Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
New and Updated Sites |
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
65th CIA Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships, Spoleto - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() for the 2012 Coupe Mondiale which is hosted and organized by the CIA member from Italy, the Italian Accordion Culture (IAC). There were three concerts just prior to the Coupe Mondiale in Spoleto. On Saturday, the 65th Coupe Mondiale Artistic Director and Honorary Vice President of the CIA Mirco Patarini, international concert artist and past Trophée Mondial de l'Accordéon winner, proudly appeared in concert in his home town of Spoleto. Pictures at: 2012Pre The second concert was by another Spoleto accordionist Samuele Telari, who was the winner of the 2009 and 2010 "Strumenti & Musica Festival" and 2nd prize winner of the 2009 CIA Junior Coupe Mondiale in Auckland, New Zealand. Samuele performed at the spectacular Pissignano Castle about 15 kms from Spoleto, high above the valley floor. Pictures at: 2012Pre The duo "Una Sinistra", comprising of Alexander Selivanov and Yulia Amerikova performed on Monday night. Monday Daily Reports: 2012Mon The 128th CIA International General Assembly of Delegates Congress took place on Tuesday and the Opening Concert that evening. Tuesday Daily Reports: 2012Tues The Coupe Mondiale competitions started on Wednesday. Wednesday Daily Reports: 2012Wed Thursday Daily Reports: 2012Thurs Friday Daily Reports: 2012Friday Saturday Daily Reports: 2012Sat Full Results: 2012Results |
37th International Accordion Festival, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
The annual International Accordion Festival in Castelfidardo, Ancona, usually held in October, this year will be held from September 19th to 23rd. The hub of the festival is the competition “Premio & Concorso” for soloists and accordion bands, but it is also enriched with concerts and other events. The competition comprises classical and light music sections, including Astor Piazzolla’s repertoire and new sub-categories. The jury will be chaired by the Claudio Jacomucci, teacher of accordion and Alexander technique, Director and Professor of the Italian Academy of Accordion and professor of the Conservatory “D’Annunzio” of Pescara. Some competitions will be held in the prestigious Hall of “Stemmi” in the Town Hall, in order to enable a larger audience. In the same week will be also the Edition of the International “Rassegna” Junior Accordion Players for Soloists up to the age of 18 years old and the Senior Accordion Players Competition for Soloists. These contestants should present a program of their choice and their evaluation should not be based on written music, but on stylistic interpretation, technical skills, musicality and expression. Subscription forms for Castelfdardo should be submitted no later than 26th August 2012. For futher information email: info@festivalinternazionalefisarmonicacastelfidardo.it |
2012 Hohner Cup Variété Accordion Competition, Beijing - Chinaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() ![]() This new competition is different, as each contestant is required to play a test piece with a backing track that is supplied by the competition organisers. The style of music is Variété accordion entertainment. Categories are for solo, duet, trio and ensemble plus other instruments. The event was organised by Ding Peng (picture left) and the Hohner team of helpers with host unit China Accordion Association (President Prof. Li Cong, picture right) who made the event very enjoyable for the contestants, teachers, parents and jury. Both Ding Peng and Li Cong are pictured at the Opening Ceremony. |
2012 Baidi Cup National Competitions, Jinan - Chinaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() This is a major event with over 500 contestants coming to Jinan City from around China to compete. The person leading the competition organisation is Fu Yong (picture right), who is the Standing Director of the China Musician Association Accordion Branch and also head of the jury for this event. What is very exciting about the Baidi Cup is the large numbers of young accordionists (under 7 years) competing and playing in groups and orchestra. Read the pictures and results online at: 2012 Baidi |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, Cavan - Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The Fleadh Cheoil is a huge festival of Irish music, song and dance, with approximately 10,000 competitors and performers, including large numbers of accordionists, melodeon, concertina and harmonica players, as well as ceili bands, accordion and marching bands participating. The results for all the 170 sections are on the Fleadh Cheoil website. The results of the accordion sections are listed, as follows: Piano Accordion Under 12: 1st - Bríd Ní Dhochartaigh, 2nd - Rónán Ó Colmáin, 3rd - Tomás Ó Pamier 12 to 15 years: 1st - Colm McMahon, 2nd - Oisín Ó Reachtaire, 3rd - Rhianna Ní Cheallaigh 15 to 18 years: 1st - Ryan Hackett, 2nd - Matthew Murphy, 3rd - Clíodhna Ní Chonghaile, Over 18: 1st - Adam Dyer, 2nd - Kevin Murphy, 3rd - Tadhg Ó Meachair Button Accordion Under 12: 1st - Diarmuid Ó Fatharta, 2nd - Keelan Mac Craith, 3rd - Natasha Ní Bhriain 12 to 15 years: 1st - Colm Ó Slatara, 2nd - John McCann, 3rd - Seán Ó Lorcaín 15 to 18 years: 1st - Aisling Hunt, 2nd - Seosamh Ó Catháin, 3rd - Seán Dolan Over 18: 1st - Máirtín Ó Conaill, 2nd - Christopher Maguire, 3rd - Michael Curran For further information email: info@fleadhcheoil.ie |
Tweed’s CD ‘The First Weave’, Scotland - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The band is a trio from the highlands of Scotland: Graeme Mackay (Shand Morino 3-row diatonic accordion), Duncan Farquhar (fiddle), and Sam Mcleod (drums). Graeme Mackay is the third generation of a Scottish accordion playing dynasty, and has been competing since the age of 13, having won multiple button accordion trophies, 2 major traditional championships and came second in the national accordion masters championship. The tracks include: Caberfeidh/Battle of Waterloo/Dundee City Police Pipe Band/Leaving Port Askaig; The Wee Man From Skye/Angus Mckinnon; The Sleeping Tune; Jackie Coleman's Reel/The Maid Behind the Bar/The Reconciliation; Jenny Dang the Weaver; Islay Rant/Barrowburn Reel/Andy Renwick's Ferret/The Maid Behind the Bar; Spootiskerry/The Pumpkin's Fancy; Kartushka/Kalinka Malinka; Captain Carswell/Mrs.H.L.MacDonald of Dunach; Glasgow Reel/W.C.Donald McKenzie; Crossing the Minch/Rory McLeod; High Drive/ Ramnee Ceilidh; Drowsy Maggie/Morrison's Jig/Unknown Reel; The Gael For further information email: support@allcelticmusic.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Zydeco Accordionists Rally Roundby Rob Howard |
![]() ACCORDIONIST INJURED BY DRUNK DRIVER - USA Contributed by Dennis Gurwell The Swamp Gators performed at a successful benefit dance for Jo Jo Reed on August 23rd in Gardena to over 200 people. Jo Jo Reed is a Zydeco accordionist from Louisiana. He plays accordion, bass and drums. He was badly injured earlier this year coming home from a gig when a drunk driver going in the opposite direction, crossed over the centre line and hit Jo Jo's car head on. He has had to undergo a series of facial reconstruction surgeries. He is now up and around and is scheduled to play at the Louisiana Zydeco Festival on September 5th and 6th, but has been left with large medical bills. The benefit dance was one of several held this week on the West Coast of the USA. On August 22nd, Geno Delafose and Balfa Toujours performed a concert in Seattle, Washington, and donated their pay to the cause. In the San Francisco Bay area on the same night, Zydeco accordionist Kenny Menard and his band donated their services at another benefit dance. |
Future events |
Erika & Jean-Marie Play for Dancing, Losange – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
![]() |
East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra Concerts, Larne – Northern Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() August 26th, 4pm until 5pm – Dixon Park, Larne, Northern Ireland September 2nd, 4pm until 5pm – Carnfunnock Park, Coast Rd, Larne BT 40 2QG For further information email: clyde.johnston@hotmail.co.uk |
‘Carnival of the Animals’, Frankfurt – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
After the success of last year, again this summer ‘Carnival of the Animals’, by Saint-Saens with Michael Quast and the ‘Baroque Main Ensemble’ will be presented. Musical Director of the Instrumental Ensemble is Rhodri Britton, and for the accordion part - Mirjana Petercol. Bolongaro Palace, Frankfurt Höchst: Dates: Sundays August 26th and September 2nd at 11 am, and Wednesday August29 th at 3pm. More information from Mirjana Petercol: miripetercol@gmx.de |
Lácides Romero and Liliana Hernández Concert, Bogota – Colombiaby Rob Howard |
![]() The programme includes: Anonymous, 17th Century – ‘Differences over La Gayta’; Antonio Soler - ‘Sonata in G major’; John Blow – ‘Fugue in C major’; William Byrd – ‘La Volta’; Mateo Albéniz – ‘Sonata in D major’; G. F. Händel – ‘Concerto Nº 5 for Organ in F major’; Nicolás Muñoz – ‘El grato momento’; José Fernández de Coca –‘Ave’; María Gallo and Enrique Guerrero – ‘La Kalunga’; Astor Piazzolla – ‘Libertango’; Lácides Romero – ‘Catalina’, ‘Adriana’, ‘Marcela’; Oliver Metra – ‘Serenata Española’. For further information email: lacidesromero@gmail.com |
Zamar @ Eikendal Restaurant, Stellenbosch – South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() |
The quintet Zamar entertain at the Eikendal Restaurant, Stellenbosch, on Friday August 31st, 7.30pm. Booking essential. For further information email: info@zamar.co.z?a |
Sancybérie Festival, Saint-Sauves d’Auvergne – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() |
The Sancybérie French-Russian themed festival takes place September 1st to 8th in and near Saint-Sauves d’Auvergne in the South of France. Performing will be the Kazan Quintet Trio and ‘Piazzango’, featuring accordionist Félicien Brut. Organised by Roman Jbanov, the week includes: September 1st, 8.30pm - Salle des Fêtes, Saint-Sauves d’Auvergne September 2nd, 8.30pm - Salle des Fêtes, Laqueuille September 3rd, 8.30pm - Maison des Associations, Chambon sur Lac September 4th, 8.30pm - Salle Socioculturelle, Messeix September 5th, 8.30pm - Foyer Rural, Egliseneuve d’Entraigues September 6th, 8.30pm - Salle des Fêtes, Herment September 7th, 8.30pm - Théâtre de Verdure, Le Mont-Dore For further information email: duopm@sfr.fr |
Polish Arts Festival ‘Accordion Marathon’, Southend – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The ‘Marathon’ will celebrate the role of the accordion in traditional, classical, and Polish contemporary contexts, and also its intercultural significance across the European Union. Starting at 12 midday, four accordion artists will appear each day, one after the other. They will perform a concert of approximately 75 minutes each. The performers are: Saturday Stefan Heckel (Austria)? – 12noon (starting time) Anne Niepold (Belgium) – 1pm Sebastien Bertrand (France) – 3pm Marko Hatlak (Slovenia) – 4.30pm Sunday Vacily Ivanciu (Romania) – 12noon Pawel Zaganczyk (Poland) – 1pm Rafal Luc (Poland) – 3pm Maurizio Minardi (Italy)? – 4.30pm For further information email: douglas(at)hungryarts.org |
Festival Accordéon, Valais – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
![]() |
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publications composer Sue Coppard has a new siteby Charnwood Publishing |
![]() 'Piccolo Mio', catalog:M674, 'Vin Bleu', catalog:M669, 'The House of Fun', catalog:M676 and 'Serbska', catalog:M666. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Don Grzanna updated his siteby Donald E Grzanna |
![]() |
CD Reviews |
Richness of the Tones CD by Esra Pehlivanli (Viola) and Marko Kassl (Accordion)by Joan C. Sommers |
![]() |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |