Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
New and Updated Sites |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
PIF 2020 Rules Castelfidardo - Italyby Harley Jones |
The 45th PIF International “Città di Castelfidardo” accordion prize for soloists, ensemble & composers will be held from September 16th to 20th, 2020. Competition rules are now published. Download the 2020 PIF Rules in English and Italian: 2020PIF-Rules.pdf The City Council of Castelfidardo led by Mayor Roberto Ascani, the Councilor for Culture Ruben Cittadini and Artistic Director Renzo Ruggieri welcomes everyone to Castelfidardo. The closing date for entries for classic composition is April 30th 2020 and the closing date for all other entries is August 31st, 2020. |
Video: Tightrope Accordionist - Do Not Try this at Home!! - Netherlandsby Harley Jones |
We don't recommend you try tightrope walking over water with your accordion! However, enjoy this short video made available online by Muziekhandel Kees van Willigen, Barneveld, Netherlands. Who is the accordionist? |
14th Accordion Art Festival “Italia” Award – Italyby Christine Johnstone |
The 14th Accordion Art Festival “Italia” Award will be held from June 19th to 21st in Roseto degli Abruzzi, TE, Italy, organised by Art Director Renzo Ruggieri (picture left). Contestants from any country and with instruments of all brands are eligible to take part. The competition will include a variety of age group categories for classical accordion, virtuoso accordion, diatonic accordion, electronic accordion and other musical instruments. Special prizes include the Antonio Cericola Award for soloist with orchestra and the Renzo Ruggieri Award for soloists - all instruments. These categories are dedicated to the compositions of Antonio Cericola and Renzo Ruggieri and require the execution of a single piece of any length. Candidates can also perform personal arrangements of the compositions. Competition entries close on June 15th, 2020. Download competition rules here: 2020AAFItaliaRules.pdf Picture below: 2019 winners as follows Groups & Special: Chorocarioca Classical accordion: Alberto Nardelli Virtuoso accordion: Manuel Marchegiani Diatonic accordion: Francesco Scarselli Renzo Ruggieri Award: Lorenzo dalla Rosa |
2020 World Accordion Polka Cup, Button Akordion Rocks Club – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionists are invited to the 2020 World Accordion Polka Competition held in Ontario, Canada in July and August organised by the Button Akordion Rocks Club. The event will include categories for players of diatonic, piano, or chromatic accordion for all ages. Preliminary rounds will be held on July 25th, 2020 in the Slovenija Center, at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Toronto, Ontario. Finals will be held on August 2nd, 2020 at the Hunters and Anglers Club in Everett, Ontario. Three champions (chromatic, piano, and diatonic accordion) will be crowned. Additional grand prize and world cup title will be awarded to the top scoring accordionist overall. See the poster for details. Entries close June 25th, 2020. Download rules and registration form here: 2020PolkaRules.pdf |
World Accordion Day Fundraiser for NZ Coupe Mondiale Competitors - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
The New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) is sponsoring World Accordion Day with a concert supporting the NZ competitors to the 2020 Coupe Mondiale, Jessie Chen, Catrina Lin and Angela Chen. The concert, on World Accordion Day, Wednesday 6th May, will start at 7pm at the Rose Theatre, 4 School Road, Belmont. Poster download: 2020nz-wad.pdf Groups performing in support include the Auckland Accordion Symphonietta conducted by Lionel Reekie, North Shore Music Makers Accordion Orchestra conducted by Christine Johnstone and the North Shore Musicale Accordion Orchestra conducted by Megan Jennings. The finale of the concert will be special guest Grayson Masefield. The concert will be filmed for the World Accordion Day website and will be part of many other events happening around the world to celebrate May 6th 1829, the date the accordion was first patented, in Vienna, Austria, by Cyrillius Demien. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Raimondas Sviackevicius Appointed as Professor at LMTA - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
Raimondas Sviackevicius (picture right) was appointed a Professor at the LMTA Lithuanian Academy of Music & Theatre (Lietuvos muzikos ir teatro akademija) in Vilnius, Lithuania on February 19th, 2020. The LMTA is a University of higher education and training for music - solo performers, improvisors, orchestras, musical accompaniment, as well as theatre, cinema, dance art, sound operators etc. They specialize in theory and history, ethnic music, musical aesthetics, musical philosophy and other music science. |
Kateryna Pylypenko New Music and Recordings - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Kateryna Pylypenko, accordionist, poet, artist and composer of Ukraine has released her first publications. Catalog: pylypenko101 Rainbow Animals for accordion composed by Kateryna Pylypenko. Rainbow Animals is an album of modern compositions for accordion designed for elementary school students. The album includes 7 different shaped compositions. 29 pages of music and artwork. Hear the sound samples online. If you order the Rainbow Animals pdf book, you will also receive free of charge the sound files of the 7 complete pieces as performed by the composer. Catalog: pylypenko102 Le Onde for accordion composed by Ludovico Einaudi, transcribed by Kateryna Pylypenko. |
Future events |
“Love is in the Air” Concert, Christchurch – New Zealandby Harley Jones |
The Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (conducted by David Thorne) are the guest performers at a “Love is in the Air” concert on February 23rd at 5pm. The event, which includes the St Albans Community Choir will be held at St Paul’s Parish Church in Christchurch. Admission is by donation and guests will be treated to a light supper. The Christchurch Accordion Orchestra enjoy performing a varied program to delight their audience. For information phone: 027 210 4600 |
“Swing de France” Concert in Cape Town – South Africaby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Stanislav Angelov will perform at a “Swing de France” concert along with Dave Ledbetter (guitar and piano) on February 23rd at 6.30pm. The concert will be held at The Alma Café in Rosebank, Cape Town. The duo recently performed a successful show at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre and The Alma Café is a smaller and more intimate venue. They will take you on a journey to the Eiffel Tower at a Paris Café with music such as Valse Musette (also known as French Café music in South Africa), Gypsy Jazz of Django Reinhardt, music of Richard Galliano and Jazz standards, all played "French style". Look forward to pieces such as Sous le ciel de Paris, La vie en Rose, Minor Swing, Swing Gitan and more. Bookings are essential. Phone: 021 685 7377 |
2nd International Competition V.F.Gridin, Kursk - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
The 2nd International Competition V.F.Gridin will be held in Kursk, Russia from February 28th to March 3rd, 2020. The festival begins on the birthday of Victor Gridin - February 28th. This year the folk artist would have turned 77 years old. Competition attendees include cultural educational organizations specializing in bayan and accordion. The founders of the Competition are the Kursk Region Culture Committee and the "Training & Methodological Center of the Kursk Region Culture Committee". The competition aims to promote the work of the bayanist virtuoso and composer V.F. Gridin, to help identify and support young talented bayanists and accordionists, and to improve their professional skills. Victor Gridin was born in the village of Pristennoy Kursk region. He worked in the Variety and Symphony Orchestra of the All-Union Radio and Central Television under the direction of Yuri Silantyev, then in the Alexandrov Ensemble. Together with Lyudmila, he created the famous State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble "Russia" and for 17 years was its chief conductor and soloist. Already a well-known artist, he often came to Kursk. This year competitors will receive prize money in the following categories: Grand Prix, Senior soloist, Middle soloist and junior soloists. See poster for details. |
Beltango Quinteto Concert “Temps Fort Tango” - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
Video: A Evaristo Carriego - Beltango & Virginia y Cesar Beltango Quinteto will give a concert entitled “Temps Fort Tango” at the Mlc Les Saulnières in Le Mans, France on February 29th, 2020 at 8.30pm, hosted by Superforma. Band members are Aleksandar Nikolic (bandoneon), Ivana Nikolic (piano & vocals), Antonija Barna (violin), Bogdan Pejic (guitar) and Petar Holik (double bass). They play a variety of traditional tango pieces, modern tango, Astor Piazzolla's Tango Nuevo compositions as well as their own Beltango compositions from the opus "Balkango". This concert is part of their current European tour. See poster below with details of tour dates. For further concert details email: info@beltango.com |
Sharon Shannon Celebrates 30 Years at Sell-Out Concert – Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Sharon Shannon & Friends - Ring of fire, Live at Dolans. Popular accordionist Sharon Shannon will perform her 30 year celebration concert to a sell-out crowd at the Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre in Bray, Ireland on February 29th. In June 1989 Sharon was rehearsing and playing demo tracks for her first album, when she was whisked away to Glastonbury festival with The Waterboys. In the 30 years that has elapsed since then, Sharon has recorded 10 studio albums; 5 Live albums, 4 Best of compilations and 3 live Concert DVDs. She has received many awards including being the youngest ever recipient of the Meteor Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2009. At Mermaid Arts Centre Sharon Shannon will showcase music from her back catalogue beginning in 1989 right through to the present day. |
“Orchestra Encounters” at Reunion Islandby Christine Johnstone |
The Reunion Island Polyphonia Orchestra conducted by Pierre Varo will perform at “Orchestra Encounters” at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional. The concert will take place on March 1st at 3pm. The orchestra is planning a trip to three states on the West Coast of USA in July and August of this year, giving concerts and taking part in an international competition in Los Angeles. Entrance to this concert is free of charge. For details email: polyphonia.orchestra@gmail.com |
10th International Accordion Festival Bela pl. Panthy – Croatiaby Christine Johnstone |
The 10th International Accordion Festival Bela pl. Panthy will be held in Slavonski Brod, Croatia from March 5th to 8th, 2020. The event aims to celebrate the 10th jubilee of the festival with a variety of concerts, tour of the town, dinner parties, lectures and a special exhibition “The first 10 years of the International accordion festival Bela pl. Panthy”. On opening concert entitled “No one but you: The best of Queen” will be held at the KKD Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic in Slavonski Brod with entertainment by the Accordion orchestra Bela pl. Panthy and guests - iMTM from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A Presentation of the Proceedings of the Art and Scientific Conference “Music as an Incentive” will be held at the Ruzic Gallery, Old Fortress on March 7th along with festival exhibition and a Lecture: Doc. Art. Dr. Art. Denis Modrusan (Pula Academy of Music). Concerts will also be given by Sara Sucic (accordion) and Duo Artina (Martina Jembrišak: accordionist and Andrea Jelavic: flute - picture left). This event promises to be a sell-out. For details email: info@festival-bela-panthy.com |
Foster & Allen Timeless Memories 2020 UK Tourby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Foster & Allen - Mrs. Brown's Boys Popular duo Foster & Allen will tour the UK in March entertaining with their Timeless Memories 2020 UK Tour. The duo, which includes Mick Foster (accordion) and Tony Allen (guitar), both from Ireland, have been entertaining for more than 40 years and have released over 30 albums. Tour dates are: 19th March: The Core Theatre Solihull. Phone: 01 21 704 6962 20th March: The Brook Theatre Chatham. Phone: 01 634 338338 21st March: The West Cliff Theatre Clacton-on-Sea. Phone: 01 255 433344 22nd March: The Regent Centre Christchurch. Phone: 01 202 499199 24th March: Beck Theatre Hayes. Phone: 020 8561 8371 25th March: The Grove Theatre Dunstable. Phone: 01 582 602080 26th March: The Churchill Theatre Bromley. Phone: 02 03 285 6000 27th March: Princess Theatre Hunstanton. Phone: 01 485 532252 28th March: The Haymarket Basingstoke. Phone: 01 256 844244 29th March: The Core at Corby Cube Corby. Phone: 01 536 470470 31st March: The Towngate Theatre Basildon. Phone: 01 268 205300 1st April: Parr Hall Warrington. Phone: 01 925 442345 2nd April: The Prince of Wales Theatre Cannock. Phone: 01 543 578762 3rd April: Royal Spa Centre Royal Leamington Spa. Phone: 01 926 334418 4th April: The Plaza Stockport. Phone: 01 61 477 7779 5th April: The Albert Halls Bolton. Phone: 0843 20 80 500 |
National Accordion Competition in North Holland - Netherlandsby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The National Soloists and Chamber Music Competition 2020 will take place in the Music and Dance School Amstelveen, North Holland on March 15th organised by Novam (Nederloadse Organisatie Voor Accordeon en Mondharmonica). The competition will include a variety of age group categories. Registrations for this competition have now closed. See poster for details. |
3rd All-Russian Competition "Baroque Music on Bayan and Accordion", Moscow - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
The 3rd All-Russian Competition "Baroque Music on Bayan and Accordion" will be held on March 20th at the Russian Academy of Music (RAM) Organ Hall (named after the Gnesin) in Moscow, Russia. Competition entrants will perform the following works: - J.S. Bach fugue. - 17th and 18th century work by D. Scarlatti, D. Chimarosa, F. Couperin, J.-F. Ramo or L.-K. Ducken. There are no age or time limits. The jury will comprise of teachers of the departments of organ, harpsichord and bayan & accordion from the RAM. Competition entries close on March 10th, 2020. For details email: vlassovamaria@mail.ru |
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl (1937 to 2017) eBook Special Price - USAby Leesa Dahl |
The home page of Gary Dahl (1937 to 2017) has been updated and for the first time, a special price is offered for the complete collection of Gary Dahl eBooks #1 to #10. The 10 eBooks worth USD $335 with 156 titles is emailed to you for the special price of USD$220, catalog DH01-10eB. DH01-eB Latin Spectacular! DH02-eB Favorite French Standards DH03-eB The American Songbook DH04-eB Favorite Waltzes & Polkas DH05-eB Easy Listening Variety DH06-eB Easy Listening Variety DH07-eB Traditional Polish Carols DH08-eB Italian Collection DH09-eB Traditional Christmas Carols DH10-eB Polka! Click DH01-10eB to purchase the 10 Gary Dahl eBooks for US$220 |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |