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Highlights |
2016 International Competition and Festival "Accordion Plus", Rostov-on-Don - Russiaby Harley Jones |
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![]() The 2016 International Competition and Festival "Accordion Plus" takes place from 26th to 30th March 2016 at the "Rostovskij College of Art". The competition includes solo categories for children to adults for classical, entertainment, folk (harmonica) and digital types of music plus categories for ensemble and orchestra. "Accordion Plus" is organised by the International Music Centre "Harmony". Download entry information: 2016Rostov.pdf" target="_blank">2016Rostov.pdf Closing date for entries is: 26th February 2016 The concerts of the festival will be held in the biggest concert halls of Rostov. A number of famous accordionists will be performing supported by symphony and folk orchestras and jazz bands. The 2016 "Accordion Plus" is also a qualifying competition for the 2016 Coupe Mondiale which is being held in September 2016 in Rostov-on-Don, organised by the CIA and hosted by the International Music Centre "Harmony". |
XVIII Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, Kokkola – Finlandby Raimo Vertainen, Kokkola Accordion Festival Director |
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![]() Artists appearing include: Kimmo Pohjonen, Trio Fratres, Viivi Maria Saarenkylä, Hannu Ilmolahti, Tallari, Vörå Player’s Club, Bengan Janson& Janne Åström from Sweden and the renowned juggler duo from France Jerome Thomas and Jean-Francois Baez. The final concert has become a festival tradition with a Grand Performance Concert by the tango orchestra Guardia Nueva which will feature soloists Teemu Roivainen and Saara Aalto. Kokkola Winter Accordion is a festival for the whole family and takes place in Kokkola and Pietarsaari. Come and enjoy the festival! For further for information email: raimo.vertainen@pp.inet.fi |
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Jazz Accordionist Simone Zanchini at UKAAT Workshop, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Zanchini made an incredible impact on UK audiences when he played at the London Accordion Festival in 2001 along with the saxophone ensemble Hallo Mr. Sax. It was here that Zanchini first delighted the late great Frank Marocco which led to a wonderful collaborative album called ‘Be-Bop Buffet’. His workshop will help and encourage teachers towards teaching the basis of jazz improvisation. Accordion teachers are often asked to teach jazz to students and a UKAAT survey showed this to be one of the most popular areas that teachers wanted to extend their skills in. Attendees are encouraged to bring their accordions as much can be learned through trying things out without fear of being judged. All accordion teachers and accordionists are welcome. For further information email: romanoviazzani@hotmail.co.uk |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Dr. William Schimmel, ‘An American in Paris’ Show - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The show is now taking place at The Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway, New York, New York. ‘An American in Paris’ is the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city. Broadway’s breathtakingly beautiful new musical, ‘An American in Paris’, is the four-time Tony Award winning production that also earned the awards for ‘Best Musical of the Year’ from both the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League. |
'Le petit Accordéoniste' Free-bass Accordion Method for iPad – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() Guillaume Hodeau completed his music studies at the Conservatoire de Marseille, after which he studied at the University of Michigan Detroit in the USA, where he completed three years of higher learning. Fascinated with the bandoneon, he studied the tango with Juan Jose Mosalini. Guillaume notably won the Piazzolla Music Award in Italy. Passionate about education, Guillaume teaches accordion at the Conservatoire Régional de Cergy-Pontoise and the bandoneon at the Conservatoire d’Évreux. In 2011, he created the educational collection ‘Le petit Accordéoniste’ (‘The little accordion player’) with the goal of modernizing the learning of the instrument by offering a playful and challenging approach. For further information email: contact@lepetitaccordeoniste.fr |
California Dreamin' Gary Dahl Updated Arrangement - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() The song is #89 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and the lyrics of the song express the writers longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. California Dreamin' Catalog: DH0126 |
Video: Gracias Dios performed by the composer Antonio Figueroa - Argentinaby Harley Jones |
Antonio Figueroa, Argentine accordionist performing with his group on Chanel 12, his composition Gracias Dios. |
14 Years Ago: December 2001 – Puerto Rico Accordionists Entertainby Rob Howard |
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The Accordions Worldwide News for January 18th 2002 included a report of a Caribbean cruise ship, which featured members of the Accordion Association of Puerto Rico, whose performances proved to be very popular. Cruising around the Caribbean to the sounds of accordions – what a way to spend a week in December! Caribbean Cruise Concerts - Puerto Rico Contributed by Jane Berkovitz The Accordion Association of Puerto Rico performed during a seven day Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Majesty in December 2001. They gave two concerts, one in each of the ship's theatres. Their repertoire consisted of selections from Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the USA and they concluded each concert with "God Bless America". The theatres were filled to capacity and the orchestra received standing ovations. After the concerts the orchestra played "Accordionatas" (informal music for dancing and singing) in the cruise ship lounge. The trip was a most joyous occasion for both passengers and musicians. |
Future events |
CNIMA J.Mornet Accordion Courses, Auvergne – Franceby Rob Howard |
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![]() CNIMA J.Mornet is the well-known accordion school founded and run by Jacques Mornet and Nathalie Boucheix. CNIMA J.Mornet is based at Les Ludines, 63950 Saint-Sauves d’Auvergne, situated in the south of France. There is easy access to CNIMA by road and train station locally where the CNIMA’s team will pick you up. For further information email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
Steve Normandin Concert, Montreal – Canadaby Rob Howard |
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Examen d' Admissions, Tutor Stéphane Chapuis, HEMU Lausanne - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
![]() Examen d' Admissions is Tuesday, April 19 at 9 AM HEMU-classe d' accordéon Rue de la Grotte 2, CP 5700, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland. Studies at the HEMU lead to Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) degrees. The HEMU’s classical and jazz departments (the latter is the only one of its kind in French-speaking Switzerland) afford students university-level training with a large variety of course offerings. Students who graduated at HEMU include: Christel Sautaux, Dimitri Bouclier (France), Julien Paillard, Julien Tudisco, Lisa Biard. HEMU - Accordion Class 2015-2016 include: Grayson Masefield (New - Zealand) - Master Soloist 1 Augustinas Rakauskas (Lithuania) - Concert Master 1 Momir Novakovic (Serbia) - Concert Master 1 Tiffanie Mueller (Switzerland) - Pedagogy Master 2 Shuang Ma (China) - Pedagogy Master 2 Naomi Sanchez (Switzerland) - Bachelor 2 Valentin Claivoz (Switzerland) - Bachelor 1 In 2015, the closing date for applications for the next academic year was 1st March with auditions in late April. For further information, contact: Stéphane Chapuis |
Conservatory Orchestra Concert, Palermo – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert includes music by Frescobaldi, Scarlatti, Pachelbel, and JS Bach. Free admission. |
Harry Hussey & Lily’s Weepers @ North Staffs Accordion Club – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Lily’s Weepers are Pete Brown (trumpet/vocals), Terry Brunt (trombone/vocals), Peter Robinson (guitar/banjo), Lily Lynch (double bass), and Chris Pendlebury (drums). Oh, yes, there will also be the post-Christmas sherry, mince pies and Christmas cake. Harry Hussey, now living in Glasgow, has several recordings to his name and has worked with such stars as Matt Monro, Norman Wisdom, Rolf Harris and Anthony Newly. He is a favourite at accordion and keyboard festivals throughout the country and spends much of his time in France, with his accordion of course. For further information email: stevehg0@gmail.com |
Rodagente Charity Reunion Concert, Rio De Janeiro – Brazilby Rob Howard |
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Members of the Forro band Rodagente, including accordionist Marcelo Caldi, have a reunion concert, 14 years after they last played together. The concert is in aid of their former guitarist Vagner Fiorini, who is suffering with the neurodegenerative disease ALS. Proceeds from this concert will be donated to research into ALS. The concert takes place on Friday January 22nd, 9pm, at Paiol 8, Rua dos Arcos, 24, 20230060 Lapa, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. For further information email: contatopaiol08@gmail.com |
Midwinter Concert, Falan – Swedenby Rob Howard |
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Master Classes with Dallas Vietty and Victor Prieto, New Jersey - USAby Rob Howard |
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Accordionists Dallas Vietty and Victor Prieto will teach accordion master classes in New Jersey on January 23rd and 24th. Victor said. "Dallas and I have teamed up to offer techniques, tips, ways of study, and tricks made just for you. My technique: "Chord approach on both hands". You will create harmonies that you thought were impossible to play on the accordion. This technique was born at Berklee College of Music, Boston. Improvisation, easy ways of comping, Styles, bellow techniques, improve the power of the sound of your instrument, how to use the registers to orchestrate (switches) and much more." The location of the workshop is the historic Acme Accordion School which has been in existence for over 70 years. The address is: 322 Haddon Ave., Westmont, New Jersey 08108. For further information email: info@victorprieto.net |
‘Tangotaal’ Performance, Stellenbosch - South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() Performing are the accordionist Stanislav Angelov, pianist Elna van der Merwe, singers Niël Rademan and Minette du Toit Pearce, and tango dancers Keanan McClune and Michaela Loots. |
‘Musette Explosion’ Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() ‘Musette Explosion’ are Will Holshouser – accordion, Matt Munisteri, guitar and banjo, and Marcus Rojas – tuba. |
The (New) Greenford Accordion Club, Middlesex – UKby Rob Howard |
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Greenford Accordion Club has its first meeting on Saturday January 30th, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. All are invited to come along and join us for a cup of tea, to chat and to listen to or play along with some beautiful accordion music. Please bring along your own accordion, if you wish. The theme for the first meeting will be ‘Scottish Music’, as a tribute to the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25th 1759. Monthly meetings for 2016 will be held on the last Saturday of the month, please check with organiser Jim Mullally for specific details and directions. Admission is just £5 and includes music and interval refreshments. Greenford Accordion Club meets at: The Holy Cross, Ferrymead Gardens, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9NJ. Ample parking is available at this venue. For further information email: jamesmullally05@yahoo.co.uk |
Jean-Pierre Jourdier Bal Musette, Burgundy - Franceby Rob Howard |
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11th International Composition Competition "Città di Udine", Remanzacco (UD) – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() The competition is divided in two sections: - compositions for chamber instrumental group or solo instrument - electroacoustic music The closing date for entries is March 31st 2016, and the final decision of the Jury will be made public by July 31st 2016. For further information email: info@taukay.it |
New and Updated Sites |
New Site: Hanzhi Wang, 2015 Castelifdardo Premio Winner - China/Denmarkby Harley Jones |
![]() New website for Hanzhi Wang, 2015 Castelifdardo Premio Winner. Hanzhi Wang has also won 2013 Arrasate International Accordion Competition in Spain. Read about these successes and future plans on her new website. |
Dmitriev 'The Mosaic' Album, Newly Available as eTracks Album - Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() Check out the 21 tracks of this album with so many popular pieces used around the world at concerts including: Moldavian Dance, La Valse A Margaux, Russian Cowboy, 3 Little Pigs, The Entertainer, Oblivion, French Visit, La Cumparsita, Sakkijarven Polkka, Falling Leaves, Flich-Flack, Boogie by Magnante, Steps by Viktor Vlasov. Catalog: adm105eT |
New Arrangment by Renzo Ruggieri, Variations on Säkkijärven Polka - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() Säkkijärven Polka, also called the "Karelian-Finnish Polka," is a well-known folk tune from Finland, popular with Finnish accordionists. As the title Variations on Säkkijärven Polka suggests, this is an arrangement with variations and was created to be used in international competitions in "virtuoso" style. The work also fits well for concerts where the performer wants to display brilliant melodic repertoire. This arrangement is featured on the Carnevale CD and eTracks mp3 album of Viivi Maria Saarenkylä Catalog: viivi01 Viivi Maria Saarenkylä played this work and won 1st in Castelfidardo 2014 and many podium finishes at international competitions in 2014 and 2015 including 2nd place at the 2015 Coupe Mondiale. Other Virtuoso arrangements by Renzo Ruggieri (only €10 each) rrenzo501 - Song For S.B (Solo) rrenzo502 - Volo Degli Angeli (Solo) rrenzo503 - Tango Italiano (Solo) rrenzo504 - Carnevale (Solo) rrenzo505 - Roma Tango Solo rrenzo506 - Cinema (for 4 parts and drums, electronic accordion) rrenzo507 - Variations on Säkkijärven Polka |
Updated Site: Rhapsody, New Zealand Music for Accordion and Symphony Orchestra CDby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() Newly available individual mp3 tracks purchases. Accordion soloists: Kevin Friedrich, Mary Tokarski, Stephanie Poole and Bernadette Conlon are featured with symphony orchestra. |
Updated Site: 'Lips Concerto' CD by Friedrich Lips - Austriaby Harley Jones |
![]() Recent years Lips CD's: CD027 Fachwerk | Kapote CD CD026 Night Flowers CD CD025 Lips Concerto CD CD024 Under The Sign of Scorpio CD CD023 Cocktail "Rio Rita" CD & eTracks mp3 album CD022 Viva Voce CD & eTracks mp3 album CD021 ecLipse CD & eTracks mp3 album CD020 ¡Buenos Dias, Astor! CD & eTracks mp3 album |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
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