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Highlights |
VII International Bayan and Accordion Competition, Moscow – Russiaby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
The VII International Bayan and Accordion Competition will be held from December 13th to 20th, 2020 at the Russian Academy of Music Gnesin in Moscow, Russia. Competition organisers are the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Moscow Government, the Committee on Culture of the City of Moscow, the Russian Academy of Music Gnesin and the Friedrich Lips (picture left) Charitable Foundation. This competition is aimed at competitors aged from 18 to 32 years old. Electronic applications for participation in the competition will be accepted until October 25th, 2020. The competition is held in conjunction with the XXXII International Festival "Bayan and Bayanists", Artistic Director Friedrich Lips together with Organizer Alexander Gataullin. Download competition rules here in Russian language: 2020MoscowRules.pdf For further details email: moscowcompetition@gmail.com 2019 report at: 2019Moscow includes videos of many concerts |
Gorka Hermosa Premieres New Composition, Segovia - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
Video: by David Rubio – “Jota de El Navego” by Gorka Hermosa and Juan José Alonso. Gorka Hermosa (picture right) premiered his new composition "Jota de El Navego" on July 26th, 2020 in the courtyard of the Palacio del Cardenal Espinosa (Palace of Cardinal Diego de Espinosa), in Martín Muñoz de las Posadas, Segovia Province, Spain. The piece begins with a recitation by Juan José Alonso, with a nostalgic air, which transforms into a very folkloric Castilian jota (fast folk dance) full of verve and happiness. It is written in memory of the people of the Castilian countryside, who worked the now abandoned lands of El Navego. This was followed by concerts with "Malandro Club" at two historical and beautiful places of Segovia: the Artillery Academy and at Patio de la Academia de Artillería (in front of the Acueducto of the Roman Empire, a magical place) in Martín Muñoz (see picture below). August concert schedule as follows: August 15th: Errenteria (Gipuzkoa), “Hezurbeltzak” August 16th: Terán de Cabuérniga, Iglesia 8pm, “Montón & Hermosa (Flamencantabrica)” August 21st: Zestoa (Gipuzkoa), “Garikoitz Mendizabal & G. Hermosa” August 23rd: Getaria (Gipuzkoa), “Hezurbeltzak” For details email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
26th International Palanga 2020 Accordion Festival - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
The 26th International Palanga 2020 Accordion Festival was held at the Palanga City Resort Museum in Palanga, Lithuania from 7th to 12th August, 2020. Attendees were treated to a variety of free concerts while keeping a safe 2 meter distance from each other. The opening concert included performances by accordionists from the Samogitia and Klaipeda region of Lithuania, Mantas Leonardo Lizzi (Palanga S. Vainiunas Art School), Gabriele Kunickaite (Klaipeda J. Kaczynsk School of Music), Žilvinas Šimkus & Marius Kukšta (Klaipeda S. Šimkaus Conservatory), the Chamber ensemble Laima Junduliene (accordion) and Žermena Frith (cello), Maya Wolf (Šilute Art School) nd many more. Over the next 5 days popular performances were given by well-known accordionist Jonas Vozbutas (Winner of the 2020 TV show "Lithuanian Talents. Super Kids), Mstislav Rostropovich (Charity and Support Fund "Help Lithuanian Children" and Patron of Mažeikiai Rotary Club), and the Accordion Quintet of the Vilnius J. Tallat-Kelpša Conservatory: Katažyna Basiulis, Ruslan Grimbovskij, Matas Sabaliauskas, Jordan Šanov and Lukas Lazinka. The free closing concert was held on August 12th and included performances by festival participants and international competition winners such as soloist Romas Morkunas, followed by a joint Orchestra of Accordion Teachers, directed and conducted by Prof. Ricardas Sviackevicius. Soloists included Agne Stancikaite (soprano), and international competition winners Jonas Vozbutas, Mantas Leonardo Lizzi and Raimonds Ungurs. |
NAO 2021 Dates and Coupe Mondiale Portugal Representatives - UKby Christine Johnstone |
The National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO) have released dates for their 2021 event: 23rd to 25th April, 2021, at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, England. The NAO is also delighted to announce that 2 candidates, Annalize Bodell and Ciaran Gilligan, have been selected (video) to represent the NAO at the 73rd Coupe Mondiale, being held from October 6th to 10th in Castro Marim, Algarve, Portugal. Event host is CIA member Mito Algarvio - Associação de Acordeonistas do Algarve led by President João Pereira. Further information about the NAO Area Festivals will be announced soon at: NAO |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Iñaki Alberdi Performs at International Panticosa Festival "Touching the Sky" – Spainby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Concert at the Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Panticosa with information in Spanish language. Iñaki Alberdi performed at the Festival Internacional Panticosa "Tocando el Cielo" - FIP (International Panticosa Festival "Touching the Sky") which was held recently at the Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Panticosa, Spain. His program included a variety of works from the Contrapuntes of J. S. Bach, so deeply intimate, contrasted with the joy and vividness of the music of Spanish composers Antonio Soler and Isaac Albéniz. However, the original formula of his program, was the combination of other more current composers such as S. Gubaidulina, J. Guinjoan and J. M. Sánchez-Verdú. |
Paulo Jorge Ferreira CD Sold Out, Now Percursos eTracks Album - Portugalby Harley Jones |
The CD Percursos by Paulo Jorge Ferreira has sold out and is now being released as an mp3 eTracks Album. The album has a number of popular concert tracks (15) including: Steps, Sonata in C Major, K. 545, Malaguena (from Suite Andalucia), Gothique Suite for Organ, The Blue Danube Waltz (Arr. Oleg Sharov). Tracks are available individually or purchase the album for €10, Catalog 1115eT Percursos Read the review by Prof. Joan Sommers at: Catalog 1115eT Percursos |
Book Completed: Play Your Accordion Without Pain - USAby Harley Jones |
In March 2018, John Bonica PT CMP NZRP (New Zealand and USA), suffered a heart attack and heart failure with no prior discernible symptoms. At that stage, his book Play Your Accordion Without Pain was in the final review stage. Since that time, a colleague of John Bonica has reviewed the book completely and all the graphics in the book have been upgraded and finalised. The completed book is now available and the US$22 or Euro equivalent price has been kept the same. The book is sent to you by email in pdf format. Previous purchasers of the book are being sent the finalised book. Some have changed email address since the purchase, so if you do not get the finalised book, please email musicforacc.com@yahoo.com for your copy. Play Your Accordion Without Pain is an amazing book full of excellent advice. John Bonica was an accordionist for over 50 years. He has recorded four CDs of Italian and European folk music utilizing a MIDI orchestra ensemble. Other activities include writing and publishing (he was editor and publisher for the US published ‘Accordion World’ magazine from 1989 until 1994), sailing and photography. His day job in the medical profession as a specialist in spinal, extremity joint, and soft tissue diagnosis and treatment, meaant that he made a lifetime study of mechanical pain, and had at his disposal many different treatment and prevention options. He was able to utilize not just one method or theory, but many viewpoints and techniques to suit the diagnosis. Read all the information about the author and his book at: John Bonica Play Your Accordion Without Pain |
CNIMA Summer workshops with Accordion Composer Franck Angelis - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
The CNIMA (directed by Nathalie Boucheix) international accordion school based in the heart of France, is proud of its long standing collaboration with accordion composer, Franck Angelis (picture left). For further information about his summer workshops, email: cnima@orange.fr Franck Angelis is one of one the most prominent accordion composers of today. His signature style draws from traditional music and jazz to which he modernizes with creativity, virtuosity and expression. He is played by many great accordionists in different countries such as Christine Rossi (France), Mika Väyrynen (Finland), Alexander Skliarov (Russia), Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), Domi Emorine (France) and Roman Jbanov of Duo Paris Moscou, Petar Maric etc. Among his most works is "Valse to a Clown" dedicated to Jacques Mornet, the founder of the CNIMA. Other famous pieces are listed at: Franck Angelis Franck Angelis has been a long time friend and supporter of the CNIMA. He used to teach there full time and he now gives workshops every summer. His workshops focus on the playing of his music. Franck Angelis also plays the accordion and he won the Trophée Mondial in 1981. He teaches at the Ecole Nationale de musique de Genevelliers that has a partnership with the CNIMA which allows CNIMA's students to get conservatory diplomas. For further details on his upcoming workshops, email: cnima@orange.fr |
€20 for 6 albums, Castelfidardo Winners 1995-2000 - Italyby Harley Jones |
The historical eTracks mp3 download of 6 albums are being made available with a great price so that every teacher and serious student can add the music to their collection. These historic recordings of the 1995 to 2000 winners are 6 complete albums of winners for only €20. There is an album for each year, and they are sent to you by internet. This special price is available for 3 weeks only. Catalog: JL0CD6Packs Performers include many famous names. You may purchase individual albums too. Click the catalog number to view the tracks and winners of each year. Premio e Concorso Winners 1995 Catalog: JL009 for €9 Premio e Concorso Winners 1996 Catalog: JL013 for €9 Premio e Concorso Winners 1997 Catalog: JL012 for €9 Premio e Concorso Winners 1998 Catalog: JL010 for €9 Premio e Concorso Winners 1999 Catalog: JL011 for €9 Premio e Concorso Winners 2000 Catalog: JL014 for €9 |
Sophia Chapman and Korona Csárda Restaurant Offer Personal Concerts - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
The Korona Csárda Restaurant in Wantirna, Victoria, Australia is in the midst of a Covid-19 lockdown due to a surge in cases. However the restaurant has come up with a novel idea to promote itself along with Vardos Trio members Sophia Chapman (accordion) and Alana Hunt (violin). The restaurant is offering customers a “half hour personal online concert with amazing Hungarian music right into your living room - or video chat device of your choice! You will be treated to a selection of their classics, and even a Q&A with the vibrant musical duo”. Customers will of course also have the opportunity to order their favourite food from the delicious traditional meals on offer from Korona Csárda, where Várdos Trio have been playing since 2009. For details email: vardos@hotmail.com |
Richard Noel Front Porch Concert in California – USAby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Richard Noel decided to offer a neighborhood musical event a few months ago which included his family. The MC for the event was his daughter-in-law, Brenda Noel and the drummer was grandson Landon Noel. The audience members were spaced across the large tree-shaded lawn and the weather was comfortable for a June evening in Bakersfield. This video shows excerpts from the concert. |
Fuelles Salteños Performs "Fuelle Rhythm", Salto - Uruguayby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Fuelles Salteños performs a new song “Ritmo de Fuelles” (Fuelle Rhythm) in Salto, Uruguay. Enjoy! |
Future events |
Heather Gladstone Accompanies Choir, Christchurch - New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Heather Gladstone QSM (picture left) will accompany the St. Albans Community Choir at their August 30th concert at the St Paul’s Parish Church in Christchurch, New Zealand. Heather is the conductor of the 60 strong choir and the Director of the event. They are combining with the New Brighton Silver Band and guest artists (on harp, organ, violin and bagpipes) for a celebration of Celtic music. The concert will finish with an opportunity for the audience to join in and sing the last 3 pieces. See poster for details. |
Vancouver Squeezebox Circle Get Together - Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
The next Vancouver Squeezebox Circle will be held at MacLean Park in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada on September 3rd from 7pm to 9pm. There will be at least 12 accordionists “squeezing” and all are welcome to bring their instruments along and join in, or just come along to listen if you prefer. For details email: macleanparkmusic@gmail.com |
“Skerryvore” Performs at Rams Head On Stage, Maryland - USAby Christine Johnstone |
“Skerryvore” (which includes brothers Daniel on accordion and Martin Gillespie on pipes, whistles and accordion) will perform at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland, USA on September 13th at 8pm. The band, who won the Scottish Traditional music’s ‘Live Act of the Year’ in 2011 and 2016 play a variety of folk rock, funk and contemporary Scottish traditional music. For details email: info@skerryvore.com |
"Accordeana Graz" Presents “Accordion and Dance” Concert, Weiz – Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
The accordion orchestra “Accordeana Graz” invite their audience to enjoy an evening of accordion music at the Kunsthaus Weiz, Austria, on October 24th, 2020 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Organized by the Culture Department of Weiz Town Council the concert is presented with the motto “Accordion and Dance”. Their program will include well-known pieces such as “Tea for Two”, “Unforgettable”, “Pata Pata” and “Don’t Stop me Now” accompanied by professional dancers. In addition, a selection from various music genres, like film music by E. Morricone or Tango Nuevo underline the versatility of the instrument. The accordion orchestra is conducted by Alexey Pivovarskiy, who originates from Ukraine and studied music in Moscow and conducting at Graz University. He has been conducting the orchestra for the past fourteen years. Accordeana Graz is the oldest accordion club in Austria. Founded in 1936, it has existed continuously ever since, promoting accordion music, teaching students the accordion as well as taking part successfully in national and international competitions. Its aim is to show the audience that the accordion is at home in a wide variety of musical genres, classical music, swing, jazz, musicals, traditional music and compositions for accordion orchestra alike. For concert details email: office@accordeana.at |
New and Updated Sites |
Norbert Seidel New Book, "Tango Waltz Jazz" - Germanyby Ulrich Schmülling |
Norbert Seidel new music book and tutorial "Tango Waltz Jazz" for only Euro 19.50 or US$ equivalent. Catalog: 1066 This is the supplementary book to the author’s bestseller instruction book "Accordion Jazz Chords" Catalog: seidel Tango Waltz Jazz features new compositions in modern rhythms and with stylish accompanying harmonies. - 12 imaginative compositions – tangos, waltzes and jazz pieces – for accordion solo for beginners as well as advanced players, button and piano keyboard players. - With detailed text descriptions and instructive explanations for playing the compositions musically and realizing them technically. Catalog: 1066 "Tango Waltz Jazz" 56 Pages · Format: 23 x 30.5 cm · ISBN 978-3-925572-18-0 · |
New Accordion Gift Website Launched – USAby Dan Grauman |
Dan Grauman (picture left) proudly announces the new website, AccordionGifts at www.accordiongifts.com has been launched. Accordion-themed items, including clothing, jewelry, stationery, and novelties have traditionally been much more difficult to find than similar items with images of other instruments, such as violins, clarinets, drums, etc. AccordionGifts hopes to change that. Some gift items on this website include original art by accordionist and artist, Joan Geller Grauman. Many thanks go to accordionist and artist Cody McSherry for creating our beautiful logo. A new item in limited stock is the beautiful accordion-shaped purse with zippered compartment inside as well as on the backside. The purse includes a shoulder strap. |
Updated: Accordion Russia News, New Articles Online - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Accordion Russia News in Russian language is updated with new items |
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