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Highlights |
2014 “Golden Cup” Competitions and Symposium - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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![]() ![]() China Accordion Association President Prof. Li Cong and Crystal Wang speaking at the Closing and Award Ceremony. Printed Program and Daily Reports, photos and video at: 2014Goldencup |
New Book: ‘Tresors De Lames’, Montreuil - Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() This carefully crafted book will be enhanced by a rich content of documents and archives. It will be punctuated by a variety of texts and quotations from art world personalities, describing their views about these instruments. The text is in French. The book will be prefaced by Pierre Étaix, long-time lover of the accordion. For this project, Laurent Jarry has worked with photographer Olivier Eumont for the illustrations, and with graphic designer Cendrine Bonami-Redler. For the past 30 years, Laurent Jarry has worked as a maker and restorer of accordions and bandoneons. Publication will be in December 2014 For further information email: contact@laboitedaccordeon.fr |
Full Report, 20th Anniversary 2014 Australian International Accordion Championshipsby Kevin Friedrich |
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The 20th Anniversary 2014 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival run by the AATA was held on Saturday June 7th and Sunday 8th at the Club Marconi, Sydney. The results of the top solo category was: 1st - Arseniy Strokovskiy (Russia), 2nd - Wen Yi Wu (China), 3rd - Mario Perkovic (Croatia). Special Guest Artists Mirco Patarini (Italy) and Lionel Reekie (New Zealand) and featuring the AATA Festival Orchestra conducted by Lionel Reekie with prize winners and Australian guests, made for a most successful Finale concert. Daily Reports including photographs, video and results are online at: Australian International Championships |
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Nihad Hrustanbegovic ‘World Premiere’, Amsterdam – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() The work is making use of all the sounds of the accordion and the dimensions of music - classical, pop, world music, jazz, contemporary, cross-over and improvisation. ‘Amsterdam Anno 2014’ is an ode to the city, its inhabitants, and the Tolhuistuin. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Jérôme Richard Performing in Jiang Yin - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Jérôme Richard (France) performing last week in Jiang Yin. This concert was part of the 2014 “Golden Cup” 1st National Colleges And Universities Performing Competition Of Accordion, 6th to 8th June, Shanghai Normal University. A group of performers traveled by bus 2 hours 30 minutes to the concert in the city of Jiang Yin, which is the home city of Goldencup Musical Instruments, the sponsor of this event. Video 1: Jérôme Richard performing French Valse Medley (Sorcière, Passion, Indifference, Flambée Montalbanaise). Video 2: Jérôme Richard performing his composition Graine de fantaisie. |
Sofía Ros’ Accomplishments, Santander – Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() She has participated in master classes with accordion teachers Mika Väyrynen, Frederic Deschamps, Zorica Karakutovska, Diego González, Carlos Iturralde, and Miren Iñarga. Her accomplishments to date include: - 3rd prize at the International Accordion Competition "Citta Castefidardo 2011", Italy, (under 13 years) - 1st prize in the Arrasate Accordion Competition 2012, Spain, (under 13 years) - 1st prize in the National Young Performers Competition "Ciudad de Cuenca", 2012 - Special Final Degree Award (Elementary Teachings) Conservatorio Jesus de Monasterio in 2012 - 1st prize in Chamber Music in the Arrasate Accordion Festival 2012 (under 13 years) - duo accordion and piano - 1st prize in Chamber Music in the Arrasate Accordion Festival, 2013, (under 17 years) - trio accordion, piano and trumpet - 1st prize in the art of accordion (Teachings Elementary) in the ‘Regional Competition Conservatorio de Torrelavega’ in 2011 and 2012 - 3rd prize at the International Competition of Klingenthal, Germany, 2014 (under 12) Video 1 above. She has played the bandoneon as soloist with string orchestra ‘Aedea’ performing Oblivion. She has a recorded a track on the ‘Accordions of XIX Century’ CD, and has been a soloist of the Band of Torrelavega Conservatory. She has played with the Camerata Coral at the University of Cantabria on the Grand Coral Prize at the Jovellanos Theatre in Gijon Video 2 above. |
Video: Noteable Soundz Quintet Composition Impact - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
The Noteable Soundz quintet performed Impact, composed by group member Dan Robinson. Players left to right: Dan Robinson, Tamba Young, Brad Williams, Andrew McFall and Elle Archer. Noteable Soundz were competitors in the 2009 Coupe Mondiale and this video was a performance at the 2014 South Pacific Accordion Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. |
World Premiere at 2014 Golden Cup Concert - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Shi Xuan, 3rd year student at Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), tutor Crystal Wang, has represented China a number of times at international competitions. Video 1: World premiere of "Yanko Clang Clang" composed by Yao Henglu, also of SHNU. Video 2: Shi Xuan performing the original work "Expecting the Winds of Spring" composed by Wan Yizhong. |
Jac & Co - US East Coast Spring tour 2014 – USAby Rob Howard |
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For over 27 years French accordionist and composer Jacques Pellarin has brought the sounds of France to many parts of the globe. With international song placements, 8 albums and multiple world tours, he has shared his French cinema-inspired accordion compositions with world-wide audiences. Recently he and his vocalist wife Corinne, as ‘Jac & Co’, have toured the East Coast states of the USA, entertaining audiences with the eternal sounds of France. According to the French magazine Le Progrès, they “bring back almost a century of the traditional French 'chanson' songs in the likes of Édith Piaf and Yves Montand, Francis Lemarque. With just voice and accordion, Jac & Co captivate audiences and transport them to the dance halls and street side cafés of France's yesteryears! There were 15 concerts, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, etc, sharing the songs of eternal Paris - Piaf, Montand, Greco, Lemarque, and more. Such was the reception everywhere, ‘Jac & Co’ will return to the USA in 2015. Jacques Pellarin’s two most recent CDs are ‘My French Cinema’ and ‘Paris Ma Jeunesse’, available via his website. For further information email: jacques.pellarin@wanadoo.fr |
2014 Golden Cup Invitational Concert, Shanghai - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Above are three videos by performers at the 2014 2014 Golden Cup Invitational Concert. Video 1: Peng Ruoxi performing Visite composed by Maurice Larcange Video 2: Shi Jiatong performing Grand Fantasin composed by Jérôme Richard Video 3: Shi Jiatong performing Les parapluies de cherbourg, composer Michel Legrand, arranged E. Derbenko |
Valerie Barr, Lanarkshire,Scotland Performing Concerto - Scotlandby Rob Howard |
![]() However she entered the concerto competition for all outstanding applicants playing her first instrument the accordion competing with all other instrumentalists. She won this competition and as a result is performing Piazzolla's Bandoneon concerto "Aconcagua" with the orchestra at The Grand Hall, Kilmarnock on Sunday 15th June as well as the prestigious City Halls,Glasgow on August the 26th. In a good year for Valerie she qualified for the National Category Auditions in BBC Young Musician 2014 as the only accordionist in the keyboard category. She has spent her final school year at the music school of Douglas Academy and was successful in her audition for the B.Mus.(performance) course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow where she will continue her studies with well known performer and teacher, Djordje Gajic in September 2014. |
Video: Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud Performingby Harley Jones |
Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud Performing with Ensemble Spiller Published on May 8, 2014 Fra lanseringskonsert på Solbakken i Sør-Odal 15. mars 2014. Accordion: Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud Piano: Geir H. Braaten Violin: Arvid Engegård Viola: Juliet Jopling Double Bass: Svein haugen Film, sound and editing:: John Øiamo |
Video: Paula Fernandes e Dominguinhos Caminhoneiro Performing - Brazilby Harley Jones |
Paula Fernandes e Dominguinhos Caminhoneiro Performing. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Lácides Romero Champions the Accordion in Colombiaby Rob Howard |
![]() In a country where the diatonic accordion and folk music are predominant, Lácides Romero continues to this day to perform classical recitals on the piano accordion, and his performances are often reported on Accordions Worldwide. Long may he continue. UNIVERSITY CONCERT - COLUMBIA On May 16th Colombian accordionist Lácides Romero gave a concert at the Universidad Nacional Pedagógica de Santafe de Bogota, playing pieces by John Blow, Haydn, Beaumont and his own compositions. Romero's arrangement of ‘Variaciones al Carnaval of Venecia’ (Variations of the Carnival of Venice), which was inspired by Colombian folklore, was well received by the audience. The concert was held in conjunction with the Third Art Festival El Nogal. |
Future events |
Mairtin O’Connor @ Doolin Folk Festival, Country Clare - Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() Mairtin O'Connor, from Galway, has had a remarkable career stretching back to the late 70s. As well as performing as a leading member of De Danaan, Boys of the Lough, and other traditional bands, he has also recorded and toured with The Chieftains, Mark Knopfler, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, and on the highly popular Riverdance show. Mairtin O’Connor is also an imaginative composer, whose music fits well within the idiom of Irish traditional music yet often heads in new directions musically, with many fine recordings to his credit. |
Paul Chamberlain Classical Recital, Glasgow – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Paul Chamberlain will soon be releasing his third solo CD, ‘Le Grand Tango’, which includes ‘Konzertstück in F minor’ - Carl Maria von Weber, ‘Tango Sensations’ - Astor Piazzolla (with the Maxwell String Quartet), two Scarlatti Sonatas, ‘Sonata No 2’ by Zolotariev, and ‘Le Grand Tango' - Astor Piazzolla, recorded with violinist Feargus Hetherington. The CD launch will take place in London on July 1st at the 1901 Arts Club and will be followed by a tour across the UK. For further information email: paul@theaccordionist.com |
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano and Tony Compton at Harlow AC, Essex – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Pearl Fawcett-Adriano is a virtuoso accordionist of international renown, and a former CMA junior and senior World Champion. Tony Compton, well-known for his duo work with Jack Emblow, is a versatile and highly experienced accordionist, usually featuring midi sounds. For further information email: jeanhanger@icloud.com |
Declan Aungier’s dancing gigs – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Saturday June 14th - Moyne Hall, County Tipperary Sunday June 15th, 3pm until 6pm – afternoon, West County Hotel, Ennis Sunday June 15th, 9.30pm – Rathkneale House Hotel Monday June 16th – with Larry McEvoy, Hazel Tree, Mallow Declan Aungier became All-Ireland Under 18 Piano Accordion Champion in 1987. He switched from piano accordion to the 5-row Continental button accordion, and works exclusively as a solo entertainer. He has many albums to his credit, providing music ranging from Country and Irish, some Irish traditional music, and music from the present day, including some jazz. Equally skilled on keyboards, piano and guitar, Declan is also church organist in his home village of Rathangen, County Kildare. He is currently working on another recording. For further information email: declan@declanaungier.com |
Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert, New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert programme includes: ‘Pop goes the bellows’ - medley of Hollywood songs; ‘Old Man River’, ‘Disney Remembered’ - classic Disney themes, ‘Les Miserables’ selection, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ selection, ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’, ‘Se Tu M'ami’, ‘Ladies of Broadway’ - medley of Broadway songs, ‘Latin Holiday’ - Latin American medley, ‘Donkey Serenade’, and ‘Pietro's Return’ - Pietro Deiro. The Accordion Pops Orchestra has just released their second CD/DVD, ‘Pop Goes the Bellows’, featuring ‘Pop Goes the Bellows’, ‘Disney Remembered’, ‘Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Donkey Serenade’, ‘Frankfurter Polka’, ‘Rhapsody #2’ (Pietro Frosini), ‘Caramba’, ‘Concerto in D’ (Desiderio), ‘Mozart Flute Concert’, and ‘Concerto in A’ (Pietro Deiro); to order email AccordionPops@hotmail.com For further information email: alterzo@hotmail.com |
Marco Lo Russo Festival Concert, Piacenza – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() The venue is the restaurant L’Antica Trattoria del Tempio, Via Creta, 6 a Vicobarone di Ziano Piacentino, Piacenza. Marco Lo Russo will soon embark on a tour of Europe with the Polish singer Agnieska Chrzanowska. For further information email: dina@marcolorusso.com |
Steve Normandin Concert, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: stevenormandin1976@gmail.com |
Joe Soprani performs in operetta ‘La Giara’, Philadelphia – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() ‘La Giara’ (The Water Jug), by Patricia King, on Friday June 20th, 8pm, the World Cafe Live, Philadelphia. ‘La Giara’ combines Italian folk music and opera with Brazilian Choro and jazz, telling the story of Patricia King’s family’s emigration from Sicily to Philadelphia. Using dramatic and comedic compositions, the operetta expresses themes relevant to gender oppression, migration and cultural losses that families experienced in adapting to a new world. Joe Soprani, also an arranger and composer, has performed in concert halls, theatres, TV shows and hotels. He has the distinction of being the only accordionist in the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra to appear as a featured soloist under Eugene Ormandy. His lengthy CV includes being accordion soloist with the USAF Band, performing with opera singer Luciano Pavarotti and rock star Jon Bon Jovi, and for President Eisenhower at the White House. For further information email: sopranimusic@comcast.net |
Ksenija Sidorova and Miloš Karadaglić Concert, Sheffield – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Tickets cost £20. This concert is the opening event in the annual Bradfield Festival of Music, June 21st to 28th. For further information email: Bradfieldmusic@aol.com |
Pärnu Harmonica Festival, Pärnu – Estoniaby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: parpiccolo@hot.ee |
New and Updated Sites |
Zhang Guoping Releases eTracks Album - Chinaby Zhang Guoping |
![]() 'Accordion Solos', catalog: guoping01 with sound samples. Music performed by Zhang Guoping. |
Guardia Nueva release second CD with eTracks - Finlandby Guardia Nueva |
![]() 'Live in Concert Tango Finlandia', catalog: gnueva02 with sound samples. Music performed by Guardia Nueva. |
Francesco Palazzo release new CD with eTracks - Italyby Francesco Palazzo |
![]() Purchase online. |
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