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Highlights |
Download Video of 2009 Coupe Mondiale Competition – New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Available from the Coupe Mondiale website is download video of all the 2009 Coupe Mondiale competition. Every contestants performance is available for only 55 Euro. You download the files to your computer and watch it at your leisure as often as you want. This is a must for all teachers and students wanting to learn more about the Coupe Mondiale competition and the repertoire performed. Full details are on the Coupe Mondiale website. |
Roland Sponsors the Digital Accordion Competition at the Coupe Mondiale – New Zealandby Rob Howard |
Cory Pesaturo, USA representative in the 2009 CIA Coupe Mondiale in New Zealand, won first place in the International Competition for Digital Accordion. This new competition category was sponsored by the Roland Corporation. This competition featured an international jury plus every member of the audience had a voting sheet. Photo left shows the voting sheet being explained to the audience. This was a close competition with Laryssa Bodell (UK) who won the audience vote finishing a close second to Cory. Third was Sarah Assis (Brazil). Roland also sponsored Ludovic Beier (France) as a guest artist at the Coupe Mondiale. He was featured for the Friday night French Soiree in an entertainment role and at the Finale Gala Concert and Prize Giving in a concert performance role. Winner of the Roland sponsored Digital category Cory Pesaturo, is a graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music. In 2002, Cory Pesaturo became the youngest ever National Accordion Champion, and went on to Copenhagen, Denmark for that year’s Coupe Mondiale. He has since appeared in many competitions and concerts, and has performed at the White House on no less than four occasions for President and Mrs Clinton on four different occasions. On one of those occasions, he became the youngest person ever to perform at a State Dinner. He is also mentioned in Mrs. Clinton’s book ‘An Invitation to the White House’. Cory has recently recorded two CDs with saxophonist George Garzone and his band ‘The Fringe’. Cory’s future performances include: September 13th 2pm, at Accordion Connection, Gilmanton, New Hampshire, and November 13th to 15th at the Florida Accordion Association 2009 SMASH event at the Holiday Inn International, Florida. |
Harry Hussey Turns 80, Nottinghamshire – UKby Rob Howard |
Harry Hussey, one of the most popular, talented and energetic British accordionists of recent times, turns 80 on September 13th. Born in 1929, Harry Hussey did National Service in the RAF, taking part in the Berlin Airlift in 1948, and then pursued a career as a surveyor. Harry began playing the piano by ear aged six, and took up the accordion – also by ear – as a teenager. He did gigs for many years, becoming a full time accordionist only after retiring from work. Since the early 1980s Harry – still a music non-reader - has become a very well known figure at accordion clubs and festivals in England, where his ability to instantly improvise complex arrangements, entirely by ear, of almost any kind of music is legendary. Harry Hussey is one the very few accordionists anywhere who performs in concert without a programme, playing only audience requests. Although often referred to as a jazz accordionist, Harry’s performances and recordings encompass music from a wide range of styles and genres. In a constantly busy music career, Harry Hussey has worked with jazz accordionists such as Frank Marocco and Jack Emblow, John Nixon (concertina), George Chisholm (trombonist), singers Anthony Newley, Rolf Harris and Matt Monro, and comedian/movie star Norman Wisdom. Harry’s constant willingness to share his knowledge and talent has made him a hugely popular and inspirational figure in the UK accordion scene, and he has recently been accurately described by ‘Accordion Profile’ Editor Heather Smith as a “National Treasure”. Many happy returns, Harry! |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Yetties LPs released on CD, Dorset – UKby Rob Howard |
The Yetties, from Dorset, have been professional since 1967 and have a dedicated following for their brand of accordion-led folk music and humour. Their line up is Pete Shutler – accordion and vocals, Bonny Sartin – lead vocals, and Mac McCullough – guitar, banjo and vocals. They have recorded over 40 albums of songs and dance tunes, and recently have been re-issuing their earlier LPs, from 1969 to 1986, on CD. Now available on CD are ‘50 Stone of Loveliness’, ‘Who's A'fear'd’, ‘Keep A Runnin', ‘Our Friends’, ‘The World of Irish Dancing’, ‘Dorset is Beautiful’, ‘Mornin' All (backing Bob Arnold, Tom Forrest of ‘The Archers’), ‘All at Sea’, ‘Up in Arms’ (with Sherborne Town Band), ‘The Yetties of Yetminster’, ‘The World of The Yetties’, ‘Let's Have a Party’, ‘The Village Band’ (with Sherborne Town Band), ‘Up Market’, ‘Dorset Style’, ‘In Concert’, ‘A Little Bit of Dorset’, ‘A Proper Job’, ‘Cider & Song’, ‘The Sound of Cricket’ (with John Arlott), and ‘The Yetties’. For further information email: info@theyetties.co.uk |
Roland Introduces New FR-7x Accordion - USAby Ron Lankford |
The Roland Corporation introduces its newest accordion, the FR-7x model. The V-Accordion is the first instrument of its kind to provide powerful digital modelling technology in a traditional, immediately familiar, accordion design, and with performance functions and authentic sounds. It combines the familiar sounds and nuances of a traditional accordion with the versatility of a modern digital musical instrument. The FR-7x is the successor to the current FR-7. It is enhanced with the latest V-Accordion features. For further information email Roland USA Accordion Manager: Ron.Lankford@rolandus.com |
Accordion Band Celebrates Arts Council Grant, Tyrone - Northern Irelandby Rob Howard |
Mulnagore Coronation Accordion Band, from County Tyrone, recently received a grant from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This enabled them to purchase five new accordions, which were paraded last Saturday in nearby Killylea. Formed in 1952, the band has gone from strength to strength today holding a membership of 28 - over half of who are under the age of 18. Band practice is held on Tuesday nights. Recently they held a very successful barbecue and fun night at Mulnagore. |
Death of Francis Carpentier - Franceby Harley Jones |
Wednesday, August 12, 2009, Francis Carroll died during a trip to Italy. An accordion page turns with the death of this accordion icon of France! Francis Carpentier, who sells instruments with the Carpentier name, has been involved with the accordion for nearly seventy years. The shop in Verdun, the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of instruments were a part of his life, a life where the Francis the musician had his heart and was always animated. Some 45 years after its creation, the Accordion Club of Verdun is still working successfully. Francis had a long history of tuition with many top students appearing in competitions and on TV. Many top students have been performers on TV France 2. Selected by Eric Bouvelle, his accordions or himself are often in the spotlight on France 3 Lorraine. Living in Italy three or four months per year since 1964, Francis had the idea of collaborating closely with accordion manufacturers and these efforts were important in selling many high quality accordions annually. The new store in Verdun has a permanent stock of 250 accordions and employs five people. All maintenance and repairs is done here. Francis Carpentier will be missed for his major contribution to the accordion over many years in all facets of the accordion life of France and accordion manufacturing in Italy. |
Dr. William Schimmel featured in “So You Think You Can Dance?”, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
Recently Dr. William Schimmel and The Tango Project supplied the music of the solo section for the winner, Jeanine Mason, in the hit television show, “So You Think You Can Dance?”. The piece was ‘Por Una Cabeza’, which was also used in the tango scene in the movie ‘Scent of a Woman’, starring Al Pacino, and ‘True Lies’, ‘All the King’s Men’, ‘Sex in the City’, and other TV shows. Dr. Schimmel performed in an event for the Celebration of Life of Ellie Greenwich, a songwriter who passed away on August 26th aged 68, and who collaborated with Phil Spector, Darlene Love, Ike and Tina Turner, the Ronettes, and the Crystals, in the 1960s.. Dr. Schimmel was asked to perform songs such as ‘Be My Baby’, ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’, ‘River Deep Mountain High’, and ‘Then He Kissed Me’ on the accordion. Ellie Greenwich’s first instrument was the accordion. Her photo was on display at the event: ‘Ms. Greenwich and her accordion’. For further information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Frank Marocco Jazz Accordion Course, San Servolo Island - Italyby Elke Ahrenholz |
Frank Marocco, famous jazz artist from the USA, who has recently released a 3 CD album, lead the Veneto Jazz accordion course on San Servolo Island, Venice, July 28th to August 1st. Frank Marocco and Massimo Tagliata are seen here performing on stage plus some other photos of the Veneto Jazz accordion event and Frank Marocco. For further information email: workshop@venetojazz.com |
Future events |
Accordion Noir Festival, Vancouver – Canadaby Rob Howard |
The Accordion Noir Festival takes place from September 11th to 13th at the WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac, Vancouver, BC. CFRO's Friday night ‘Accordion Noir’ radio show/podcast (accordionnoir.org), in conjunction with local accordionist Geoff Berner, presents the second annual Accordion Noir Festival. This will be three days of live music, film screenings and workshops dedicated to the accordion. The culmination of the three-day Accordion Noir Festival, beginning at 4pm, is a seven-block accordion parade (weather permitting) from Grandview Park north on Commercial Drive and east up Adanac Street. Arriving 15 minutes later the afternoon is filled with various workshops (accordion repair, songwriting and squeezebox history!), followed by a 6.30pm program of international accordion films, and at 8pm a concert/dance featuring Halifax’s squeezebox-punk purveyor Story, klezmer kingpin Geoff Berner, and rock accordionist Jason Webley. For further information email: accordion.noir@gmail.com |
North Shore Accordion Orchestra Concert, Auckland – New Zealandby Rob Howard |
The North Shore Accordion Orchestra after receiving a standing ovation at their Coupe Mondiale concert will be performing in a public concert on September 13th, 1pm to 4pm, at the Takapuna War Memorial Hall, Auckland. For further information email: nzaasecretary@yahoo.com |
Crawley Accordion Orchestra Concert, Surrey – UKby Rob Howard |
The Crawley Accordion Orchestra, MD Shaun Hunter, perform in concert on September 13th, 2pm, at The Castle Grounds Bandstand, Guildford, Surrey |
'Festa Delle Fisarmoniche Cooperfisa’, Vercelli – Italyby Rob Howard |
The 6th 'Festa Delle Fisarmoniche Cooperfisa’ takes place in Vercelli on September 13th, 10am, featuring various accordion artistes. The event is organised by Cooperativa Accordions of Vercelli. |
16th ‘Ancient Music Festival’, Bernau – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
This weekend, 11th to 13th September, several activities during the 16th festival for Ancient Music Bernau’ will take place in the St. Marien Church in Bernau, with accordionist Mirjana Petercol (picture right) in collaboration with the city hall and the music school Barnim/Bernau (Brandenburg). On the program are concerts and workshops with the title Old Meets New’. The lecturers are: Beata Seemann (Cembalo), Klaus Holsten (Traversflute), Mirjana Petercol (Accordion/Dispokinesis), and Professor Frank Böhme (History of music). |
Alexander Poeluev Presents September Concerts - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Two special concerts, sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association and the Connecticut Accordion Assoc., will be given by Russian accordion virtuoso and former Coupe Mondiale world champion Alexander Poeluev. The first concert is scheduled for September 23 at 7:PM at the Pequot Library, Southport, CT. Another concert will take place on Sunday, September 27 at Cugino's Restaurant, Cheshire, Ct. Alexander Poeluev may be available for other concerts in the USA. For further information email: AAA1938@aol.com |
‘Button Box Gathering 2009’, Scotland - UKby Rob Howard |
On Thursday September 17th, 7.30pm, the ‘Button Box Gathering 2009’ will be held at the Aviemore Highland Resort, Scotland. This is a charity concert featuring some of the best Scottish bands, led by button accordionists. These include Buttons & Bows, Jim Mackay’s Scottish Dance Band, Jim Quigley, Fraser MacLean, Jimmy and Alexander Lindsay, Alex McIntyre, and Graeme McKay. This has been a sell out event in the Eden Court theatre in Inverness for the last 6 years and has now moved to Aviemore. For further information email: graeme@mackaymusic.co.uk |
Gorka Hermosa Concerts – Portugal, Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
Spanish accordionist Gorka Hermosa performs as follows: September 19th - Mary Berasarte Auditorium, Guimaraes, Portugal, for release of the CD ‘Todas las horas son viejas’, produced by José Peixoto (Madredeus) and published by Universal September 25th – with José Luis Montón flamenco guitar, and Sergio Martínez – percussion, at the Zug Accordion Festival Swizerland For further information email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
Lasarte Oria 2009 Accordion Festival, Giputzkoa – Spainby Rob Howard |
The 6th Festival Accordion Lasarte Oria 2009 takes place on Saturday September 26th at the Casa de Cultura Manuel Lekuona, Giputzkoa, in the Basque region of northern Spain. At 7.30pm there will be a concert featuring guest accordionist Nathalie Boucheix, from France, and the Zero Sette Akordeoi Orkestra. For further information email: 07ao@zerosette.es |
Akkordeon Festival Zug, Zug – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
The Akkordeon Festival Zug takes place from September 17th to 26th, featuring international accordionists Gorka Hermosa, Theodore Zug Anzelotti, Quadro Nuevo, Jean-Louis Matinius and Marco Ambrosini, Renato Borghetti, Markku Lepisto and Pekka Lehti, François Castiello, and The Motion Trio. For further information email: info@akkordeonfestival.ch |
New and Updated Sites |
Coupe Mondiale 2009 Daily Reportsby Coupe Mondiale |
The Coupe Mondiale website has been updated to include full reports and results of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale event. The reports include extensive photos and information. |
Available 2009 Coupe Mondiale Video Downloadby MusicForAccordion.com |
The Coupe Mondiale website has the 7 categories of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale available for video download. Every performance of every competitor. You download to your computer and you can watch it at your leisure as often as you like. |
2009 Coupe Mondiale Results Onlineby Coupe Mondiale |
The 2009 Coupe Mondiale site has all the results of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale online. The marks of every adjudicator for every candidate are listed online. |
Coupe Mondiale Program Downloadby Harley Jones |
Available for free download is the Souvenir Coupe Mondiale program. This full color high quality 60 page publication is available in two formats. Lower resolution (lo-res - 15MB) for viewing on your computer and high resolution (hi-res - 88 MB) for printing. Free from the Coupe Mondiale website. |
CD Reviews |
"Tango Nuevo"by Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of “Tango Nuevo” by Alessandro Mugnoz. Performer is AusTrio. |
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