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Highlights |
Accordionists Nominated in 24th Amadeus Austrian Music Awards - Austria
Review: XXVI Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival - Finland
15th Orpheus Award 2024 Results - Italy
Roman Puneiko Concerts of Volodymyr Runchak Works - Ukraine
Summer Piano Accordion Weekend, England - UK
CNIMA World Music Masterclass with Ludovic Beier - France
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day? - International
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Das Kollektiv Trio Entertain at Guatemala Jazz Festival - Guatemala
Wanted: National Open Youth Orchestra UK Accordion Players – UK
Servais Haanin New CD “The Return of Being” Debut at 2024 Accordionale - Germany
Video: Flying fingers of Brandon McPhee: The Bluebird Polka – Scotland
Future events |
Orquesta Típica Sans Souci 2024 European Tour – Italy, Switzerland and Germany
Ville Hiltula Classic Cinema Tango Concert – Japan
Alex Meixner to Receive Happy Music Ambassador Award - USA
Gala Jean Dauvin Celebrates 60 Years – France
Inaki Alberdi Masterclass – Italy
Elena Stenkina Performs at Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society Benefit Event - USA
Jakob Steinkellner Concert in Bratislava - Slovakia
Links to Previous News Still Current |
New and Updated Sites |
Jimmy Stewart’s “It’s a Wonderful Accordion Life”
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Highlights |
Breaking News: Fire in the Dino Baffetti Accordion Factory - Italyby AWW |
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  Photo above from Corriere Adriatico.A fire broke out in the Dino Baffetti Accordion Factory in Castelfidardo, Ancona, Italy, in the early hours of March 14th, 2024. The flames involved two floors of the factory, which covers an area of about 5,000 square metres. The fire brigade was on the scene, with teams from Osimo and Ancona. Luckily no persons were injured. Reasons for the fire are still unknown. View Dino Baffetti "Know the People" Celebrity Interview at: 2017Baffetti Ancona Today News reported the fire as follows: “The alarm to the fire brigade came shortly after 5.30 am. The flames, according to initial reports, affected a warehouse. Several teams of firefighters intervened, from Osimo and Ancona. The fire is now under control but firefighters were still working at 8 a.m. this morning. The warehouse is about 5 thousand square meters. The extent of the damage is not yet known.” The Mayor of Castelfidardo expressed condolences to the company that had suffered such extensive damage. "The news of the fire at the Dino Baffetti Accordion Company is something that tears the heart out," Roberto Ascani wrote on social media. “I saw with my own eyes the sadness of the family and employees who saw in a few minutes all the accordions ready to be delivered all over the world reduced to ashes. In the drama of the fire, at least the offices and the laboratory remained out of the flames, leaving a strong sign of hope for the resumption of production." "It will take months but I am sure that the support will not be lacking from many companies in the sector and from the many accordionists who adore the Dino Baffetti brand. Yes, because the family in question represents a point of reference for all those artisan businesses that have become excellence, quality and human value." |
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Accordionists Nominated in 24th Amadeus Austrian Music Awards - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
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  Voting is now open for the 24th Amadeus Austrian Music Awards. Results will be announced at the live finals held at the Vienna Volkstheater in Vienna, Austria on April 26th, 2024.Accordionists nominated are as follows: Folk Music category: Melissa Naschenweng and Die Draufgänger Live Act of the Year: Melissa Naschenweng and Folkshilfe Album of the Year: Melissa Naschenweng Jazz/World/Blues category: Herbert Pixner Project |
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Review: XXVI Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival - Finlandby Christine Johnstone |
 Video: Excerpts from the XXVI Kokkola Winter Accordion: Dancing in the pipe. A joyful and diverse dance performance by the Ballet Institute of Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory in the corridor above Suntti on February 11th, 2024. Music by Guardia Nueva, Tico-Tico, Libertango and Mainingit. The audience watched the show from Suntti Beach in chilly freezing weather. This show was organised in collaboration with Keski-Pohjanmaan Konservatorio Balletiopisto, HalpaHalli Kokkola and video Mediakeskus LIME. Sounds and lights by Ambient Audio. The successful XXVI Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival 2024 was held at the Campus Hall in Kokkola, Finland from February 10th to 17th, 2024. Report pictures: 2024KokkolaGallery The event began with an opening concert by the Guardia Nueva Orchestra (conducted by Raimo Vertainen) and the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Choir, who performed Argentinian Martín Palmer's composition “Misa a Buenos Aires”. In addition to concerts, the event featured a Winter Harmony Seminar "Can music be an ambassador of equality?" at the Central Ostrobothnia Conservatory. The seminar discussed the most important and current issues of our society from the point of view of art and music. There was interesting reflection and thought provoking discussion at the seminar led by top professionals in the field. The panelists were Cecilia Damström, music science professor Juha Torvinen and research doctor Nuppu Koivisto-Kaasik. Journalist Anni Saari was the moderator of the panel discussion. Sonja Vertainen performed the world premiere of Cecilia Damström's accordion concerto Permafrost (Ikirouta) with the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jan Söderblom. The work also featured a video projection by illustrator Irene Suosalo. The concert, which featured additional works by J.S. Bach and Reinhold Gliére, was broadcast live on YLE Radio 1. The concert will be available on YLE Arena until March 17th, 2024. https://areena.yle.fi/podcastit/1-67590395 The festival closed with a “Grand Entertainment Concert” featuring Guardia Nueva (picture below) conducted by Raimo Vertainen at the Kokkola Campus Hall. The orchestra performed with soloists Jennie Storbacka and J. Ahola Ahola who charmed the audience by singing tango and Finnish pieces as well as the magnificent MacArthur Park. |
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15th Orpheus Award 2024 Results - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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 The 15th Orpheus Award 2024 Critics' Award is organised by the Associazione Promozione Arte: Gerlando Gatto (art director), Renzo Ruggieri (APA president), Giuseppe Di Falco (secretary) and Andrea Di Giacomo (secretary).Video: 15th Orpheus Award 2024, Awards Ceremony (Italian). 15th Orpheus Award results as follows: Classical: Claudio Jacomucci, Le Città Invisibili (microtonal accordion) Jazz: V. Abbracciante - A. Sabatino, Melodico World (and other music): Riccardo Tesi, The Right Distance Orpheus Award for Lifetime Achievement: Guy Klucevsek. This award is an international recognition of his major contribution to the accordion and his accordion compositions during his long career. |
Roman Puneiko Concerts of Volodymyr Runchak Works - Ukraineby Christine Johnstone |
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| Video: Performance of Self-portrait II (Ukraine - Forever) by Volodymyr Runchak (composer and conductor). Accordionist Roman Puneiko will perform a series of concerts featuring works by composer and conductor, Volodymyr Runchak in Ukraine from March 20th to 27th, 2024. Concerts will be held in Lutsk, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia and Ternopil, See poster for details. |
Summer Piano Accordion Weekend, England - UKby Rob Howard |
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| A Summer Piano Accordion Weekend will be held at Halsway Manor in Halsway, Somerset, England, UK, from July 5th to 7th, 2024. This popular course will be aimed at Level 1 to Level 3 players in 2024. Tutors include Paul Hutchinson who will be joined for the first time by Scottish accordionist Valerie Barr. A third tutor will be confirmed very soon. For details email: office@halswaymanor.org.uk |
CNIMA World Music Masterclass with Ludovic Beier - Franceby Rob Howard |
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| The CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix, will hold a World Music Masterclass with Ludovic Beier from May 28th to 30th, 2024. The masterclass will cover Brazilian, gypsy, zydeco and celtic music and is suitable for players of all levels. The aim is to broaden your playing by approaching a world music repertoire in a fun way. You will work on various themes playing them uptempo, improvising or playing transcribed versions. For further details email: contact@cnima.com |
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day? - Internationalby Harley Jones |
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 What are you doing for World Accordion Day (WAD) to promote the accordion in your country? World Accordion Day (WAD) is on May 6th, which is the day the accordion was patented in 1829.WAD was started in 2009 by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the WAD website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support WAD by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of WAD if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their WAD activity on the WAD website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating WAD are welcome. This is a CIA promotion for the accordion in which every accordion enthusiast can participate and help bring our accordion world together as well as strongly promote the accordion. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Dr. William Schimmel 2024 Accordion Seminars - USAby AWW |
 The Dr. William Schimmel 2024 Accordion Seminars will be held online from July 26th to 28th, 2024.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; Practicing by Real Time Continuity; The Five Minute Ear Training Course; Klezmer from a Non - Jewish perspective and more. Our team will include Micki Goodman, Paul Stein, Will Holshouser, Dr. Denise Koncelik, Dr. Robert Young Mc Mahan, Corn Mo, The Main Squeeze Orchestra, Bachtopus, Carl Riehl, Mary Spencer Knapp, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, Melissa Elledge, Doug Makofka, Rita Davidson, Erica Marie Mancini, Benjamin Ickes, Dan Cooper, Dr. Thomas Maccussi, Gene Pritsker, Peter Flint, Mayumi Miyaoka, Robert Duncan, Jeanne Velonis, Bob Goldberg, David Stoler, David First, William Komaiko, Sari Kalin, Jack Di Bennidetto, John Foti, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Brian Dewan, Lee Mc Clure, Peter Jarvis, Elliott Sharp, Hanzhi Wang, Milica Paranosic and others. Master classes will be held from 3 to 4pm. Concerts will be held from 4 to 5pm. For further information email: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Das Kollektiv Trio Entertain at Guatemala Jazz Festival - Guatemalaby Christine Johnstone |
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 Das Kollektiv Trio (which includes accordionist Raphael Brunner - Austria), entertained at the Guatemala Jazz Festival, held in Guatemala City,Guatemala this week. The festival will run through to March 21st, 2024.Picture left: Das Kollektiv Trio gave a night of jazz at the Dick Smith Theater. Guest musicians of the Guatemala Jazz Festival 2024 will also give workshops to Guatemalan musicians and music students at the Guatemalan American Institute IGA, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG), Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen Municipal Cultural Center, Da Vinci University and Gama Music academy. Nearly 2,000 musicians have been trained in these workshops since their inception in 2014. Picture below: Das Kollektiv Trio closed the March 11th concert day held in the Plaza Obelisco. |
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Wanted: National Open Youth Orchestra UK Accordion Players – UKby Rob Howard |
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| The National Open Youth Orchestra UK are looking for accordionists aged from 11 to 25. Spaces are open for 11-25 year old disabled or non-disabled accordion players looking for an inclusive environment to develop their musical skills as members of a creative, pioneering orchestra. Maybe a regional National Open Youth Orchestra Ensemble is for you? If you know any players this would be a good fit for, please share it with them! See poster above for details. |
Servais Haanin New CD “The Return of Being” Debut at 2024 Accordionale - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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 A new CD by Servais Haanin entitled “The Return of Being” will debut at the 2024 Accordionale International Accordion Festival held in Germany in April.See news item: https://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=01-Mar-2024&lang=en#art20970 The international accordion festival starts on April 3rd and over the next 34 days, 33 concerts will be presented. The CD features a mix of new ensemble pieces, live cuts of the 2023 Accordionale Festival, interspersed with solo pieces. |
Video: Flying fingers of Brandon McPhee: The Bluebird Polka – Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
| Video: The flying fingers of Scottish accordion entertainer Brandon McPhee playing “The Bluebird Polka” at the Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen in February 2024. The event was part of The Brendon McPhee Show, which included Manson Grant (piano), Robert Cameron (drums), Derek Thurlby (guitar) and Jamie Anderson (guitar) Brandon currently has a new variety music programme “Brandon McPhee On Air” on Sky TV 588 at 5pm. |
Future events |
“Pukaras de Bolivia” Perform at La Casa del Folklore Bolivia Festival - Boliviaby Christine Johnstone |
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| The “Pukaras de Bolivia” group will perform at the La Casa del Folklore Bolivia Festival, held in La Paz, Bolivia from March 13th to 17th, 2024. Their performance will take place on March 16th. For details email: lacasadelfolkloreelalto@gmail.com |
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Orquesta Típica Sans Souci 2024 European Tour – Italy, Switzerland and Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Orquesta Típica Sans Souci (Argentina) will begin their 2024 European Tour with a concert in Lausanne, Switzerland on March 20th, 2024. Further concerts will be held in Italy, Switzerland and Germany, finishing on April 7th, with a performance in Brescia, Lombardy, Italy. For details email: sanssoucitango@gmail.com |
Ville Hiltula Classic Cinema Tango Concert – Japanby Christine Johnstone |
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| Ville Hiltula (bandoneon) will perform a Classic Cinema Tango concert at Sushi Gazawa "El Choclo" in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan on March 20th, 2024 from 3pm. Ville will perform a new repertoire in duo with Janne Tateno (violin). For details email: info@el-choclo.com |
Alex Meixner to Receive Happy Music Ambassador Award - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Happy Music Center (HMC), a new music institution, proudly announces the recognition of Alex Meixner as a recipient of the prestigious Happy Music Ambassador award. The award will be presented by Johnny Young, President of HMC, at a special ceremony during the National Accordion Convention March 21st, 2024 Conventioneers Concert held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville, Texas, USA from 7pm."We are thrilled to bestow this honor upon Alex Meixner," said Johnny Young. "His passion, expertise, and tireless efforts have positively impacted countless lives, and we are proud to have him represent the Happy Music Center as a Happy Music Ambassador." The Happy Music Ambassador award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of happiness and well-being through music and exemplify the values of HMC. As a recipient, Alex Meixner's achievements reflect the organization's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical community worldwide. For further information email: buz@happymusiccenter.org |
Gala Jean Dauvin Celebrates 60 Years – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Gala Jean Dauvin will celebrate 60 years of his career with a concert in Avranches, France on March 24th, 2024 from 12 midday. The event will feature a number of national, international and regional guests, plus a few surprises. See poster for details. |
Inaki Alberdi Masterclass – Italyby Christine Johnstone |
  Inaki Alberdi will hold a Masterclass at the Giuseppe Tartini Conservatory of Music in Trieste, Italy from April 3rd to 6th, 2024.Inaki has just completed a weekend of three concerts in Madrid, Spain with the National Orchestra and Choir of Spain (Orquesta Nacional de España – OCNE). They performed works by Hildegard von Bingen, Jesús Torres, Johannes Brahms and Piotr Brahlich Chaikovski, directed by David Afkham. The event paid tribute to professors Miguel Jimenez and Angel Luis Quintana on the occasion of their upcoming retirement, in recognition and gratitude for their work over the years. For masterclass details email: accordion@ialberdi.com |
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Elena Stenkina Performs at Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society Benefit Event - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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  Photo above: Elena Stenkina performing at the 2023 Cotati FestivalElena Stenkina will perform as a guest artist at the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society benefit concert and workshop on April 14th, 2024 at 4pm. The event aims to raise funds for the club's needs. Elena Stenkina is renowned for her unique blend of music and dance performances. Throughout her successful career, she has garnered numerous accolades, including a Silver medal at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood, the Grand Prix at the Vilnius International Folklore Competition, and the Golden Time Talent competition. She has also been honored with the Platinum Prize, Technical Mastery Special Award, and Artist Award at the Universal Stars Music Competition, among others. Further information at: Elena Stenkina |
Jakob Steinkellner Concert in Bratislava - Slovakiaby Christine Johnstone |
 Video: Jakob Steinkellner performing his own composition “Fata Morgana”.Accordionist and composer, Jakob Steinkellner will give a concert in Bratislava, Southwestern Slovakia on April 20th, 2024. Jakob performs many of his own compositions, where he “combines traditional sound patterns of alpine folk instrumental music with modern influences.” For concert details email: Jakob.Steinkellner95@icloud.com |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
Past News List of Linksby AWW |
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2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports 2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports, Video |
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Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year |
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Articles Index page |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2023 2023 PIF Castelfidardo Daily Reports, Video |
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2023 AAA Festival Daily Reports 2023 AAA Festival Daily Reports |
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Interviews Index page |
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2023 ATG Competition and Festival Photo Report 2023 ATG Competition and Festival Photo Report |
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2023 XXXV International Festival, Moscow News and Daily Reports and videos |
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2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article |
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Accordion Reed Production Article Link |
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Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link News article about Beniamino Bugiolacchi Article Link |
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Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
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Accordion Study Produces Community Benefits Article Link |
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Playing the Accordion Benefits Your Brain News Link |
New and Updated Sites |
2024 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations Released - Italyby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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  The 77th Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Coupe Mondiale will be held from 6-10 September 2024 in Castelfidardo, Italy. The event will be hosted by the Italian CIA member, Italian Accordion Culture (IAC) and the City of Castelfidardo, the city of accordion producers.CIA President Mirco Patarini and CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila warmly invite accordion competitors, teachers and supporters to attend the 2024 Coupe Mondiale which will feature concerts and competitions as follows: • 77th Coupe Mondiale • Masters Coupe Mondiale • Junior Coupe Mondiale • International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Chamber Music - Classical • Chamber Music - World Music 2024 rules and regulations at: Coupe Mondiale Hotel information will be released shortly. Download poster: 2024CM-poster.jpg Immediately following the 2024 Coupe Mondiale, will be the PIF Castelfidardo competition and festival, Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 September 2024. International travellers with one airfare or car journey, can in 2024, attend two most exciting accordion events. The on-line entry system will open in April. 2023 Coupe Mondiale Video Homepage: 2023CM-Video 2023 Coupe Mondiale Daily Reports, pictures, results at: 2023CM-Report |
Jimmy Stewart’s “It’s a Wonderful Accordion Life”by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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| Christmas is the time of year, once again, when my mind goes to holiday music, magical light displays, celebrations with loved ones, and to my all-time favorite movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". I have watched this heartwarming movie every Christmas season for the last 50 years. Read the article and historic pictures of the amazing Jimmy Stewart, accordion lover, movie star of 80 movies, Brigadier General in the Army in WWII. https://www.ameraccord.com/articles/Stewart.htm |
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