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Italian Accordion Factories are Back at Work - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
![]() After so many deaths and the economy being ravaged by the coronavirus, Italy now moves cautiously towards reopening the economy. The Italian accordion factories have returned to work this week and accordion production is back underway. Accordions Worldwide (AWW) provides free services each year from all our sites without any charge to our millions of viewers worldwide. The costs of AWW are covered by our accordion advertisers and some sales from the MusicForAccordion.com site. AWW asks you to please support the accordion factories that advertise on our sites and make free services possible to the world. In these difficult economic times, your support can help the recovery. |
Next Broadcast 23 May, Report: 9th May World Accordion Day - Worldwideby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() 23rd May 2020 Broadcast WAD2020 Starting: * Rome 7.00 PM * Moscow 8.00 PM - * New York – 1.00 PM - * LA - 10 AM *Auckland – 5.00 AM (May 24) * China - 9.00 AM broadcast (May 24). WAD2020 9th May includes: An introduction by Xu Xiaonan (China) speaking about his experience at the CIA Coupe Mondiale where he was the first Chinese Coupe Mondiale winner in 2012 in Spoleto, Italy. He then performs his own composition “Breeze in Summer” with pianist Xu Gehui. A performance by Matthias Matzke (Germany) who won the Coupe Mondiale Junior Virtuoso Entertainment class in 2011 and the Digital Accordion class in 2014. Matthias performs Ghost Love Score – Nightwish. An interview with DHV Vice President Georg Hettman who gives information about the DHV such as what the organisation offers, where they operate and members of the organisation. He then presents a performance by the HUMI Accordion band (Poland), 1st place winners of the Mixed Instrumentation Orchestra Youth division at the Innsbruck Festival. Georg Hettman is then joined by CIA Music Committee member Andreas Nebl and the CEO of the Hohner Konservatorium, Bernhard van Almsick who give interesting interviews regarding musical styles and how the school assists students to find their own musical style. This is followed with a video performance by Felix Fritschi. A performance by past Coupe Mondiale winner Valerio Russo, who performs a composition by Renzo Ruggieri. An interesting interview and performance with Vincent van Amsterdam from NOVAM (Netherlands) and performances from their 90th anniversary celebration concert. This is followed by information on the accordion in The Netherlands. Interview and performance with the Royal Danish Academy of Music Professor, Geir Draugsvoll who talks about the Academy, teachers, programs etc. along with various performance videos. Interview and performance with Mikk Langeproon from Eesti Akordioniliit (Estonian Accordion Society) who talks about their society, members and events organised by them. The broadcast finished with the winners of the Coupe Mondiale International Ensemble World Music 2018 - The Pillers (Austria). Plus much more for your enjoyment at: WAD2020 |
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‘Lock Down’ VE Day Party, Stockport – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() However, although the Covid19 emergency put paid to the planned major public celebrations on Thursday May 8th 2020, many street parties went ahead, albeit observing social distancing. Some of these parties involved accordionists, such as the one held on Avondale Road, Stockport. Accordionist Rob Howard writes: Yesterday afternoon it was lockdown VE Day party time on Avondale Rd, and I did my best to liven things up on my 1935 Scandalli Scott Wood Four curved keyboard. I came out at 4 pm and there was hardly anybody outside, but when I opened up with God Save the Queen, within minutes, lots of people emerged from their houses with tables, chairs, drinks and food, and we very quickly had a party going on. Observing social distancing, there was much chat and laughter, and I did my bit playing non-stop music. I played war songs such as Wish Me Luck, Bless Em All, Lilli Marlene, Hang Out Your Washing on the Siegfried Line, Quartermasters Stores, Lambeth Walk, Run Rabbit Run, The Great Escape, The Longest Day, Colonel Bogey, Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, White Cliffs of Dover, We'll Meet Again, plus some requests. I also played a medley of Glenn Miller music: Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Little Brown Jug, I Know Why, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and In The Mood. These all sounded good on the curved keyboard, which has plenty of volume and is well suited to playing in the open air. By way of contrast I also donned my modern accordion to play Spanish Eyes, The Entertainer, the tango El Choclo, Come Back to Sorrento, Santa Lucia, Funiculi Funicula, Que Sera Sera, Wonderful Copenhagen, Tulips From Amsterdam, Una Paloma Blanca, Is This The Way to Amarillo?, Under the Bridges of Paris, Under Paris Skies, plus the music from Oliver and My Fair Lady. I played for about two hours in bright sunshine, and it grew very hot. Undeterred I carried on regardless and had a lot of fun in the process. We may never do anything like this again but it was good while it lasted. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Foligno Grandmother Palmira Frasconi, 106 years old - Italyby Harley Jones |
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Il Messaggero, Umbria, Italy Thursday 14 May 2020 by Giovanni Camirri 106 year old Palmira Frasconi says: "My secret: I sing and play the accordion" The Proclamation was delivered to "grandmother" Palmira to celebrate her 106 years. "Foligno can now boast among its fellow citizens ten new centenarians with the 'grandmother' of all Folignati being Mrs. Palmira Frasconi who has reached the milestone of 106 years, thus also entering among the records at national and international level, underlined the Mayor Stefano Zuccarini in his proclamation. Even today she sings and plays her accordion. Special official awards have been delivered to her and others over 100 years old, with greetings and best wishes from the Mayor and the whole city. Our elders are our beacon, their deep roots also make our lives more solid. To them, who have overcome the tragedies of wars and poverty, earthquakes and crises, and now also this scourge of the virus pandemic, we send a special hug noting, that there are examples for never giving up and living life with hope." |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Celebration of the Patron Saints Vittore and Corona, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
This year’s Celebration of the Patron Saints Vittore with Corona included a small reduced ceremony due to Covid-19. The video above shows a performance by young accordionist Cristian Chiaraluce playing to Municipal authorities including Mayor Ascani, representatives of local associations, and Bishop Don Bruno. Luigino Pallotta also played Ave Maria (Mascagni) inside the church. |
Eder Rodrigues and his Accordion: in a Canoe to Sing For the Amazon - Brazilby Harley Jones |
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![]() April 25, 2020 Paddle reciting poems on the notes of an accordion bigger than him. It is a declaration of love for forests, to protect the indigenous peoples who inhabit it. An accordion, a canoe, and the notes of an ancient song deposited on the tops of the trees with paddle strokes. It is the personal battle of Eder Rodrigues do Nascimento in defense of the Brazilian Amazon. "Nature depends on you, let it live. It will thank you and the whole world, with great pleasure", recite his verses as he walks along the bends of the Jurua river, one of the tributaries of the Amazon River. "In my songs I talk about the protection of nature. I give free advice to everyone to do what I do: do not light fires, do not pollute the water and do not cut down trees. We must keep them, they are the ones who will save the world," he tells Afp . Eder is 60 years old, lives in Boa Vista, a village that is part of the Uacari nature reserve, Brazil, whose inhabitants live mainly on fishing and crops. Since the start of the pandemic in its region, 200 people have already died. "The land is drying up due to deforestation. We are very worried because we live in the jungle. - he says - Here come diseases that nobody knows. Sometimes people die without knowing what". And sing, with the accordion occupying all the space of his small canoe: "Whoever visits the Amazon arrives in paradise. Who lives in the Amazon is already in paradise. If you want to know biodiversity, come with me". Note: Deforestation and forest fires continue in the region that many NGO's call the "lung of the planet" and lobby to stop the reduction of these natural forests. |
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6th May Celebration by Sarajevo Music Academy - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
Video: Trio Inat playing "Ka Mate" composed by Gorka Hermosa The Sarajevo Music Academy celebrated their 13th edition of the academy's May Music Festival on May 6th organised with the assistance of associate professor Belma Sarancic Nahodovic. The festival opened with a premiere performance in trio format of a piece composed by Spanish composer Gorka Hermosa entitled "Ka Mate", which was specially arranged for the occasion by members of Trio Inat (picture below). The premiere performance was also dedicated to the celebration of International Accordion Day (WAD), it's 191st birthday, celebrated every 6th of May worldwide by UNESCO as well as to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the accordion department at the Sarajevo Music academy. "Ka Mate" represents the New Zealand Maori celebration dance of life over death and was composed and first performed in solo format by Grayson Masefield in 2016. The Inat Trio decided (following all the commands by B&H authorities due to Covid-19) to choose this kind of work and to dedicate it to all fellow citizens as artistic encouragement in the difficult times we are going through. The Inat Trio consists of young accordionists, students and associates of the UNSA Music Academy: Azmir Halilovic, Danijel Lovric and Asmir Hamzic under the direction of Prof. Dr. Belma Šarancic. They have performed at over 100 concerts so far and won numerous awards, including the bronze prize from the Trophee Mondial held in Portugal in November 2019. |
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Guo Weixiang Arranged and Performs "Jasmine" - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Guo Weixiang writes: I have always wanted to use China's popular beautiful melody to adapt to accordion music, enriching our accordion music library. "Jasmine" is a song of Chinese elements. During the coronavirus, we responded to the government's call for house isolation. This germinated the desire to create and after 6 weeks of arrangement, practice and modification, recording and editing, the video was finally completed. Guo Weixiang, born on January 2, 1955. Accordion National Class One Performer of Hunan Song and Dance Theatre, Honorary Director of Hunan Musicians Association, Honorary President of Hunan Accordion Professional Committee, Visiting Professor of Music College of Hunan Normal University, Visiting Professor of Hunan Women's College, Appraisal of Postgraduate Thesis Defense of Music College of Hunan Normal University Committee member. In 1971, he studied the accordion with the enlightenment teacher Lu Guoxiong. In 1972, he was admitted to the Hunan Provincial Song and Dance Theater to learn the accordion with the teacher Fengcheng Yuan. year. He was hired as a visiting professor at the Conservatory of Music of Hunan Normal University in 1979. From 1985 to 2015, he served as the chairman of the Hunan Accordion Professional Committee for 30 years, making important contributions to the accordion cause of Hunan Province. |
Gorka Hermosa on Spanish National TV – Spainby Christine Johnstone |
![]() Millions of people in Spain saw our instrument this week on The Spanish National TV (TVE1) Newscast aired about Gorka Hermosa’s latest CD "Gorka Hermosa & Blanchard Strings". Gorka is very happy that TVE has considered that he deserves to be on the news. He says “I think is so important that millions of people in all Spain has seen our instrument. I feel a bit overwhelmed.... but very, very happy”. |
Dunloy Accordion Band VE Day Video – Northern Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The band, which was formed in 1956 is based in the village of Dunloy, Ballymoney, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland and enjoys playing at the annual Dunloy Parade (picture left) each July, which is one of the largest in the area. |
Cancelled: 32nd Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon 2020 – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() Faced with the obligation to comply with the guidelines of Public Health, including the measure of physical distance of 2 meters and various other limitations and constraints, it has become impossible to hold this international event. However, they are determined to offer a large and quality event in 2021 and have already started working on it. Anxious to maintain a closeness with its accordion fans, festival-goers and volunteers, the team at Carrefour Mondial de l’accordéon plans to unveil an online program throughout the summer. A variety of different scenarios are currently being considered, some of which depend on the evolution of the Covid-19 situation. For further information email: direction.accordeon@montmagny.com |
Future events |
Alexander Poeluev Live Concert Onlineby Harley Jones |
![]() During the concert, Alexander will make a dedication in memory of his friend Lou Coppola with “Hallelujah”. The program will also contain music in all genres and styles from classical pieces to the most modern ones. It is suggested that the audience check in an hour earlier to see any advance announcements regarding the concert in the event there are any transmission difficulties or delays. During the concert the audience may make any donations that they wish. For further details email: EPetrowskiJr@iCloud.com |
Not Just Oom-Pah Goes Online, Texas - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() ![]() The event will include featured presenters Alicia Baker (picture left) and Kevin Solecki (picture right) who will give concerts and workshops as follows: Alicia Baker workshops include: Parisienne Cafe Music, All About Articulation, Tips & Tricks for Left Hand Accordion, Bellows, Bellows, Bellows, The Ultimate Coordination - Singing While Playing Accordion and How to Use Piano Sheet Music for Accordion. Kevin Solecki workshops include: Different Styles of Polka Performance, Other Styles of Ethnic Music, History of Polka, How to Embellish Your Music (How to Play a Polka Effectively and Playing with Others (Duets/Bands). Concerts will be presented on June 14th & 22nd with workshops from June 23rd to 28th. Not Just Oom-pah are also offering one free Youth Scholarship for a young accordionist age 18 or under. Applications are due by June 5th. Registrations are requested by June 15th, 2020. For details email: Ljniland@texas.net |
Noton Masterclasses Planned in Manigod - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The masterclasses will include tutors Roman Jbanov, Patricia Hivert, Michel Madeira and Jean-Louis Noton. Unfortunately, as there is some uncertainty as to whether the hotel will be able to re-open by July 17th because of Covid-19, Jean-Louis Noton is asking interested accordionists to pre-register. This is so they can begin preparations, ready for the announcement by authorities in early June confirming the hotel can re-open. Please pre-register your interest by phoning: 06 03 16 42 83 |
International Accordion Composition Competition “Francisco Escudero” - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The objective of the contest is to promote the creation of pieces for solo accordion and for accordion in chamber music. Works may be composed for solo accordion or for chamber music with accordion, and their length may not exceed 10 minutes. The competition is open to composers of any age and nationality. Only pieces written after January 2016 will be admitted. Works presented may be commissioned, but must never have been previously performed either in public or through any digital or mechanical means. The closing date for entries is 16th October 2020. For further details email: info@hauspoz.org Please click here for competition information and rules: 2020Escudero.pdf |
New and Updated Sites |
Report: 6th May World Accordion Day Broadcast - Worldwideby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() WAD2020 includes: An introduction and performance by 2019 CIA Coupe Mondiale winner Kirill Rusinov A welcome by Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) and Kevin Friedrich (USA) Information and plans for the 2020 73rd CIA Coupe Mondiale hosted by the Accordion Association of Algarve, Portugal from October 5th to 11th, 2020 Information and performances from the Czech Accordion Association – accordionist Milan Rehak likes to entertain by playing something different, performing a fascinating arrangement of “Bach Meets ACDC” Interview with Motion Trio and world premiere of a new work by Motion Trio and the Ratingen Kammerchoir entitled “Helicopter” to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Motion Trio playing together. The CD will be released soon. Performances at 2019 CIA Coupe Mondiale (Shenzhen, China) by winners and concert performers, plus 2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival and a new composition by Nova Wan were all featured in the China Accordion Association segment. Article below with further information. The final performance is Radu Ratoi playing Dance Macabre by Saint-Saens. Radu is the winner of the 2019 CIA Coupe Mondiale Masters Category 6th May broadcast: WAD2020 |
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