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Festival Internazionale della Fisarmonica di Castelfidardo - Italyby Harley Jones |
The 36th edition of the International Castelfidardo Accordion Festival will be held from September 20th to 25th 2011. The festival will be hosting very important guest artists as well as the 36th Castelfidardo Premio Concorso international accordion competitions. Download the Competition Regulations: 2011castelfidardo The entry closing date is July 31st 2011. The festival has grown steadily in recent years and is enriched by new theme events, live day and night shows as well as a Club to entertain the little ones with musical games and education. The popular Music Reality Show will again be organized for the entire week of the festival. The Grand Opening Gala features the Danilo Di Paolonicola Ethnic Project with Danilo Di Paolonicola (accordion, diatonic accordion), Maurizio Rolli (electric bass), Roberto Desiderio (drums), Gionni di Clemente (guitar, oud, bouzuki), Andrea Tini (diatonic 2009 Junior World Champion). The list of artists for other events includes a Jazz Evening with Stian Carstensen (accordion, Norway), Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi (accordion) and string orchestra, and Vincent Abbracciante and there are many other activities. Competition Regulations: 2011castelfidardo 2010 Festival Daily Reports and Competition Results: 2010 Concorso |
UMKC Community Accordion Orchestra’s 50th Annual Concert, Kansas – USAby Rob Howard |
The UMKC Accordion Orchestra (MD Joan Cochran Sommers) will present its Annual Concert - for the 50th consecutive year! – on May 22nd, 2.30pm, at the White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri, Kansas City. The program includes: ‘Overture from L'Italiana in Algeri’ (Rossini), ‘Ditiramb’ (Josipovic), Serenata (Leroy Anderson), ‘Les filles de Cadix’ (Delibes), ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ (Lerner/Loewe), ‘Malagueña’ (E. Lecuona), ‘Triumphal March’ from ‘Aida’ (Verdi), ‘Adiós Nonino’ (Piazzolla), ‘Iconosphere’ (composed for Joan C. Sommers, by Franceschina), ‘Recuerdos’ (composed for the UMKC for this concert, by Amy Jo Sawyer), ‘Sound of Music Selection’ (Richard Rodgers), and ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ (Jackson). The concert also features a special guest 70 strong choir, made up from singers from both Pleasant Lee Middle School and The Heartland Academy, directed by Dr. Verna Brummet. Special guest artists on the program include: Suzanne Boucard (soprano); Louis Barr (dancer); Laura Cantu (dancer), and virtuoso accordionist, Betty Jo Simon. Joan C. Sommers has directed the world famous UMKC Accordion Orchestra since it was formed, when she established the accordion program at UMKC in 1961. During its long history the UMKC AO has won many national titles in the USA, and toured Germany, Switzerland, Austria, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Estonia, New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Italy. ?? For further information email: joansommers@kc.rr.com Purchase 6 CD's from UMKC Accordion Orchestra Purchase 2 CD's from Amy Jo Sawyer Purchase 2 CD's from Betty Jo Simon |
48th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal 2011 - Germanyby Harley Jones |
2011 Klingenthal Results and photos of accordionists, enthusiasts and friends attending the 48th International Accordion Competition 2011 Klingenthal |
Mika Väyrynen to Record and Conduct Master Classes in May - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen will record a program of Bach and Couperin with the NBC in Finland on May 20th, adding to the extensive archives they have accumulated of his performances since he began recording with them in 1985. Following the recording, Mika will travel to Austria to conduct two master class sessions. On May 23rd, Mika will be working at the Kärtner Landeskonservatorium. Mika taught there from 1993-1996, establishing a foundation for classical accordion playing in that region. Some well known students from Mika’s class at this time are Roman Pechman (currently Professor of Accordion at Kärtner Landeskonservatorium), Marko Kassl (currently assistant at Detmold Musikhochschule), and Christoph Hofer, among many others. On May 24th, Mika will present a master class in Linz, Austria, at the Brückner Konservatorium, where he will also lecture about new accordion music in Finland and northern Europe. For more information about Mika Väyrynen and his extensive series of recordings, please visit the Mika Väyrynen website. CD's by Mika Väyrynen from the Finland Accordeon Institute |
Standing Ovations for Frank Marocco Concert, Klingenthal – Germanyby Harley Jones |
American accordionist Frank Marocco displayed his brilliance in technique and interpretation performing in a concert at the Klingenthal International Competition, along with a string quartet and percussion of the Vogtland Philharmonie Greiz, Reichenbach (picture above). The arrangements for strings and accordion were by Daniele di Bonaventura, and the original works were by Frank Marocco, who received a several standing ovations for his concert. In the world of accordion performance, Frank Marocco is renowned not only for his mastery of the instrument, but for his highly developed musicality. In any style, on the concert stage or in the recording studio, his playing is superb. Frank Marocco is one of the most recorded accordionists in America, and has recorded for or worked with artists ranging from Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd and Madonna to Luciano Pavarotti, conductor Maxim Shostakovich and composer John Williams. Photo right Frank Marocco and famous French teacher Jacques Mornet of CNIMA J.Mornet. Jazz On the Road 3 CD Pack available at Frank Marocco Picture below of masterclass, Elke Ahrenholz of Victoria Accordions standing. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
'House' star Hugh Laurie's CD Features Accordion, Los Angeles - USAby Rob Howard |
British movie and TV actor Hugh Laurie, currently starring in the popular US TV medical drama ‘House’, is also an accomplished singer and musician. On May 9th Laurie released his debut CD, 'Let Them Talk', an album of jazz and blues songs such as 'St James Infirmary', ‘After You've Gone’, and ‘It Ain't Necessarily So’. The backing band includes accordionist David Hidalgo, of ‘Los Lobos’, and there are guest spots from Tom Jones, Dr John and Irma Thomas. Laurie sings lead vocals, and plays piano and guitar on the CD – and has admitted that he might come in for some stick for billing himself as a bluesman now. "I was not born in Alabama in the 1890s," he acknowledged. "I've never eaten grits, cropped a share, or ridden a boxcar. I am a white, middle-class Englishman, openly trespassing on the music and myth of the American South." The CD is available via Hugh Laurie’s website or Amazon. |
Stan Mayhew Passes Away, West Sussex – UKby Rob Howard |
Stan Mayhew, one of Britain’s longest established private accordion technicians and tuners, died last week. He was in his 80s, and is survived by his wife Hazel. Stan Mayhew originated from Hayes, West London, an area especially notable for producing accordionists, including John Leslie, Jack Emblow, Martin Lukins, Eddie Harris, David Keen, to name but a few. In the post-war years Stan was a professional accordionist, and was resident at the Brook St Bier Keller, London, for 11 years in the 1960s and 70s. In the 1950s and 60s Stan Mayhew worked as an accomplished and talented accordion repairer/tuner at Hohner, Farringdon Road, London. When Hohner closed down their London base in 1964 Stan set up an accordion repair business on his own, later moving to West Sussex. In recent years Stan had trade stands at the St Audrie’s Bay and Eastbourne accordion festivals. John Leslie, who knew Stan well, said that “Stan will be sadly missed by all accordionists and friends”. |
Silvio De Pra Featured on TV Program - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Well known entertainer Silvio De Pra was featured on Stratos TV (Channel 89) on Monday May 9th with the program being repeated on Tuesday May 10th on Triangle TV. Silvio De Pra, a well known accordion entertainer and vocalist of Italian descent, has been Chairman of the Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) for many years, and travelled performing extensively internationally. Always popular, he has released a high quality CD with full instrumental backing available online - Una Sera Con Silvio De Pra. Picture below: Silvio De Pra being honored at the 2009 Coupe Mondiale with the CIA Honored Friend Of The Accordion Award, presented by Kevin Friedrich (left) and New Zealand Accordion Association President John Statham (right). |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Angelo Di Pippo at Maxim’s, NYby Rob Howard |
The highly accomplished US accordionist Angelo Di Pippo, still very active, performed with a singer at Maxim’s in New York, as reported in the Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending May 16th. This seems like a most enjoyable gig! DI PIPPO PLAYS MUSETTE WITH CHANTEUSE AT MAXIM'S - MANHATTAN, USA Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association New York's celebrated accordionist-arranger Angelo Di Pippo donned his accordion and filled Maxim's, a posh Manhattan supper club, with French melodies in accompaniment to chanteuse Yanna Avis, during the May 9th weekend. (Maxim's is the New York sister of the famous Parisian night club of the same name.) Di Pippo won Keyboard Magazine's ‘Best Accordionist Award’ following the release of ‘Arthur Street’, his hit jazz CD which was for many weeks in the top 30 of the Gavin Chart which lists the most-played recordings. Other CDs featuring the fabulous Di Pippo sound are ‘Accordion de Paris’, ‘It's a Polka Party’ (two CDs) and ‘Accordion Party’. |
Future events |
Tony Kearney Gigs, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Irish button accordionist Tony Kearney performs this weekend as follows: May 14th – 80th birhday party, The Corrib Rest, Queens Park, London May 15th, 2pm to 5pm - Harringay Irish Centre, London May 15th, 9pm – Ceili, Irish Centre, Camden Town, London Tony Kearney, from Inchigeela in County Cork, plays the Shand Morino and is highly regarded in Irish communities as a solo accordionist. He has three CDs to his credit, and is also a singer. For further information email: starr63@gmail.com |
Bruno Maurice Goes Overseas Again, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro - Brazilby Rob Howard |
French accordionist Bruno Maurice, recently returned to France from highly successful concert appearances in Taiwan and China, is next going to perform in Brazil. With his new ensemble ‘Pasarela’ (accordion, piano, clarinet, violin), Bruno is on tour in Brazil from May 20th to 30th in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, playing a program of Villa Lobos, Ginastera, Darius Milhaud, Bruno Maurice, Igor Stravinsky, and Carlos Jobim”. For further information email: brunomaurice@neuf.fr |
Japan Earthquake Benefit Concert in Bangkok - Thailandby Harley Jones |
Alexander Sheykin “Alex Acco” is featured in a Japan Earthquake benefit concert on 11 May in Bangkok. Alex began playing the accordion at 6 years of age and is a Russian accordionist based in Seoul, South Korea. Alex has had the chance to perform all over the world and has recently released a CD titled “Here and There”. Details of the Benefit Concert are on the poster. For further information email alexacco@gmail.com |
Four Men & A Dog Concert, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
The Irish traditional quintet Four Men & A Dog perform at The Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, Manchester M33 7ZF, on Sunday May 22nd, 7.45pm. The line up of Four Men & A Dog includes Donal Murphy – button accordion, Cathal Hayden – fiddle, Gino Lupari – bodhran, bones, vocals, Kevin Doherty - guitar, vocals, and Gerry O'Connor - banjo, fiddle. Their fiery sets of traditional tunes are played with precision and power, while the songs are full of surprise – anything from gentle ballads to American folksongs to acoustic rock n’ roll. For further information email: watersideartscentre@trafford.gov.uk |
Simone Zanchini Concert Dates – Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Croatiaby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Simone Zanchini performs as follows: May 15th, 11.30am – with saxophonist Mario Marzi, Museo Arte Contemporanea, Milan May 20th - Levico Terme, TN May 26th, 4.30pm - Young Jazz, Foligno, Casa Serena ex Onpi May 27th, 9.30pm – with the Jim Black Italian Ensemble, Young Jazz, Foligno, Corte di Palazzo, Trinci May 28th, 8.15pm - with the Jim Black I. E., Idar-Oberstain JazzTage 2011, Germany May 29th, 9pm - with the Jim Black I.E. Crossroads Jazz Festival, Teatro Asioli, Correggio, RE June 4th, 7.30pm - JazzFest Bonn, Ausstellungshalle, Germany June 14th, 9pm - Villa Bentivoglio, Borghi e Frazioni in Musica, XII edizione, Bologna June 15th, - Cesana June 17th, 8.30pm – JazzFest, Zagorje ob Savi, Slovenia June 21st, 9pm - I Rassegna Solstizio d'Estate, Città della Pieve, PG June 28th, to 30th – Croatian tour Simone Zanchini is a graduate of the Conservatory ‘G. Rossini’, Pesaro, and is widely recognized as an innovative and versatile accordionist. He has performed with distinction at jazz and accordion festivals in many countries, and has collaborated with many musicians. For further information email: elisa.semprini@management4you.net |
Duo Euphoria (Aydar Gaynullin & Elena Lutz) Concert, Berlin - Germanyby Harley Jones |
The Duo Euphoria – highly regarded accordionists Aydar Gaynullin and his wife Elena Lutz – perform in concert on Friday May 20th, 7pm – 9.pm, at Pauluskirche Rathaus (St Paul's Church Hall), Zehlendorf.Kirchstr 4.14163, Berlin. Recent news items about Aydar Gaynullin http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=04-Mar-2011&lang=en#art4010 http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=30-Apr-2010&lang=en#art2046 Aydar Gaynullin was a featured performer at the 5th International Competition of Bayanists and Accordionists last December. Elena Lutz was an invited solo performer at the 2006 Castelfidardo Accordion Festival. |
Wazemmes Accordion Festival, Lille – Franceby Rob Howard |
The annual Wazemmes Accordion Festival takes place in and near the Maison Folie Wazemmes, Lille, Northern France, from May 24th to June 5th. The schedule of concerts and events is below. Lille's Wazemmes district parties during its Accordion Festival. There will also be impromptu performances, dancing and revelry in bars across Lille, but most major concerts take place at the Maison Folie de Wazemmes. The festival started as a fairly minor affair in the 1990s, but has become a major local music event, welcoming not only traditional folk musicians, but also rock, punk, jazz, classical and even tango stars. |
Residential Accordion Workshop Weekend, Lincolnshire - UKby Rob Howard |
A ‘Residential Accordion Workshop Weekend’ takes place from Friday June 3rd, 1pm, to Sunday June 5th, 7.30pm, at The Archway, Grantham, Lincolnshire. The tutor is David Oliver, one of Northern England’s foremost dance musicians and accordion tutors. The workshop takes up to 10 people, and the cost covers all food, tuition, refreshments and overnight accommodation. The course costs £250 for the weekend, everything is provided by way of meals and refreshments, so there’s no need to spend another penny on anything! Vegan and vegetarian diets are catered for. For further information email: jsart09@gmail.com |
‘Italia 'n' Caledonia’ on Tour, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
‘Italia ‘n’ Caledonia’ is a drama, written by Mike Maran and Philip Contini, telling the story of the Italians who emigrated 100 years ago and started new lives in Scotland, with music performed by David Vernon on accordion. The play is an adventure story about a generation of Italians who left their sunny hillsides to start new lives in Scotland – a success story about families who opened small businesses selling ice cream and fish and chips. It is also tells about when Mussolini declared war on Britain in 1940 Italians were labelled as ‘enemy aliens,’ and were interned. Some lost their lives when SS Arandora Star, a ship taking internees to Canada, was sunk on July 2nd 1940. Nearly every Italian family in Scotland lost a father or a husband. In the post war years second and third generation Scottish Italians made a unique contribution to life in contemporary Scotland, told in this heart-warming story celebrating everything that is great about Italy and Scotland. Performance dates: June 3rd - Aros, Isle of Skye June 4th - Lochinver Community Hall June 10th - Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld June 11th - Theatre Royal, Dumfries June15th - Buckie British Legion June 16th - Johnshaven Village Hall June 17th - New Deer Public Hall June 21st - One Touch Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness June 22nd - Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh June 29th - Craignish Village Hall, Ardfern June 30th - Mull Theatre, Isle of Mull July 1st - Cove Burgh Hall July 2nd - Easdale Island Community Hall July 30th - Eastgate Theatre, Peebles August 9th to 24th - Valvona & Crolla, Edinburgh Festival Fringe August 31st - Biggar Corn Exchange September 1st - Nairn Book and Arts Festival September 2nd - Lyth Arts Centre, Wick For further information email: mike.maran@ntlworld.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publications releases 4 new piecesby Charnwood Publishing |
Charnwood Publishing releases 4 new pieces by composer Coppard Sue titled, 'Sampling the Cider', catalog:M665, 'Serbska', catalog:M666, 'The Teenager’s Song', catalog:M667 and 'The Time of Stone Circles', catalog:M668. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Amy Jennings updates and releases 2 of her new worksby Amy Jennings |
Amy Jennings updating her site and releases 2 new works, 'All I want is You', catalog:jamy05 and 'Summer Rock n' Roll', catalog:jamy06. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Yehuda Oppenheimer Releasing Two Arrangementsby Yehuda Oppenheimer |
Yehuda Oppenheimer releasing two of his new arrangements for acccordion - 'Oboe Concerto', catalog:OY605 and 'Flute Staccato', catalog:OY606. Sample of the music is available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Charnwood Publications releases 4 new piecesby Charnwood Publishing |
Charnwood Publishing releases 4 new pieces by composer Coppard Sue titled, 'A Celtic Legend', catalog:M661, 'Christmas Bells', catalog:M662, 'Heathcliff', catalog:M663 and 'Once Long Ago', catalog:M664. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl updates 1 of his musicby Gary Dahl |
Gary Dahl - author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated music titles for purchase on-line. 'Sentimental Journey ', catalog:DH0033. Samples for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
May Accordion Russia News Online 1st Mayby Alexander Selivanov |
May Accordion Russia News Online 1st May |
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