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http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=16-Aug-2019&lang=en&s=15708
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=16-Aug-2019&lang=en&s=15708
16-Aug-2019
Successful Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International, 79th Annual Festival - USAby Amy Jo Sawyer |
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  Picture above left of competitor Josie Beach and her balloon accordion.The Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Denver, Colorado, served as the venue for the 79th Annual ATG Festival from July 24th to 27th. Well attended by guests from many states, the event opened with a “Meet & Greet” evening with entertainment by Cory Pesaturo, and Denver Saxophonist Jeff Nathanson. A nice variety of appetizers were enjoyed by those attending. Workshops, Luncheons with Entertainment, Banquet, Competitions, ATG Orchestra (picture top), Youth Ensemble, and evening Concerts were highlights of the event. The Theme for this year’s event was “The Year of The Duos” as many of the performers were duos including husband and wife teams. Special guest artists from Lithuania, “Tutto a Dio” - Greta Staponkute (viola) and Augustinas Rakauskas (accordion) were featured in several concerts. Internationally well known artist, Cory Pesaturo, also performed solos and “impromptu duets” with Augustinas. Denver artists Dan & Kim Christian (husband and wife team), were also featured. Local artists, John & Madalynn Neu were featured performing with the “Voice of the Wood Chamber Players”, an ensemble of violins, viola and cello from Denver. A concert of Brazilian music featuring Seattle artists, Gabe Hall-Rodrigues & Jamie Maschler (picture above right), “Creosote”, was enjoyed by all. Betty Jo Simon, well known artist from the Kansas City area, also performed. “Child’s Play”, a commissioned piece by the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) was performed by the composer, Joseph Natoli with Madalynn Neu, Ken Baert, Michael Marecak (cello) and conducted by Joan Sommers. The President’s Ensemble, featuring ATG President, Joseph Natoli, Kenn Baert, Amy Jo Sawyer, Liz Finch and Gail Campanella performed new repertoire for accordion ensemble. It is the ATG Tradition to feature an afternoon concert of “Original music for the Accordion”. A large ensemble, directed by Joan Cochran Sommers, performed several original selections. Soloists performing original music were Donna Dee Ray (Fla), Beverley Fess, (Canada), and Gail Campanella, (Calif) as well as a duet performance of an original piece, “Friendship”, by Joe Natoli and Kenn Baert. The ATG Orchestra, under the direction of Joan Cochran Sommers, is always a special opportunity to learn and perform under the baton of Joan. Competitions were held and trophies awarded to participants from Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, California, Minnesota and Denver. A Youth Mixed Ensemble, directed by Beverley Fess, performed at the Awards Concert. At the Gala Banquet on Friday evening, the ATG inducted Amy Jo Sawyer into the ATG Hall of Fame. (picture below) |
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