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Highlights |
Message of Goodwill for the New Yearby Accordions Worldwide |
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![]() 17 has gone, it didn't take long. 18 is here, let's all cheer. Bring on the love, that we have for each other. We are still young enough, There is lots to discover. Time is incessant, It slips through our fingers. Let's just be happy, And hope that it lingers. All the very best for the New Year from Gary Daverne, well known New Zealand composer, conductor and arranger. Music and CD's available online at: Gary Daverne |
19th International Accordion Festival, Vienna – Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() ![]() The festival’s founder and organizer is Friedl Preisl (picture left), who says that 2018 will feature over 50 artists from many countries, performing at 14 different venues. Friedl Preisl received the CIA Award “Honored Friend of the Accordion” in 2009 for his outstanding contribution to the accordion. Download the program at: 2018Wien.pdf This year’s performers include: Renzo Ruggieri (Italy), Daniel Kahn & the Painted Bird (USA), Scurdia (Italy), Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic (Austria, Croatia), Alexander Shevchenko (Russia), Isabella Krapf (Austria), Perce Oreille (Austria), Marie-Theres Stickler (Austria), Forro Miro (Italy), Israelite/Biz/Heckel (UK, Russia, Austria), Nachtcafe (Italy), Hannah James (UK), Trio EMM (Austria), Walter Soyka (Austria), Manuel Šavron (Slovenia), Belofour (Russia, Austria), Dobrek Bistro (Russia, Brazil), Antti Paalanen (Finland), Christian Bakanic (Austria), Cathrin Pfeifer (Germany), Christian Bakanic (Austria), Heidelinde Gratzl (Austria), Feanziska Hatz (Austria), Otto Lechner (Austria), Trio Dhoore (Belgium), Jean-Louis Matinier (France), Marko Živadinovic (Russia), Riccardo Tesi (Italy), and many more. For further information email: friedl@akkordeonfestival.at |
Mika Väyrynen 2018 Celebrity Interview, Helsinki - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() The first World Premiere was of a new work by Aulis Sallinen 'Dance Music Suite Op. 107' for accordion, violin, cello and piano. Dedicated to Mika Väyrynen, the Premiere took place at The Porvoo Church as part of the Loviisa Sibelius Festival on 8th September 2017 with the composer in attendance. On the 11th October 2017 at Mika´s 50th birthday concert "Suomi 100 - Väyrynen 50" held at the Camerata Hall of the Helsinki Music Center, Mika (picture right) performed an all Finnish program which included six World Premieres as well as launching his latest CD, the accordion works of the late Jouni Kaipainen (1956-2015). My sincerest thanks to Mika for sharing some of his thoughts and insights, as well updating us on his work with some of Finland's most outstanding composers. Read the Mika Väyrynen Celebrity Interview at: VäyrynenInterview |
What Are You Doing For World Accordion Day? - Internationalby Harley Jones |
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![]() World Accordion Day was started in 2009 by the CIA and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the World Accordion Day website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of Accordion Day if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their World Accordion Day activity on the website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating World Accordion Day 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. |
Video: 2018 Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert Intermission Film Features Accordionist Christian Bakanic - Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() The 2018 Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert took place on 1 January, 2018, under the baton of Riccardo Muti in the Musikverein in Vienna. The concert was broadcast in over 90 countries with some 50 million television viewers around the world. Chamber ensemble "Plattform K+K Vienna" was featured in the 24 minute intermission video produced by ORF, the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Tourism and RIHA Filmproduktions GmbH. Plattform K + K Vienna players are: Kirill Kobantschenko (violin), Christian Bakanic (accordion), Michael Strasser (viola), Florian Eggner (cello) and Bartosz Sikorski (double bass). The ensemble has recently released an album “Vienna Is Calling You”, tracks of which were included in the intermission video. |
Claudio Jacomucci Master Class, Royal Academy of Music, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Claudio Jacomucci graduated with honours in classical accordion from Grenoble Conservatory, France, in 1992. He has studied accordion with Jean Luc Manca, Mogens Ellegaard and Vladimir Zubitsky. His international competition successes include winning the Grand Prix International d’Accordéon in St. Etienne, France (1988), CMA Trophee Mondial in Cuenca, Spain (1990), Premio Città di Castelfidardo, Italy (1990), and Arrasate Hiria, Spain (1994). He also graduated as an Alexander Technique teacher from the Alexander Technique Centre in Amsterdam in 2000, and studied Indian Music (karnatic) at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. The Royal Academy of Music was founded in 1822 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1830, the RAM is one of the very famous conservatoires of the world. The Accordion Department was founded in 1986 by Prof. Owen Murray, and among its graduates are renowned performers (alphabetical order): James Crabb, Martynas Levickis, Milos Milivojevic, Ksenija Sidorova, Ian Watson. For further information email: K.INGRAM@ram.ac.uk |
Just Released: New Friedrich Lips Book - Germanyby Harley Jones |
![]() Subscription Offer 25 % price advantage on pre-orders, ONLY until 16th January 2018 29.50 euros instead of 39.50 euros later 15 % price advantage on pre-orders from 17th January to 31st January 2018 33.50 euros instead of 39.50 euros later Books Posted by 15 February 2018 For pupils, students, teachers, stage musicians, composers and performers, amateur players and professional musicians. Edited by: Prof. Ulrich Schmülling, translated by Willoughby Ann Walshe, expert advice by Dr. Nikolas Fehr and Vitali Neifert. 220 pages · 150 sheet music samples · Format: 17 x 24 cm · ISBN 978-3-925572-17-3 Purchase at Catalog No: kslips03 The Art of Arranging Classical Music for Accordion Other books by Friedrich Lips: kslips00 The Art of Bayan Playing & Playing the Accordion Artistically (English) kslips01 Die Kunst des Bajanspiels (German) kslips02 Die Kunst der Bearbeitung klassischer Musik für Akkordeon (German) kslips03 The Art of Arranging Classical Music for Accordion (English) |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Mauro Greco Passed Away (1931 - 29 December 2017), Kearny, N.J.by Mary Tokarski |
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![]() Just received very sad news from the family of Mauro Greco that Mauro passed away this morning, 29th December 2017. Mauro and Maddalena Belfiore Greco were a huge part of AAA’s history, and will surely be missed by all. Mary Tokarski President American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Mauro Greco Family Obituary Picture below: Mauro Greco at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale, Washington DC, pictured with Faithe Deffner (event organizer). |
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New Renzo Ruggieri 'Peccatum et Gratia' for electronic (hybrid) accordion - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() The acoustic and synthesized sounds are all indicated in sheet music and the use of "Looper" is required. The diagram on the last page summarizes the features of the composition." This diagram summary is also in the sample pages which you can view online. Video above is a performance of "Peccatum et Gratia" by Valerio Russo, international competition winner and student of Renzo Ruggieri. Catalog: rrenzo515 Peccatum et Gratia for electronic (hybrid) accordion. Only €10 rrenzo508 - Medley Disco (Solo) rrenzo509 - Acquarelli Italiani (Solo) rrenzo510 - Grande Jo (Solo) rrenzo511 - Figaro (Solo) or (Solo with string orchestra) rrenzo512 - Accordion Kids (10 pieces) simple and modern compositions rrenzo514 - La Vita Delle Cose (The Life of Things) for accordion and symphonic orchestra is not classic, not jazz and not world... it's crossover music. rrenzo515 - Peccatum et Gratia for electronic (hybrid) accordion |
Elvis Presley Would Be 81 on the 8th Januaryby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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8th January 1935 is the birthday of the great Elvis Presley, who would be 81 years if still alive. Here is a picture of Elvis playing the accordion, published by Karlssons Musik, Sweden. |
Video: Jean Baptiste Baudin et Friedrich Bassarak - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Jean Baptiste Baudin et Friedrich Bassarak performing Improvisation of Gypsy Jazz Swing (Angelo Debarre), at the Theater am Rand, Zollbrücke, Germany. Video published 18 December 2017. |
"Stockport Accordion Club through the years" Book, Copies still available - UKby Harley Jones |
![]() The book tells of the club’s history from the 1930s to 2017, and also included are many interesting and autobiographical articles from present and past members, plus some items from previous club newsletters. This limited edition book is a near A4 sized high quality hardback. There are well over 200 photos, including several band line-up photos from the 1950s to 2017, including some from the years when we were known as the Clifford Wood Accordion Orchestra. Jack Emblow has commented: “You don’t have to live in the Stockport area to appreciate Rob Howard’s ‘Stockport Accordion Club through the years’. Packed with interesting and entertaining features, it will be enjoyed by accordion enthusiasts everywhere. Written in Rob’s amusing and readable style, and with lots of fine quality pictures, it is a worthy addition to his excellent series of accordion related books. Well done Rob!” Most of the copies have now gone, and if you want one, it costs £15 + £3p/p (UK) from Rob Howard, 42 Avondale Rd, Edgeley, Stockport, Cheshire SK3 9NY. Paypal is available, even if you are not a Paypal member. |
Tommy Ford R.I.P., Scotland - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Although acknowledged by his peers as one of Scotland’s finest post-war accordionists, Tommy Ford made comparatively few solo concert appearances or solo recordings, but will be remembered for his high quality long service with the late Jim McLeod. He was well like by all who knew or worked with him. |
Future events |
Arseniy Strokovskiy Concerts in Moscow - Russiaby Harley Jones |
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![]() January 13, 2018 - "Concert for accordion and organ". Location: Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, Atrium, 17:00 hours. The acccordion and organ make up an ideal pair, because the accordion is sometimes called "the younger brother of the organ". Performers are laureates of international competitions Maria Makarova (organ) and Arseniy Strokovsky (accordion). January 17, 2018 - SaxAkkord Duo of Ivan Dimma (saxophones) and Arseny Strokovsky (accordion) with the program "Metamorphoses of the 20th century". Location: Jazz Club A. Kozlov. 20:00 hours. From Gershwin, through avant-garde, to avant-garde jazz to Galliano and Astor Piazzolla. This duo released a CD/download album last year, available online at: SaxAkkord January 20, 2018 - Concert for chorus and animation "Romantic evening in Paris". Location: Peter and Paul Cathedral, 21:00 hours. Performers: Master of animation (Anna Ivanova), SaxAkkord Duo, Valentin Kovalev (saxophone), Julia Ikonnikova (organ), Chamber chorus of the Academy of Choral Art named after V. Popov, Artistic director and conductor Alexey Gavdush, Honored Artist of Russia Lyubov Venzhik (organ), Children's Choir "Class-Center". |
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Die Edlseer Group Tours - Austriaby Diatonic News |
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For the New Year, Die Edlseer are touring in Austria presenting their popular music at: Monday, 8. January 2018 16:00 Murauer Wirte-Skitag | A-8850 Murau-Kreischberg Saturday, 13. January 2018 21:00 Ball der Steirer in Bruck | A-8605 Kapfenberg - Hotel Böhlerstern Saturday, 20. January 2018 20:00 Jedermann-Ball | A-8502 Lannach - Steinhalle Saturday, 27. January 2018 - Sonntag, 28. Januar 2018 4. Edlseer Skiwochenende | A-8953 Donnersbachwald - Riesneralm Saturday, 27. January 2018 - Sonntag, 28. Januar 2018 4. Edlseer Skiwochenende | A-8953 Donnersbachwald - Riesneralm Wednesday, 31. January 2018 15:00 Seniorenball Kindberg | A-8650 Kindberg - Volkshaus |
Soiree Dansante with Jean Dauvin, Normandy – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() For further information email: Chloe.anne28@orange.fr |
Leonard Brown @ Dalriada Accordion & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Leonard Brown, an All Scotland accordion champion and also a pianist, has many CDs and DVDs to his credit, most notably ‘A Toast to Scotland’, a double DVD celebrating the music of some of Scotland’s accordion legends such as Jimmy Shand and Will Starr. He has also become well-known for promoting concerts in Scotland, including lifetime achievement tribute concerts for Tom Alexander and Davie Stewart. For further information email: leonardbrownaccordion@gmail.com |
Teodoro Anzellotti performs ‘Goldberg Variations’, Floriana – Maltaby Rob Howard |
![]() This concert is an event in the Valletta International Baroque Festival 2018, which runs from January 13th to 27th. |
Tango Music Concert, Prague – Czech Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() The program includes: Lubos Sluka – ‘Con animo’ (premiere of an authorized form), Petr Fiala - world premiere of the new composition, Jan Kucera - world premiere of the new composition, Sofia Gubaidulina – ‘In Croce’, Gorka Hermosa – ‘Anantango’, and Astor Piazzolla – ‘Tango suite’, ‘Oblivion’, ‘Cite tango’, ‘Libertango’. |
25th Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow – UKby Diatonic News |
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‘Celtic Connections’ is an annual folk, roots and world music festival at venues in Glasgow, Scotland, from Thursday January 18th to Sunday February 4th. This festival celebrates Celtic music and its connections to cultures around the world. It is anticipated that over 2000 musicians from around the world will arrive in Glasgow for 18 days of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops, sessions, and free events. ‘Celtic Connections’ is organised by Artistic Director and accordionist Donald Shaw, and features more than 300 events across various musical genres. “There are situations that you’ll see where people are playing that you’ll never see again, or if you do, it’s because it worked here first” says Donald Shaw. This year’s guest line-up featuring accordions includes Le Vent du Nord, Sharon Shannon, John Kirkpatrick, Mairearad Green, Cherish the Ladies, Cuig, John Somerville (leading a beginners accordion workshop), and the fiddle/viola/accordion duo of Andreas Tophøj & Rune Barslund. |
Le Vent du Nord Tour Dates – France, UK, USAby Rob Howard |
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Le Vent du Nord, from Quebec, Canada, performs the lively folk dance music and songs of the Quebecois tradition, which heavily influenced by Celtic music from Ireland and Brittany. Formed in 2002, the band performs their music with a high level of energy, drawing the audience in with their enthusiasm and warmth. All of the band sing and are multi-instrumentalists with guitar, bouzouki, accordion, bass, piano, hurdy gurdy, fiddle and foot percussion. To date they have released eight albums, two of which have received awards. Tour dates: January 19th, 8.30pm - Espace Paul Valéry, Le Plessis-Trévise, Paris, France January 20th, 9pm - La Terrasse, Gif-sur-Yvette, Paris, France January 21st, 5pm - L’Athéna, Ergué-Gabéric, Brittany, France January 24th, 7pm – Celtic Connections, Glasgow, Scotland, UK January 26th, 8.45pm - Salle Malesherbes, Maisons-Laffitte, Paris, France February 2nd, 8pm – One Longfellow Square, Portland, Maine, USA February 3rd, 7.30pm - Barre Opera House, Vermont, USA |
World Café Trio performs ‘Four Seasons’, Western Cape – South Africaby Rob Howard |
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On Saturday January 20th, 8.15pm, the World Café Trio - accordionist Stanislav Angelov, Petrus de Beer – violin, and Schalk Joubert – bass guitar – performs Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ at Oude Libertas Ampitheatre, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
Richard Galliano Concert, Nice – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordion and bandoneon virtuoso, and composer Richard Galliano performs in many genres, from classical to jazz. He records for the prestigious classical music label ‘Deutsche Grammophon’, and has recorded more than 50 albums, many under his own name and some with other artists. His most recent project is the recording of a CD, ‘Aria’, with the organist Thierry Escaich. The CD was launched on December 19th at the church Saint-Etienne-du-Mont, Paris. |
New and Updated Sites |
Renzo Ruggieri Updated: Accordion Kids (ten pieces) eBook - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() Renzo Ruggieri writes: "Accordion Kids features progressive songs for young accordion students. From first notes, to small imitations of animals, to singular genres such as Disco, Baroque and Blues. The use of the left hand loses regularity in the accompaniment (march / waltz / tango) to bring the young player closer to the new rhythms of the present times." Price is only 10 Euro (or USD$ equivalent) for these exciting young childrens compositions that are a "must have", for every teacher of young children. Available online at Catalog: rrenzo512 |
Karthause-Schmülling Publications Online - Germanyby Harley Jones |
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Karthause-Schmülling publications are being added online Sheet Music Index List (Continued) Catalog - Name 1137 - Sonate Nr. 1 1138 - Scherzo-Tokkata 1139 - Sonatine 1140 - Canon e fuga 1141 - Scherzo burlesco 1142 - Preludio rapsodistico 1143 - Chaconne und Fuge 1144 - Recitativo ed Aria 1145 - Sentenzen 1146 - Musica drammatica 1147 - Monolog in Variationen 1148 - Introduktion, Fuge und Finale 1149 - Konzertmonolog 1150 - Chromatische Variationen 1151 - Suita choreica 1152 - Sonatina facile 1153 - Tokkata burletta 1154 - Allegro rustico 1155 - Sechs litauische Bilder 1156 - Suite Nr. 4 1157 - Konzert-Triptychon 1158 - Suite Nr. 3 1159 - Sonate 1160 - Sonate 1161 - Sonate Nr. 2 1162 - Kindersuite Nr. 1 1163 - Arabeske, Toccatina 1164 - Kindersuite Nr. 2 1165 - Sonate Nr. 1 1166 - Sonata-Poema 1167 - Sonate Nr. 1 1168 - Tokkata 1169 - Figaro 1170 - Russisch und Trepak 1171 - Bilder russischer Maler 1172 - Konzert-Diptychon 1173 - Tokkata 1174 - Sonate Nr. 2 1175 - Suite 1176 - Fantasie und Fuge 1177 - Don-Rhapsodie Nr. 1 1178 - Kalina krasnaja 1179 - Sonate Nr. 3 1180 - Spanische Rhapsodie 1181 - Suite Nr. 2 1182 - Kindersuite Nr. 1 1183 - Petruschka 1184 - Volkslied-Variationen 1185 - Sonate 1186 - Sonate Nr. 1 1187 - Sonate Nr. 2 1188 - Utuschka lugowaja 1189 - Sonate Nr. 1 1190 - Partita concertante Nr. 1 1191 - Ballada 1192 - Die zertrummerte Kathedrale 1193 - Partita 1194 - Ungarischer Tanz Nr. 5 1195 - Italienische Polka 1196 - Sonatine im alten Stil 1197 - Habanera 1198 - Schön Rosmarin 1199 - Serenade 1200 - Abendlied 1201 - Kindersuite Nr. 1 1202 - Tokkata 1203 - Schaworonok 1204 - Fantasie 1205 - Elegische Fantasie 1206 - Kleine Suite 1207 - Sonate Nr. 2 1208 - Sonate Nr. 3 1209 - Litovskaya Rhapsodie 1210 - Sonata-Rhapsodia 1211 - Sonate 1212 - Konzert-Diptychon 1213 - Suite Nr. 2 1214 - Präludium und Fuge 1216 - Trauermusik 1217 - Sonate 1218 - Serenade/Nokturno 1219 - Kindersuite Nr. 2 1220 - Suite 1221 - Lyrische Suite 1222 - Fünf Kompositionen 1223 - Sonate 1224 - Fünf simple kleine Bilder |
CD Reviews |
Mini Review of Two Frank Marocco CD'sby Gerlando Gatto |
![]() Review by Gerlando Gatto |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |