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Arrasate Hiria XXIV International Accordion Competition, Arrasate - Spainby Harley Jones |
‘Hauspoz’ Euskal Herriko Akordeoi Elkartea, the Town Hall of Arrasate and the County Council of Gipuzkoa, jointly organize the 24th ‘Arrasate Hiria’ International Accordion Competition, which takes place in Arrasate-Mondragón, Basque Country, from December 8th to 11th, 2016. The competition is open to soloists of any age and nationality. Rules and entry forms (in English, Spanish and Basque) and test music is now available at: 2016Arrasate The prizes include: 1st - €3.600 and a concert tour, 2nd - €1.800 3rd - €900 less tax witholdings. The closing date for entries is September 30th 2016. All entry information at: 2016Arrasate |
Musikmesse Frankfurt 2016 – Germany/Worldwideby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Music in all its variety: Instruments and events in the halls, festive atmosphere at the outdoor exhibition area. From rock and pop, via classic and jazz, to electro and recording, visitors were able to immerse themselves in the complete spectrum of instruments and music equipment at this year’s Musikmesse - this was the 2016 trade show with a total of 2,043 exhibitors from 60 countries. All free reed instruments were displayed in Hall 9.0 this year. During this time, almost 110,000 visitors (2015: 108,409 visitors) from some 130 countries made their way to Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre to place orders, find out about the latest innovations and try new products. A full report of the 2016 Frankfurt Musikmesse is online at: Frankfurt2016 Next years Musikmesse is planned for early April 2017. |
U.S. Army Strings Seeking Accordionist to Fill Upcoming Vacancyby Harley Jones |
The U.S. Army Strings, a premier ensemble of the U.S. Armed Forces, provides a musical backdrop for many of the country’s most notable events. Their mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for high-level military and government events at home and abroad, as well as in concert for public audiences. The elite musicians that comprise this ensemble have been trained at the most prestigious music conservatories and universities in the country. This versatile ensemble performs as The U.S. Army Strolling Strings, mixed chamber ensembles, and The U.S. Army Orchestra. Sergeant Major Manny Bobenrieth, who has been the accordionist with the U.S. Army Strings for nearly 30 years, is planning to retire in the next 12-18 months. The U.S. Army Strings want to fill this key position through an application and audition process. Due to security clearance requirements all applicants must have U.S. citizenship. Applications with accompanying audio files are due no later than August 3. Applicants deemed qualified will be invited to Fort Myer, Virginia, where live auditions will take place. Full details online at: http://www.usarmyband.com/vacancies/vacancy---accordian---the-us-army-strings.html The candidate selected for the position of accordionist with The U.S. Army Strings will enjoy military benefits, including medical and dental care, 30 days paid vacation annually, permanent assignment to Fort Myer, Virginia, educational benefits such as military tuition assistance, and more. |
Scandalli Bandoneon Introduced at Frankfurt Musikmesse - Germanyby Elisa Lanari, Scandalli Accordions |
At the recent Frankfurt Musikmesse in Germany, Italian accordion manufacturer Scandalli produced for the first time in its history, a bandoneon. Bandoneon has a long history, starting from 1840, and during that time, some history books claim that more than 100 different layouts of bandoneon have been created. Nowadays the only system used by Argentineans to play tango is the Rheinische Tonlage (Rheinische pitch), also called Argentinean system. This bisonoric system (sometimes called “diatonic”) has 142 notes, 38 buttons in the right side and 33 buttons in the left side with 2 reeds tuned in octave (like 8+4 registers in accordion). The new Scandalli bandoneon is made in Rheinische system with five extra notes, so the final range is with 152 notes, 39+37 buttons. Scandalli is also planning to make the unisonoric model (sometimes called “chromatic”), better known as “Peguri system”, that is often considered the favorite system by accordion players. One of the most important features is that nearly all traditional bandoneons have zinc plates, and the Scandalli bandoneon uses the same material. The instrument is completely handmade using different high quality woods, although the most used is Palisander in order to get the typical warm and deep sound of the old bandoneon. For Scandalli, the "bandoneon project" is not only a new model. It also represents the "meeting point" between skilled artisans and designers and a great musician, who worked together for several months in order to achieve the "highest level bandoneon". Thanks to the outstanding musical, technical and artistic competence of Aleksandar Nikolic, well known teacher, bandoneonist and leader of the famous Beltango Quintet, for his part in developing this bandoneon product. Picture below of Aleksandar Nikolic performing on the new instrument at the Frankfurt Musikmesse. |
Fränkischer Harmonikatag 2016, Selb, Bavaria - Germanyby Harley Jones |
The Fränkischer Harmonikatag 2016 is open to accordion soloists, accordion duo, as well as accordion ensembles and chamber ensembles and takes place on the 15th October 2016 in Selb, Bavaria. Non German competitors have the possibility of scoring and performing in the appropriate categories but are not included in the competition results. The event is organised by the DHV-Bezirksverband Franken in cooperation with the Musikschule Selb. Entry closing date is: 15th July 2016 Download rules and entry form: 2016Frankischer.pdf |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Stretching An accordion! Cologne – Germanyby Rob Howard |
The photo above is from the finale of the show ‘Bright Shadow’ in the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, showing Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen (left) and the prima ballerina Minna Tervarmäki, who is showing how far an accordion can stretch. Members of the Akkordeon-Orchester Wesseling were among the 1,000 audience. Video above: 'Bright Shadow' Kimmo Pohjonen (left) and Minna Tervarmäki filmed in 2013. |
Art Pahl Accordion Festival Tribute by Nephew, Iowa – USAby Rob Howard |
The 14th annual Art Pahl Accordion Festival was held recently at the Plymouth County Historical Museum in Le Mars, Iowa. Over a hundred came out for the memorial concert to enjoy a day of accordion music honoring Art Pahl, a locally famous accordionist. Playing music by accordion players throughout the world and showcasing local accordion players, 8 musicians dazzled the audience with polka tunes and classics dating as far back as the roaring 20s. The late Art Pahl's nephew, Sebastian Pahl (picture left), played in the festival as tribute to his uncle, where he gave some inspiring words for budding accordionists and any amateur musicians. "I would say go for it, I mean it's fun, it's relaxing and one thing about playing the accordion when you're playing the accordion, or actually any music instrument, is your mind is away. I mean if you have any worries they just disappear", says Sebastian Pahl. Sebastian said his uncle loved to hear him play and loved to see others enjoying accordion music. Sebastian truly believes the festival is one of the best ways to remember his uncle as the musician he was. Art Pahl passed away in 2003. “When he was up there I would always listen to him play and then I'd put his accordion on once in a while. He loved to hear me play. That's what he'd really love about this. He'd love to hear me play again. I like to play some of the stuff he played the way he played. I think I have maybe 25 to 30 accordions because I never know what I'm going to play. So, usually when I'm playing somewhere I take 2 or 3 accordions with me and the button accordion too. But once I start playing, I can keep playing for about 2 to 3 hours straight, steady play. I try to keep my own music but I'll play some of that music but I'll play it my way. That's what keeps it fun!" |
Video: Rostislav Mudritsky, 11 Years, Performs Tchaikovsky - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Amazing Rostislav Mudritsky, 11 years, performs the Tchaikovsky "Little Overture" from The Nutcracker, Viatcheslav Semionov arrangement. Published 9th November 2015. |
Accordion Teacher Tony Marchel Reflects, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
Manchester-based accordion teacher Tony Marchel commented on social media: “I had a strange but lovely moment this morning. Because I had to shuffle my lessons around I found that I had two French beginner accordion students back to back. Both are lovely people and as one was leaving and the other arriving they stopped in my living room for a chat....in French. Even though they were complete strangers I could see the joy in their faces as they talked for 10 minutes in their native tongue. Wonderful!” |
14 Years Ago: 2002 - Galla-Rini Recovering After Taking a Fall – USAby Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide News for April 5th 2002 included news that the veteran American accordionist/composer Anthony Galla-Rini (1904-2006) had had an accident, and was hospitalised. Galla-Rini, whose accomplishments in the accordion world outrank most others, was an active teacher, composer and performer throughout his long life, and did indeed recover from the fall he suffered at the age of 98. He was an example to us all. Galla-Rini Recovering after Taking a Fall – USA Contributed by Kevin Friedrich Maestro Anthony Galla-Rini is recovering comfortably at the Palomar Rehabilitation Care Center after breaking his hip during a recent fall. He will remain at the Center for about five weeks and doctors have told him he should recover fully. Mr Galla-Rini has already had to get out of bed and stand up and, while he says it hurt tremendously, he also reports he is extremely glad that nursing staff made him do it. The doctors are also treating him for a touch of emphysema while he remains at the Care Center. Mr Galla-Rini is in good spirits and (as is usual for him) is more worried about his musical activities, and so informs everyone that the arrangements for his July Music Camp are already completed. Fantastic! Well wishes may be sent to: Mr. Anthony Galla-Rini, Redwood Town Court, #203, 500 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025-3006. We wish the Maestro a speedy recovery! |
Future events |
Morino Orchester Concert, Fürstenfeld – Austriaby Rob Howard |
The Morino Orchester (MD Johann Murg) perform in concert at the Stadthalle Fürstenfeld, Austria, on Saturday April 16th, 7.30pm. Also performing are the Akkordeon-Ensemble of the Franz Schubert Musikschule (MD Angelika Senkl), the duo Tina & Nicki Freiberger, and the vocalist Herbert Lenz. The program includes music from Johann Strauss to Abba to Freddie Mercury! |
XXV Gala Internacional de Acordeão, Vila do Bispo - Portugalby Harley Jones |
Video above: Rodrigo Mauricio, Petar Maric and Pietro Adragna having some fun with their music at the 3ª Gala Internacional de Acordeão de Estoi, 2014, Algarve, Portugal. The XXV Gala Internacional de Acordeão will take place on the 17th of April, by 15h30 in the Ballroom of the Recreational Society of St. Michael Baron, in Vila do Bispo. The Gala international show is organized by the Municipality of Vila do Bispo. Performing are national artists: Rodrigo Mauricio Jorge Alves, Pedro Gonçalves and Francisco Saboia. International artists include four world champions: Pietro Adragna (Italy), Julien Gonzales and Eric Bouvelle (France) and Petar Maric (Serbia). This cultural and traditional nature event will as in previous galas, present the biggest names in the world in the art of playing the accordion, providing the public the sounds of one of the most characteristic and traditional instruments of the Algarve musical culture, the accordion. For more information and registration for transportation services, please contact the Cultural Centre of Vila do Bispo by phone 282 630 600. |
‘The Bean Soup Project’ @ WMAS, Virginia – USAby Rob Howard |
The Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society present ‘The Bean Soup Project’, from Baltimore, as guests on Sunday April 17th, 4pm, at the Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church, 3435 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Falls Church, Virginia 22044. 'The Bean Soup Project' is the culmination of 20 years of songwriting talent and perseverance. The group consists of three main songwriters: Bob Sturgill (vocals and guitar), Lindy McNutton (vocals and guitar) and Duffy Llama (vocals, accordion and keyboards). The group is rounded off by Ken Horanoff on bass. Box Turtle Bob Chirnside is a recurring writer and player who fills in on drums whenever we can pry him away from his other many projects. As its name suggests, the Bean Soup Project is meant to be a mixture of many tastes and textures. Ken adds the foundation of the soup, the thick tasty broth, Lindy brings the veggies and potatoes with his down to earth vocal style and solid guitar playing, Bob handles the spices with his sharp vocals and playing style, while Duffy, of course, is the ham. Guest writers and players are welcome to add their own special bean to the soup. This is a homemade soup with songs cooked up by its own members, not some microwaved regurgitation of worn out cover tunes. Original Songs for Original People! |
Tommy Newcomen Afternoon Dancing, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
On Sunday April 17th, Montrose Accordion and Fiddle Club hold a ceilidh from 2pm to 5pm with music, for old tyme and ceilidh dancing, by Tommy Newcomen. Bring your dancing shoes or just come along and enjoy the music and good company. The venue is the Park Hotel, 61 John St, Montrose, Angus DD10 8RJ, Scotland. |
Vincenzo de Ritis and Claudio Marzolo Concert, Chieti – Italyby Rob Howard |
Vincenzo de Ritis (accordion) and Claudio Marzolo (bass) perform in concert on Sunday April 17th, 6pm, at the Teatro Marrucino, Chieti, Italy. |
Gypsy Jazz Workshop @ Brooklyn Accordion Club, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
Brooklyn Accordion Club present a Gypsy Jazz Accordion Workshop with Dallas Vietty plus a guitar accompanist on Sunday April 17th, 3pm until 5pm, 3rd, at 61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York. All are welcome. MC: Lyndon Blaylock. Admission: $5 per person. Note from Dallas: To prepare for the workshop, you should be able to play through the melodies for ‘Minor Swing’ and ‘Coquette’. Both around 120 bpm. If you want to get the most out of the workshop, read through and try out the techniques in the accompanying chapters. The workshop is open for all kinds of instruments and levels. Open mic performers: Interested in performing? Please email to sign up! For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Dermot Lyons Dance Gig, Tipperary – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
There will be dancing on Sunday April 17th, from 9pm to midnight, at the Fethard Ballroom, County Tipperary, to the music of the popular Shand Morino button accordionist Dermot Lyons. Admission is €8, which includes tea and cakes. |
Akkordeon-Orchester Baltmannsweiler Concert, Stuttgart - Germanyby Rob Howard |
The Akkordeon-Orchester Baltmannsweiler (MD Thomas Bauer) and their junior orchestra perform in concert on Saturday April 23rd, 7.30pm, at the Kulturzentrum Baltmannsweiler, Marktplatz 1, 73666 Baltmannsweiler, Stuttgart, Germany. The program includes music by J.S. Bach, Bagdonas, Leonard Bernstein, Franz Lehar, etc. |
Budapest Café Orchestra Concerts, Hampshire - UKby Rob Howard |
The Budapest Café Orchestra perform concerts at the Overton Odeon, St Mary’s Hall, High St, Overton, Hampshire, RG25 3HA, on Saturday April 23rd, 3pm and at 8pm. Performers are: Christian Garrick (violin, darabuka), Eddie Hession (accordion), Kelly Cantlon (double bass) and Adrian Zolotuhin (guitar, saz, domra). The Budapest Café Orchestra play traditional folk and gypsy flavoured music from across the Balkans and Russia. Klezmer, Romanian Doinas, Hungarian Czadas, and beautiful ballads. Evoking vivid images of Tzigane fiddle maestros, Budapest café life and gypsy campfires – plus a few surprises along the way – a show by the BCO is good enough to make you want to book that holiday down the Danube! |
Gorka Hermosa’s Week Ahead – Spain, Belgiumby Rob Howard |
Leading Spanish accordionist Gorka Hermosa in the next week will be travelling between Madrid, Mons in Belgium, Irún, and Santander in Spain, to perform 3 concerts, master classes and 15 interviews on radio and TV. The week also includes conducting and playing (with only one rehearsal), accordion with orchestra, to perform a program of his compositions. |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: 2016 Harbin China Summer International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Updated Site: Harbin 2016 Art Director Prof. Wang Hongyu (picture left), President of Music College of Harbin Normal University, has released the list of invited international Guests/Jury members. Along with famous Chinese accordion teachers, they will form the juries for the international competitions which are part of the Harbin 2016 China Summer International Accordion Art Week. The list of international guests / jury include many famous musicians and teachers from many different countries (alphabetical order): Ondassyn Abdullahayev (Kazakhstan), Franck Angelis (France), Patricia Bartell (USA), Miljan Bjeletic (Serbia), Raymond Bodell (UK), Harley Jones (New Zealand), Eddy Jozef Flecijn (Belgium), Alexander Kapitan (Russia), Aleksandar Kolovski (Macedonia), Tatjana Marx (Australia), Yves Moulin (Switzerland), Mirco Patarini (Italy), Primoz Parovel (Slovenia), Zoran Rakic (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Volodymyr Runchak (Ukraine), Samgar (Kazakhstan), Viatcheslav Semenenko (Russia), Yuri Shishkin (Russia), Ivan Šverko (Croatia), Raimondas Sviackevicius (Lithuania). Download the competition rules and entry form in Chinese and English at: 2016Harbin Entries close: 25th July |
Updated Arrangement: La Vie En Rose Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
Updated Arrangement: La Vie En Rose arranged by well known teacher, performer and arranger Gary Dahl. Catalog: DH0181 Any clients who have already purchased this music may email for the updated arrangement which will be provided by email to you without charge. |
Entries Closing, 2016 South Pacific Accordion Championships – New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
Entry closing date is 16th April for the 2016 South Pacific Accordion Championships & Festival, to be held in Auckland on Saturday 4th June and Sunday 5th June 2016. The Prospectus (Rules and Regulations) are now available at: 2016 NZ Prospectus The rules for the international categories closely follow the rules of the Coupe Mondiale. The South Pacific Solo Championship music category has exactly the same rules as the Coupe Mondiale Masters category and the South Pacific entertainment category has exactly the same rules as the Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category. Junior (under 18 years) South Pacific categories require the first round of the Coupe Mondiale Junior concert and entertainment categories. Past events reports at: South Pacific Daily Reports The Australian AATA Championships are held 1 week later in Sydney and have similar rules for the international categories. Picture below of high quality Raye Freedman Arts Centre venue. |
New: Margarita Composed by Gary Daverne, In Different Formats - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Margarita is a duet composed by New Zealand composer, arranger and conductor Gary Daverne, dedicated to "my friend Rita" who is Rita Barnea Davidson, Editor of the monthly internet USA News. Due to requests from his musical friends, Gary Daverne has also composed this work in 8 different musical duet formats. ED0051 Margarita - accordion duet ED0052 Margarita - accordion & flute ED0053 Margarita - accordion & piano ED0054 Margarita - accordion & soprano saxophone Bb ED0055 Margarita - accordion & viola ED0056 Margarita - accordion & violin ED0057 Margarita - piano and viola ED0058 Margarita - piano and flute The music is available online in eSheet format (pdf file) able to be sent to you by email. Pay with your credit card using the very secure Paypal system. |
Updated Site, Milwaukee Accordion Club, Copper Box Featured - USAby Sherry Huiras, Milwaukee Accordion Club |
Updated Site: Milwaukee Accordion Club is featuring Copper Box, a 'New Age Polka Group' with a very lively Party Band style. They last played for the MAC in November 2009, and the club looks forward to their return on April 25th. |
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