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Highlights |
Editors Note:by Christine Johnstone |
In this weeks news, unfortunately we have had to announce further event cancellations due to COVID-19 as the pandemic has been worsening in Europe with many countries enforcing further lockdowns. Sadly we have also had to report that the world has lost some accordionists to the virus. On a more positive note, we will continue to bring you news of online concerts, competitions, festivals, CD releases and other events, plus some lovely videos in our Children's Corner. Please continue to send your contributions to: cjmusic@outlook.co.nz Accordions Worldwide wishes you all a safe and healthy 2021. |
2021 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations Released, Munich - Germanyby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
The 74th Coupe Mondiale will be held from 13-17 October 2021 in Munich, Germany, hosted by the CIA member, the Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV), Project Leader is First Vice-President: Georg Hettmann. Our Coupe Mondiale in Germany also celebrates the milestone 90th Anniversary of the DHV, a founding member of the CIA. The festival will feature competitions as follows: • 73rd Coupe Mondiale • Masters Coupe Mondiale • Junior Coupe Mondiale • International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Chamber Music - Classical • Chamber Music - World Music 2021 rules and regulations at: Coupe Mondiale View hotel information and pictures of the concert venues at: Coupe Mondiale Download printable event poster at: 2021CM-poster.pdf The on-line entry system will open in Spring and the entry closing date is 25 August 2021. You will find a complete Report of the 2019 Coupe Mondiale at: http://www.coupemondiale.org/2019/cn_coupemain.html In Chinese http://www.accordion-news.cn/coupemondiale/2019/video.htm |
2021 Yangtai Mountain Cup & National Accordion Art Festival, Shenzhen - Chinaby Harley Jones |
The 2021 Yangtai Mountain Cup and National Accordion Art Festival for Primary and Middle School students, Shenzhen has been held in China from 16th - 17th January. Above are two international videos of goodwill messages and a musical video of "You Raise Me Up" by young players and Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) officials from different parts of the world. Many important Chinese accordion teachers also sent messages of goodwill. The event also had a number of online masterclasses and lectures as well as the festival and competitions. Download or print the poster for the Opening Ceremony: 2021Shenzhen01.pdf Download or print the poster for the International Video: 2021Shenzhen02.pdf Thank you to the sponsors who are:• Bureau of Education of Bao An District of Shenzhen • Shiyan Street Office of Bao An District of Shenzhen • Shenzhen Accordion Association, President Mr. Tong Jianhua • with Undertake Unity: Shenzhen Shi Yan Public School • with Direct Unity: China Musician Association Accordion Association, President Prof. Li Cong • and Supporting Unity: Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) President of the Juries Mr. Tong Jianhua reported that the overall improvement of the technical level of the contestants has exceeded the previous festival. There was a total of 2,392 contestants from 65 cities of 31 provinces and municipalities. |
Duo Vilda 2021 Winners of “Music Moves Europe” Talent Awardsby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Online performance at the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival Duo Vilda, which includes accordionist Viivi Maria Saarenkylä and indigenous Samí singer Hildá Länsman (Finland) were announced winners of the Eurosonic online festival, “Music Moves Europe” Talent Awards. The awards ceremony was held online (due to Covid-19 restrictions) from January 13th to 16th, 2021. The event was hosted by UK artist Mel C and is a non-profit, European artists only, 100% showcase festival and music conference, which has a proven track record for helping new acts break into the international music scene. Every year, eight outstanding artists receive a Music Moves Europe Talent Award in recognition of their international success, as well as being rewarded with a performance at ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) and financial support for touring and promotion. Vilda was representing Finland (and Samíland) this year in the contest. They performed an online concert at the ESNS festival right after the award ceremony which was held on January 15th. |
2021 Orpheus Award - Italyby Rob Howard |
The XI edition of the Orpheus Award 2021 will take place this year in Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy following the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19. This event is the Critics' Award for Accordion Productions for the whole family of reeds and is aimed at Italian artists, organised by The Associazione Promozione Arte, Artistic Director Gerlando Gatto, Renzo Ruggieri (President) and Giuseppe Di Falco (Secretary). 2021 categories include: • Best Italian Production for Accordion in Classical music • Best Italian Production for Accordion in Jazz music • Best Italian Production for Accordion in World music • Career Orpheus For further details email: info@associazionepromozionearte.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Julie Cardona Passes Away – USAby Christine Johnstone |
Julie Kasprzyk Cardona, 72, of North Haven, USA passed away unexpectedly on January 15th, 2021 at her home. She was a member of the K Trio, the American Accordionists' Association and the Connecticut Accordion Association. Julie, her sister, Mary Tokarski and her brother, Walter Kasprzyk, are well known as the K Trio, all talented, who performed to great acclaim in many countries of the world. Julie loved the accordion and she and her sister, Mary Tokarski, won the AAA Duet Championship for more than 12 years. Julie also won the AAA US Championships and represented the USA with great success at the CIA Coupe Mondiale competitions: in 1967 (Holland - placed 3rd) in 1968 (UK - placed 2nd) and in 1969 (USA) she was placed 4th. Julie Kasprzyk Cardona will be sadly missed by her family and friends. |
Video: Radio Russia Accordion and Symphony Orchestra – Russiaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Just released Radio Russia program about a joint project of accordionist Alexander Poeluev and conductor & arranger Roberto Molinelli (in Russian language). Recordings with the participation of the National Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Bashkortostan & Rostov Symphony Orchestra The project was born in 2012 and has already hosted many joint concerts in different Russian cities. The program consists of Roberto's arrangements for the accordion and symphony orchestra. The unique combination and creativity, skill and ocean of emotions have breathed new life into your favorite music. 00:00 Alexander Poeluev from Rostov-on-Don 00:50 El Choclo - A.Villoldo 01:45 How did the idea to create the "Tango and Beyond" program come about? 05:00 How did you work with Roberto Molinelli? 05:49 La Cumparsita - M.Rodriguez 07:50 The tango genre is attractive because... 10:20 Roberto Molinelli struck me... 12:47 Caruso - L.Dalla 18:10 Music is... 19:13 Oblivion - A. Piazzolla 22:50 My Way - C. Francois Picture below: The concert as part of the 2016 Coupe Mondiale in Rostov on Don |
Update: New Dates for 2021 Frankfurt Musikmesse - Germanyby Harley Jones |
New Dates have just been announced for the 2021 Frankfurt Musikmesse which will now be held from October 22nd to 24th, 2021. Musikmesse is Europe’s biggest fair for the music industry, music instruments and music education. Strengthening the creative industries: from 2021, the Musikmesse will be held in October parallel to the Frankfurt Book Fair and will cooperate with the Frankfurt Book Fair's creative hub, The Arts. For further information phone: +49 69 75 75-59 05 |
Online: Hector Del Curto with Boston Symphony Orchestra - USAby Christine Johnstone |
The Stowe Tango Music Festival have announced an online concert by Hector Del Curto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The concert will be available online free of charge from January 21st to February 20th, 2021. Their program includes Aleppo Songs (selection) by Kareem Roustom, Aconcagua - Concerto for bandoneon and orchestra by Piazzolla, Symphony Mathis der Maler by Hindemith and Warmth From Other Suns by Carlos Simon. For details email: stowetangomusicfestival@gmail.com |
Video: Stefan Rauch, Petutschnig Hons Perform 15er Steyr - Austriaby Diatonic News |
Stefan Rauch and Petutschnig Hons with the song "15er Steyr" has had over 9.5 million views since it was published on Apr 8, 2019. Enjoy. |
Covid-19 Claims Another Accordionist, Shelia Lee, Houston – USAby Christine Johnstone |
Accordions Worldwide regrets to report that Covid-19 has claimed the life of another accordionist. Bill Merlin Palmer has announced on social media that his duet partner, Shelia Lee (picture above) passed away this week from Covid-19. The duo had been performing together for the past 7 years and had worked together at Lechner's German Restaurant in Houston and at the Tomball German Festivals. Shelia was a big supporter of the Palmer-Hughes Accordion Course, which was written by Bill’s father (Dr Willard Palmer) along with Bill Hughes. She had approximately 200 students at her studio in Pasadena and was an avid promoter of the accordion. Shelia basically taught herself to play the Tex-Mex buttonbox, well enough that she convinced several of the luminaries of Conjunto music to come to her studio and give master classes to her students. In addition to her music school, Shelia had her own combo, opened Houston Accordion Performers, authored many instructional DVD’s and books for the diatonic accordion as well as a complete free video series teaching the Palmer & Hughes Lesson Books and much more. AccordionUSA Editor Rita Barnea wrote: "Shelia Lee loved teaching and sharing the fun she had playing the accordion and was a very popular teacher at the annual NAA Conventions each year where she conducted the Dance Orchestra. Shelia who dedicated her life to the accordion was a very friendly, kind, encouraging and inspirational person who could brighten up anyone’s day. She will be missed by all." |
Cancelled: 2021 VAMÖ Accordion Competition – Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Organisers of the 2021 VAMÖ Accordion-Competition held in Vienna, Austria regret to announce their Spring competition is cancelled due to COVID-19. They are hopeful they will be able to organise a new date for later in the year and will advise details as soon as they possibly can. |
Cancelled: 23rd Accordion Days Rheinsberg 2021 - Germanyby Georg Hettmann |
The German Harmonica Association (DHV) regret to announce that the 23rd Accordion Days Rheinsberg 2021 (organised by DHV-Brandenburg) and due to be held in Rheinsberg, Germany from 12th to 14th February has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Postponed: Coba Solo Tour Concerts – Japanby Christine Johnstone |
Coba has regretfully announced that due to the Covid-19 pandemic he must postpone his planned concerts in January and February 2021. Coba apologises for the inconvenience to fans and hopes he can reschedule as soon as possible. Postponed concerts are: January 29th in Fukuoka City January 30th in Nagasaki City January 31st in Saga City February 11th in Ichihara City |
Online: The PoguestrA Performs “Green Suede Shoes”by Christine Johnstone |
Video: The PoguestrA at RAI (the Italian public broadcasting company) where Dan was invited to talk about The PoguestrA during the morning edition of the Regional News on RAI 3 this week. Accordionists are invited to join “The PoguestrA” performing "Green Suede Shoes along with other accordionists, vocalists and musicians playing guitars, pipes, tin whistle, bass, trombone, banjo, mandoline, dulcimer and violin. “The PoguestrA” has been invited to cover a new edit of "Green Suede Shoes" for a tribute album of songs from American Celtic rock band "Black 47". It is an extended version of "Green Suede Shoes" with additional lyrics. This is an amazing opportunity to join “The PoguestrA” on its discographic debut (it will be a digital only release, at first) together with other artists, for an amazing celebration of Black 47. The PoguestrA is a flexible group of musicians from around the world who are also fans of The Pogues. It was established in May 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown with musicians playing together remotely. Original members of The Pogues (a celtic punk folk band) have joined the group for some of their songs including accordionist James Fearnley. There's no reward for this online performance . It's just for fun and for creating inclusion within this community. Participants are welcome to wear a pair of Green Suede Shoes during the performance. The deadline for submissions is January 29th, 2021 at 8pm GMT. For further details email: poguestra@gmail.com |
Video: 90 Year Old Accordionist Plays "La Cumparsita" - Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Norma, who is 90 years old from Florianapolis, Brazil still enjoys playing her accordion. In this video she performs "La Cumparsita" by Matos Rodríguez with her daughter Marcia. "Music-making is linked to a number of health benefits for older adults," said Suzanne Hanser, chair of the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. "Research shows that making music can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, reduce stress, and lessen anxiety and depression. There is also increasing evidence that making music enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses," Hanser said. Hanser said that anyone, regardless of age or ability, can make music and benefit from it. Researchers at the Western Sydney University's MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development say even a small amount of musical training can have long-lasting effects, particularly for seniors. They say playing a musical instrument in retirement is one of the best ways to stay mentally and physically agile. Music and psychology researcher with the institute, Dr Jennifer MacRitchie, has been studying the benefits of learning an instrument for the first time in people aged over 65 and found very positive outcomes. Enjoy playing the accordion! |
Future events |
Bayan Club Concert in Moscow – Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
On January 23rd, at 8pm, with the support of the Bayanist Salon, a "Bayan Club" concert of folk music will take place in Moscow. Performers include Honored artist of Russia Valery Syomin (creator and Artistic Director of the group "White Day", bayanist, composer, singer and arranger), "HarmonDrive" and folk singer Inna Kameneva. The guest performer is Vladimir Sorin. See poster for details. |
Online Concert: "Concertino 2021" – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Club Voglia d'Arte is a free group of music teachers in support of private music teaching in different fields from jazz, classical and popular music. The association presents concerts in which teachers and students give a sample of their activities. Their 2021 concert entitled “Concertino” is a free online concert held on January 31st at 6.30pm, hosted by Renzo Ruggieri. Performances will be given by Renzo Ruggieri, Kateryna Pylypenko, Claudio Azzaro, Giuseppe Di Falco, Andrea Di Giacomo, Valerio Russo, Viivi Maria Saarenkylä, Azzurra Sorgentone, Giuseppe Perrone, Gianmarco Alcini, Liu Hongting, Francesco Scarselli, Leonardo Rondolone, Riccardo Battistelli, Marco Leonetti, Manuel Marchegiani, Daniele Palazzo and Federico Villani. |
Tracey Collins Tours Ryman Lifestyle Villages – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
Auckland accordionist Tracey Collins will give a concert tour at the Ryman Lifestyle Villages throughout the North Island of New Zealand from February 9th to March 5th, 2021. Tracey will entertain at 25 venues in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, Waikanae, Whanganui, New Plymouth and Auckland. Her program will include a variety of music from around the world & shows, as well as upbeat and well known singalong tunes. For details email: tracey@traceycollins.co.nz |
CNIMA 2021 Intensive Pro Training Courses Filling fast – Franceby Nathalie Boucheix, Director CNIMA J.Mornet |
During this Covid-19 pandemic, where musicians are restrained from performing, the French accordion school, CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix has designed three intensive professional training courses for pro musicians. Most of the training will be conducted on site at the CNIMA in Central France, in the beautiful Volcano Regional Park of Auvergne. The first of these training courses will be held in February, March and April with Patrick Brugalières. These training sessions are now fully booked. The next available course is “All About Entertainment” with full time entertainer Maxime d'Errico. This course will include 3 x one week sessions for accordion, keyboard, guitar and bass. Course 2021 dates are: March 1st to 5th April 6th to 9th May 3rd to 7th Participants will work on various types of entertainment, repertoire, dances, rhythm etc., learn to play with pre-recorded tracks, set up sound, and transcribe arrangements. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
Childrens Corner |
Video: 5 Year Old Accordionist - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Enjoy this video of a talented 5 year old accordionist from Italy. This video was provided by Hardcore Italians, an online entertainment website for Italian-Americans. They cover news, funny clips, recipes, celebrities, and more! |
New and Updated Sites |
Site Update: Wallace Liggett Passes Away - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
Site update for Wallace Liggett who passed away 18th October, 2020 He was the author of the book The History of the Accordion in New Zealand. November 13th, 2020 news item In 1990, the New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) commissioned Wallace Liggett to be the author of the book "The History of the Accordion in New Zealand) , to ensure that information about the early history of the accordion in New Zealand, the individuals and their struggle for the wider acceptance and appreciation of the accordion by musicians and public alike, was not lost through the passage of time. |
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