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Highlights |
World Accordion Day (WAD) Online - Finlandby Harley Jones |
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![]() May 6th 2014 saw the celebration of World Accordion Day by many accordionists around the world. A project of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), coordinated by CIA Music Committee Member Grayson Masefield, was held online on the World Acccordion Day website with reports, photos and videos from a number of countries. Two sample videos above. CIA President Raymond Bodell makes "special thanks to CIA Ambassador Kevin Friedrich and CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila for all their work on World Accordion Day organising the website, reviews, pictures and videos from different parts of the world. The CIA has 38 member associations under its helm and I thank you all for all you do throughout the year and around this special day to promote the accordion." The WAD celebration site included information from the CIA, messages from the CIA Executive, info from the host of the 2014 Coupe Mondiale Austria etc.. You are invited to enjoy a sampling of activities from the various events held by CIA members and accordion enthusiasts at: World Accordion Day |
51st International Acccordion Competition Klingenthal - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Full competition rules and category information is at: 2014Kling The Category VI virtuoso entertainment category will be held in concert format for the first time. The Finale round of solo Category IV with symphony orchestra will be held this Sunday afternoon (13.00 hrs) and the Prizegiving concert (17.00 hrs) will feature all the prize winners of the competitions. Concerts by such performers as: Mika Väyrynen, Samuele Telari, Christoph Grunert, Sexteto Obsesión Tango, Duo ViA! (Harald Oeler & Sinn Yang - violin), etc, along with the Akkordeonorchester Klingenthal (conductor Günter Herald) and symphony orchestras Stadtorchester Klingenthal (conductor Rico Schneider) and Vogtland Philharmonic (conductor Stefan Fraas). For further details you can download the complete program at: 2014KProgram - Jury members (country order) are: Ivan Koval (Czech), Jeanette Dyremose (Denmark), Mika Väyrynen (Finland), Jacques Mornet (France), Fritz Dobler (Germany), Stefan Fraas (Germany), Jürgen Ganzer (Germany), Tobias Morgenstern (Germany), Harald Oeler (Germany), Ulf Seifert (Germany), Krzyszof Olczak (Poland), Elsbeth Moser (Switzerland), Viatcheslav Semionov (Russia), Tibor Rácz (Slovakia). There will be further reports of the results as they are announced in the coming days. |
Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic and the Accordion, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() In an interview in 2012 Krist commented: "I'm obsessed with the accordion. You know how some people have dark obsessions that are embarrassing or self-destructive? My obsession is accordion playing. I have to play every day and I play it for hours. I play polkas and I play Beatles songs and Rolling Stones songs and Nirvana songs”. On March 9th 2014 Krist performed Lorde's hit ‘Royals’ on the accordion during a show at Takoma Park in Maryland as part of the Fair Vote campaign. Two videos by Krist Novoselic can be seen above. This type of music may not be to everyone's taste but it does bring the accordion to the attention of a younger audience as an instrument of diversity. Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in April 2014 in New York City. Other inductees included Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, KISS, and Linda Ronstadt. Congratulations to Nirvana and especially Krist Novoselic on the Rock Hall of Fame induction. |
Donald Hulme (1940-2014), Florida - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Donald Hulme was born on October 17th 1940 in Belleville, New Jersey. His mother, a pianist, bought Donald an accordion when he was 8 and taught him how to play. Donald Hulme studied with Charles Nunzio and made his public debut on his 14th birthday at the Carnegie Hall, New York, then went on to become the US accordion champion in 1959, 1960 and 1961. In 1961 he won the CIA Coupe Mondiale in Pallanza, Italy. With a Master’s degree in music from the prestigious Julliard School in New York, he became a very busy professional accordionist and a world traveler, with friends in many places. He knew John Wayne. Hulme made a guest appearance in 1961 on the TV game show ‘I've Got a Secret’. He stumped three of the panelists, but the fourth knew he recently had been named the world-champion accordionist. Hulme then performed two songs. This can be seen above. For many years Donald Hulme pursued a very successful career, appearing on TV on the Ed Sullivan Show and The Lawrence Welk Show, at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, on stage with Luciano Pavarotti, and making recordings. From 1972 to 1976 he toured internationally on the QE2 liner with the late British accordionist Shirley Evans as the duo Evans & Hulme. They made an album in 1973, ‘The World’s Greatest Accordionists’, the title coined by the management of the famous pianist Liberace, with whom both Hulme and Evans were friendly. After performing around the world, he made Orlando, Florida, his hometown in 1982 where he was hired by Disney World to entertain, and he opened at both EPCOT and the former MGM Studios. One day at Epcot, he matched notes with fellow accordionist Myron Floren, of ‘The Lawrence Welk Show’ fame, and clip of them playing ‘Roll out the Barrel’ is above. He performed regularly at Christinis, the renowned Italian continental restaurant in Orlando, and also with the Florida Symphony Orchestra and with the Orlando Opera Company. Sadly, in recent years Donald Hulme fell on hard times, and even had to sell his accordions. They were bought them back for him by a well-wisher, but were damaged by a fire in 2009. Another well-wisher then gave him another accordion, allowing him to play again. The Orlando Sentinel commented that Donald Hulme was “an entertainer every moment of his life. In spite of his adversity, he was always known to be of good humor and always maintained a positive outlook in life. Always the ebullient spirited musician, he captivated friends and audiences alike. He was a very personable guy, very easy to get along with”. Donald Hulme, one of the world’s great accordion players of his time, had no known surviving relatives. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Antonio Spaccarotella Concert Tour, Calcutta, Pune - Indiaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() The performances were held, from April 30th to May 5th, at the Calcutta Club, ‘The Sugar and Spice’, Pune Music Society, a master class at Kalmadi High School, and finally he played at the Indian Classic Music Center in occasion of the 82nd Foundation Ceremony of the Institute. "A lot of people appreciated the shows, and for this reason we hope that more people in India will appreciate this fantastic instrument, thanks to the great contribution of Antonio. We also hope that more students will have the possibility to study the accordion in this country." Special thanks go to Amit Vaidya, for organizing this tour, Pallab Roy for his invaluable collaboration, and obviously to Antonio Spaccarotella for his masterclasses and performances. |
Video: Accordionist Ligia Cipriano - Portugalby Harley Jones |
Two videos of Ligia Cipriano, Portugal by Alberto Dâmaso who has some 155 videos, many of Portuguese accordionists on youtube. |
Record Entries, Accordion Orchestras/Ensembles Championships - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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Finland hosted its national championships for accordion orchestras and ensembles, attracting a record 23 orchestras and ensembles, the most ever participating since the competition's inception in the 1970s. The Sibelius-opisto (music school) in Hämeenlinna jointly hosted the event together with the Finnish Accordion Association. The competition featured four categories: orchestra (own category for young players born 1998 and younger), ensemble, pop/jazz and dance music, performing a wide variety of music from traditional dance music, folk to classical. Renowned Finnish accordionist Matti Rantanen (Director of the accordion Department at the Sibelius Academy) served as Chairperson of the Jury, and he was assisted by Satu Salmenaho, Mika Hakala and Erkki Friman. Matti Rantanen commented "It was very daring to play traditional Finnish classical music by Sibelius with an accordion orchestra, however Reijo Ahonen, the Conductor of Sibelius-opisto Accordion Orchestra presented this work in a very high level. I also liked a lot the interpretation of Pirates of Caribbean played by According to Rhythm (conductor Henna-Maija Vannemaa) and that it was very delightful to see the youngest children (5-7 years old) play. The future accordion and accordion orchestras in Finland is guaranteed!” Results: Accordion Orchestras (young players) 1. Sibelius-opiston Junioriharmonikat (conductor Reijo Ahonen), Hämeenlinna 2. According to Rhythm Juniors, (Henna-Maija Vannemaa), Nivala 3. Furioso, (Merja Huhta), Vihti 4. HarmoNikkarit (Marko Räsänen), Mäntsälä 5. JunnuNikkarit (Marko Räsänen), Mäntsälä Accordion Ensembles 1. Trio Accat, (conductor Reijo Ahonen), Hämeenlinna 2. Hollolan Harmonikat, (Marko Könönen), Hollola 3. Mäntsälän Harmonikkojen trio (Marko Räsänen), Mäntsälä 4. Mäntsälän Harmonikkojen kvartetti (Marko Räsänen), Mäntsälä 5. Harmonikkayhtye Pomppaduuri (Anita Lehto), Hämeenlinna Pop/jazz category 1. Sibelius-opiston Harmonikkaorkesteri (conductor Reijo Ahonen), Hämeenlinna 2. According to Rhythm (Henna-Maija Vannemaa), Nivala 3. Turun Harmonikkakerhon Viihdeorkesteri (Kauko Tiistola), Turku 4.TeiniNikkarit (Marko Räsänen), Mäntsälä Accordion Orchestras 1=. According to Rhythm (conductor Henna-Maija Vannemaa), Nivala 1=. Sibelius-opiston Harmonikkaorkesteri (Reijo Ahonen), Hämeenlinna 3=. Hollolan Harmonikat (Marko Könönen), Hollola 3=. Karjalan Harmonikkaorkesteri, (Pasi Suikkanen), Imatra Dance music category 1. Kalliolan Harmonikat (conductor Marko Könönen), Lahti 2=. Karjalan Harmonikkaorkesteri (Pasi Suikkainen), Imatra 2=. Sibelius-opiston Harmonikkaorkesteri (Reijo Ahonen), Hämeenlinna 4. Hollolan Harmonikat (Marko Könönen), Hollola 5. Mäntsälän Harmonikat (Marko Räsänen), Mäntsälä |
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Video: Martin Lubenov and Vladimir Karparov & Guitar - Portugalby Harley Jones |
Published 15 April 2014 is a video featuring acordionist Martin Lubenov, Vladimir Karparov (clarinet) and an unnamed guitarist at a performance in Portugal. |
Claudio Alho Contest Success, Johannesburg - South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() Claudio made such a good impression on the judges, that he received a special invitation award to participate at the finals of the Classical Music section on May 17th at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria. Claudio Alho is a student of Sergio Zampolli. |
‘14 Years Ago’: ‘Polka King’ Walter Ostanek awarded ‘Order of Canada’by Rob Howard |
![]() ‘Order of Canada’ Award – Canada Canada's ‘Polka King’ and accordionist Walter Ostanek (St. Catharines) was awarded the Order of Canada (Member) on Wednesday April 26th for over 45 years in the music business. Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, presided at the investiture ceremony in Ottawa. The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to their country. Sixty five year old Walter has been inducted into two of North America's most renowned polka halls of fame, made numerous radio and television appearances and has won three Grammy Awards. |
Future events |
Marko Kassl Diary Dates – Germany, Netherlands, Austriaby Rob Howard |
![]() May 10th, 11pm and 12.30am – ‘Sounds of the Space Age’, Nachtaktiv Mönchengladbach, Berliner Platz 10, Mönchengladbach, Germany May 16th, 8pm – Salon für Neue Musik "Akkordeon!", Klangraum 61, Mettmannerstr. 61, D-40233 Düsseldorf, Germany May 20th, 7.30pm - Valery Voronovs "Gottesmühlen", EL-DE-Haus Köln, Appellhofplatz 23, D-50667 Cologne, Germany June 8th, 11am – Duo Mares concert, Arp Museum Bahnhof Rolandseck, Hans-Arp-Allee 1, D-53424 Remagen, Germany June 20th, 6.30pm – songs with Stella-Louise Göke, Concordia Enschede, Oude Markt 15, NL-7511 GA Enschede, Netherlands June 24th, 5pm – programme: Compagnie Irene K: Die Blume und der Baum, Luaga und Losna, Raumschwagsaal, Raumschwagplatz 1, A-6710 Nenzing, Austria For further information email: info@marko-kassl.de |
Erika & Orchestra ‘Bal Populaire’, Tintange – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
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On Monday May 12th, 8.30pm, the ‘Princess of the Accordion’ Erika and her orchestra play for dancing – a ‘bal populaire’ - at ‘Fauvillers’, Tintange, Belgium. |
“Accordion is it” Concert, Osnabruck – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
“Accordion is it” is the title of a public concert on Wednesday May 14th, 8pm, at Gartenhaus der Hoschschule Osnabruck, Germany. Performing are students from the Hoschschule Osnabruck, and the programme includes everything from classics to modern, and tango to jazz. For further information email: AndiNebl@gmx.de |
Charlotte Ludwig with Herbert Schònberger Concert, Vienna - Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() ![]() The venue is Heuriger Das Schreiberhaus, Rathstraße 54, 1190 Wien, Neustift. Everybody is invited to join her! Her mother, dialect poet Anna Ludwig, will present some of her funny works. Free admission/donation. The famous Viennese ‘Heurige’ (wine tavern in the 19th district of Vienna) ‘Das Schreiberhaus’ is also known for the good Viennese cuisine. An enjoyable evening is thus secured! |
Ksenija Sidorova Performs at Andalusia Festival, Andalusia - Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() This inaugural international festival of chamber music and traditional flamenco will take place in Segura de la Sierra, a whitewashed hilltop village deep in Andalusia, a remarkable historical venue amidst the stunning mountain scenery of the Cazorla and Segura National Park. For further information email: arproductions@btinternet.com |
Fabio Turchetti @ Guildford Accordion Club, Surrey – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Fabio Turchetti has studied classic and jazz harmony, and is a multi-instrumentalist/composer (diatonic and chromatic accordion, bandoneon, guitar and voice). He has played and held workshops worldwide and has recorded over 20 albums. He will be playing diatonic button accordion for this concert, and offering some advice on bellows technique. The evening also includes the club’s usual ‘Playalong’, so do bring your accordions. For further information email: myrabee@btinternet.com |
Guy Klucevsek 2014 Diary Dates, New York, California - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() 18th May 2014, 7pm - solo concert, featuring Klucevsek's compositions ‘Altered Landscapes’, ‘Three Microids’, ‘Samba D Hiccup’, ‘The Return of Lasse’, ‘Larsong’, ‘And Then There Were None’, ‘Return of the Microids’, ‘Shimmer’ (for William Duckworth), Barbes, Brooklyn, NY. 30th May 2014, 7.30pm – concert includes excerpts from ‘Ruth Doesn't Live Here’, with Lionel Popkin Dance Company (LA), featuring Klucevsek's score for accordion and violin, performed live with Guy on accordion and Mary Rowell (violin), Walking Distance Dance Festival, San Francisco, CA 31st May 2014, 7.30pm - solo concert in which Klucevsek performs selections from his vast catalogue of solo accordion works, 1982-2012, Fifth Street Farms, Berkeley, CA 8th June 2014, 7.30pm and 9pm (separate admission) - solo concerts, Museum of Jurassic Technology, Los Angeles, CA 12th to 15th May 2014 - "Ruth Doesn't Live Here Anymore," with Lionel Popkin Dance Company, performed live with violinist Sara Parkins, Red Cat Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 2nd and 3rd August 2014 - "Ruth Doesn't Live Here Anymore," , inspired by the life and work of modern dance pioneer, Ruth St. Denis. Choreography by Lionel Popkin, music by Guy Klucevsek, performed live. Chatham, NY For further information email: gklucevsek@mac.com |
The 2 Karens Meet Alan Young in Concert, Isle of Wight – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The evening promises an amazing variety of accordion music, laughter and a little nostalgia. It may well be worth bringing your dancing shoes and they will illustrate why every home needs an accordion! Karen Tweed is highly regarded in the folk world as a player and teacher, and Karen Street is a jazz musician and composer. Incidentally, if Karen Street used her married name there would be two Karen Tweeds on the bill! Alan Young is a highly versatile accordionist and an accordion technician. The venue is the Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1NS. Please ensure a little extra time for parking (public car parks which are free are close by) as parking is limited and this concert promises to be a popular event. For further information email: info@karentweed.com |
Greek Music Concert, Istanbul – Turkeyby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert is organized by the Turkish accordion association Iberya Özkan Akordeon Tölyesi. The musicians performing are Asli Kurt (vocals), Aydin Ciracioglu (accordion), Ruben Tenenbaum (violin), Mikko Papadopoulos Laitinen (bouzouki), and Andreas Holzapfel (guitar). One-to-one accordion tuition is available at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI, and every Wednesday, 7.30pm until 10pm, there is an accordion workshop. For further information email: ibeka@mynet.com |
Morley Accordion Orchestra host Nuremberg AO, London – UKby Rob Howard |
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The highly regarded Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra from Germany, visits London next month for the first time, to share a concert with the Morley Accordion Orchestra (MD Ian Watson) on June 8th, 5pm, at the St John's Smith Square concert hall in Westminster, SW1P 3HA. The program includes a world premiere of Ian Watson’s new composition, 'Flight', which will open the concert. The Morley Accordion Orchestra will also play Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, with concert pianist Jason Carr as soloist. The Nuremberg Accordion Orchestra (World Champions in 2010) will play Holst's 'The Planets' and Elgar's 'Enigma Variations'. The two orchestras will also perform together some specially commissioned original music. For further information email: i.watson99@googlemail.com |
National Button Accordion Festival, Pennsylvania - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() The festival has a ‘jamming’ format, with a time schedule board for performers or groups on the main stage. A formal program and concert happens on Sunday May 25th, the last day of the festival. Following the concert, the jamming format resumes for the remainder of the day. A feature of the festival is that no bands are hired, and the music comes from the people attending the event. For further information email: Rpivovar@verizon.net |
New and Updated Sites |
Francesco Palazzo Updated Site - Italyby Francesco Palazzo |
![]() Purchase online. |
Friedrich Lips releases new CDby Friedrich Lips |
![]() 'Night Flowers', catalog: CD026 with sound samples. Music performed by Friedrich Lips. Pu |
Karen Fremar New Site For 'Vivant! - Whatever You Do' CD - USAby Karen Fremar |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
Romano Viazzani updates sites with eTracksby Romano Viazzani |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
Paul Chamberlain Updates Site with eTracks - UKby Paul Chamberlain |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
CD Reviews |
Live in Rostov-on-Don 2013 CD Review of Alexander Poeluevby Joan C. Sommers |
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