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Highlights |
18th Eidgenössich Accordion Music Festival – Switzerland
“Black Pencil” Concert in Istanbul - Turkey
Gorka Hermosa Performs His Choral Symphonic Suite – Spain
Concert: "In the Footsteps of Finnish & Swedish Accordion Champions" - Sweden
The Henry Girls Entertain at Earagail Arts Festival 2024 - Ireland
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day? - International
Canterbury Accordion Association: World Accordion Day Concert – New Zealand
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Akkordeon Grenzenlos 2024 - Germany
Results: BCA 4th International Online Festival & National Graded Solo Competition – UK
Sergio Zampolli Accordion Tutor at University of Cape Town - South Africa
Okud Istra Accordion Summer Academy Program – Croatia
RAM Student Alise Siliņa Concerts - UK
Future events |
Sharon Shannon Chapel Session Concerts - France
"Accordion in Bright Colours" Concert - Switzerland
3rd Calabrian Prize for Diatonic Accordion – Italy
47 Accordionists Perform at Neumarkt Theatre – Switzerland
31st Diatonic Accordion Festival – France
HHC-Freudental e.V. Colors of Music Concert - Germany
Skipinnish Entertain at Scottish Traditional Boat Festival - Scotland
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Highlights |
"Shanghai Spring" 2024 Shanghai International Accordion Arts Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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  Video 1: Opening Ceremony and Concert. 20 page color program: ShanghaiOpening.pdfVideo 2: Closing Ceremony and Concert Daily Reports now completed at: 2024Shanghai This year, the "Shanghai Spring" 6th International Accordion Culture and Art Festival and 2024 Shanghai International Accordion Art Week was held from March 23 to April 5, 2024. The events featured top accordion artists from Shanghai, the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, as well as eight countries including Italy, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, and Bosnia & Herzegovina gathered in Changning for excellent performances at 14 concerts/activities. The events fully demonstrated Changning has the image and cultural soft power of an international boutique urban area with world influence! The 2024 Shanghai Accordion Art Festival organisation leader was Crystal Wang. This superbly organized festival featured lots of interactive activities with the population and show cased the accordion so successfully. Daily Reports at: 2024Shanghai Adviser: Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Organizers: Shanghai Musicians Association Propaganda Department of Shanghai Changning District Committee of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Changning District Culture and Tourism Bureau Shanghai Changning District Federation of Literary and Art Circles Shanghai Changning District Culture and Tourism Management Affairs Center Accordion Professional Committee of Shanghai Musicians Association Shanghai Changning Culture and Art Center Co-organiser: Shangsheng·Xinsuo |
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18th Eidgenössich Accordion Music Festival – Switzerlandby Christine Johnstone |
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| The 18th Eidgenössich Accordion Music Festival (EAMF) 2024 will be held in Sursee, Switzerland on June 1st and 2nd, 2024 organised by accordeon.ch (Swiss Accordion Association). The event will feature competitions (with 63 orchestras taking part), 30 open air concerts in the centre of Sursee and an instrument exhibition. Performers include the JAO (Swiss Youth Accordion Orchestra), Willis Wyberkapelle (Willi Valotti), Martin Soom, COM|PA|SS, Hand Organ Club Obbürgen, Orchestra with accordion students from Central Switzerland (conducted by Inga Piwowarska) and the SAO Swiss Accordion Orchestra (conducted by Lionel Chapuis). A festival guide will be released at the end of April 2024, which will include the names of the jury members nominated by the music commission of accordeon.ch. For further details email: info@sursee2024.ch |
“Black Pencil” Concert in Istanbul - Turkeyby Christine Johnstone |
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| “Black Pencil” will perform a concert at the Borusan Music House in Istanbul, Turkey on April 25th, 2024 at 9pm. Their program will include an inspiring repertoire with works by C Tsoupaki, Y. Kyriakides, M. Artaç, A. Strootman, J. Cage and R. de Man. For details email: info@blackpencil.org |
Gorka Hermosa Performs His Choral Symphonic Suite – Spainby Christine Johnstone |
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| Gorka Hermosa will perform his own Choral Symphonic Suite composition "From the Roots to the World" (Homage to Iparragirre) in the large Auditorium of Santander, Palacio de Festivales in Cantabria, Spain on April 27th, 2024 at 7.30pm Gorka will perform with the Orchestra and Choir of the AFC (Philharmonic Association of Cantabria), Marina Pardo (mezzo soprano), Juanlu Escudero (actor), César Vinagrero (director) and many more surprises! For details email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
Concert: "In the Footsteps of Finnish & Swedish Accordion Champions" - Swedenby Christine Johnstone |
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| Päivi and Jörgen Sundeqvist will perform a concert entitled "In the Footsteps of Finnish & Swedish Accordion Champions" at Gudmudrå Hembygdsgård in Kramfors, Sweden on May 15th, 2024 from 6.30pm. The concert will be repeated at Dragspelshuset Mannaminne, Nordingrå, Sweden on June 9th, 2024 from 2pm. Entrance is free of charge. |
The Henry Girls Entertain at Earagail Arts Festival 2024 - Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Henry Girls will entertain at the Earagail Arts Festival 2024, held on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland from July 13th to 28th, 2024.The festival is kindly supported by Donegal County Council, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon & Wild Atlantic Way and features a variety of concerts and entertainment. For details email: info@eaf.ie |
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What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day? - Internationalby Harley Jones |
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 What are you doing for World Accordion Day (WAD) to promote the accordion in your country? World Accordion Day (WAD) is on May 6th, which is the day the accordion was patented in 1829.WAD was started in 2009 by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the WAD website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support WAD by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of WAD if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their WAD activity on the WAD website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating WAD are welcome. This is a CIA promotion for the accordion in which every accordion enthusiast can participate and help bring our accordion world together as well as strongly promote the accordion. |
Canterbury Accordion Association: World Accordion Day Concert – New Zealandby Jeanette Perry |
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| The Canterbury Accordion Association will hold their World Accordion Day Variety Concert at the Methodist Centre in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand on May 5th, 2024 from 2pm. Performers include the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (conducted by David Thorne), The Bellowetts (conducted by Kim Waddell) and invited guests. See World Accordion Day reports at: 2024WADreport |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Ingvar Karlsson, CIA "Honored Friend of the Accordion Award"by Harley Jones |
  At the recent CIA Winter Congress, Ingvar Karlsson, the founder of Karlssons Musik, Sweden, was awarded the CIA "Honored Friend of the Accordion Award" for his outstanding contributions to the international accordion movement.Ingvar Karlsson was nominated for this honor by the Sveriges Dragspelares Riksförbund. Ingvar Karlsson (b 1940) started in 1970 the company Karlssons Musik and since both he and his wife Siv played accordion, the specific choice of instrument was natural. Ingvar also had his own “gammaldans-orchestra” for many years and has performed in Swedish Television with his family too. Ingvar was also a pioneer and he wanted to have smaller and lighter accordions long before any other company worked seriously with this matter. He put a lot of pressure on mainly the Italian manufacturer Pigini to make more compact and lighter instruments for the Swedish brand Dise from 1980. Over the years, the family connection to the business has continued with his two sons Lars and Sven Karlsson working in the business for many years. This well known accordion business recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. News article https://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=09-Oct-2020&lang=en&s=16916 |
Akkordeon Grenzenlos 2024 - Germanyby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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 Jury pictured left to right: Zbigniew Ignaczewski (Poland), Andreas Nebl (Germany), Eric Dann (Director of the Hohner Conservatory and manager of Akkordeon Grenzenlos), Frédéric Deschamps (France), Ladislav Horak (Czech Republic), Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif (Austria), Zoran Rakic (Serbia) and Marko Sevarlic (Serbia).Akkordeon Grenzenlos, an event organized by the Hohner Conservatory in Trossingen, Germany, has developed into a fixture in the international accordion world in just a few years. The festival has become a widely recognized cultural highlight through a variety of concerts, workshops and forums. For the first time this year, a top-class competition was held in cooperation with the German Harmonica Association. The visit to Akkordeon Grenzenlos was a holistic experience for all participants, which provided important impulses for their further involvement with the accordion instrument. The workshops with top-class lecturers were aimed at players of all harmonica instruments such as accordion, harmonica, Styrian harmonica, diatonic but also players of other instruments. Tian Long Li dedicated himself to the genre of jazz, Matthias Matzke took us into the world of rock and pop and Alex Almeida taught all fans of Brazilian accordion music the basics of the rousing musical style Forró. All accordion teachers were also offered the special workshop “A new technical approach”, in which the globally sought-after Frédéric Déschamps shared his expertise and gave valuable inspiration for teaching practice. The competitors in three categories - classical, popular and ensemble - fought for their positions with great commitment and fairness, which made the festival an unforgettable experience full of excitement. The three best in each category competed in the final rounds as part of a public competition concert. All winning places were endowed with cash prizes, and the winner of the classical category also received a concert engagement at the World Music Festival 2025 in Innsbruck. Vladimir Stupnikov (Russia), Fe Fritschi (Germany) and the Polish duo Bukojemska & Majchrowski (accordion/violin) won first prizes in their respective categories. The evening concerts offered a variety of accordion music with the workshop lecturers, students from the Hohner Conservatory and the finalists of the competition. As part of a jam session, musicians from different styles were able to play music together on stage. In the final concert, the renowned duo Klaus Paier (accordion) and Asja Valcic (cello) presented their program “Vision for Two”. The festival was accompanied by tours of the Harmonica Museum and Hohner and a sheet music exhibition. Conservatory director Eric Dann and jury manager Andreas Nebl are to be warmly congratulated on the successful organization of Akkordeon Grenzenlos 2024. Akkordeon Grenzenlos 2025 will take place from April 22nd to 26th, 2025. Save the date. (picture below). |
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Results: BCA 4th International Online Festival & National Graded Solo Competition – UKby Christine Johnstone |
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 Results of the BCA 4th International Online Festival & Competition have now been announced.Graham Laurie was President of the international Jury. Full jury list is online at: https://www.accordions.com/bca/jury.2024.htm Raymond Bodell, Principal of The British College of Accordionists says: “On behalf of the BCA Board of Administration we would like to congratulate all the contestants… with the 1st Prizewinners in the 13 Categories coming from seven different countries - Moldova, Portugal, Ukraine, France, China,Czech Republic & Khazakstan - it truly represents the International spirit of the festival and our wonderful instrument.” “Particular mention must be made of the 1st Prizewinner in Category H -15 & Under Classical - Rachael Xu (China) who received an average score from the international jury of 96.29. And Category B – Junior Classical winner - Maria Inês Vieira Ornelas (Portugal) who received an average score from the international jury of 96.25 Truly wonderful results!” Winners: Senior Classical: Rostyslav Chvorsyuk (Ukraine) Junior Classical: Maria Ines Vieira Ornelas (Portugal) Traditional/Variety Senior solo: Vadim Panteleiciuc (Moldova) Traditional/Variety Junior solo: Dabija Gheorghe (Moldova) Senior Ensemble: Daria Dohah & Rostyslav Chvorsyuk (Ukraine) Junior Ensemble: Yining Zheng /Jiani Shi (China) Download a full list of results at: https://accordions.com/bca/BCA_International_and_National_Festival_Results_2024.html |
Sergio Zampolli Accordion Tutor at University of Cape Town - South Africaby Christine Johnstone |
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  Sergio Zampolli (picture above) is the accordion tutor at the University of Cape Town in Rondebosch, South Africa. The University offers a Diploma in Music Performance (3 years) with accordion as the main instrument in the classical stream.Applications open April/May 2024. For more information email: music@uct.ac.za |
Okud Istra Accordion Summer Academy Program – Croatiaby Christine Johnstone |
  Okud Istra have announced the program for their Accordion Summer Academy held in Pula, Croatia for the 28th consecutive year. This event, held from July 8th to 13th, 2024, brings together accordion enthusiasts from around the world for a week of immersive learning and musical exploration.• July 8th to 11th: Individual classes as follows 10:00 - 13:00 Morning Classes 16:00 - 19:00 Afternoon Classes • July 12th: Public Concert 10:00 - 13:00 Morning Classes 16:00 - 18:00 General Rehearsal 21:00 Church of St. Francis • July 13th: 12:00 - 14:00 Consultations The sessions will be filled with expert guidance, personalized feedback, and a deep passion for this beautiful and versatile instrument. Whether you're an aspiring player or a seasoned musician, this masterclass is sure to take your accordion skills to the next level. The deadline for submissions is June 3rd, 2024. For details email: accordionacademy@outlook.com |
RAM Student Alise Siliņa Concerts - UKby Owen Murray |
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 Picture above: Alise Silina with viola students and Royal Academy of Music professor Peter Sheppard Skærved at a CD recording of music by Justin Connolly.Royal Academy of Music (RAM) student and classical accordionist, Alise Silina has been given the opportunity to perform with chamber ensemble and orchestras recently. In March 2024, Alise performed at a RAM concert with the string quintet playing: ‘Opel Concerto’ (Galliano), ‘Nocturne’ (Rolfi) and ‘Tango Sensations’ (Piazzolla). This was followed by a research event and world premiere recording of music by Justin Connolly, Celebratio “Ter in Lyris Leo” by Lyoneli Tertis dedicated to Justin Connolly (accordion and three violas) and Concerto for harp, accordion, clarinet, and string orchestra by the Academy composition student. In April Alise will perform Ninth Symphony (Shostakovich) with the South Bank Symphony Orchestra. From April through to the end of August, Alise will give 84 performances at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre production of “Much Ado About Nothing”. In addition she will perform with the RAM Symphony Orchestra at the Aldeburgh Festival in June. Their program will include “Alaraph” (Usuk Chin). |
Future events |
Gary Blair Entertains at Guildford Accordion Club’s 33rd Birthday Celebrations – UKby Christine Johnstone |
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| Gary Blair will entertain at the Guildford Accordion Club’s 33rd birthday celebrations held at the Cobham Village Hall in Cobham, Surrey, England, UK on April 19th, 2024. See poster for details. |
Sharon Shannon Chapel Session Concerts - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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 Sharon Shannon will perform two Chapel Session concerts in France this month as follows:• April 17th, 2024 at 7.30pm at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris, France • April 18th, 2024 at Espace Keraudy in Plougonvelin, Brittany, France Sharon will perform with Jack Maher (guitar & vocals) and Luke Dunford (keyboards). |
"Accordion in Bright Colours" Concert - Switzerlandby Christine Johnstone |
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| A concert entitled "Accordion in Bright Colours" will be held at the Reformed Church in Dietikon, Switzerland on April 17th, 2024 at 6.30pm. This concert is the third in a series for musicians to present their art. "After work, before dinner" is the motto. The concert features various works, from classical to folk music. |
3rd Calabrian Prize for Diatonic Accordion – Italyby Diatonic News |
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| The 3rd Calabrian Prize for Diatonic Accordion will be held in Aieta, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy on April 21st, 2024. The event is organised by the International Diatonic Alliance. See poster for details. |
47 Accordionists Perform at Neumarkt Theatre – Switzerlandby Christine Johnstone |
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| 47 accordionists will perform at the Neumarkt Theatre in Zurich, Switzerland on April 20th and 21st, 2024. “Three Zurich accordion orchestras; HC Stadt Zürich, AO Zürichsee, AO Zürich Altstätten take a step behind the scenes of a theatre at the Theater Neumarkt.” Accordionists will be “situated in the make-up, in the director's office and backstage, some grouped around the centre stage, others are hidden in the farthest corner.” Their program of music entitled “All you can hear” was composed especially for the occasion and the audience is invited to come and go and linger between 4pm and 7pm. The event is supported by the Canton of Zurich's Department of Culture, the Ernst Göhner Foundation, the Elisabeth Weber Foundation, the Landis & Gyr Foundation, the Suisa Foundation, the Dr. Adolf Streuli Foundation, the Migros Culture Percentage, the Swiss Interpreters' Foundation, and accordeon.ch |
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31st Diatonic Accordion Festival – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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| The 31st Diatonic Accordion Festival will take place in Nanterre, Hauts-de-Seine, France from April 26th to 28th, 2024, in partnership with the City of Nanterre and the Hauts-de-Seine Department. The event will feature a variety of diatonic accordion workshops, traditional dance workshops, a Fest-Noz and s Grand Bal Trad. Performances will be given by Duo Erwann Tobie and Heikki Bourgault, Oriaz (picture below), Gwenfol, Duo Bottasso, Tribal Jâze and Ma Petite. |
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HHC-Freudental e.V. Colors of Music Concert - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The HHC-Freudental e.V. accordion orchestra (conducted by Carmen Buchgraber) will perform an entertainment concert entitled “Colors of Music” in Freudental, Germany on May 4th, 2024 at 7.30pm. The orchestra are looking forward to entertaining their audience together with the Musikverein Sersheim orchestra. Admission is free. |
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Skipinnish Entertain at Scottish Traditional Boat Festival - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
 Skipinnish will entertain at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, held at The Salmon Bothy in Portsoy, Scotland on June 21st, 2024.The group features accordionist Angus MacPhail (picture right). The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival attracts 13,000 visitors every year, to celebrate the north east’s rich maritime heritage. A flotilla of heritage boats from across the country will drop anchor for a weekend of live music and dance, Scottish food and drink and age old crafts. For details email: info@skipinnish.com |
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Alex Meixner Honoured with Happy Music Ambassador Award at NAA Convention - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 Pictures above: 1. Presentation: Norman Seaton, Sharon Seaton & Alex Meixner 2. Normal Seaton, Alex and Johnny Young 3. Norman Seaton, Sharon Seaton, Alex, Johnny Young, A packed house of conventioneers and members of the community gathered at the National Accordion Association convention in Lewisville, Texas on March 22nd, 2024, to celebrate internationally renowned virtuoso Alex Meixner as he was presented with the Happy Music Ambassador recognition award. Happy Music Center President, Johnny Young, together with NAA president Norman Seaton and NAA board member Sharon Seaton, presented Meixner with the Happy Music Ambassador trophy and plaque, honoring his dedication and commitment to music, happiness and community. “This recognition award symbolizes appreciation for those with an unwavering commitment and dedication to creating, performing, teaching, and advocating as a catalyst for positive change through the universal language of music,” said Sharon Seaton. Johnny Young said, “Your unyielding dedication and passion for music have created a lasting impact, resonating not only within your community but also reaching far beyond. Your musical contributions have bestowed joy, positivity, and kindness upon the lives of many, serving as a poignant reminder of the transformative influence inherent in melodies and harmonies.” After the presentation, Meixner took the standing room only crowd through a musical journey showcasing the many varied styles and influences that helped shape his musical vision, set against the backdrop of a powerful Texas thunderstorm brewing outside. The Happy Music Ambassadors program proudly acknowledges and celebrates individuals who epitomize the spirit of happiness and inspire others through their musical pursuits. For full report see: USA News |
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