Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
New and Updated Sites |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
XXXV International Festival "Bayan and Accordionists", Moscow - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
A full report of the XXXV International Festival with video of 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 December concerts at: 2023Moscow The 2023 XXXV International Festival "Bayan and Accordionists" was held at the Concert Hall of the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (RAM) in Moscow, Russia, from December 13th to 17th, 2023. Friedrich Lips is the Artistic Director of the festival and Alexander Gataullin is the Festival Director. Friedrich Lips recently released a new book titled "It Seems Like Yesterday" Cat: 9951-1-3 See a full report of the event at: 2023Moscow with video and pictures from the 5 major concerts. |
39th VAMÖ Accordion Competition 2024 – Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
The 39th VAMÖ Accordion Competition 2024 will be held at Yamaha Music Europe Gmbh in Vienna, Austria on February 24th and 25th, 2024 as follows: • February 24th, 2024: Categories 1A+1B+1C • February 25th, 2024: Categories 2+3 Registrations must be sent by email. Applicants will receive an email notification as to whether your registration has been accepted. Organisers look forward to your participation and a successful competition. The registration deadline is January 24th, 2024. Download competition rules and registration form here: 2024Vamo.pdf |
17th Festival Accords des Montagnes 2024 – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
The 17th Festival Accords des Montagnes 2024 will be held in La Bresse, France from January 13th to 19th, 2024. The festival will feature a wide variety of solo, duo, trio and group concerts and performances by over 20 performers. Program details are below. For details email: accords.des.montagnes@gmail.com |
Online: 2024 Accordion Seminars - Dr. William Schimmel, Curator - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
Dr. William Schimmel will be the Curator of the 30th anniversary, 2024 Accordion Seminars, to be held online from July 26th to 28th, 2024. Master classes will be held from 3pm to 4pm. Concerts will be held from 4pm to 5pm. A link will be sent to you prior to each event. Topics will include: The Art of Audience Participation/The Sing - a - Long; Embracing the Maximallst Dimension (The Art of Clutter); Faking/Improvising - are they the same?; Working In the Video Dimension; The Varieties of The Mexican Hat Dance and The Hokey Pokey; Classical or Classic; Cassettes are back - giving “Ye Olde Accordion Sound” a return. The Artificial Intelligence of the Accordion before Artificial Intelligence, The Pot of Gold at the end of The Rainbow — and much more to follow. This event is sponsored by the Accordion Global Association. For further information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Alfred Melichar Receives Award by State Governor - Austriaby AWW |
Picture above: State Governor Thomas Stelzer (picture right) honors Alfred Melichar (picture left). Photographer: Peter Mayr. Source: Province of Upper Austria. Contemporary music specialist Alfred Melichar, former professor of accordion at the Anton Bruckner University in Linz, received the Ehrenzeichen des Landes Oberösterreichs durch (Decoration of honor of the State of Upper Austria) award by State Governor Thomas Stelzer on December 12th, 2023. The event was held at a ceremony for deserving personalities in the Linzer Landhaus, Steinerner Saal in Linz, Austria. |
Chamber Ensemble Accordion Competition “ACCOKromeriz 2024” – Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
The “AccoKromeriz 2024” International Chamber Ensemble Accordion Competition will be held at the Kromeríž Primary Art School in Kromeríž, Zlin, Czech Republic on March 1st and 2nd, 2024. The competition is open to accordion chamber ensembles of any composition with two to nine students. “The competition program is free, but we recommend that you pay attention to its diversity when choosing. Students of secondary schools, conservatories and universities from all countries can participate in the competition.” The event is hosted by the Akordeonové sdružení Cech, Moravy a Slezska and Základní umelecká škola Kromeríž. Download competition information and application form here: 2024AccoKromeriz |
Free Postage Worldwide, Super Value Christmas Gifts Books - Franceby Harley Jones |
Free Postage Worldwide Special: The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog benetouxen00). A quality book about accordion repairs, tuning etc. that is very popular indeed. In English Free Postage Special: In French. Comprendre et Reparer Votre Accordeon (catalog benetouxfr00). Free Postage Special: Sounding Out The Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog bthierryen). A very quality book that cares of the sounding and tuning up your accordion. In English. Free Postage Special: In French. L’Accordeon & SA Diversite Sonore (catalog bthierryfr). |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Susanne Kujala, Complete Recording of J. S. Bach’s Wohltemperiertes Klavier I and II, Helsinki - Finlandby Harley Jones |
Das Wohltemperierte Klavier I (2 CDs) Catalog: DWKI, €22.00 or US$ equivalent plus postage performed by Susanne Kujala. Das Wohltemperierte Klavier II (2 CDs) Catalog: DWKII, €22.00 or US$ equivalent plus postage. The complete recording of J. S. Bach’s Wohltemperiertes Klavier I + II (Well-Tempered Clavier) is now released. Susanne Kujala writes: "Finally, it is accomplished! The first complete recording on concert accordion of both parts of Bach’s Das Wohltemperierte Klavier is recorded and published as 4 CDs by BellowsArt." The first part of the Wohltemperierte Klavier has been published on 21 December, 2021. The Release Concert of the complete recording was held on 26 November 2023 at Kamppi Chapel, Narinkka Square, Helsinki. Susanne Kujala is a German organist and concert accordionist living in Finland. She studied accordion, teaching, and organ at the HfM "Hanns Eisler" in Berlin and at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and graduated with a Doctor of Music Degree from the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Helsinki in 2013. For full information about the 4 CD's of J. S. Bach Preludes and Fugues, information about the tuning of the accordion, sound samples of the music and a biography of S Kujala, is online at: Susanne Kujala |
Amsterdam Plays Premiere of Wantenaar’s “Accordeon Concerto” in Vienna Concert Hall - Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
Premiere of Mathilde Wantenaar's "Accordeon Concerto" in Vienna, December 8th, 2023. Accordionist: Vincent van Amsterdam Composer: Mathilde Wantenaar Conductor: Markus Poschner The award-winning Dutch accordionist Vincent van Amsterdam received his musical training from his father Evert van Amsterdam while studying in Tilburg from Ronald van Overbruggen, Stefan Hussong and Gerie Daanen and attended master classes with Mika Väyrynen, Friedrich Lips, Claudio Jacomucci, Miny Dekkers, Yuri Shishkin, among others. He deals with the accordion and its playing techniques in a variety of ways and is constantly expanding the repertoire for his instrument, for example with arrangements of baroque to romantic music and contemporary works. A number of composers wrote works for him, including Daan Manneke, Aart Strootman, Bianca Bongers and Mathilde Watenaar. Vincent van Amsterdam performs as a soloist with orchestras and in various constellations as a chamber musician on all major classical music stages and festivals in the Netherlands. Tours have taken him to many European countries as well as China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Greenland. He also organizes the international Van Amsterdam summer course for accordionists. Composer, Mathilde Watenaar has already been awarded several composition prizes. Her music is described as lyrical and enchanting as well as eclectic yet authentic. The combination of her craftsmanship and her openness to a wide range of genres makes her an extremely versatile composer. She works with individual musicians and small ensembles as well as large orchestras and is particularly interested in creating operas. For Wantenaar, an important influence for this concert was the music her father played on the accordion: folk music, jazz and tango. But she also added symphonic and theatrical elements. Somehow the accordion reminded her of a storyteller or a book with many stories written in it. While the composer describes the atmosphere of the first part of the concert as lonely and desolate, the mood of the second part is festive, full of joy and energy. You then find yourself in an enchanting world where the solo accordion combines with a solo violin before both lose touch with reality and the music gets out of control. The accordion's breathing slows until it stops completely. |
Kevin Friedrich & Friends 2023 Christmas Concert, Dargaville - New Zealandby Kevin Friedrich |
The Dargaville Museum which houses the superb Accordion Gems by Kevin Friedrich ... A Master Collection of Accordions through Time... was also the venue of the Kevin Friedrich and Friends 2023 Christmas Concert on December 3rd, 2023. Report at: 2023Dargaville For this production ‘Making Spirits Bright', the Lighthouse Function Centre was once again filled with people, music and community friendship as the talented variety of performers delighted concert goers with their musical and dance offerings. The concert featured both up and coming performers, some taking to the stage for the first time, thru to seasoned professional artists and groups. Performers included: North Shore Accordion Orchestra, Anna Collins, Laura & Annie Carey, Leah Newlove Kaipara Ballet, Lionel Reekie, Jone Yelcich, Take 6, Linda Emmett Litt, Ruth & Hans de Man, Martin Rhodes, Elizabeth Card, Rivertown Singers, Roslyn Gilmour, Alanah Jones, Maurice Jones, Nolene Osbaldiston, the Dargaville Tamburica Orchestra and Karyn & Ken Inder. Sincere thanks go to committee member and Concert Organiser Margaret Tier. Many of the attendees offered feedback that the Show was so professionally presented and were interested to hear that Margaret conducts behind the scenes rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the Concert, to ensure that the artists are in top form on the day of the production. In addition to Margaret, special thanks go to the Sound, Lighting and Video Team including Kerrian Russell, Mike Collins and Ken Cashin, who kindly donate their expertise. Continuing with this community spirit, additional thanks go to the Dargaville Little Theatre and CARTERS - Dargaville for providing all the materials used to construct the Concert Stage. Plans are already underway for the fundraising series to continue in 2024 where the concerts are sure to fill the Lighthouse with more incredible music performed by an array of talented artists. Report at: 2023Dargaville Picture below: Santa (Lionel Reekie) and Kevin Friedrich performing Christmas Carols with Take Six, Rivertown Singers, vocalists Jone Yelcich, Anna Collins & Alanah Jones and Linda Emmett Litt (percussion). |
Jacques Pellarin Album Flying with British Airwaysby Christine Johnstone |
If you are flying on British Airways, Iberia or AER Lingus, you will have the opportunity to discover the album French Chic & Cinematic Accordion "Haute Couture" by Jacques Pellarin. Jacques is keen for you to share your impressions of this inflight experience audio with him. |
Video: Accordion Prominent at The Pogues, Shane MacGowan's Funeral - Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
Video 1: Glen Hansard and Lisa O'Neill (vocals) perform "Fairytale of New York" at Shane MacGowan's (lead singer of The Pogues) funeral, which was held at the St. Mary of the Rosary church in Nenagh, Dublin, Ireland December 8th. The Pogues accordionist is James Fearnley. Video 2: Spider Stacy and The Pogues perform "The Parting Glass" at Shane MacGowan's funeral. |
Vilnius Music School Students Entertain – Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
Accordion students from the Vilnius New Music School entertained at the "Senevita" care home in Vilnius, Lithuania on December 7th, 2023, as part of their social project "Look back". Performers were: Dominik Daraškevic, Kiril KirilKlešciov, Emilian Sapkevic, Algirdas Aliukonis, Milda Petkeviciute, Aušrine Gasiunaite, Milda Petkeviciute, Vladyslav Bogdanovic and Mantvydas Vaitkevicius. The concert was hosted by E. Berezina and the Project manager was I. Žilinskiene. |
Future events |
Fernando Ávila Performs at 3rd Cantata Natalina - Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
Fernando Ávila will perform with Luciana Zanatta (violin), at the 3rd Cantata Natalina concert at the Dear Santa Cafe & Bistro in Sao Joao do Polesine, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on December 16th, 2023 at 7pm. Fernando Ávila won the 2023 Culture Highlights Award (Destaque da Cultura 2023) at Diário de Santa Maria in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil this month as recognition for his work as an instrumentalist and composer in his music video “Tema para Giovanna” (A Theme for Giovanna). See poster for concert details. |
Akkordeon-Orchester 1957 St. Tönis e.V Christmas Concert - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The Akkordeon-Orchester 1957 St. Tönis e.V will perform their Christmas Concert at the Kath Kirche St Cornelius in Tönisvorst, Germany on December 17th, 2023 at 5pm. The "AkkZente" orchestra will perform Christmas carols and rock Christmas songs. Admission is free, donations are requested. For details email: info@akkordeon-orchester-1957.de |
Sam Reider & The Human Hands Perform in California – USAby Christine Johnstone |
Sam Reider & The Human Hands will perform at a sold-out show at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, California, USA on December 17th, 2023 from 7pm. The group are the opening act for popular Grammy-award winning bluegrass guitarist Molly Tuttle. |
Lemon Bucket Orkestra Fundraiser Xmas Jam Concert – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
The Lemon Bucket Orkestra will perform at a fundraiser Xmas Jam concert at Mekan in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on December 21st, 2023 at 8pm. The group, which includes accordionist and vocalist Marichka Marczyk will perform a mix of Balkan, Klezmer, Gypsy and “Party-Punk” music. The event will be a fundraiser to assist with cancer chemo treatments. For details email: lemonbucket@gmail.com |
Online: Matthias Matzke "Die Accordio-Show" - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
Matthias Matzke will hold two shows online: "Die Accordio-Show" - Releasing blockages and playing in the flow as follows: December 27th, 2023 January 3rd, 2024 Matthias will cover “methods and tricks for accordion players of all skill levels in open lessons. Experience live how you can easily solve your biggest challenges on the accordion - for more fun and better results when practicing.” Participation is free of charge and limited to 100 participants. |
Marc Pircher Entertains at 2nd "Danube Swabian Festival 2023" - Hungaryby Christine Johnstone |
Marc Pircher will entertain at the 2nd "Danube Swabian Festival 2023", held at the EXPO Center in Pécs, Hungary on December 28th, 2023 from 8.30pm. The event will feature a cultural program with prominent representatives of Swabian culture in Baranya. Hungary. |
"Edward II" & Friends Christmas Party – Englandby Christine Johnstone |
The "Edward II" & Friends Christmas Party will be held at Band on the Wall in Northern Quarter, Manchester, England on December 28th, 2023 from 7.30pm. The night will be a celebration of the bands recent return and feature all the festival favourites, old and new, with a number of special guests. For details email: gavin.sharp@me.com |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
Past News List of Linksby AWW |
2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports 2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports, Video | |
Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year | |
Articles Index page |
|
PIF Castelfidardo 2023 2023 PIF Castelfidardo Daily Reports, Video |
|
2023 AAA Festival Daily Reports 2023 AAA Festival Daily Reports | |
Interviews Index page |
|
2023 ATG Competition and Festival Photo Report 2023 ATG Competition and Festival Photo Report | |
2022 XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports | |
2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article | |
Accordion Reed Production Article Link | |
Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link News article about Beniamino Bugiolacchi Article Link |
|
Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
New and Updated Sites |
XXXV International Festival "Bayan and Bayanists", Moscow - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
The 2023 XXXV International Festival "Bayan and Accordionists" will take place at the Concert Hall of the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (RAM) in Moscow, Russia, from December 13th to 17th, 2023. Friedrich Lips is the Artistic Director of the festival and Alexander Gataullin is the Festival Director. Friedrich Lips recently released a new book titled "It Seems Like Yesterday" Cat: 9951-1-3 A full report of the XXXV International Festival will be published after the event in this news at: 2023Moscow Events as follows: • December, 13th: Gnesin Ensemble of Contemporary Choral Music “Altro Coro”. Artistic director and conductor – Alexander Ryzhinsky • Chamber Orchestra of the Moscow Conservatory. Artistic director and chief conductor - People's Artist of Russia Felix Korobov, Soloist – Maria Vlasova (accordion) • To the 80th anniversary of People's Artist of Russia Viktor Gridin. State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble "Russia" named after L. Zykina. Artistic director – Honored Artist of Russia Dmitry Dmitrienko. Soloists: Olzhas Nurlanov, Vsevolod Yakubovsky, Alexander Gataullin, Dmitry Khodanovich, Timur Galinurov, Ruslan Kochkin, Alexander Bukin, Nikita Vlasov. • December, 14th: Ensemble of soloists "Gnesin-Forum". Head – Mikhail Burlakov (accordion). Honored Artist of Russia Tatiana Sergeeva takes part in the concert. • Ensemble of percussion instruments under the leadership of Ilya Melikhov. Alexandra Muradova (piano) and Semion Shmelkov • Transural Trio Of Bayanists, Pyotr Babin, Evgeniy Krasheninnikov, Vitaly Bogolyubov • December, 15th: To the 75th anniversary of his birth. Creative evening of Friedrich Lips, Chamber Orchestra of the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music, conductor – Andrey Rein. • “Piazzolla-Studio", Friedrich Lips, Honored Artists of Russia Vladislav Igolinsky and Kirill Rodin, Svyatoslav Lips. • December, 16th: Students and graduates of Friedrich Lips play Nikita Ukrainsky and Ilona Savina, Olzhas Nurlanov, Lin Jinghan, Timur Galinurov, Ruslan Kochkin, Semion Shmelkov, Samgar, Leo Florin Muravyov, Alexander Eisold, Anton Dovbnya, Rafael Sapukov, Aidar Salakhov, Robert Alevetdinov, Arthur Adrshin, Joseph Purits, Alexander Gataullin, Ensemble of percussion instruments under the leadership of Ilya Melikhov. • December, 17th: Sergey Voytenko and the duet "Bayan Mix", Aydar Salakhov (bayan) and trio “Elegato”. Winner of the international competition in Klingenthal (2023) Stoyan Karaivanov (Bulgaria, bandoneon) and Ensemble of Sergey Osokin. |
Interview: Meet the Musician Behind the Sound - Mikko Luoma, Finlandby Andrea Di Giacomo |
Meet the Musician Behind the Sound. Interview by Andrea Di Giacomo of Mikko Luoma (Finland), concert accordionist living and working in Turku, Finland. Senior lecturer for concert accordion, chamber music and music history at the Art Academy in Turku, Finland. Interviews Index |
2024 ATG Festival Honoring Joan Sommers and International Competition, Kansas City MI - USAby Mary Ann Covone, ATG President |
The 2024 ATG Festival is honoring Joan C. Sommers and celebrating her 90th birthday in Kansas City MI, July 23 - 27, 2024. There are a number of special events including the ATG Festival Orchestra directed by Joan C. Sommers playing new music by Gorka Hermosa and Ian Watson, the UMKC Community Accordion Orchestra directed by Joan C. Sommers. A superb array of international level performers including: (alphabetical order) Bridge and Wolak (Canada), Das Duo Kollektiv (Austria), Gorka Hermosa (Spain) Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), Mirco Patarini (CIA President - Italy), Stas Venglevski (USA) and others. 2024 ATG International World Cup Accordion Competition. ATG is also pleased to announce a special competition offering a $5,000 first prize and $3,000 second prize for their 2024 Festival. Download pdf of the rules: 2024ATG-Competition.pdf |
Renzo Ruggieri Releases Updated Arrangements - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
Renzo Ruggieri (picture left) has now released an updated solo arrangement of the famous song Birdland composed by Joe Zawinul. Renzo writes: This is a fantastic composition from famous jazz-rock band Weather Report. Very rhythmic music and modern for the young generation. It works very good with electronics accordion too. Catalog: rrenzo526 Only €10 Also updated and released today is Catalog: rrenzo528 - Il Postino composed by Luis Bacalov, famous melody from film (winner of Oscar) is a special arrangement by Renzo Ruggieri for virtuoso entertainment accordion. Renzo Ruggieri writes: "The special feature of this arrangement is that all the melody is rich with contrast from a very soft mood to a very rich yet difficult performance section." Available online, only €10 at rrenzo528 If you have purchased a previous copy of Birdlands or Il Postino, you may email musicforacc.com@yahoo.com with the name and date of your purchase and receive the newly updated version free of charge. Other virtuoso arrangements and compositions by Renzo Ruggieri. TUITION eBOOKS rrenzo401 - 10 Approaches to Jazz Improvisation eBook - English rrenzo421 - 10 Approcci all'Improvvisazione Jazz eBook - Italian COMPOSITIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS Click the link, for notes from the arranger/composer for each accordion piece of this catalog of different styles and types of accordion music by Renzo Ruggieri: NEW: Catalog: rrenzo526 - Birdlanda updated December 2023 solo arrangement of the famous song from Joe Zawinul (group Weather Report). rrenzo500 - Song For S.B (Accordion and Orchestra) and (Accordion and String Orchestra) rrenzo501 - Song For S.B (Solo) rrenzo502 - Volo Degli Angeli (Solo) Updated Volo Degli Angeli Solo arrangement published in June 2022 by Renzo Ruggieri. rrenzo503 - Tango Italiano (Solo) this very successful solo has been updated in February 2021 (ver. 1.3). Tango Italiano for 5 types of ensembles rrenzo 522 (ensemble) rrenzo504 - Carnevale (Solo) rrenzo505 - Roma Tango (Solo) rrenzo506 - Cinema (for 4 parts and drums, electronic accordion) rrenzo507 - Variations on Säkkijärven Polka (Solo) rrenzo508 - Medley Disco (Solo) rrenzo509 - Acquarelli Italiani (Solo) rrenzo510 - Grande Jo (Solo) Accordion Kids (10 pieces)rrenzo511 - Figaro (Solo) or (Solo with string orchestra) rrenzo512 - Accordion Kids (10 pieces) simple and modern compositions rrenzo514 - La Vita Delle Cose (The Life of Things) rrenzo515 - Peccatum et Gratia for electronic (hybrid) accordion rrenzo516 - Lo Scuro e il Chiaro (accordion duo) rrenzo517 - Il bosco incantato (for free bass accordion, solo) This work for free bass accordion and string orchestra is catalog rrenzo524 rrenzo518 - Valentango (Solo) rrenzo519 - The Jackson Medley (Solo) rrenzo520 - Acquarelli Italiani for Accordion and Orchestra rrenzo521 - ll Tuo Sguardo (solo) rrenzo522 - Tango Italiano (ensemble) (full score and individual parts). The solo version is catalog rrenzo503 rrenzo524 - Il Bosco Incantato for free bass accordion and string orchestra (full score and individual parts). The solo version is catalog rrenzo517 rrenzo525 - Spain (Solo) rrenzo526 - Birdland (Solo)a new solo arrangement of the famous song from Joe Zawinul (group Wheater Report). rrenzo527 - Tournée arrangements & compositions (Solo) book - La Czardas (Monti, arr. Ruggieri) - Mazurka Celebre (Migliavacca, arr. Ruggieri) - Figaro (for soloist, Rossini, arr. Ruggieri) - Maple Leaf Rag (Joplin, arr. Ruggieri) - Passione e Fisarmonica (Ruggieri) New - rrenzo528 - Il Postino (Solo) updated December 2023 |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |