangos’ is a CD by German accordionist Helmut C. Jacobs, devoted to music composed for this dance of Spanish origin, composed by Félix Máximo López, José Antonio Martí, Domenico Scarlatti, José Blasco de Nebra, Gaspar Schmidt, and others. The sleeve notes are in German, Spanish and English. For further information email: helmut.jacobs@uni-due.de |
Grayson Masefield at the Blind Club and Happy Birthdays - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
 Grayson Masefield, home in Auckland for Christmas, has been returning to perform for the clubs and other organizations that supported him when he was an up and coming player. On 6th December, Grayson Masefield performed at the local Blind Club where he has played many times before. Imagine, after Grayson had played a major Bach work, a halt was put to the concert and he played a surprise ‘Happy Birthday’ to the 107!!! - yes 107 year old lady in the front row. The birthday lady walked unsteadily to the birthday cake and cut it to another rousing chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’, and in her speech, joked that the reason for her longevity was that she just "kept breathing!". The formal concert then continued! Another versatile performance! Two days earlier was the less formal Happy Birthday for Grayson's grandmother Marie Jones (picture lower right), former New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) Secretary for nearly 30 years. The family were celebrating her 83rd birthday, also to the accompaniment of the accordion with Grayson and his uncle Maurice Jones playing Happy Birthday while the family all sang along. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Accordions at Disneyworldby Rob Howard |
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 The Accordions Worldwide news for December 12th 1997 reported that accordions were being frequently heard at Disneyworld in Florida, which was very good to know. Since then, accordion entertainment has continued to be featured at Disneyworld, and the recognition that Walt Disney Inc gives to the accordion is really excellent. Performing recently at Disneyworld, Florida, is Canadian accordionist Natasha Enquist (picture right), who really enjoyed her time there. Below is the article from 14 years ago.ACCORDION IS PROMINENT ENTERTAINMENT AT DISNEY WORLD - USA Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association Epcot Center and Disneyworld are beehives of accordion activity. Just this past weekend, the accordion brought extra delight to audiences when a young couple rented the French Pavilion for their wedding and hired accordionist Vince Aleandri to play at the festivities and while the wedding party was boated back and forth to Disney's Boardwalk Hotel. Aleandri is a Disneyworld regular who plays daily at the Italian Pavilion and also with a quartet of opera singers outside in the Piazza, as well as at Alfredo's Restaurant, an Epcot landmark. Other accordionists who entertain at the world famous amusement park are Joe Oberaitis at the German Pavilion, George "Butch" Kresovich who plays throughout the Promenade, Darek Grabowski performing with Gypsy and Dixieland groups, Jim Horzen at the German Pavilion, Dan Witucki and Daven Skrzynski whose accordions are heard throughout the park. The Disney folks apparently love the accordion. In 1985 when the American Accordionists' Association held its annual festival in Orlando, Florida, collaborative efforts with Disney led to numerous accordion bands performing daily at Epcot Center and Disney Village. At the same time the city's Mayor Frederick declared Orlando "Accordion City" for the festival week and Disney premiered Carmine Coppola's Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra in an exciting evening concert featuring the Disney Park Orchestra and soloist Donald Hulme. |
Future events |
Raimondas Sviackevicius Concert, Vilnius – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
 On Saturday 10th December, Raimondas Sviackevicius will perform with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (Artistic Director Juozas Domarkas), conductor Modestas Pitrenas, in Vilnius at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Grand Hall. The concert is dedicated to mark the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification.The program includes Symphony No.2 ‘Sinfonia India’ – Carlos Chavez, Symphonic poem ‘Pini di Roma’ – Ottorino Respighi, Concerto ‘Aconcagua’ for bandoneon, strings and percussions – Astor Piazzolla, ‘Tango’ – Arthurs Maskats. Raimondas Sviackevicius played with the Kaunas Symphony Orchestra (conductor Modestas Pitrenas) at the Kaunas State Philarmonic Hall on November 25th. For further information email: raimondas@sviackevicius.com |
Concert in Honor of Victor Vlasov Anniversary Celebration - Russiaby Alexander Poeluev |
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| This year, Victor Vlasov, celebrates his anniversary on December 17 at 17:00 hours in Rostov-on-Don anniversary concert of the composer Victor Vlasov. Viktor Petrovich Vlasov is a member of three creative unions of the USSR and the Ukraine (Union of Composers, filmmakers, and the National Union of Ukrainian music). He is an Honored Artist of Ukraine (1996), and the holder of an honorary Silver Disc "for his services in Bayan Art" (2003) and many other awards. Famous accordionists are taking part in the concert. Yuri Shishkin (accordion) - Honored Artist of Russia, and one of the most sought-after musicians, playing about 100 concerts a year. Vladimir Murza (accordion) - Honored Artist of Ukraine. Nicholas Hanzharov - Honored Artist of Russia (actor). Alexander Poeluev (accordion) - international winner of competitions and concert artist Alex Shalygin (accordion) - soloist of the orchestra of Russian folk instruments "Don". New-Centropezn Jazz Quartet was formed in 1988 in Rostov-on-Don. The ensemble of Russian folk instruments "Don Cossacks" - created in 1982. Winner of many international folk festivals and competitions. The instrumental trio "Brevis" - created in 2008. Two hours before the concert in the foyer will be an exhibition and sale of vintage and modern accordion. |
Erika Plays For Dancing, Incourt – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
 Belgian musette accordionist accordionist Erika, known as ‘La princesse de l'accordéon’, and her keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie play for dancing, as follows: December 11th, 6pm – Sprl, Le Rianfra, Incourt, Belgium December 18th, 4pm - La salle Esperance, Pondrome December 26th - la salle L'Arsenal (Noel Solidaire), Namur For further information email: erika@erika.be |
Natalya Chesnova’s Christmas Concert, Campagnola Emilia – Italyby Harley Jones |
 Milan-based Russian accordionist Natalya Chesnova’s Christmas Concert takes place on Wednesday, December 14th, 9pm, at the Chiesa di Cognento, Campagnola Emilia (RE). For further information email: nataliabajan@libero.it |
The Seamus Cahill Band Ceili, Frederiksberg - Denmarkby Rob Howard |
 The Danish-Irish Society presents a ceili with the Seamus Cahill Band on December 17th, 9pm, at Bartof Café, Ndr. Fasanvej 46, Frederiksberg.The evening promises a mighty cocktail of rip-roaring reels and jigs. Songs to make you feel happy and a little melancholic. Add a touch of swing driven by a powerful rhythm section and you’ve got all the ingredients for a riveting night of Irish traditional music. The Seamus Cahill Band are Jonas Fromseier (banjo, bouzouki), Seamus Cahill (guitar, vocals), Lars Hansen (accordion) and Martin O’ Hare (bodhrán, bones). For further information email: info@ohareproductions.com |
João Gentil Trio Concert, Coimbra – Portugalby Harley Jones |
 The João Gentil Trio perform in concert at the Centro Cultural aCapella, Coimbra, Portugal, on December 17th, 11.45pm.The João Gentil Trio are: João Gentil (accordion, accordiona and vocals), Miguel Duarte (guitar), and Miguel Calhaz (bass). For further information email: joaogentil1@gmail.com |
War Songs in the Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
 Accordionists Rob Howard and John Jones will be performing war songs and carols (with free wine and mince pies!) in the Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Chestergate, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 1NE, on Monday December 19th, 8pm.For further Information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
New DVD, ‘1,2,3 Musette’ Volume 2 Available from MusicForAccordion.comby |
 Cat No: 123musette02 is for the 1,2,3 Musette DVD Volume 2. This DVD follows the sold-out Volume 1 DVD. Cat No: 123musette02 Volume 2 consists of the best of the TV program ‘1,2,3 Musette’, which is the only weekly TV show broadcast in France and Belgium, devoted to 100% musette accordion. |
Manny Corallo selling his new christmas CDby Manny Corallo |
 Manny Corallo selling his CD titled 'It's An Accordion Christmas', catalog: mcorallo201 with sound samples. Music performed by Manny Corallo and his Orchestra. Purchase online. |
Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer, releases 4 new compositionby Karen Fremar |
 Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer, releases 4 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. ''57 Chevy', catalog:kfremar301, 'Double Dip Tango', catalog:kfremar302, 'Early Morning Ballon Ride', catalog:kfremar303 and 'Fantasy Op. 67', catalog:kfremar304. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
New Book, ‘The Man The Accordion And The Legend’ Available from MusicForAccordion.comby Yehuda Oppenheimer |
 Available online with secure server credit card purchase in Euro or US$ Catalog No: oybook ‘The Man The Accordion And The Legend’ |
New Book, ‘Vintage Accordions’ Available from MusicForAccordion.comby Rob Howard |
 Available online with secure server credit card purchase in Euro or US$ Catalog No: robaccord05 ‘Vintage Accordions’ The new book, ‘Vintage Accordions’ is an all-colour pictorial history of the accordion, in its various forms, from the early 19th Century onwards up to the present time. There are 300 pictures plus information and some interesting historical articles. This book is a limited edition, A4 sized, 60 pages, and in hardback. |
CD Reviews |
Cocktail "Rio Rita" CD by Friedrich Lips, Bayanby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Cocktail "Rio Rita" CD, reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers. Artist is Friedrich Lips, Bayan. |
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