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Highlights |
XX Arrasate-Hiria International Accordion Competition – Spainby Harley Jones |
![]() The event was organised by Hauspoz, (Euskal Herriko Akordeoi Elkartea) Basque Association of Accordion Players. The results of the international competition were: 1st: Maciej Frackiewiecz (Poland, picture left) €3.600 prizemoney and a concert tour. 2nd: Tomasz Ostaszewski (Poland) €1.800 prizemoney 3rd: Yngvild Haaland Ruud (Norway) €900, prizemoney The jury members were: Iñaki Alberdi (Spain), Geir Draugsvoll (Norway), Alexey Artemiev (Russia), Stefan Hussong (Germany) and Gabriel Erkoreka (Spain). |
XXIV International Festival ‘Bayan and Bayanists’, Moscow - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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The 24th International Festival ‘Bayan and Bayanists’ is currently taking place, December 12-16th, at the Concert Hall of the Gnessin Music Academy, Moscow. The program this weekend includes: December 14th - session of Inter-regional association of bayanists and accordionists, Gnessin Little Hall. December 14th, 4pm - 70th anniversary of Vladislav Solotaryov's birth, Gnessin Concert Hall, involving ‘Words about a friend’ – Friedrich Lips, Vladimir Volkov, Josif Purits, Samgar, Semion Shmelkov. December 15th – in the Gnessin Concert Hall: 1st part - Bayanists from of Ufa (Bashkortostan); 2nd part - on the stage – harmonica! Russian, Caucasian, Saratov, Bandoneon Trio ‘Amran’ (Vladikavkaz), Igor Karlin (Saratov), Ivan Talanin (Moscow), Alexander Malyarov and Alexander Uskov (Moscow). December 16th - Gnessin Concert Hall: 1st part – ‘Russian timbre’ - Quintet (Moscow) - 30 years on the stage!; 2nd part – ‘Jazz from Italy’, Renzo Ruggieri (accordion) and Paolo Di Sabatino (piano); Delivery of Silver disks for 2012, beginning 3 pm. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
MusicForAccordion.com Awarded #1 Popular Site in their Segment - Europeby Harley Jones |
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![]() Trina B, Awards Manager writes: “We are very pleased to give you this online award. We want to identify small and medium size businesses and showcase them to the world. The Popular Website Awards site grants awards to websites in 42 industry categories and aims to identify and reward websites of companies that have consistently put in an extra effort to provide quality service to their clients.” Congratulations to MusicForAccordion.com and the sites Technical Director Roberto Zambelli and Webmaster Valerau Tidrai. |
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45th Celebration of the Music Store ‘ACCORD’, Moscow - Russiaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Recently, one of the most important music stores, ‘ACCORD’, situated in Moscow, celebrated their 45th anniversary under the guidance of the general Director Sergey Sperankiy with a big musical event. Many national and international guests and artists, such as the famous jazz player A. Kuznetsov participated in this extraordinary celebration. Present at the festivities also was Giansando Breccia, head of the Italian brand Paolo Soprani, and Pasco Italia, collaborating for many years with the company on the Russian market. For further Information email: pasco@pascoita.com |
Rolf Harris’ Sketch for Accordionist Stan Shakespeare, London – UKby Rob Howard |
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Matthew Shakespeare is a Documentary Film Producer who was then working with Rolf Harrison on a series of TV programs called ‘Rolf on Welsh Art’. Rolf Harris, AO, CBE (born 30 March 1930) is an Australian entertainer. He is a musician, a singer-songwriter, a composer, a painter, and a television personality. Harris, who was born and grew up in Perth, Western Australia, moved to the United Kingdom in 1952, where he started to draw animations for television programs. Harris soon afterwards began a musical career, initially singing and playing the piano accordion. In 1957, he wrote "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport", which later became a Top 10 hit in Australia, the UK and the United States. Rolf has Welsh roots, his parents emigrated from Merthyr Tydfil and his grandfather was a Welsh artist. During the filming of the 2011 TV programs, Matthew, while relaxing one evening and chatting after a busy day’s filming with Rolf, mentioned that his dad Stan, like Rolf, played the piano accordion and by coincidence was also an accomplished artist and painter in oils. Shortly after filming, Rolf produced this wonderful sketch "To Stanley from a Kindred Spirit" for Matthew as a special gift for dad. Stan, from Croydon in Surrey is a regular visitor to accordion festivals and a member of the West Sussex Accordion Club. He now proudly displays this wonderful gift at his home. |
Accordion Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends and Familyby Harley Jones |
![]() These ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers. Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,100 eSheet pieces, 270 CD/DVD’s, 990 eTracks recordings, 833 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2012 Xmas Gift Ideas |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Happy Xmas from Roberto Mangosi and Accordions Worldwideby Roberto Mangosi |
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Happy Xmas from Roberto Mangosi and Accordions Worldwide |
Now Reprinted: 'Vintage Accordions' Book by Rob Howard - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Author Rob Howard reports that the reprinted books are now in hand for those wanting copies. Available online at: robaccord05 |
Video: XXVIII International Accordion Festival, St Petersburg – Russiaby Vitaly Pugachev |
Three weeks ago, we had an article about the XXVIII International Accordion Festival was held in St Petersburg from November 3rd to 5th. A photo report is online at: XXVIII Report Now, some videos of performances have been released by Vitaly Pugachev. Video 1: Alexander Shirunov and Nadia Guseva Duet Video 2: Antonio Spaccarotella |
Discovered: Historic Accordion Method Book from 1839 - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() The method, written in 1839 by a priest (Joseph Greggiati) working in Mantua, combined his passion for music, for the instrument and its repertoire. From the book details, Corrado Rojac was able to reproduce a replica of the model of accordion (picture right), which has been built by hand by Adriano Clementi of Pigini Accordions Factory, Italy. The study included the revision and rewriting of the music contained in the method for the modern instrument, published in November by the Ars Spoletium. The book is titled: 1839 The accordion and the harmonica method bellows of Joseph Greggiati (picture right). It is planned to introduce this historic project to many well known schools of accordion: The Music Fund 'G. Greggiati' Ostiglia (Mantova), Conservatory 'G. Tartini' of Trieste, The Academy 'Gnessin' in Moscow (Russia), High Music School Trossingen (Germany), the University of Music in Graz (Austria), the Academy Arts in Bratislava (Slovakia), the Italian conservatories 'G. Rossini' of Pesaro and 'L. Cherubini' in Florence, the Conservatory of Prague (Czech Republic), Academy of Music in Ljubljana (Slovenia), the Faculty of Education at the University of Pula (Croatia), Academy of Music in Vilnius (Lithuania) and Conservatory of Mons (Belgium). |
Video: Jamaican Accordion - Polandby Harley Jones |
Jamaican Accordion: Roch Poliszczuk (vocals, guitar), Mariusz Ambrozuk (accordion), Filip Sojka (bass), Kacper Bogacz (sampler, beat maker). |
Frederic Deschamps and Grayson Masefield in Chile - South Americaby Grayson Masefield |
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![]() Music occupies an important place in the culture of this country and crowds can suddenly become street bands without having discussed the idea of playing something together. Ernesto Calderon (picture left top) organized in collaboration with the National Conservatory, the First National Accordion Contest Chilean. Accordionists from all around Chile found themselves in the capital Santiago and Daniel Rodriguez Calderon Hernann (picture lower left) was the first winner. Grayson Masefield performed classical and variety concerts around Santiago and had the chance to play with three ensembles including Ernesto Calderon’s group ‘Ensemble Transtlantico de Folk Chileno’ (picture below with Frederic Deschamps). The competition and seminars led to the discovery of great new talent and 3 accordionists will travel next February to study in France with Frederic Deschamps to discover his teaching techniques and participate in international competitions. You will be able to follow the evolution of the Chilean artists on the ‘Deschamps Channel’ from February 2013 until the organization of the upcoming Trophee Mondiale 2016 (CMA ) in Chile to follow! Grayson eTracks MP3 album of classical and entertainment works is available at: Grayson Masefield |
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Portuguese Language Video: Brazil Commemorates Centenary of Luiz Gonzaga - Brazilby Harley Jones |
![]() In Caruaru, Pernambuco, at the museum dedicated to Luiz Gonzaga, there will be presentations throughout the day and in the region. The museum holds about 400 pieces. The space was created in 1999 and tells the story of Luiz Gonzaga from birth to death. |
Roulette TV Features Guy Klucevsek - USAby Harley Jones |
Accordionist and composer Guy Klucevsek was recently featured recently on Roulette TV. |
‘Mazaika’ play for Pushkin Trust’s 25th Anniversary Dinner, Belfast – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The event was held in Titanic Belfast to celebrate the success of the Northern Ireland based charity’s work in the field of creative education and learning. Entertainment was provided by a traditional Irish band and the duo Mazaika, accordionist Igor Outkine and violinist Elizabeth Harrison, performing a variety of Russian folk, gypsy and operatic musical pieces. The Pushkin Trust was founded in 1987 by the Duchess of Abercorn, a direct descendant of the acclaimed Russian laureate, Alexander Pushkin. It has inspired over 50,000 children, teachers and student teachers through its creative education programs. |
Romano Viazzani to New York, 'Flying Transatlantic' - USAby Harley Jones |
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After surviving the hurricane in New York last month, Joanna Strand returned to New York to perform in a concert at Feinstein's - one of New York's top cabaret venues. Joanna Strand was on stage with her Flying Transatlantic project right after Michael Feinstein had entertained the audience in the early part of the evening. Fellow hurricane survivors Romano Viazzani on accordion and John Bailey on piano, had performed with her last month in the rapidly rearranged debut concert at the other top New York cabaret venue, the Carlyle. This change happened after the Metropolitan Room cancelled the two scheduled concerts due to the approaching hurricane. The group, delighted audiences with their scintillating rhythms along with Nick Pini on double bass from the UK and Chris Stromquist from New York on drums in a jazz program of songs which spanned both sides of the Atlantic. Joanna Strand being classically trained is equally at home singing Poulenc as she is Paul Simon and glides effortlessly between songs of contrasting styles and heritage. Pianist John Bailey provides most of the arrangements with one or two written by accordionist Romano Viazzani. The accordion brings a unique quality not often heard in mainstream jazz which never fails to delight audiences who are always quick to comment on its presence. After Flying Transatlantic's resounding success Joanna Strand should be back in New York with the band in the spring. Three CD's available online at: Romano Viazzani |
Ivan Sverko Solo with Belarusian State Philharmonic - Belarusby Harley Jones |
Published 13 Decemer is Astor Piazzolla Oblivion. The encore performed at the Big Concert Hall of the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society, Minsk with the guest conductor Miran Vaupotich and the soloist Ivan Sverko. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – News from Japanby Rob Howard |
![]() On December 25th Norimichi Nagasaka was scheduled to perform with piper Tesshin Kaneko at a ‘Christmas Chapel Concert’ at the Toyo Hotel, Osaka. Accordions Worldwide invites news from Japan. We know that there are many active Japanese accordionists, and would love to report more of their performances. KANSAS CITY KLEZMER CONSORT RETRUNS FROM TOUR OF JAPAN Contributed by Kevin Friedrich On November 30th the Kansas City Klezmer Consort returned home after concluding a highly successful seven-concert tour of Japan with performances in Tokyo, Chiba, Iwaki, Numazu, Tanashi, and Tachikawa. The four-member group comprising Eric Tishkoff (clarinet), Kayo Hasekawa (violin), Juha Silfverberg (accordion, picture left) (pictured above) and Gay Lee Ludwig Bonney (double bass) performed its unique blend of klezmer, classical, and folk music, which was enthusiastically received by the Japanese audiences. While in Japan, Juha Silfverberg had the pleasure of meeting several accordionists including the President of the Tashikawa accordion organisation Keiko Okawa. Now back in the United States, the group will begin working on their first CD recording. |
Future events |
CIA Winter Congress and General Assembly of Delegates, Vienna – Austriaby Werner Weibert |
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The 2013 CIA (Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes) Winter Congress and 129th General Assembly of Delegates will be held in Vienna, Austria, from February 1st to 3rd 2013, hosted by the Harmonikaverband Österreichs (HVÖ). The CIA website has further details and a registration form to advise about attending. Delegates and attendees will stay at the Hotel Stefanie in Vienna. Vienna International Airport is about 16 km east of Vienna in Schwechat. The city center can be reached quickly and in comfort. For further information email werner.weibert@harmonikaverband.at by |
Happy Xmas from Roberto Mangosi and Accordions Worldwideby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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Happy Xmas from Roberto Mangosi and Accordions Worldwide |
Lionel Reekie Performs in Novosirbirsk on January 4th - Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() This ensemble uses Russian Folk instruments and features some of Siberia’s finest bayan players. Conductor, Rustam Dikmukhametov also studied bayan, before specialising as a conductor. More details about the concert, and the ensemble can be found at: http://www.philharmonia-nsk.ru/affiche/laynel-rikki-v-rossi eTracks MP3 album at: Lionel Reekie |
Picture Required of Constant Busson (1801-1900) by Rob Howardby Rob Howard |
Rob Howard has written a biography of Constant Busson (1801-1900), the prolific accordion builder from Paris, France, but cannot find a picture of the man himself. Can anyone help? As photography was invented in the 1850s, I thought it reasonable that Busson would have been photographed at some point, but nothing has come to light as yet. I thought the French accordion magazine and/or the National Library in Paris would have been able to help, but not so. I have pictures of Friedrich Buschmann, Paolo Soprani and Marianno Dallape, all of which will be used in the future book 'More Vintage Accordions'. Another picture I'd like is Cyril Damian (Cyrillius Demien), but he's another one I've drawn a blank on. You can't win them all!! Email Rob Howard: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Marko Sevarlic Concert, Valladolid - Spainby Rob Howard |
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Irish Open Accordion Festival 2013 - Irelandby Harley Jones |
![]() Please write to Yvonne Chilton for a list of test pieces, entry fees and rules for the forthcoming festival. Email: chilton_accordion@hotmail.com Entry closing date is 14th February 2013. |
Akkordeonor Orchester Akonima Concert, Baden-Württemberg - Germanyby Harley Jones |
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The Akkordeonor Orchester Akonima perform in concert on December 15th, 6pm, at the Wehrer Stadthalle, Baden-Württemberg. The concert, which might be titled, ‘Let’s Rock!’, involves a 22 strong pop and rock choir under the direction of Frank Döbele. |
CT Tango Ensemble @ Cape Town World Music Festival – South Africaby Rob Howard |
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The CT Tango Ensemble perform for a Milonga dance at iKhaya Lodge, Cape Town, on Saturday December 15th, 5.30pm. 7.30 – 8.30 pm - free pre-milonga lesson for absolute beginners 8.30pm - midnight Year End Milonga Cost: R120 cash at the door (R20 of each entrance will be donated to Nazareth House) The CT Tango Ensemble line-up is Stanislav Angelov - bandoneon and accordion, Willie van Zyl - clarinet and saxophones, Albert Combrink – piano, Dave Ridgway - double bass |
Harry Hussey Christmas Squeeze, West Sussex – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() £4 admission includes seasonal nibbles and drinks. Christmas Raffle - Lots of Fun - Seasonal Tunes & Food - Ample Free Parking For further information email: sqzbxs@aol.com |
Yuri Tarasenok Concert, Berlin – Germanyby Rob Howard |
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Accordion Babes show, California – USAby Rob Howard |
Down Home Music in El Cerrito, California, is hosting an Accordion Babes show on Saturday December 15th, 2 until 4pm. The Accordion Babes will perform a concert, and will sell their 2013 calendars. This music store is attached to Arhoolie records, which is the home record-label of Clifton Chenier, and a distributor for Celtic, Latino, Americana, and reissues of classic American albums. |
Gjovalin Nonaj and Ilir Zoga Concert, Brussels – Belgiumby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() For further information email: Gjovalin_nonaj@hotmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Friedrich Lips release new CDby Friedrich Lips |
![]() 'Lips Concerto', catalog: CD025 with sound samples. Music performed by Friedrich Lips. Purchase online. |
Karen Fremar New Musicby Karen Fremar |
![]() catalog: kfremar-FB-802 'Nocturne', catalog: kfremar-A-104 'Turtle Tale (Blues)', catalog: kfremar-A-105 'Jumping Jack', and catalog: kfremar-A-106 'Space Odyssey', The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl updates musicby Gary Dahl |
![]() catalog:DH0004 - 'Padam…Padam' and catalog:DH0171 - 'Pigalle' Sample 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. |
CD Reviews |
Stas & Sam - Two Step CD by Stas Venglevskiby Joan C. Sommers |
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