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Highlights |
25th Anniversary of the Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration - USAby Kathleen Falco |
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![]() Note the outstanding performers, Michael Bridge, Alicia Baker (newly added to the performers list), Bruce Gassman, Cory Pesaturo, and Murl Allen Sanders just to name a few. The variety of music will showcase the versatility of the accordion. Also, there will be performances by the former Leavenworth Open winners from past years as well as workshops that will hone your skill and musicianship. This year, the Gazebo Ensemble will perform on the Festhalle stage. This is a first! There is also competition in different categories, workshops, concerts in the evenings, jams in different Restaurants. There also is an Accordion Parade on Saturday during the Celebration. Rules and entry information at: 2018LIAC-Rules.pdf Entry closing date: 08 June 2018 Leavenworth, WA is a Bavarian town located in the Cascade Mountains, you will almost feel like your are in Bavaria with the gorgeous painting on most of the buildings in the downtown area. This is a Celebration not to be missed and with all the music that will be there. Again check out the website at Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration (LIAC) |
Mario Gatto Concert in Seoul, 26 May, 3 pm - South Koreaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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Italian accordionist Mario Gatto and his friend Fabrizio Malerba (guitar) are performing in Seoul, South Korea on the 26th of May 2018, at 3:00 pm. The concert is sponsored by Beltuna Italy and Central Instruments, one of the largest music stores in South Korea. Concert venue details on the poster. Printable poster: 2018Gatto.pdf |
Herbert Scheibenreif’s ‘Goldene Ehrennadel’ Award, Vienna – Austriaby Rob Howard |
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![]() Herbert Scheibenreif is a Vice-President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), he holds a Doctorate in Romance Languages and in addition, a diploma for teaching French language and mathematics. He has also completed an advanced course at Russia‘s Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow (class of Professor Friedrich Lips). Herbert has adjudicated at many accordion competitions throughout the world and played for many years in the Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble. He has studied accordion with Lech Puchnowski, Mogens Ellegaard and Friedrich Lips at international seminars. Herbert is the Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions and producer of the Lips CD series (28 CDs) and also as a translator, including assisting with the Friedrich Lips German books Catalog: kslips01 'Die Kunst des Bajanspiels' and Catalog: kslips02 'Die Kunst der Bearbeitung klassischer Musik für Akkordeon' as well as a correspondent to accordion newspapers and Accordions Worldwide. For more than 30 years, Herbert has been organizing seminars and concert tours of internationally renowned accordionists and a member of the HVÖ and CIA Executive. This award is well deserved and recognizes the many years of service to the advancement of the accordion both in Austria and internationally by Herbert Scheibenreif. |
2nd International Competition for Composition “Città di Spoleto” - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() The jury chairman will be Fabrizio De Rossi Re (picture left). The music time limit is 12 minutes, the compositions must be unpublished and not been awarded prizes in any other competition. Composers must send the score in pdf format to the email: info@strumentiemusica.com by September 15th, 2018. Download full information at: 2018SpoletoCompose.pdf |
Antonio Spaccarotella Honorary Professor Award, Rostov-on-Don, Russiaby Rob Howard |
![]() Antonio Spaccarotella (born in 1984), studied jazz accordion with Renzo Ruggeri at the conservatory of music G. BRAGA, Teramo, Italy, where he also studied history of jazz, contemporary arrangement for small and medium-sized formations and electronic music. He is a specialist for the disciplines in World Music and has been involved with many musical projects, teaches modern and classical accordion at the Nuove Armonie Musical Institute (Italy), performs, and holds seminars and master classes at Shanghai Normal University (China), Department of Music of the of Paraiba Federal University (Brazil), Conservatory of Music P. I. Tchaikovsky (Moscow). He has performed in Italy and abroad with tours in France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Russia, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, England, New Zealand, China, Canada and USA. |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
World Accordion Day in Gdańsk - Polandby Harley Jones |
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![]() Working at the Academy of Music in Gdansk, is tutor Dr. Pawel Zaganczyk (picture right). The programme includes many interesting concerts, sessions and workshops that will take place in the Senate Hall of the Stanislaw Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdansk. The day will start with a mini jazz concert of the accordion quartet led by Cezary Paciorek. Then students from Gdansk, Lódz, Kraków and Warsaw will take part in the 3rd Students' Scientific Session. The workshops titled "Artist in the modern world" will be led with Monika Lajming, Róza Lorenc and Maciej Frackiewicz. The final concert will be Maciej Frackiewicz's accordion recital. One of the most interesting Polish accordionists will perform, among others, works by Mikolaj Majkusiak, Dariusz Przybylski and Krzysztof Penderecki. The artist's performance will be preceded by a short performance by Kacprzak \ Sokolowski Duo, 3rd prize winners at the prestigious accordion competition in Klingenthal. Admission free! |
World Accordion Day Release of 3rd CD by Grayson Masefield - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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![]() Grayson01 'Concert Accordion Music' CD or download mp3 album Grayson02 'Symbols of Semionov' CD or download mp3 album Grayson03 'Baroque Transcriptions' CD or download mp3 album Each album is released as a CD or available for purchase and streaming online from all major digital distributors. Baroque Transcriptions Track List Click on the links to play a sound sample 1. Chaconne in F minor, (P.43), Pachelbel, Johann 2. Sonata in D minor (K.9), Domenico Scarlatti 3. Choral Prelude "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," (BWV 659), Johann Sebastian Bach 4. Sonata in D Major (K.29), Domenico Scarlatti 5. Sonata in B minor (K.87), Domenico Scarlatti 6. Sonata in B Major (K.262), Domenico Scarlatti 7. Sonata in B minor (K.27), Domenico Scarlatti 8. Passacaglia in C minor (BWV 582), Johann Sebastian Bach 9. Fugue in C minor (BWV 582), Johann Sebastian Bach |
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First Video Clip, Herbert Pixner Projekt New Album - Austriaby Harley Jones |
Herbert Pixner Projekt celebrating with Three Saints Records in the Tirolian Swarovski Kristallwelten (Wattens) on 15th May 2018. Here is the first video clip from the Album "Lost Elysion" which will be released on 6th July by Three Saints Records. Tickets for the #ElectrifyingTour 2018 are available: http://www.threesaintsrecords.com |
Alfred Melichar, Bachelor & Master Study for Accordion, Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität Linz - Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() ![]() You will receive an invitation to the general entrance exams/audition by e-mail upon completing the online registration at: www.bruckneruni.at/ or in English at: https://www.bruckneruni.at/en/ Music theory written exam (Bachelor programs): please refer to the general information regarding entrance exams. Performance presentation (Bachelor and Master programs), Accordion is on 17 & 18 September 2018, Großer Saal (Ground floor). |
Video: Libertango Milos Milivojevic with Craig Ogdenby Harley Jones |
Libertango composed by Astor Piazzolla and performed by Milos Milivojevic and Craig Ogden (guitar), live at Sallow Tree Concerts, June 2016. |
Future events |
Ferran Martinez Concerts, Barcelona, Girona – Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() Saturday May 19th, 10pm - Rte La Bufaf Collsuspina, Barcelona Saturday May 26th, 10pm - Taverna la Bella Lola, Pals, Girona Ferran Martinez, born in 1971, is a graduate of the Barcelona Conservatory. He performs solo classical concerts and is a member of the Cavall Bernat group, performing Catalan popular music. He is also both an accordion and computer teacher. Cavall Bernat have recently released a new CD, Ulls de Mar’. This month they perform on May 19th at Rte La Bufa, and on May 26th at Taverna La Bella Lola. For further information email: ferranbayan@gmail.com |
Kosmos Ensemble Concert, Jersey – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The Kosmos Ensemble are Miloš Milivojevic (accordion), Harriet Mackenzie (violin) and Meg Hamilton (viola). They have performed internationally to great acclaim, notably at the London Southbank Centre, Wales Millennium Centre, international festivals, and tours in Poland, Italy, Greece; live performances on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Serbian-born Miloš Milivojevic has won international competitions in Germany, France, Italy, and Denmark. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he graduated and was awarded with Dip RAM. In 2007 he was the first accordionist to win the RAM Club Prize and in 2008 won the Derek Butler London Prize at the Wigmore Hall, London. |
2nd Festival Toscano dell’Organetto Diatonico, Campi Bisenzio (FI) - Italyby Rob Howard |
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The 2nd Festival Toscano dell’Organetto Diatonico (Tuscan Festival of the Diatonic Accordion) takes place on May 19th and 20th at “La Tartaruga” restaurant, via dei Confini 162, Capalle di Campi Bisenzio (FI). The festival includes selection for the Italian Diatonic Accordion Championships, and is open to players of any nationality and with any type or brand of diatonic accordion. On Saturday May 19th registration and competition begins at 2pm in the "La Tartaruga" restaurant, and at 9pm there will be an evening of entertainment and dancing. On Sunday May 20th the registration and competition begins at 9am, with a lunch break from 1pm until 3pm, followed by the last of the competition. The awards ceremony will be during the evening. |
Charity Accordion Concert, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
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Gianni Mirizzi Concert, Rome – Italyby Rob Howard |
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On Sunday May 20th, 10am, accordionist Gianni Mirizzi performs in concert at Villa Pamphilj, Via Vitellia, 102 Rome. Gianni Mirizzi, initially inspired by Pino di Modugno, studied the accordion with Giancarlo Caporilli in Rome and later with Emanuele Rastelli. He has taught the accordion in schools, performed many concerts, made numerous recordings, performed internationally, and formed his own dance orchestra. In 2008 he joined the ‘Musictech Digital Accordion Orchestra’, the first digital accordion orchestra that performed in Castelfidardo (Ancona) on the occasion of the 33rd ‘International Festival of Accordion’. |
East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra Concerts, Northern Ireland – UKby Rob Howard |
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The East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra (MD Clyde Johnston) performs public concerts this summer, as listed on the poster. Formed in 2006 the East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra consists mainly of adult and former adult students of the East Antrim Accordion School. They play for fun with the music consisting of light entertaining pieces such as The Wonder of You, James Bond Theme, Hallelujah, Young Amadeus, Sweet Caroline, Release Me, Your Cheating Heart, Carrickfergus, American Trilogy, Russian National Anthem, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, The Carnival is Over, and more. For further information email: clyde.johnston@hotmail.co.uk |
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A.C. Amigos do Acordeon Concerts, Galicia – Spainby Rob Howard |
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The 8 strong accordion ensemble, the Asociación Cultural Amigos do Acordeón das Rías Baixas, performs in concert in Galicia this month, as follows: Sunday May 20th, 6pm - Cultural De Cabral Vigo Sunday May 27th,5pm - Castrelo Cambados For further information email: pdovalo@gmail.com |
Heather Smith Concert, Birmingham – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Heather Smith, from Hull in Yorkshire, is a former British Accordion Champion, and achieved second place in the Junior CMA Trophee Mondiale. For many years she also played bothe electronic and theatre organs. Since 1997 she has been the editor of the magazine Accordion Profile, and has also organised accordion festivals in Caister, Seacroft, Mundesley, Pakefield, and Blackpool. Heather plays solo concerts on acoustic accordion, and also in the Rhythm Section of the East Coast Swing Band playing the keyboard parts on her SEM digital accordion. For further information email: enquiries@accordioncentre.com |
Ærø Accordion Festival, Marstal – Denmarkby Rob Howard |
![]() This year’s festival guests include Vladimir Ushakov (Russia) and Svetlana Stavitskya (Latvia), Sveriges Cultband (Sweden), Tunnbybälgarna under Börje Färm (Sweden), The Happy Skvett group (Norway), Strømmen Trekkspillsklub (Norway), Halden Trekkspillsklub (Norway), Kjell Harald Langhaug and Per Bredesen (Norway), Odd Arne Halaas and Reidar Dahle (Norway), Søren Brix (Denmark), Mogens Bækgaard (Denmark), and Kristian Rusbjerg (Denmark). There will be scheduled music in three main venues: a new big-top tent for 400 people, in the hall of Marstal Yacht Club, and in the charming hall of the rowers that opens up towards the marina with the moon and stars above. For further information email: info@harmonika-festival.dk |
History of the Accordion Lecture, Saint Julien Les Villas – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() The lecture will examine the accordion’s origins, from the early 19th Century right up to the present time. The talk will show how the accordion has adapted to international and national folk styles, classical, jazz, musette, and tango over the years. There is no admission charge. |
CT Tango Ensemble play for a Milonga, Cape Town – South Africaby Rob Howard |
On Saturday May 26th, 7.30pm-11pm, the CT Tango Ensemble performs tango social dancing known as Milonga at iKhaya Lodge, Dunkley Square, Cape Town, Western Cape. There is a free one hour tango beginner’s lesson at 7.30pm to learn some tango basics, followed by dancing. The members of the CT Tango Ensemble are Stanislav Angelov – accordion, Petrus de Beer – violin, and Albert Combrink - piano. Stanislav Angelov studied the accordion in his native Bulgaria, and received a degree in accordion in 1991, after which he taught at the ‘Constantine Preslavsky’ University, Shumen. In 1992 he moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where he performs, records and teaches. For further information email: rachael@libertango.co.za |
Philharmonika Festival Concert, Berlin – Germanyby Rob Howard |
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The Philharmonika Festival concert, involving several international accordionists and the Streichorchester, conducted by Vladimir Zubitsky, takes place on Saturday May 26th, 6pm, in the Chamber Hall of the Berlin Philharmonie. Accordionists performing include Grayson Masefield, Yuri Shishkin, Matthias Matzke, Anna Kryshtaleva, Alena Budzináková, Grzegorz Palus, Daniel Roth, and Marius Staible. The programme includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Astor Piazzolla, Richard Galliano, and other composers. The Philharmonika Festival also includes concerts on May 24th in the music school Treptow-Köpenick, on May 27th in the Pyramid in Berlin Hellersdorf, and other smaller concerts in other venues. On May 27th Grayson Masefield will hold a master class for five to seven participants. For further information email: fleischhauer@pantonale.com |
Paolo Bertoli Dance Gigs List – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() Paolo Bertoli, was born of Italian parents in 1974 in Wales, UK. He began playing the accordion at the age of seven, and later moved to Italy, where he formed a dance orchestra that performs in dance halls throughout of northern Italy. His orchestra has also played annually at a function in Paris, France, for several years. For further information email: info@orchestraballolischio.com |
Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
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The annual Isle of Skye Accordion & Fiddle Festival takes place in Portree, Skye, from May 24th to 26th, featuring concerts and ceilidhs. The main events of the festival include: Thursday May 24th, 7.30pm - Jennifer Cruickshank Band, Well Plaid, Royal Hotel, Portree Friday May 25th, 7.30pm - Willie MacFarlane Band, Well Plaid, Royal Hotel, Portree Saturday May 26th, 2pm - Martainn Skene Highland Dance Band, Well Plaid, Royal Hotel, Portree Saturday May 26th, 8.30pm - Ceilidh dance in Skye Gathering Hall, Portree, with the Ian Hutson Scottish Dance Band For further information email: info@skyemusic.co.uk |
Auckland Accordion Symphonietta Concert, 26 May, Takapuna - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: Mika Väyrynen, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) - Switzerlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) welcomes Mika Väyrynen as new accordion lecturer starting in the academic year 2018/19. Students are invited to apply now for studies at ZHdK for the upcoming academic year of studies. Potential students may see the state of the art facilities at https://www.zhdk.ch/en/dmu. The Department of Music offers programs in the creation, teaching, and interpretation of classical music, jazz, pop, and church music. Two BA and four MA degree courses provide professional training for future orchestra and school musicians, orchestra and choir conductors, soloists and chamber musicians. The application deadline is 31st of May 2018 with the examination date set for the 4th of June 2018 with additional information being found at : https://www.zhdk.ch/en/accordion-6494. For more information, questions and application details, please contact: barbara.portmann@zhdk.ch. |
New Ruggieri Work For Free Bass "Il bosco incantato" - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() Renzo Ruggieri has released "Il bosco incantato" the first piece he has composed for free bass accordion. Renzo writes: "I wrote the melody for a theatrical show by Marco Goldin - to whom the piece is dedicated - on the famous painter Edward Munch. In fact, the title recalls one of his paintings "The Enchanted Forest" of 1903. Then the simple melodic idea was reworked, arranged and used for "the guided solo", a moment that the soloist can freely interpret and personalize." Available online, also view sample page, at catalog No: rrenzo517 |
Growing up in the (USA) accordion schools: The 1950s through the 1970sby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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![]() ---------------------------------------------------------- Growing up in the accordion schools - The 1950s through the 1970s Thank you Joan Sommers, Liz Finch, Joe Cerrito, Mark Yacovone, Linda Soley Reed, Rita Barnea, Karen Malan-Uribe and Marilyn O’Neil for their contributions to this article! Read the full article by Joan Grauman at: Growing up in the accordion schools - The 1950s through the 1970s |
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