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Highlights |
74th Coupe Mondiale Preparations Well Underway, Munich - Germanyby Georg Hettmann |
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![]() ![]() Entry closing date is 25 August 2021, all entry and travel/hotel information is online at: Coupe Mondiale Online entries at: 2021CM-Rules Download printable event poster at: 2021CM-poster.pdf The 74th Coupe Mondiale will begin on October 13th, 2021 with a festive concert in the 'Munich Residenz'. Musical highlights of the Opening are performances with different harmonica (accordion family) instruments in different formations as well as music from different styles and epochs. The concert is intended to showcase the wide range of music capable by the harmonica family of instruments. Performers include Duo Flac, Duo Andreas and Naoko Nebl and the Bavarian Youth Accordion Orchestra. The Opening Concert is part of the highlights of the 90th Anniversary of the Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV), with the 2021 Coupe Mondiale being hosted by the DHV, the German CIA member and also a founding member of the CIA. Historic 'Residenz München Allerheiligen-Hofkirche' Opening Concert Location: King Ludwig I had the 'Court Church of All Saints' built from 1826 to 1837 from designs by his court architect, Leo von Klenze. On a visit to Palermo in 1823 when he was still Crown Prince, the king had been so impressed by the Norman-Byzantine Palatine Chapel dating from the 12th century that he expressed the desire to have a similar church building in the Residenz. While Klenze had to comply with Ludwig’s wishes, he interpreted the medieval models in the spirit of the Neoclassical style he preferred. After massive destruction in the Second World War, it was not until 2003 that the church was reopened to the public. The surviving parts of the original building were restored and missing sections carefully replaced. The interior was then refurbished in a simple modern style and has become a magnificent venue for important concerts and other events. Interior picture below. |
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2021 Carrefour Mondial de L’Accordeon – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() Due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing much overseas travel, the 2021 event will feature 100% Canadian accordionists who will entertain on indoor and outdoor stages. Musical styles range from Jazz, traditional and classical. Color Program: 2021Carrefour.pdf Printable timetable: 2021CarrefourTimetable.pdf Organising team are: Kathéry Couillard (Administrative Director), Raynald Ouellet (Artistic Director), Raphaël Plante-Hétu (Project Manager), Lyne Joncas (Administrative and Accounting Technician), Julie Rousseau (Secretary-treasurer). Administrators: Sarah Bernier, Rémi Biron, Johanne Cyr, Patrick Morency, Isabelle Rancourt, Yann Texier, Yves Gendreau (Councelor, Montmagny City). |
Two Premieres Composed by Renzo Ruggieri, at Online International Accordion Festival, Calabria - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() Both pieces will be performed on August 5th. The first composition is called “Memento” and will be performed by Pietro Pardino, Musical Director of the FISV. The second piece is titled "Farewell Song" (Canto D'Addio) and will be performed by Giuseppe Scigliano. The event also includes an online accordion competition with an international jury which includes Renzo Ruggieri. |
2021 40th Annual Celebrations - Milwaukee Irish Fest - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() This year’s event will include live concerts, lessons & classes, displays on Celtic art, history, genealogy, Gaelic language and more, Irish-inspired cuisine, a Sunday morning Irish breakfast plus much more. The event will also feature an online Irish themed program which will include musical performances and cultural talks recorded straight from Ireland. Those who worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic will be honored at a special ceremony during the Irish Fest. They will receive free admission on August 21st, from 2pm to 3.30pm. The Frontline Workers Recognition Ceremony will begin at 3.45pm at the Miller Lite Stage. Special commemorative coins will be given out at the gate ticket windows, while supplies last. Organisers are extremely thankful for our frontline workers and their service! For details email: info@irishfest.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video Competition Caution - Europeby Harley Jones |
![]() A court case is going ahead in Munich concerning a video music competition (not exclusively accordion) where entry fees were charged to entrants (140 Euro Chamber to 110 Euro solo category) and because of Google Analytics, the entrants was able to see the amount of listening time for their entry. The two videos of the duo (accordion and violin) entry were opened only once each, for 22 and 23 seconds, just over two percent!! of the music presented. For the two solo videos, one was not listened too at all. The list of competitors going through to the 2nd round was then announced by the organiser. I have heard about instances, where some accordion video competition organisers have been let down by a small minority of jury, who have listened only a short time or not at all, to some competitors. Video competition organisers owe it to their video entrants when they accept their entry fee, to ensure each contestant receives a fair hearing from all the judges for all their performance. Accordionists around the world are renowned for being friendly, fun and great people to be around. Our many international accordion events before Covid demonstrated this all the time. We want to keep it that way with fair events for all our video competitors. These are young people who are our future. For those wanting to read the full details about this general competition and would like to receive copies of the legal documents going to the courts, please email: strok.accord@gmail.com |
Julia Gordon Scottish Music Arrangements - Scotlandby Harley Jones |
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![]() Another 20 more titles, many of them famous Scottish traditional works arranged by Julia Gordon are now online. Click the link below, to view a sample of each piece, grade and other information. Catalog No. - Name of Music jgordon102 - The Boatman, The (Fear a' Bhàta) jgordon107 - South Uist Whaling Song jgordon108 - Cailin Mo Ruin-Sa jgordon111 - Griogal Cridhe jgordon115 - Kirkconnel Lea jgordon117 - Sound The Pibroch jgordon124 - The Loch Tay Boat Song jgordon131 - My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose jgordon132 - Wild Mountain Thyme jgordon133 - The Rowan Tree jgordon139 - Tha Mo Ghaol Air Àird A’ Chuain (My Love Is On The High Seas) jgordon142 - Sine Bhan jgordon156 - Neil Gow's Lament For His Second Wife jgordon160 - The Iona Boat Song, The (Caol Muile) jgordon175 - Westering Home jgordon177 - Dark Lochnagar jgordon180 - Morag of Dunvegan jgordon182 - The Skye Boat Song jgordon194 - Dream Angus jgordon197 - Row Me Home To Islay jgordon209 - Haste Ye Back jgordon211 - The Mist-Covered Mountains Of Home (Chì Mi Na Mòrbheanna) jgordon213 - Mingulay Boat Song jgordon217 - The Massacre Of Gencoe jgordon224 - Bonnie Galloway jgordon230 - Mo Ghile Mear jgordon239 - Loch Lomond jgordon244 - Hector The Hero jgordon325 - Mairi's Wedding jgordon327 - Scotland The Brave |
Video: Ludovic Beier Lunchtime Concert - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The concert was part of the programming of the cultural season of the Conservatory of Cergy-Pontoise. His program: El Cartel Bebe No Rancho Fundo Barocco W Overjoyed Caravan Libertango Tsigane Fantasy (Fantasy Gypsy) |
Video: Doris Day Singing "Sam, The Old Accordion Man" - USAby Pamela Tom |
Video: this video features Doris Day singing "Sam, The Old Accordion Man" from the movie “Love Me Or Leave Me” (1955). Accordionist is Dominic Frontier. The movie is a fictionalised account of the career of a jazz singer Ruth Etting and her tempestuous marriage to gangster Marty Snyder, who helped propel her to stardom. The original recording by Ruth Etting had a slower tempo compared with Doris Day’s snappier rendition in which she portrays Ruth Etting. I also saw Myron Floren’s YouTube recording. He played it several years later: one performance was with a soloist and the other performance was with a quartet. |
Lloyd Whittaker 1932 to 2021 - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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![]() Lloyd and his wife Joan shared their world-class collection of working instruments with the public after establishing Whittakers Musical Museum in Oneroa, Waiheke Island, 25 years ago. Visitors to Whittakers Musical Museum could tickle the ivories of a Bechstein concert piano grand once owned by Ignacy Paderewski (the Lloyd-Weber of the 19th century) or play New Zealand’s oldest Steinway. Some of the instruments in the collection were brought to the country on sailing ships, then transported up-country on bullock carts. Others were collected from second-hand shops, antique dealers and various old sheds located around the country. Whittaker, an accordionist, also had his collection of accordions, bandoneons and concertinas on display at his Museum. Fittingly, Lloyd and Joan were both named Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, cited for services to heritage preservation and music education. Lloyd “loved sharing music and giving enjoyment… It was total dedication”. Lloyd is survived by his wife, Joan, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A celebration of Lloyd's life was held at the Whittaker's Musical Museum, Artworks Complex, Oneroa. |
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New Recording “Accordion Band” by Matt Tolentinoby Rob Howard |
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Matt Tolentino released his newest album “Accordion Band” last month, which features accordion band charts published between 1935-1960 by Vitak-Elsnic Company. The CD, which "brings this decades-old music back to life seemed tailor-made for this multi-instrumentalist and accordionist extraordinaire." The 17 songs on the release range from classical to traditional folk tunes, which are performed by Tolentino playing all 5 accordion parts using a selection of instruments from his personal collection. Matt Tolentino is a musician and bandleader specializing in the live performance and preservation of “old-time” music. For details email: matt@matttolentino.com |
Future events |
Mirco Patarini (Italy) Performs in Faro - Portugalby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Other performers include João Frade, Nelson Conceição, Inês Vaz, Duo Ritmo Fole and Emanuel Marçal. The concert is part of the Cultural Network Program ''Bezaranha", organised by the Município de Castro Marim in Faro, which offers “an important contribution to affirming the Algarve on the international accordion stage, bringing here some of the finest accordionists in the world and showing what's outstanding from Portugal". |
Duo Aves “Endless Concert Weekend” – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
![]() Firstly the duo will perform at the Banon High Church in Banon on July 23rd at 8pm, organised by Banon Culture. On July 24th, they will perform in Manosque at 4pm, followed by Ville de Manosque, Saint Lazare on the 25th at 4pm. Finally on July 26th the duo will give a teaching concert around the imaginary in music, in partnership with La Capsule-MJC Manosque and the Association Jeux d'Anches. This event is free for children. The duo explores the existing repertoire for piano and accordion, including tango and contemporary music as well as performing new pieces from young contemporary composers. For details email: duoaves@gmail.com |
Mr Accordion Man “Sold-Out” Concert, Perth - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
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Mr Accordion Man (Frank Miranda) will entertain at a “sold-out” event at the Laguna Family BBQ and Dance, Laguna Veneto Bocce Club in Dianella, Perth, Western Australia on July 24th. The popular Perth accordion entertainer specialises in roaming, roving, serenading & singalongs making the guests feel like they are part of the act. He plays a variety of Italian favourites, Irish sing along, French classics, Latin American, German polkas, Austrian waltzes English & Aussie singalongs. |
Christian Riganelli Performs with Massimo Mazzoni on Saxophone - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() Accordionist Christian Riganelli will perform concerts with Massimo Mazzoni (saxophone) in Italy as follows: July 29th: 9.30pm - Lilies Area, Fermo, Marche Region August 7th: 9.30pm - Montegranaro Fermo, Marche Region - Friends of Music August 21st: 9.30pm - Montefalcone Apennino, Fermo, Marche Region The duo released their album “New Klezmer Tales” in 2017, which tells the story of their first encounter with Klezmer music. This project gave birth to seven original compositions with Klezmer inspiration for saxophone and accordion. For details email: info@christianriganelli.com |
Shane Brogan Performs at Langtoun Summer Jazz Festival – UKby Christine Johnstone |
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Accordionist Shane Brogan will perform at Artisan Markets in Kirkcaldy on behalf of Langtoun Summer Jazz Festival, on Saturday 31st July 2021 from midday till 2pm. His program will evoke the mood and atmosphere of bustling Parisian cafés, from the streets of Montmartre to the romance of Paris and Rome at night. This concert is free of charge thanks to funding from the Fife Council Local Community Planning Fund. For further details email: accordion2u@outlook.com |
Folk Trio Perform at History Museum Concert - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
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This concert, entitled “Legends about Us”, is part of the Etno folk music event held from 26th to 30th July in Klaipeda, Lithuania, organised by the Klaipeda Ethnocultural Center. The trio includes Nerijus Bakula, an accordionist who has a strong and deep feeling of Lithuanian folk. His arrangements helps to “express the meanings of folk and reach the hearts of their listeners.” For details email: ethnoprojects@gmail.com |
CANCELLED: 2021 Bretelles Festival - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() The 2021 Bretelles Festival will be held at the Château de Bertholène in Bertholène, France from August 3rd to 8th. The event will include 20 artists, 5 stages, evening concerts, masterclasses and interviews. Artistic Director, Lionel Suarez will run a masterclass from August 3rd to 6th, which is aimed at accordionists who already have an artistic practice and who wish to deepen their knowledge. “It is based on a specific improvement method: several modules offer practical tools; the art of accompaniment, the science of rhythm, orchestral thinking, improvisation, sound, phrasing, this appointment will leave nothing to chance as long as the groove is there!” Children will also be given the opportunity to attend rehearsals, meet the artists, play solo, in duo and in a jam session, as well as taking part in a repair and tuning workshop by Philippe Tchumak (inventor of the Melowtone) who will also give a course in organology. For details email: bretellesfestival@gmail.com |
Canterbury Accordion Association Variety Concert - New Zealandby Jeanette Perry |
![]() The Canterbury Accordion Association will hold their annual Variety Concert at St Stephen's Church in Christchurch on August 8th, 2021. The concert will include a performance by the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (picture left) conducted by David Thorne as well as local guest entertainers. For details email: jkperry@xtra.co.nz |
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CNIMA “Accordion Secrets” Workshop – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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Video: Marion Clot, full-time student at the CNIMA (National and International Center for Music and Accordion) explains the Jacques Mornet Method: The Bellows as a Fan The CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix will hold their second set of Accordion Secrets workshops from August 9th to 14th and 16th to 21st, 2021. If you are a professional musician and you want to improve your accordion technique or develop your repertoire, then this course is for you. Free your playing with “Accordion Secrets!” For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
Childrens Corner |
Video: 8 Year Old Performer - Russiaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: An 8 year old girl enjoying playing and singing "Icy ceiling, squeaking door". |
New and Updated Sites |
Photo Report: 2021 "Shanghai Spring" International Accordion Culture and Art Festival - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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Photo Superb pictures report of the 2021 The 3rd “Shanghai Spring” International Accordion Art & Culture Festival: View at 2021SSIA |
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Updated Site: Friedrich Lips 3 and 6 CD Specials, Lips Whole Collection Special - Austria/Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() This Double Mirror CD has been added to: Any 3 CD Special page at: CD3Packs Any 6 CD Special page at: CD6Packs Whole Collection Special page at: CDPack |
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Updated Site: Accordion Russia Newsby Christine Johnstone |
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The Accordion Russia News has been updated with information on upcoming events. |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Double Mirror CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
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CD Reviews Index for the Review of Double Mirror CD by Friedrich Lips. Review by Joan Cochran Sommers in English and German languages. |
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