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Highlights |
World Accordion Day Events, Siauliai - Lithuaniaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
On May 3rd there are World Accordion Day activities taking place in Siauliai, Lithuania. These include meetings, conference, live-internet forum, and a Gala Concert, which begins at 6pm at the Concert Hall of Culture Palace, Siauliai University Library. This features at least 15 young professional accordionists, performing in a variety of styles. About 150 participants will attend the conference and live-internet forum, which features the with Frédéric Deschamps accordion school with live master classes, discussions, debates on accordion issues for the young generation, etc. The events in Siauliai are organised by Raimondas Sviackevicius (left) and the Lithuanian Accordion Association. For further information email: jaunimas@laas.lt |
World Accordion Day Close – Worldby Raymond Bodell, President, Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) |
World Accordion Day is close now and accordionists are reminded to register their World Accordion Day activity on the official website. May 6th was the day the accordion was patented in 1829 and we invite all accordionists to join in this international tribute in honor of the accordion, and participate in an event, on or close to May 6th. Please register online also let your local media know about your event and the World Accordion Day website. |
3rd Strumenti & Musica Festival, Spoleto – Italyby Davide Fabrizi |
The 3rd Strumenti & Musica Festival is to be held in Spoleto, May 15 to 23, and will represent the city as well as give all accordion fans a great opportunity to hear some of the world’s finest accordionists. The focus of programming is the International Competition revolves around a series of major events, including performances at the piano by Maestro Nicola Piovani (the Oscar for the soundtrack of the film by Roberto Benigni's "Life Is Beautiful ") who will play along with the accordionist Mirco Patarini, a series of his greatest successes. Other famous concert guests for 2010 will be Finnish Mika Väyrynen, the group Beltango Quintet (Serbia), Danilo Di Paolonicola and his band plus winners of recent international competitions, CIA Coupe Mondiale winner Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) and CMA Trophée Mondial winner Petar Maric (Serbia). This promotional event will promote the area of Spoleto, is the home of the IAC Italian Accordion Culture association, which is the Italian member of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA). The 3rd Strumenti & Musica Festival will also involve some neighboring towns, who, have enthusiastically welcomed this 'initiative’ and will host concerts for Coupe Mondiale winner Grayson Masefield. The decision to invite to Spoleto each year the winner of the CIA Coupe Mondiale has already been successfully tested in previous years, and this year, this New Zealand artist will be performing at the prestigious Teatro Caio Melissa Spoleto (20 May), also in Campello sul Clitunno (May 18) and Castel Ritaldi (May 23) in what will be the official close of this important 3rd Strumenti & Musica Festival. For further information, view the Strumenti & Musica website. |
New CD Featuring Dr. William Schimmel and the Tango Projectby Kevin Friedrich |
Dr. William Schimmel and his group, The Tango Project are featured on the new CD ‘Tango Variations’, available at all Starbucks Coffee locations. The track ‘Por Una Cazeza’ is taken from their first Nonesuch recording, ‘The Tango Project’, which reached No 1 on the Billboard Charts, won the Stereo Review Album of the Year Award, received numerous Grammy nominations and was featured in the film ‘Scent of a Woman’ (along with the band onscreen), for which Al Pacino received an Oscar. Their recording of ‘Por Una Cazeza’ was featured in ‘True Lies’, ‘Sex and the City’, ‘All the Kings Men’, ‘The Medium’ (TV) and ‘So You think you can Dance?’ (TV). The new CD also features selections by Gideon Kremer, Astor Piazzolla, The Gotan Project, and more. For further information email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Kozani International Accordion Competition, Kozani – Greeceby Alexander Tchuev |
The First Kozani International Accordion Competition took place on April 16th, 17th and 18th in the city of Kozani, northern Greece, with great success. The competition was organized by Kozani Municipal Conservatory and Kozani Municipal Corporation of Culture and Sports. There were about 70 soloists and 11 ensembles and orchestras from 11 countries taking part in the competition. The competition jury included Vladimir Balyk (Croatia), Eugenia Tcherkazova (Ukraine), Grazina Lukosiene (Lithuania), Miljan Bjeletic (Serbia), Konstantinos Raptis (Greece), and Alexander Tchuev (picture right, Greece) - the Jury Secretary. There were 2 concerts, involving Duo Balyk - Croatia (Vladimir Balyk – accordion, Natasa Balyk – domra, mandolino), and Eugenia Tcherkazova – Ukraine (accordion). More than 2,500 people have visited the competitions and the concerts in two concert halls and about 2,000 people saw the competition on the internet live broadcasting. The next Kozani International Accordion Competition will be held in April 2012 For further information email: alexandertchuev@yahoo.gr |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
‘Toralf Tollefsen: A 78s Compilation’ CDs, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
‘Toralf Tollefsen: A 78s Compilation’ is the title of two modestly priced new CDs presenting recordings made in the 1930s to 50s by the popular Norwegian accordionist Toralf Tollefsen. Enthusiast Tommy Scruton has digitally re-mastered a selection of old 78rpm records, restoring them to their original sound quality. A third CD will soon be available. Toralf Tollefsen (1914-94) was one of the most revered accordionists of his era, especially in the UK, where he lived for many years. Tollefsen performed in British variety theatres and on BBC radio in the 1930s, and in the late 1940s also performed as a classical soloist. He was a prolific recording artiste, and his records and arrangements were regarded as the benchmark of progress for a generation of aspiring accordionists In the 1950s Tollefsen pioneered the use of the free bass accordion, and with Swedish accordionist Nils Nielsen, ran ‘Accordion Central’, an accordion retail and repairs business in London. In 1961 Tollefsen returned to Norway, scaled down his concert appearances, and concentrated on teaching, arranging and composing. He returned to England in 1986 as a guest artiste at the first Caister Autumn Accordion Festival, organised by Malcolm Gee. His final UK appearance was in 1988, headlining a concert in Huddersfield. The tracks on the two CDs are: Volume One: ‘Concert Waltz’, ‘Dizzy Accordion’, ‘Elvira’, ‘The Moose March’, ‘Hot Fingers’, ‘Playful Polka’, ‘Cuckoo Waltz’, ‘Black Mask Waltz’, ‘El Relicario’, ‘Invitation to the Waltz’, and ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2’ Volume Two: ‘Jealousy’, ‘Accordion Impromptu’, ‘Fiddle Faddle’, ‘Shooting Star’, ‘Dance of the Comedians’, ‘Dance of the Hours’, ‘Hejra Kati’, ‘Promenade Rhythm’, ‘Carnival of Venice’, ‘Poet & Peasant Overture’, ‘Pizzicato Waltz’, and ‘Tommerhugger Dance’ For further information email: tom_scruton@yahoo.co.uk |
Examination Results for Accordion Students, Cassino - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
On March 26th 2010 the examinations for the next level were held at the 'ACADEMY of MUSIC ‘ART MUSIC’ of Cassino, conducted by M ° Danilo Di Mambro, a member of ‘Club Voglia d'Arte’. The committee was composed of the director and well-known jazz musician Renzo Ruggieri and Angelo Cardinale (several times winner of the CMA Trofeo Mondiale). The following students have passed the accordion category: Antonio Azzoli, Emilio Rea, Mario Pelagalli, Francesco Caporusso, Fabio Marano, Matteo Candelaresi, Gianmarco Lisozzi, Andrea Lisozzi, Marco Merucci, Giovanni Tedeschi, Federico Tuosto, Donato Tuosto, Marco Bucci, Bruno Stabile, Giuseppe Pacitti, Riccardo Palumbo, Antonio Simeone, and Silvio Di Sandro. On keyboard: Veronica Tedeschi, Alessia Papa, Valentina Gallaccio, Cristina D'Agostino, Gianluca Polini, Lorenzo Capaldi e Daniele Miele. |
Rita Davidson, Elena and Grigory Fainshtein Perform - USAby Harley Jones |
On Sunday, April 18, Rita Davidson, Elena and Grigory Fainshtein performed for the Mid- Cities Accordion Association in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas President John Martin introduced the program which began with some members demonstrating Israeli dancing with accordion music played by John Martin and Mike Borelli. Rita Davidson, Editor of USA News, performed a varied program of light classics, novelties, and compositions by Eugene Ettore. Rita has given several concerts recently including the FMAE in January in Arizona and the March National Accordion Association (NAA) Festival in Dallas. Rita is on the Governing Board of the AAA and has served as a judge at many accordion competitions in the USA. She is a music teacher in the West Orange, New Jersey school system where she is known for utilizing the accordion in her music lessons. Rita is currently working on a project to promote the music of her accordion teacher, composer Eugene Ettore, which includes a future CD of his virtuoso compositions as well as various concert appearances to increase awareness of his works. His music will soon be available online. Elena and Grigory Fainshtein played several duets and delighted the audience with their virtuosity and enthusiasm. Originally from Russia, Elena and Grigory earned their Masters Degree in Accordion Performance from the Byelorussian Music Academy in Minsk. They have been living in Dallas, Texas for the past seven years and Elena teaches both piano and accordion in Dallas. Grigory works in the computer field. The audience enthusiastically gave them a standing ovation. Rita, Elena, and Grigory then surprised the audience by playing “Czardas” and “Hava Nagila” together as a trio. After a short break, Rita shared her ideas on entertaining at children’s birthday parties with the focus on the accordion. Rita has had many years of experience in the birthday party business in which she utilizes her accordion. She presented a demonstration of a kid’s party with one of the members serving as the birthday boy! It was in audience participation style with everyone dancing, playing instruments, marching around, and just having a great time. For further information: Ritabelll@aol.com |
David Vernon @Stockport AC, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
David Vernon, from Edinburgh, made his debut at Stockport Accordion Club on April 21st, turning in a most impressive performance of international music. His pieces were interspersed with funny stories and jokes, and David’s humour was also cleverly interwoven into his music, resulting in a most entertaining evening. David’s programme included ‘Romagna Bella’, ‘Scottish/Irish Jigs/Reels’, Firefly Waltz’, ‘El Capitain’, ‘Roulette Wheel’, ‘The Godfather Selection’, ‘Terminal 3’, ‘Jacqueline Waltz’, ‘Cuckoo Waltz’, ‘Jewish Set’, ‘Excelsior’, The Dark Island’, ‘Americana’, ‘The Flying Scotsman’, and as an encore, ‘The Mason’s Apron, Boys of Bluehill, Harvest Home’. His encore set was especially remarkable for the way in which he frequently switched the melody from treble to bass sides, back and forth, and with bewildering speed. Also contributing to the concert were the Stockport AC Band (MD Derek Stubbs), Betty Molloy/Chris Green, John Higham, Rob Howard, Ray Peacock, and Brennan Wilson. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Future events |
Devotchka Concerts – USAby Rob Howard |
Devotchka is a Denver-based quartet with a sound that incorporates everything from rock to gypsy, folk, and mariachi. Their line-up is Nick Urata - vocals/guitar, Tom Hagerman - accordion/violin, Jeanie Schroder - bass/tuba, and Shawn King on drums/trumpet. NPR calls them "the greatest live band in New York," the New Yorker calls them a cross between "a Gypsy wedding band, the Sex Pistols, King Tubby, and Kraftwerk," and the Alternative Press says they're like "the United Nations assembled in a mosh pit." Gogol Bordello’s forthcoming concerts include: April 24th, 5pm - Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois 25th, 6pm - Congress Theater, Ill 28th, 8pm - House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 29th, 8pm - Ram's Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 30th, 8pm - Ram's Head Live, MD May 1st, 8.30pm - Electric Factory, 421 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA |
“CULTURE IN MOTION” / Stradella - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The Department for Culture, Identity and Autonomy of Lombardy invites for the opening of the sixth edition of "CULTURES IN MOTION" Discovering the intangible heritage in Lombardy. A traveling exhibition by the Archives of Ethnography and Social History (AESS) - Lombardy Region www.aess.regione.lombardia.it Friday, April 30, 2010 17:00 in Stradella (PV) http://www.accordions.com/museumstradella/events.htm TESS - Teatro Sociale Stradella The inauguration will follow a performance of young accordion students of the Accordion Secondary School of I gr. "A. Depretis "Stradella and the Accademia Musicale" Città di Stradella " The exhibition will be open from April 30 to June 6, 2010 Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment: 9-12.30 Saturday: 10-12 Sunday: 10-12 and 16-18 info and reservations call 0385 48870 0385 48870 or e-mail robertino.quadrelli@comune.stradella.pv.it |
Marco Lo Russo on TV and in Concert, Brescia - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Accordionist Marco Lo Russo appears on the Italian TV programme ‘Dizionario dei Sentimenti’, presented by Franco Simone, April 23rd to 28th. The shows are as follows: SKY 856 April 24th, 8pm GOLD TV April 23rd, 8pm April 25th, 3.30pm April 28th, 10.30pm On April 30th, 9pm, Marco performs in concert at the Chiostro di Santa Giulia, Brescia For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
Guy Klucevsek Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
Accordionist and composer Guy Klucevsek performs a solo gig at The Stone, Avenue C/2nd Street, New York City, on Tuesday April 27th, 8pm. For further information email: gklucevsek@si.rr.com |
Bayan Duo @ Mayfield Festival, East Sussex – UKby Rob Howard |
The Bayan Duo, from the Ukraine, are accordionists Kostyantyn Zhukov and Shevket Arifov. On Thursday April 28th, 7.30 pm, they perform at the Mayfield Convent Chapel, East Sussex TN20 6PH, in a concert that is part of the prestigious annual Mayfield Festival. The programme includes: ‘Toccata and Fugue in D Minor’ - JS Bach ‘Winter’ from ‘The 4 Seasons’ - Vivaldi ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusic’ - Mozart ‘Overture to The Marriage of Figaro’ - Mozart ‘Allegro con brio’ from ‘Symphony No 5’ - Beethoven ‘Prelude and Fugue in A Minor for Organ’ - JS Bach ‘Cavatina Figaro’ - Rossini ‘Oblivion’ - Piazzolla For further information email: info@mayfieldfestival.co.uk |
Lacides Romero Concert, Bogota - Colombiaby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Lacides Romero is in concert at the Fundación Universitaria Ciencias de la Salud in Bogota on April 29th, 12pm. The program will include ‘Gavotte and Rondo’ - Lull, ‘Allemanda and Gig’ - Handel, ‘La Roxelane’ - Haydn, ‘Dance of the Swans’ - Tchaikowsky, ‘Slavonic Dance no 8’, ‘Madeja de Luna’ - Luis A. Calvo, ‘Contrasts’ - Astor Piazzolla, ‘Escorregando’ - Ernesto Nazaterh, and ‘Brejeiro’ - Ernesto Nazaterh. Entrance is free. For further information email: lacidesromero@yahoo.com |
Accordion Duo Workshop at RAM, London – UKby Romano Viazzani |
On Friday April 30th, 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm, in the Recital Room at the Royal Academy of Music, there will be informal workshops for Academy accordion students with the Bayan Duo, from the Ukraine, Kostyantyn Zhukov and Shevket Arifov. The subject will be accordion ensemble repertoire. All are welcome, and admission is free (no tickets required). |
Dijk en Waard Accordion Orchestra Concert, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
In honour of the 150th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Castelfidardo’, the Dutch accordion orchestra Dijk en Waard perform in the Piazza della Repubblica, Castelfidardo, during the evening of May 3rd. Whilst in the Marche region of Italy, the Dijk en Waard orchestra also perform concerts in in Loreto, Montefano, and Gradara. |
Mazaika ‘65th Anniversary of World War II Victory’ Concert, London - UKby Rob Howard |
Mazaika perform a concert dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II on Saturday May 15th, 8pm until 10.15pm. This takes place at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY. Mazaika are Igor Outkine - vocals, acoustic and midi accordions, and Sarah Harrison - violin, domra. For further information email: info@mazaika-music.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Yehuda release one new workby Yehuda Oppenheimer |
Yehuda Oppenheimer release 1 arrangement for acccordion - 'Tumbalalaika, catalog:OY559'. Sample of the music is available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Mario Tacca releases new musicsby Mario Tacca |
Mario Tacca releases 6 new pieces, '81 Rue de Briey', catalog:mtacca201', 'Allegria, catalog:mtacca202', 'Angeli Giocando, catalog:mtacca203', 'Cancion Para Mis Amigos, catalog:mtacca204', 'Fiore D'Abruzzo, catalog:mtacca205' and 'Gentilezza, catalog:mtacca206'. Sample of the music is available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Franco Cambareri releases new musicby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 4 new works for accordion available for purchase online. 'Tears Of Flower, catalog: cfranco117', 'Au Revoir, catalog: cfranco118', 'A La Musette, catalog: cfranco119' and 'Dama Da Noite, catalog: cfranco120'. Samples of this music are available on the site. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Franck Angelis release new musicby Franck Angelis |
Franck Angelis releases 1 new piece titled 'Impasse ', catalog:anglis556'. Impasse was the 2004 Coupe Mondiale test piece when the Coupe Mondiale was held in Pontarlier, France. The work has remained popular with teachers and players since its first release. Now newly released, Franck Angelis is releasing this and several other new compositions over the coming weeks in eSheet format. Sample of the music is available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Reeds Titlbach of Czech Republicby Reeds Titlbach |
The website of the reed-manufacturer Reeds Titlbach, based in Louny, Czech Republic, has been updated. |
CD Reviews |
"R. Galliano plays BACH"by Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of "R. Galliano plays BACH" by Alessandro Mugnoz. Performer is Richard Galliano. |
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