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Live video: Trio Fratres 30th Anniversary Concerts, Helsinki, Kokkola - Finlandby Harley Jones |
Live video broadcast of the Helsinki concert at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZSqAFJUGpY Trio Fratres 30th anniversary is a celebration of their many years of music, with one concert in Helsinki and the second concert in Kokkola. Download festival program: 2023KokkolaFest.pdf Trio Fratres, an accordion trio of Raimo Vertainen, Heikki Jokiaho and Toni Hämäläinen will commemorate a number of Finnish Premieres 1996-2003. Their program also includes Finnish folk music, Baroque music, Russian romance as well as techno. Trio Fratres has performed in 14 countries in Europe as well as Lebanon, Mexico and Japan. The anniversary concerts will include original works interpreted by four different accordion trios in collaboration with music academies in Denmark, Lithuania and Finland. Pictures below. |
2023-2025 AAA Executive Board Elected - USAby Harley Jones |
With the election of a new AAA President Frank Busso Jr. a new AAA Executive Board for 2023-2025 was also elected. These are: Frank Busso Sr. - AAA 1st Vice President Sam Falcetti - AAA 2nd Vice President Rita Davidson Barnea - AAA Secretary Ray Oreggia - AAA Treasurer Frank Busso Sr. and Sam Falcetti are two of the longest serving AAA Board members and both are past AAA Presidents. Rita Davidson has also been has been a member of the AAA board for many years and for over 14 years, has served as the editor of Accordions USA Ray Oreggia continuing as AAA Treasurer completes the Executive Board. This is a very experienced Executive Board supporting new AAA President Frank Busso Jnr. for what promises to be a very busy year of activities. |
19th National Accordion Festival – Argentinaby Christine Johnstone |
The 19th National Accordion Festival will be held San Jorge, Santa Fe, Argentina on March 25th, 2023 organised by the Asociacion Marchigiana and the Municipality of San Jorge. Due to the disruption of previous festivals due to Covid-19, this year’s national festival will be a way of resuming the continuity of previous editions. Download festival information here: 2023NationalFest.pdf For further information email Adelqui Bertotto: bertotto.a@gmail.com |
Eric Bouvelle Accordion Course - Italyby Rob Howard |
Video 1: Information on the Eric Bouvelle Accordion Course. Video 2: Solo performance at 2022 PIF Castelfidardo from PIF Daily Report: http://www.accordions.com/pifcastelfidardo/2022/30.htm French accordionist Eric Bouvelle will tutor an accordion course for beginners and professionals at the at the Universo Hotel in Fiuggi, Frosinone, Lazio, Italy from April 20th to 22nd, 2023, organised by the Gianluca Pica Music Studio. The course will cover French musette, varieté music and entertainment and “all the secrets and history of this musical genre”. Only 12 spots available. For details phone Art Director Gianluca Pica: 346.1734914 |
Summer Accordion Course - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
The 2nd edition of “Accordion Summer Course” will take place from July 17th to 21st, 2023 at Beukenhof in Biezenmortel, North Brabant, Netherlands. This course is intended for enthusiastic accordionists from the age of 14, for both young pupils, as well as conservatory students, alumni and adult students. The course will feature guest professor Bjarke Mogensen (Denmark), a frequent soloist and chamber musician who also performs regularly with the best Danish orchestras. Other tutors include host and teacher Vincent Van Amsterdam and Jef De Haes (Belgium). Participants will receive private lessons every day from the three tutors which will be adapted to their playing level and needs. In addition all participants will receive group lessons. For details email: accordionweek@gmail.com |
Accordionists Break World Record - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
Video on the world record attempt. Martin Tschernko (Bleiburg, Austria) and Adrian Kehr (Hesse, Germany) have successfully broken the world record in Styrian harmonica endurance playing, by performing for 24 hours continuously. The duo began their attempt on January 22nd, with over 800 viewers following them. The event was held in the Community Center in Weyhers, Fulda district, Hesse, Germany. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
V All-Russian Video Competition for Bayan & Accordion – Russiaby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
The city of Novocherkassk in Russia will host the 5th All-Russian competition for bayan and accordion video recordings from March 3rd to 10th, 2023. Competition categories include: Accordions solo (no backing track) Accordion solo (with backing track) Ensembles including bayan, accordion Duet, trio, quartet, quintet, etc. Orchestras with bayan, accordion Teacher & student duos Vocal & instrumental ensembles (subject to the presence of bayan, accordion) I am a Composer (performance of own accordion work) Age groups as follows: Solo - 1st junior (up to 8 years old inclusive) 2nd (9-11 years old) Medium (12-14 years old) Senior (15-17 years old) Adult (from 18 years old) Competition video requirements: a) Soloists - one work by heart. b) Ensembles, orchestras - one work by heart or by notes. c) Nomination "Teacher - student" - one work by heart or by notes. d) "I am a Composer" - the author's performance of one of his own works for button accordion, accordion, accordion or the performance of one of his own works as part of an ensemble, provided that the ensemble has a bayan, accordion, accordion part by heart or from notes. Solo videos: face and hands of the performer, the instrument must be clearly visible. Ensemble, orchestra videos: the whole team should be clearly visible. Video editing and other video processing techniques are not allowed. Applications closed on March 2nd, 2023 and are accepted by email to: vkiskusstvo@mail.ru Download entry information here: 2023ARentry.pdf |
CNIMA Accordion Workshops Return to USAby Christine Johnstone |
The CNIMA (Centre National et International de Musique et d'Accordéon), an internationally renowned French based accordion school founded by Jacques Mornet and co-director, Nathalie Boucheix are returning to the USA this year, following their successful teaching and concert tour in 2022. Two Accordion Workshops in New Orleans, Louisiana will be held from May 22nd to 27th and from May 29th to June 3rd, 2023 with both Jacques and Nathalie who look forward to sharing their revered accordion technique with amateurs and professionals of all ages and styles. Accordionists attending the New Orleans workshops can expect: -Intensive one-on-one instruction with master teachers. -Group classes learning the Mornet Method with other attendees. -Personalized instruction on music of your choice. -Performance preparation. -Local lunches catered by New Orleans chefs. For further information email: cnimausa@gmail.com |
Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize 2023 Winner Announcedby Christine Johnstone |
For the third time, the Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) in cooperation with the Deut-schen Akkordeon-Lehrerverband e.V. awarded the Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize. The winner of the Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize 2023 was Leon Jonas Thieme (picture left) from Frauendorf, Brandenburg, Germany for his work "..." (2022). The work "..." was inspired by Paul Celan's “Todesfuge”; a poem from the Nazi era. The work reflects the desolate and horribly dangerous everyday life of prisoners... 2nd equal prize: Janin Janke and Volodymyr Runchak 3rd prize: Sergey Khismatov The world premiere of the first three winning compositions of the Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize will take place on February 19th at the Neuen Museum in Nuremberg by the Bundesakkordeonorchester under the leadership of Silke D'Inka. On April 15th, the fourth work will be premiered in the library hall of the Landesakademie Ochsenhausen by the Accordion State Youth Orchestra Baden-Württemberg led by Gerhard Koschel. The aim of the prize, which has already been awarded several times, is to encourage participants to deal with the instrument accordion. Wolfgang Jacobi's work serves as a model and inspiration. This year, prize money totalling 3,000 euros will be awarded. |
2nd International Online Competition "Ozornye Garmoniki" - Belarusby Christine Johnstone |
The 2nd International Online Competition "Ozornye Garmoniki" will be held during March and April 2023 in Grodno, Belarus. The accordion and bayan competition includes a variety of age group categories for soloists, ensembles, electronic instruments and orchestras. The event is organised by the Public Association "Belarusian Union of Musical Figures" and the Association of Belarusian Bayanists and Accordionists of the Belarusian Union of Musical Figures. The aim of the competition is: • supporting the creativity of young musicians, promoting the development of their creative abilities and improving the level of performing skills; • preservation and development of national traditions of performing the bayan, accordion and harmonium; • exchange of pedagogical and performing experience among teachers and students; • realization of creative potential among amateurs; • popularization of bayan, accordion and harmonium performance in the media; • stimulation of accompaniment activities; • strengthening friendly ties and promoting communication between children of young people from different countries. Applications will be accepted from March 1st to March 24th, 2023. For details email: ozornye_garmoniki@mail.ru |
Young Accordionists Perform at Children's Rare Disease Fundraising Concert - Serbiaby Christine Johnstone |
The end of 2022 was very successful for young accordion players from the "Kornelije Stankovic" Music School in Prokuplje, Serbia. Nikola Kricak (12 - picture above), vice-champion of Castelfidardo 2022, winner of the competition "Concord of Sound 2022" in Latvia and Luka Ðordevic (10 – picture left), winner of Accordion Days in Prague in the class of professor Dušan Markovic, participated in the traditional New Year's concert of the music school. The event was held in the concert hall of the House of Culture in Prokuplje. All income from the concert was donated to the humanitarian fund for the treatment of children suffering from rare diseases. In addition to Nikola and Luka, the concert was also attended by Strahinja Trajkovic (11) in the class of teacher Ljubomir Vukicevic, II prize at the competition "Ascoltate 2022" in Lithuania and II prize at "XII Italia Award". The director of the school, Mr. Vladimir Drobnjak, said “he is extremely proud of these young talents who represent our school, municipality and Serbia in the best light. He also pointed out that he is very satisfied with the constant contribution of the school in the field of humanitarian work.” |
Gianni Ventola Danese New CD Release - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Gianni Ventola Danese has just released his new CD of music by Ennio Morricone on the Academy Records label. Danese says “Morricone’s compositions transfigure the perception of cinematic vision, add meaning, reveal truths inaccessible to the language of images. His music is never merely didactic but inherently narrative and digs much deeper than a sequence of frames could.” The album contains 14 tracks that correspond to a selection of 14 themes written by Ennio Morricone in his long and prolific musical career: Love Theme, from Nuovo Cinema Paradiso Gabriel's Oboe, from The Mission La Califfa Love Affair Main Theme, from Nuovo Cinema Paradiso Playing Love, from The Legend Of 1900, ft Mauro Di Domenico Come Romeo e Giulietta, from La Cosa Buffa Un amico, from Revolver Deborah's Theme (solo), from Once Upon a Time in America Infanzia e Maturità, from Nuovo Cinema Paradiso Once Upon a Time in America Il Clan Dei Siciliani Questa Specie di Amore Rabbia e Tarantella, from Inglorious Basterds Read a full review of the album in Italian, English and French languages here: 2023Danese For details email: info@organetto.info |
Future events |
Tracey Collins Tours with “Operatunity” – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
Tracey Collins (pictured above left) will tour New Zealand with the “Operatunity” show in February and March 2023. Picture right at a concert yesterday. “Imagine sitting by the fire of a cosy Irish pub, surrounded by friends, singing along to all your favourite Irish songs! In When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Operatunity’s lads and lassies transport you to the Emerald Isle with tunes such as “Ireland’s Call”, “Whiskey in the Jar”, “Danny Boy”, and more! A stirring accordion, breathtaking ballads, jigs and jollity, you’ll have Ireland in your heart to be sure!” The tour began on February 7th and will run through until March 10th, 2023 as follows: February 10th: Tauranga February 13th: Hamilton February 14th: Rotorua February 15th: Hastings February 16th: Carterton February 20th: Lower Hutt February 21st: Kapiti February 22nd: Palmerston North February 23rd: Whanganui February 24th: New Plymouth February 27th: Nelson February 28th: Christchurch March 1st: Timaru March 2nd: Dunedin March 3rd: Invercargill March 8th: North Shore, Auckland March 9th: Warkworth March 10th: Whangarei For bookings and further information: IrishEyesAreSmiling2023 Phone: 0508 266 237 |
Good Habits Duo February Concert Schedule - UKby Christine Johnstone |
The “Good Habits” duo have been enjoying some intimate winter shows recently, with a few more coming up on their winter list. The duo, which features accordionist Pete Shaw and singer-cellist Bonnie Schwarz, “create folk-ish musical tales, with captivating lyrics married with their unique brand of brisk instrumental virtuosity.” Concert dates are: February 11th: Busk Love Festival in Southport February 17th: Ace Space in Newbury February 18th: The Riflemans Arms in Glastonbury February 23rd: Ryepiece Barn in Ettington (Sold out) February 25th: Prema Arts Centre in Uley, Stroud For concert details email: hello@goodhabitsband.com |
Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic Present “Vision for Two - Ten Years” Concert - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Klaus Paier (accordion) & Asja Valcic (cello) will present their “Vision for Two – Ten Years” album at a concert at the Teatro Sociale Stradella (Social Theatre of Stradella) in Stradella, Italy on February 11th, 2023. “The pair have been making music as a duo for over ten years. Their journey together began in 2009 with their debut album “À Deux”, and since then Paier and Valcic have proceeded to make their unique accordion & cello sound into a thing of wonder.” For details email: info@teatrosocialestradella.it |
Alistair Anderson & Dan Walsh Concert - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
Video: 'Ivaldo Mendonca's Welcome to Alnwick' and 'Big Dance Reel' written by Alistair Anderson. Recorded in lockdown. Alistair Anderson (concertina) and Dan Walsh (banjo) will perform a live folk music concert at Berwick House in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England on February 13th, 2023 at 8pm GMT. The concert will also be live streamed around the world. “With their repertoire ranging from bluegrass songs to Northumbrian rants; from jazzy ballads to Old Time reels, and their performances combine high energy with world-class musicianship.” |
“Back Pencil” Perform “La Noche Eterna” - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Promotional video of La Noche Eterna by Samir Calixto and the Black Pencil Ensemble. “Black Pencil”, which includes accordionist Marko Kassl (picture below) will perform in La Noche Eterna (The Eternal Night), a new collaboration with choreographer Samir Calixto and Matter Affects. “The performance promises to be a physically intense and profound performance (characteristic of Calixto's oeuvre) enhanced by the musical richness and artistic originality of Ensemble Black Pencil. The mystery that surrounds the night and its expression in music and movement is one of the pillars of La Noche Eterna.” The shows will include music by Bach, Monteverdi, Calliope Tsoupaki and Roderik de Man, among others and tour the Netherlands from this month. Performance dates are: February 16th, 2023 at 8.30pm: Schouwburg Odeon, Zwolle, NL (première). February 22nd, 2023 at 8.15pm: Theater Rotterdam, Rotterdam, NL. February 24th, 2023 at 8.30pm: Korzo Theater, Den Haag, NL. For details email: info@blackpencil.org |
Sam Reider Entertains at Metropolitan Museum of Art – USAby Christine Johnstone |
Sam Reider (accordionist) and Jorge Glem (guitar) will entertain with two shows at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA on February 17h and 18th at 7:00pm. The performances will be held in the museum’s musical instrument gallery. For details email: sam@samreidermusic.com |
Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini Entertain at Rini's Restaurant - USAby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini (vocals) will entertain with two shows at Rini’s Restaurant & Wine Bar in Elmsford, New York, USA. Concert dates are Friday February 17th, 2023 and Friday March 31st, 2023. See poster for details. |
Laimonas Salijus Performs at Kėdainiai Music School - Lithuaniaby AWW |
Laimonas Salijus will perform in concert at the Kedainiu Muzikos Mokykla (Kedainiai Music School) in Kedainiai, Lithuania on February 21st, 2023 at 4.40pm. The concert is one of a series featuring former students of the music school. Laimonas visits the music school from time to time to give concerts with his students or to share his experience. For details email: info@kedmuzika.lt |
Accordeon-Freunde Kraichgau Church Concert – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The Accordeon-Freunde Kraichgau orchestra conducted by Daniel Hennigs will give a Church Concert at the Laurentiuskirche in Amthof Oberderdingen, Germany on March 18th, 2023 at 7pm. The orchestra performs a program that “covers all areas of music from light music to upscale entertainment music to concert high school music. Last but not least, with our vocal soloists Melanie Müßig, Pia Abel and Uli Häfele, we offer a great variety of rock, pop and Schlager titles for every audience taste.” Free admission, but donations are accepted. For details email: info@accordeonfreunde-kraichgau.de |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
List of Linksby AWW |
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 2022 Daily Reports | |
XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports | |
2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article | |
Accordion Reed Production Article Link | |
Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link | |
Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link | |
2022 AAA Recent publications, USA News Link and Article |
New and Updated Sites |
2023 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations Released - Bosnia & Herzogovinaby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
The 76th Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Coupe Mondiale will be held from 5-9 September 2023 in Bijeljina, Bosnia & Herzogovina. The event will be hosted by the CIA member, Association of Artists (Bijeljina), Organiser 2023 CIA Honorary Vice President: Slaviša Peric. CIA President Mirco Patarini and CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila warmly invite accordion competitors, teachers and supporters to attend the 2023 Coupe Mondiale which will feature concerts and competitions as follows: • 76th Coupe Mondiale • Masters Coupe Mondiale • Junior Coupe Mondiale • International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Chamber Music - Classical • Chamber Music - World Music 2023 rules and regulations at: Coupe Mondiale View hotel information and pictures of the concert venues at: Coupe Mondiale Download poster: 2023CM-poster.jpg The on-line entry system will open in Spring and the entry closing date is 15 July 2023. 2022 Coupe Mondiale Video Homepage: 2022CM-Video 2022 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports, pictures, results at: 2022CM-Report |
Antonio Spaccarotella, Exciting First for the AAA’s Composers Commissioning Program - USAby Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair of AAA Composers Commissioning Committee |
Video 1: Tango Revenga composed by Antonio Spaccarotella and performed by the OFC Calabrian Philharmonic Orchestra, Italy, conducted by Volodymyr Runchak, soloist: Grayson Masefield Video 2: Antonio Spaccarotella (accordion), Alberto La Neve (sax), BHU - Track 5 Album "Non c'è tempo" It is my great pleasure to announce that Antonio Spaccarotella has accepted the first international commission by the AAA Composers Commissioning Committee (CCC). This will be the sixty-third work since the CCC’s founding in 1954. Antonio Spaccarotella is an internationally acclaimed accordionist, also well known for his unique compositions and improvisations that often experiment with jazz elements. In addition, and in quite a different capacity, he serves as the Artistic Director of the prestigious Castelfidardo Festival. The new work, a solo, will be premiered by another renowned artist, Grayson Masefield, as part of the 2023 AAA Festival, to take place from July 12-16, 2023 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA. Antonio Spaccarotella will be present for this world premiere performance and will also present a workshop about his compositions and his musical appointments. His dynamic personality and interesting musical positions will be a very popular addition to the 2023 AAA Festival. Grayson Masefield will also present one of his enthusiastically attended workshops at the AAA Festival. |
2023 CIA Winter Congress, March 3–5, Paks - Hungaryby Kimmo Mattila Secretary General, Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) |
Welcome to the 2023 Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Winter Congress and CIA 149th General Assembly of Delegates to be held in Paks, Hungary. The Winter Congress is being hosted by our CIA Voting Member "Az Ifjú Harmonikásokért" Alapítvány - "For the Young Accordionists" Foundation, President Olga Papp, March 3rd to 5th. Schedule: 2023WinterCongress.pdf For further information: http://www.accordions.com/cia/cia_winter_congress.php |
2023 ATG Festival Features International Guests - USAby Christine Johnstone |
The 2023 Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival will be held at the Lisle Hyatt in Lisle, Illinois, USA from July 19th to 22nd, 2023. ATG President Mary Ann Covone welcomes accordion enthusiasts from around the world. Event concerts will be held at the Armerding Center for Performing Arts on the campus of Wheaton College and feature guests Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), the Polyphonia Orchestra (Reunion Island), Das Duo Kollektiv (flute & accordion duo from Austria), Stas Venglevski (USA) with Dr. Brett Jones on marimba and the (UMKC) Community Accordion Chamber Ensemble directed by Joan Cochran Sommers. Further details at: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) |
Updated Site: Accordion Russia Newsby Harley Jones |
The Accordion Russia News has been updated with new additional articles. |
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