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Highlights |
What Are You Doing For World Accordion Day? - Internationalby Harley Jones |
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![]() World Accordion Day was started in 2009 by the CIA and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the World Accordion Day website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of Accordion Day if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their World Accordion Day activity on the website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating World Accordion Day 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. |
2016 Harbin China Summer International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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![]() From August 3rd to 7th 2016, some of the finest accordionists around the world will be competing and performing at the Concert Hall of Harbin Normal University. There will be concerts, workshops and a major international accordion competition. Download the competition rules and entry form in Chinese and English at: 2016Harbin Entries close: 25th July The Harbin 2016 chief organizer is Prof. Wang Hongyu (picture left), President of Music College of Harbin Normal University. Wang Hongyu is a master tutor who has been invited to Russia, France, Italy, South Pacific and other international accordion competitions as a jury member some 12 times in recent years. Prof. Wang Hongyu ran the very successful Harbin 2010, Harbin 2012 and Harbin 2014 Summer International Accordion Art Week and Competitions which attracted over 500 entrants with many competitors from outside China. |
Jacques Mornet Moscow Silver Disc Award, Moscow - Russiaby Harley Jones |
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![]() Report and videos at: 2015Moscow Picture above: Alexander Gataullin Competitions Director (left) and Friedrich Lips Artistic Director (right) presenting the Silver Disc Award to Jacques Mornet. The Silver Disc is awarded to artists, composers, producers, professors, etc. Russian and foreign, who have made a major contribution to the development of the accordion. This award recognizes the very large contribution of Jacques Mornet over many years, teaching high level students. Only three French had received this award since its creation in 1993. Max Bonnay (1996), Alain Musichini (1998) and Marcel Azzola (2003). Also in 2015, Jacques Mornet was was awarded the national "Gus Viseur" teachers prize at the "Paris accordion exhibition 2015". Another prestigious award was the CIA Merit Award which was awarded to Jacques Mornet in 2003. Other French to receive the CIA Merit Award are: Emil Carrera (1972), Max Francy (1972), André Astier (1972), Paul Marchietti (2004). Attached is a list of students of Jacques Mornet and CNIMA J.Mornet school who have gained a 1st place in international competitions (59 variety - 45 academic categories) from 1981 to November 2014. Mornet1st.pdf |
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano @ Eastbourne Festival, East Sussex - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The guest performers include Pearl Fawcett-Adriano, Ian Watson, Julie North, Colin Walker, Harry Hussey, and John Romero. The workshop leaders are Ian Watson, Julie North, and Angie Lukins. The trade show involves The Accordion Shop, Birmingham Accordion Centre, Carillon Music, and Harry Kipling's "Accordion Treasures". For further information email: jr@carillonstudios.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Motion Trio Perform Toccata Barbaro by Viatcheslav Semionov - Polandby Harley Jones |
Video published on 24th December 2015 of Motion Trio performing Toccata Barbaro composed by Viatcheslav Semionov. This work was dedicated to superbly successful Motion Trio and was filmed 22nd May 2015 at the Mieczyslaw Karlowicz Philharmonic Hall in Szczecin (Poland). Motion Trio was formed in 1996 and the members are: Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek, and Marcin Galazyn. |
New Arrangment 'Medley Disco' Music, Released by Renzo Ruggieri - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() Renzo Ruggieri arranged Medley Disco for Grayson Masefield to perform and the work was premiered in Belgium last November and is now available online. Medley Disco also fits well for concerts where the performer wants to display brilliant melodic repertoire. Also recently released was Variations on Säkkijärven Polka that had been used successfully in many international competitions by Viivi Maria Saarenkylä. rrenzo507 - Variations on Säkkijärven Polka rrenzo508 - Medley Disco |
Video: Serbian Trio, Bojan Jovanovic at Samara Concert - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Serbian Trio of: Bojan Jovanovic (accordion), Zvonimir Tucakovic (bass) and Ivica Djokic (piano) performing at a concert in Samara, Russia in March 2013. The video was released 22 June 2015. |
Nihad Hrustanbegovic’s ‘Une belle Journée’, Amsterdam – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() Composed in 2014 and recorded in 2015, Nihad’s 7th solo recording is a musical triptych: Film Music, Live in Concert, and an experimental recording. There are 12 compositions, with a total time of 65 minutes. In his new compositions Nihad Hrustanbegovic, creates the atmosphere with classical, sacred, contemporary and world music influences and cinematic soundscapes. ‘Une belle journée’ is now digitally available at various internet websites. For further information email: info@nihad-accordeon.com |
WellMed Network Dr. David Champion and Flaco Jimenez - USAby Harley Jones |
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Conjunto legend Flaco Jimenez is nearing his 77th birthday. While his calendar is still full — packed with fan appearances, award shows, charity benefits, music festivals and interviews — his accordion doesn’t get played as much these days. After back surgery, a fall that resulted in a broken hip, and a subsequent fall that broke multiple ribs, Flaco is under doctor’s orders to “take it easy” and “slow down.” That means slowing down on performing and touring, and focusing on recovery. Flaco Jiminez career with the renowned groups the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven includes five Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys, a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, multiple Tejano Music Awards, 13 albums and thousands of sold-out shows. His latest non-musical endeavor is sharing his healthcare journey as a paid spokesman for WellMed. Flaco is a patient in the WellMed Network with Dr. David Champion as his primary care provider. WellMed is a 25-year-old healthcare company, best known for its WellMed primary care clinics in Texas and Florida. Flaco signed a waiver regarding patient confidentiality in agreeing to have Dr. Champion share his healthcare story and together they are working to promote WellMed. |
Valentino è Tango by Renzo Ruggieri Now Released as eTracks Album - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() Previously, Valentino è Tango was available in CD format and now the album is available as a eTracks (mp3) internet download from: rruggieri11 Renzo writes: "It's not jazz, tango and not even a play with music. In opera singing, drama/text steal the limelight from the music, hence the need to create a formula that would put the music in the foreground without losing the pathos of the story. The formula adopted is "Jazz Concert with a text comment,". |
Video: Lars Ek Plays Frosini, Stockholm - Swedenby Harley Jones |
Video: Lars Ek who is the founder of the Frosini society plays Frosini on a vintage accordion from 1927. The first work he plays is Belfiore. This was named in honor of Maddelena Belifiore, a student of Frosini who later to become famous in her own right - read the historic Memorial and link to Celebrity Interview at: Maddalena Belfiore |
14 Years Ago: Accordion Addict – Australia, January 2002by Rob Howard |
![]() The article of 2002 was written by well known accordionist/composer Peter Piccini who sadly passed away in 2011. Obituary at: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Oct-2011&lang=en#art4857 Accordion Addict – Australia Contributed by Peter Piccini Cathie Travers has become an "accordion addict" from the West Coast of Australia. After 25 years in the business as a pianist and electronics specialist Cathie has taken to exploring the fertile land of the accordion. Her music draws from a stylistically broad spectrum including modernist art music as well as world music traditions, avant-rock, nuevo tango and German 1930's cabaret. Cathie is currently working on a new CD, ‘Avant-Grass’ (due for release in March), which will include a variety of other keyboard instruments and electronic soundscapes. Cathie is also in the studio finishing a film sound track that features a quirky kitchen - tango for accordion and (occasional) steam kettle! |
Future events |
Simone Zanchini Concert, Wiesbaden – Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() A graduate with honours in classical accordion at the "G. Rossini" Conservatory in Pesaro, with Professor Sergio Scappini, Simone Zanchini has become well known for his innovative approach to music. He performs jazz, contemporary music, using both acoustic and electronic accordion voicings. Zanchini has performed at festivals in France, Austria, Germany, England, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Spain, Norway, Russia, Tunisia, Lebanon, India, Venezuela, and Japan. For further information email: info@simonezanchini.com |
Joao Pedro Teixeira Octet Concert, Curitiba – Brazilby Rob Howard |
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Joao Pedro Teixeira and his accordion octet perform on Saturday January 23rd, 1pm, at Boca Maldita, Curitiba, Brazil. The group, which includes different types of chromatic and diatonic accordions, will perform the compositions of Hermeto Pascoal. |
Richard Galliano Sextet Concert, Nice – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() Richard Galliano, recently returned from teaching and performing in China is one of the worlds most famous accordionists. Galliano has achieved international acclaim and great popularity with general concert audiences, making a large number of concerts annually all over the world, leader of his own sextet, teacher, composer and recording artist. |
Dermot Lyons Plays for Dancing, Thurles - Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Dermot Lyons plays the Shand Morino (3-row British chromatic diatonic) accordion, and is a full time dance musician, working regularly mainly in the south of Ireland. |
Marco Lo Russo Special Guest of the ‘Week of Jewish Memory’, Rome – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() Marco Lo Russo is a special guest of the ‘Week of Jewish Memory’, held at the House of History and Memory, Rome, on Tuesday January 26th, 5 pm. This event, part of the Week of Remembrance for victims of the World War Two Holocaust, includes poetry, readings and music. Marco Lo Russo will perform for the occasion, on accordion, original compositions in Klezmer style, songs of the Jewish tradition revisited, and original compositions inspired by famous soundtracks of films which are connected with the overall theme. Also participating are Fulvio Abbate, Luca Archibugi, Tomaso Binga/Bianca Menna, Maria Grazia Calandrone, Marco Caporali, Elisa Davoglio, Roberto Deidier, Marco Giovenale, Carla Guidi, Jolanda Insana, Valerio Magrelli, Dacia Maraini, Marco Palladini, Elio Pecora, Cetta Petrollo Pagliarani, Roberto Piperno,Filippo Senatore, Marcia Theophilo, Sara Ventroni, and Michele Zaffarano. The theme of historical memory is also the subject of some of the future plans of Marco Lo Russo's Italian tour with the show ‘Silence of War’ by and with Renato Raimo. From February the tour will visit all over Italy. ‘Silence of War’ (‘Silenzi di guerra’), whose music is arranged by Marco Lo Russo, sees the special participation of the Italian accordionist in the role of a soldier. For further information email: press@marcolorusso.info |
Motion Trio Concerts – France, Poland, Austriaby Rob Howard |
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Polish accordionists The Motion Trio perform several concerts in western France in late January and early February, followed by concerts in Krakow and Vienna, as follows: January 30th, 4.30pm – Laval Theatre, Laval January 30th, 8.30pm – Salle Coppelia, La Fleche January 31st, 1.30pm – La Manege, La Roche-Sur-Yon January 31st, 6pm, - Theatre, Saint-Nazaire February 4th, 7pm - Grand Hall, Nantes February 5th, 9.30am – Salle Jacqus Boyceau, Nantes February 5th, 2pm - Grand Hall, Nantes February 6th, 9.15am – Salle Jean Baptiste de la Quintine, Nantes February 7th, 9.15am – Salle Jean Baptiste de la Quintine, Nantes February 14th – Philharmonic Hall, Krakow February 23rd – International Accordion Festival, Vienna The Motion Trio is an internationally renowned Polish accordion trio. Formed in 1996, the Motion Trio are Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek, and Marcin Galazyn. Using all the advantages of the accordion in their creations, the Motion Trio continually explore the new possibilities of this instrument, changing the way that it is perceived. Their concerts are musical performances that contain action and drama. For further information email: annawojtarowicz@akordeonus.com |
Stanislav Angelov Entertains, Magaliesburg - South Africaby Rob Howard |
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On Saturday January 30th and Sunday 31st, 1pm, accordionist Stanislav Angelov will entertain at Black Horse Brewery & Restaurant, 32 Bekker Schools Road / R98, Seekoeihoek Valley, 1791 Magaliesburg, South Africa. For further information email: bernard@blackhorse.co.za |
West Sussex AC January Meeting, West Sussex – UKby Rob Howard |
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The next meeting of the West Sussex Accordion Club is on Saturday January 30th, 1.30pm until 4.30pm, and the theme for the afternoon is Scottish music. The organizer is Sue Bennett, and the club meets at St Andrews Youth Centre, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0LG. Ample parking is available at our venue. Information:- 07752 16848107752 168481 (Jim). Email:- jamesmullally05@yahoo.co.uk |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: 'Lips Concerto' CD by Friedrich Lips - Austriaby Harley Jones |
![]() Recent years Lips CD's: CD027 Fachwerk | Kapote CD CD026 Night Flowers CD CD025 Lips Concerto CD CD024 Under The Sign of Scorpio CD CD023 Cocktail "Rio Rita" CD & eTracks mp3 album CD022 Viva Voce CD & eTracks mp3 album CD021 ecLipse CD & eTracks mp3 album CD020 ¡Buenos Dias, Astor! CD & eTracks mp3 album |
Updated Site: Accordion Concert Music Composed by Gary Daverne - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() Newly available individual mp3 tracks purchases. Updated information. Accordion performers include: Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra, Harley Jones, Maurice Jones, Stephanie Poole, Lionel Reekie and Sarah Langley. |
California Dreamin' Gary Dahl Updated Arrangement - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() The song is #89 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and the lyrics of the song express the writers longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. California Dreamin' Catalog: DH0126 |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
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