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Highlights |
World Accordion Day (WAD) in Skopje - North Macedonia
2023 First World Accordion Day Celebrations Held in Iran
Time to Register for the 2023 AAA 85th Anniversary Festival!
Arseniy Strokovskiy Lecturer at University of Music in Würzburg - Germany
Claude Thomain Passes Away – France
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
World Accordion Day Reports
Akkordeongruppe Münstertal e.V. District Champions - Germany
Updates: 2023 South Pacific and New Zealand Accordion Championships and Festival - New Zealand
Video: Will Holshouser Performs Redbud Winter, AAA Composition Commission - USA
Updated AAA Composers Commissioning Committee Publication - USA
Future events |
Maciej Frąckiewicz May Concert Tour - Austria
Marco Lo Russo Performs in Rome - Italy
Accordionists Perform at "Early Music Day" - Netherlands
2023 Branson Accordion Extravaganza - USA
Theresa Monsees & Martin Šulc Perform at 2023 Meran Concert Series - Italy
Ville Hiltula Live Milonga - Japan
Christchurch Accordion Orchestra “Musical Celebration” – New Zealand
Ben De Souza Performs with Aldeburgh Music Club Choir - England
Jaroslav Svěcený and Ladislav Horák Concert: In the Sign of Tango – Czech Republic
"Los Palmeras" Perform at Alma Jardins Pedralbes Festival - Spain
Links to Previous News Still Current |
New and Updated Sites |
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Highlights |
Results and Report Online, Klingenthal - Germanyby AWW |
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| The International Accordion Competition Klingenthal was held from 7-13 May 2023. The results and report and pictures are now online. View the results at: 2023KlingenthalResults |
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World Accordion Day (WAD) in Skopje - North Macedoniaby Anica Karakutovska |
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 Full photo report: 2023MacedoniaFrom the very beginning in 2009, the international project May 6th World Accordion Day (WAD) has been supported by the Macedonian Association of Accordionists “Ljubiteli na klasichna muzika” (MAA) – Skopje with various exciting musical events and successful concerts at home and abroad. This year, for the 15th time, the Macedonian association organized a solemn concert marking the international event and birthday celebration of our instrument. The WAD concert was held on May 6th in the Chamber Hall of the Philharmonic in Skopje, in a wonderful atmosphere. The concert featured renowned artists and accordion students from the class of Prof. Zorica Karakutovska performing works by Semionov, Hendl, Grieg, Bete Ilin, Piazzolla etc. Host of the event was the very popular Macedonian TV presenter Ognen Janeski who also performed the Neapolitan song Santa Lucia accompanied with Prof. Zorica Karakutovska on accordion and Aleksandar Kotevski on cello. The culmination of the jubilee concert was the premiere performance of the composition "Macedonian Paraphrase" by Bete Ilin for accordion ensemble and percussion. The ensemble was consisted of accordion professors Zorica Karakutovska, Filip Gavrilovski, Filip Petreski, David Velkov and Gjorgje Ciric, and percussionists from the Macedonian Philharmonic, Atanas Aleksov and Blagoja Antovski. The auditorium was occupied with a very enthusiastic audience which rewarded the musicians with well-deserved applause. The hall offers a high-quality venue which the artists fully utilized and the prolonged standing ovations at the end of the concert merited the well-deserved efforts of all the performers and organizers who took part in the WAD concert project for 2023. At this year’s concert, MAA was privileged to have Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) President Mirco Patarini from Italy and Lyu Bin from China as special guests at the concert. The WAD Gala Concert in the past years and 2023, has become an important cultural and artistic event, promoted as one of the most prestigious events during the month of May, in the country and also abroad, thanks to the fact that the concert is broadcast worldwide. This year the concert will be broadcast on television as a part of the celebration of the National Holiday 24th of May, Ss. Cyril and Methodius. This project was supported by the national program of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of North Macedonia. Read the full photo report of this concert with many pictures at: 2023Macedonia Picture below: Zorica Karakutovska, Filip Gavrilovski, Atanas Aleksov, Filip Petreski, Blagoja Antovski, David Velkov, Gjorgje Ciric |
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2023 First World Accordion Day Celebrations Held in Iranby Christine Johnstone |
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  The 2023 World Accordion Day (WAD) was celebrated for the first time in Tabriz, Iran organised by Gholamreza Seyed Hassani, Nardin Accordions. The event was held at the Tabriz Accordion Museum. View WAD reports at: 2023WADreport |
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Time to Register for the 2023 AAA 85th Anniversary Festival!by Harley Jones |
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 Its now time to register for the 2023 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 85th Anniversary Festival! We hope to see all of you there!! The AAA festival will be held at the Marriott Philadelphia West in Conshohocken, PA, July 12-16, 2023. Download the schedule: 2023AAASchedule.pdf Download the Registration Form: 2023AAARegistration.pdf Online registration and online payment by credit card or Paypal is now available on the AAA website shopping basket http://www.ameraccord.com/cart.aspx OR post in a check with the above 2023 Registration Form. Hotel: Visit https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1678315148565&key=GRP to book your hotel room today! Download 2023 AAA Festival Invitation to Advertise Package: 2023AAA-Advertiser.pdf Download 2023 AAA Festival Exhibitor Invitation Package: 2023AAA-Exhibitor.pdf We are sure we speak for all when we say accordionists cannot wait to get back together - in person! - to celebrate our beloved instrument. And speaking of accordions, make sure you bring yours along to play in the 2023 Festival Orchestra led by world-renowned conductor, Joan Cochran Sommers! Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) will join us for performances and workshops. Very personable and well-spoken, Grayson has won and been laureate at over a dozen international accordion competitions around the world in classical, entertainment, and digital categories. He is currently the instrumental music teacher for accordion at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Another special guest will be accordion legend Joey Miskulin (USA). Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018 for his extraordinary accomplishments with the piano accordion, and a recent recipient of the AAA's Lifetime Achievement Award, Joey continues to delight listeners with his "flying fingers" and ability to engage audiences. Looking for even more entertainment? Look no further than Mario Tacca, past AAA champion and AAA Artist in Residence, who will perform as a soloist at Friday night's gala concert, and with famed vocalist Mary Mancini at our Thursday night dinner. Several accordion orchestras are already slated to perform, including the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo, the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joanna Darrow, and the Busso Festival Orchestra conducted by Frank Busso Jr. Conducting this year's Youth Orchestra will be Joanna Darrow, who has dedicated her entire life to performing, teaching, and promoting the accordion. She has performed several times with the Philadelphia Orchestra and performed all over Europe for over 30 years with her accordion teacher/husband, the late Stanley Darrow. The United States Air Force Strolling Strings, with AAA President Frank Busso Jr. on accordion, will perform at our Saturday night banquet. Also at the banquet, we will present our coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime AAA Board member Frank Busso Sr. Frank has been an educator, performer, conductor, and all-around ambassador of the accordion for decades. After two years of virtual competition, we are excited to return to live competitions for students of all ages and abilities! Solos, duets, ensembles, and bands. Download the full list of categories, competition rules, and entry forms at: 2023AAARules.pdf Keep checking www.ameraccord.com for announcements of additional performers, workshop presenters, events, and registration information! |
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Arseniy Strokovskiy Lecturer at University of Music in Würzburg - Germanyby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
  Congratulations to Arseniy Strokovskiy (living in Germany) on becoming a Docent (lecturer) at the University of Music in Würzburg Germany, where he will lecture on accordion methodology.Arseniy previously studied for a Masterclass diploma and Master of Music in Performance at the University. In 2016, Arseniy Strokovskiy and multisaxophonist Ivan Dyma created the unique duo SaxAkkord. Although only two musicians are on stage, six different instruments sound: accordion, saxophone soprano, sax alto, saxophone tenor, saxophone baritone and piano. The debut album of the SaxAkkord duo "Metamorphoses" was released in 2017. Arseniy Strokovskiy is a laureate of: 53rd International Accordion Competition, Klingenthal, Germany; 23rd "Arrasate Hiria" International Accordion Competition, Arrasate-Mondragon, Spain; 68th Coupe Mondiale International Competition for accordion soloists, Turku, Finland; 40th International Castelfidardo Accordion Prize for soloists and ensemble. |
Claude Thomain Passes Away – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
 Video: Claude Thomain performs his composition "L'enfant Démon" at CNIMA.Composer, conductor, accordionist and CNIMA tutor Claude Thomain passed away this week in France. CNIMA wrote: “We pay tribute to the musician, composer, conductor, but also to the exceptional man he was. Kind, humble, discreet, generous, sensitive and full of humour. Thank you Claude for all that you have brought to the world of accordion, for these great and beautiful unforgettable moments shared at the CNIMA and your exceptional concerts that made us cry with emotion. On behalf of the accordion, accordionists and all musicians, thank you. You will be forever in our thoughts and hearts. The beautiful notes of your compositions where melody and harmony are of the finest taste will continue to resonate in CNIMA and the world.” Claude was also the conductor of the Orchestre d'Accordéons de Savoie (Savoie Accordion Orchestra) for many years. His funeral was held on May 12th, 2023 at St. Martin's Church in Épieds, Hauts-de-France, France. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: 2023 Accordéons-nous.org Festival - Alessandrini Family Affair! - Belgiumby AWW |
  Video: Michele Alessandrini (Italy - 15 years old) performing at the 2023 Accordéons-nous.org Festival, held in Mons, Belgium from April 19th to 23rd (where he came 7th out of 15 participants).The 2023 Accordéons-nous.org Festival, held in Mons, Belgium from April 19th to 23rd, included a successful repair workshop by Michele's father, Tonino Alessandrini. Tonino and his sister Daniela began as children, "helping" in the family Alessandrini manufacturing business and have continued all their lives (picture right). Read the "Know the People" Interview 2017Alessandrini. The Accordéons-nous.org competition jury included many well known musicians: Michel Stockhem (President – Belgium), Elsbeth Moser (Switzerland), Vladimir Blagojevic (Serbia), Geir Draugsvoll (Norway), Nathalie Boucheix (France), Ana Sterpin Zagoranski (Croatia), Angelo Pignatelli (Italy), Wieslaw Ochwat (Poland), Philippe Thuriot (Belgium), Jacques Mornet (France), Galymzhan Narymbetov (Kazakhstan), Raimondas Sviackevicius (Lithuania), Yves Moulin (Switzerland), Steve Normandin (Canada) and Alessandro Gaudio & Salvatore Pace (Italy). |
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World Accordion Day Reportsby Harley Jones |
 View WAD reports at: 2023WADreportMexico: Video above. For the 2023 World Accordion Day, we had a special radio program. Performers: Stanislav Jusufovic, Yuri Sidorov, Warsaw Accordion Quintet, Oivind Farmen, Lars Karlsson, Sivuca, Renato Borghetti. Broadcast on Radio Station: Opus 94, 94.5 FM (México City) at 19:00 hrs. (Local time). Greetings, Antonio Barberena. Lithuania: Composer Bete Ilin celebrated World Accordion Day with the Kaunas State Philharmonic, sharing the stage with colleague Laimonas Salijus who performed a premiere by composer Arvydas Malcys. Musicians of the VDU Kamerinis orkestras / VMU Chamber orchestra and Maestro Vytautas Lukocius performing Bete Ilin’s “The New Tomorrow” for the very first time in Lithuania and “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin (picture left). Read all about accordionists in many countries of the world that have supported World Accordion Day (WAD) to promote the accordion both nationally and internationally. 2023WADreport USA: Teacher Elena Fainshtein celebrated WAD with her "Musical Expressions Accordion School" by hosting a studio party in Plano, Texas, USA with her students and performing together as an accordion orchestra! (picture below). More pictures and information at: 2023WADreport |
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Akkordeongruppe Münstertal e.V. District Champions - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Akkordeongruppe Münstertal e.V. concert orchestra conducted by Silke D'Inka took part in the district meeting for accordion orchestra in the DHV district "Breisgau" on May 7th, 2023.The event saw 11 accordion orchestras and ensembles with over 200 active players participating in these rankings in different categories, judged by Uta Borho, stellv. BW State Director and Johannes Baumann, BW State Director. The Akkordeongruppe Münstertal e.V. concert orchestra took part in the "Adult Orchestra Higher Level" category with the pieces "Werziade IV" by Fritz Dobler and "Grlica" by Stevan Hristic. With a “fantastic 46 points” and the high score "outstanding", the concert orchestra was awarded “District Champion for the 5th time for its performance (winning previously in 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2019). Conductor Silke D’Inka received the trophy and the district championship cup (picture left). |
Updates: 2023 South Pacific and New Zealand Accordion Championships and Festival - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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| The 2023 South Pacific Accordion Championships and Festival will be held on Saturday 3rd June from 10:00 am at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Silver Rd, Epsom, Auckland. FREE ENTRY - The NZAA has achieved a grant that allows us to offer FREE ENTRY to all to come along and watch the 2023 Competitions, so please take advantage of this. Free Program download: 2023NZAAProgram.pdf Accordionists are invited to join the NZAA Massed Orchestra, where Kevin Friedrich has agreed to be Concert Master. Please email: heathermasefield@yahoo.com to register so you can be sent music. Sunday 4th June: Finale Concert, 3:00 pm at St Georges Church, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna. Entry: Adult $15, Concession $10, Child $5, payable at the door. Finale Concert Performers: Kevin Friedrich and organist Michael Bell performing Ian Watsons (UK) new work, "Dargaville Impressions" (pictures below). The Massed Orchestra and NSAO will perform works with organ. Other performers include Grayson Masefield, the Australian Ensemble and the 2023 competition prize winners. Sunday Farewell Dinner, 7:00pm Aubergine Restaurant, 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. Further information at NZAA or email the Competitions Secretary Renee Jeffries: nzaacompsec@gmail.com |
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Video: Will Holshouser Performs Redbud Winter, AAA Composition Commission - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
| Video: “Redbud Winter” by Will Holshouser. The video above is the new commission of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) composed by Will Holshouser, and this was the first AAA commission to be performed on a world tour. "Redbud Winter" is performed by Eric Vloeimans, trumpet and Will Holshouser, accordionist and composer. “Redbud Winter”: a cold snap in early spring when the redbud trees begin to blossom (expression used in Tennessee). In memoriam Cynthia Shoemaker (1939 - 2021). This piece was commissioned by the American Accordionists' Association (2021), and premiered at the AAA Seminars - Dr. William Schimmel, Curator - on July 30th 2021. |
Updated AAA Composers Commissioning Committee Publication - USAby Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair of AAA Composers Commissioning Committee |
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 Updated - The Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Commissioned Works of theAmerican Accordionists' Association (AAA) Composers Commissioning Committee: - Henry Cowell: Concerto Brevis, for Accordion & Orchestra - Otto Luening: Rondo - Paul Pisk: Salute to Juan View this 2023 update at: http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions14.php |
Future events |
Austrian/Vietnamese Music Night - Vietnamby Christine Johnstone |
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  Video: Jakob Steinkellner (Austria) performing in Vietnam on May 9th, 2023.The Austrian/Vietnamese Music Night will take place at the Grand Concert Hall of the Hoc Vien Am Nhac Quoc Gia Viet Nam (National Academy of Music) in Hanoi, Vietnam on May 13th, 2023 at 8pm. The event will include a variety of music by VNAM Vietnam academy artists, singers and accordionists, including guest accordionist Jakob Steinkellner (Austria - picture above right). Jakob is currently performing daily concerts in Hanoi, Vietnam until May 14th. All accordionist players and enthusiasts are invited to attend. |
Maciej Frąckiewicz May Concert Tour - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
 Accordionist Maciej Frackiewicz will tour Austria this month giving concerts, lectures and a masterclass as follows:• May 15th and 16th, 2023: Vienna - Masterclass and lecture at the Musik und Kunst Universität (class of Prof. Stopa) • May 17th, 2023: Vienna - Masterclass and lecture at the Städtische Musikschule (class of Prof. Todorovski) • May 17th, 2023: Vienna - solo concert • May 18th and 19th, 2023: Stainz m, Harmonika-Tage – Jury • May 20th, 2023: Klagenfurt - Masterclass at the Gustav Mahler Musikuniversität (class of Prof. Pechmann) • May 21st, 2023”: Klagenfurt - solo concert |
Marco Lo Russo Performs in Rome - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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| Marco Lo Russo will perform at a concert entitled “Bodies and Notes” at the Teatro Tor Bella Monaca (Tor Bella Monaca Theater) in Rome, Italy on May 18th, 2023 from 9pm. The event will include a live jam session and the GDO/UDA Dance Company, choreographed by Ilenja Rossi. For details email: staff@marcolorusso.com |
Accordionists Perform at "Early Music Day" - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
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 “Early Music Day” will be held at the Kunstlinie in Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands on May 20th, 2023 from 12 midday. The event will include a variety of concerts, workshops, music stories and demonstrations of music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods, from Hildegard van Bingen to Johan Sebastian Bach, from John Dowland to Dario Castello. The opening concert will feature a performance by the Black Pencil ensemble which includes Marko Kassl (accordion - picture left). For details email: info@goederedeconcerten.nl |
2023 Branson Accordion Extravaganza - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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| The 2023 Branson Accordion Extravaganza will take place at the Hughes American Family Theater in Branson, Missouri, USA on May 20th, 2023. The concert will feature Kim and Dan Christian as well as a special accordion orchestra of 30 accordionists from the USA and Canada. Their program will include: Gonna Fly Now (theme from Rocky), Espana Cani, Corazon (groovin’ Jazz tune), Dvorak Slavonic Dance #8, Nickelodean Rag, Theme from Schindler’s List, Rock a Jimmy (fun swing tune) and Conflict Overture (Collection of fantastic Patriotic Songs). See poster for details. |
Theresa Monsees & Martin Šulc Perform at 2023 Meran Concert Series - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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| Accordionists Theresa Monsees (youth class of Andreas Nebl) and Martin Sulc from the Prague Conservatory (Prof. Ladislav Horák) will perform a concert “Tradition Meets Modern” at the Palais Mamming in Meran, South Tyrol, Italy on May 20th, 2023. The concert is part of the 2023 Meran Concert Series. Theresa will perform Bernhard Molique's G-Moll concerto together with musicians of the Biberach Symphony Orchestra. See poster for details. |
Ville Hiltula Live Milonga - Japanby Christine Johnstone |
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| Ville Hiltula (bandoneon) will perform with Asako Yada (piano) at a Live Milonga at the Acorn Studio in Konan Yamate, Higashinada-ku, Kbe, Japan on May 21st, 2023 from 4.30pm. See poster for details. |
Christchurch Accordion Orchestra “Musical Celebration” – New Zealandby Jeanette Perry |
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| The Christchurch Accordion Orchestra, conducted by David Thorne will join with the St Alban’s Community Choir, directed by Heather Gladstone QSM, to present their concert “Musical Celebration” this month to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the choir. The event will take place at St Paul's Parish Church in Papanui, Christchurch, New Zealand on May 21st, 2023. See poster for details. |
Ben De Souza Performs with Aldeburgh Music Club Choir - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
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 Ben De Souza (picture left) will perform at the Aldeburgh Music Club, St Bartholomew’s Church in Orford, Suffolk, England on May 27th, 2023 at 7.30pm.Ben will accompany the Aldeburgh Music Club Choir, conducted by Tom Appleton along with Christina Johnston (soprano), Diana Moore (mezzo soprano), Peter Davoren (tenor), Philip Tebb (bass), Jonathan Rutherford (piano) and Christian White (piano). Their program will feature Petite Messe Solennelle (Little Solemn Mass) written in 1863 by Rossini. See poster for details. |
Jaroslav Svěcený and Ladislav Horák Concert: In the Sign of Tango – Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
 Video: Jaroslav Svecený (violin) and Ladislav Horák (accordion). Jaroslav Svecený (violin) and Ladislav Horák (accordion) will perform a concert entitled “In the Sign of Tango” at the Old Synagogue in Pilsen, Czech Republic on June 11th, 2023 at 8pm. Their program “will feature riveting southern rhythms and emotional music of Argentine music magician Astor Piazzolla and other composers.” |
"Los Palmeras" Perform at Alma Jardins Pedralbes Festival - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
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| “Los Palmeras” will perform at the Alma Jardins Pedralbes Festival held at Poble Espanyol, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain on July 20th, 2023. The group will play and sing the hits of their more than 50 year career such as: "Cumbia Luna", "Ayer, Hoy y Siempre", "Voló la Paloma" or their great hit "El Bombón Asesino", from the album "Un Sentimiento". |
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Links to Previous News Still Current |
Past News List of Linksby AWW |
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Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year |
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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 |
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XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports |
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2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article |
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Accordion Reed Production Article Link |
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Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link |
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Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
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2022 AAA Recent publications, USA News Link and Article |
New and Updated Sites |
Renzo Ruggieri Releases Tournée Arrangements - Italyby Harley Jones |
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 Tournée arrangements & compositions: Catalog rrenzo527 available online for only €20,80 for the 40 page pdf book of:- La Czardas (Monti, arr. Ruggieri) - Mazurka Celebre (Migliavacca, arr. Ruggieri) - Figaro (for soloist, Rossini, arr. Ruggieri) - Maple Leaf Rag (Joplin, arr. Ruggieri) - Passione e Fisarmonica (Ruggieri) Renzo Ruggieri writes: "I decided to release my first arrangements for virtuoso/variètè accordion. I used this music when I was a demonstrator for acoustic and electronic accordions so these arrangements have the advantage of working very well for both acoustic accordion and MIDI electronic accordion." |
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