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39th International Accordion Festival, Castelfidardo - Italyby Rob Howard |
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![]() The program of the festival offers Gala Performance concerts at the Theatre, evening and daytime concerts, the Young Club Music to introduce young people to music education, master classes, presentations of CDs, exhibitions and display areas, and a new exciting edition of the Music Reality Show web TV. Pre-events include: September 14th – performances by the Roberto Lucanero Trio and Giuliano Cameli September 16th and 17th - Music Reality Show begins, involving Mahatma Costa, Alessandro Gaudio, Netta Skog, Alessandro Berti. The Festival program includes: 18th September – performances by Marco Cardinaletti, Astoria Quintet, Queen Bee & The Groove band. 19th September, Paolo D’Ascanio, Accordion Ensemble P. Soprani, Francesco Citera Quartet, Shine Orchestra 20th September, Simone Mannarino, Mogens Bækgaard Duo, Paolo D’Ascanio, Kjell Harald Langhaug, Gugliemi Brothers, Simon Sciammarella, Gianni Mirizzi, Harry Hussey, Gabriele Antonelli, Claudio Jacomucci & Kathleen Delaney, No Time Tango 4rtet, 2TTango, Vince Abbracciante, Adolfo Gasparri, Serata Premio Competition for “Groups, Bands & Piazzola Music”, Orchestra Giovanile Castelfidardo. 21 September, Riccardo Taddei, Simon Sciammarella, Harry Hussey, No Time Tango 4rtet, International accordion meeting co-ordinated by Claudio Jacomucci, Kjell Harald Langhaug, Harry Hussy, Giorgio Albanese Jazz Project, Finale Concert and Prize Giving, Paolo D’Ascanio, Gugliemi Brothers, Danilo di Paolonicola Ethnic Project. The 2014 Castelfidardo International Competition Rules and Regulations will be released soon. |
5th International Accordion Festival Akordeon Art - Bosnia & Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
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![]() The event features competitions and concerts and is organised by the Academy of Music, University of East Sarajevo (Dean Zoran Rakic, picture left) and the Association for Fostering Academic Music "New Sound". The event consists of competitions, concerts, lectures and composers presentation and an exhibition of accordions and accessories. Download Rules and Regulations: 2014Art Entry closing date is 28th March 2014. For further information email: makss@spinter.net |
International Accordion Winter Campus, Giardini Naxos - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() The different classes included: the study of touch, the study of improvisation, preparation for international competitions, mnemonic studies, customizing a program as well as the opportunity for the student accordionists to follow and attend the lectures of professors Filippo Arlia (piano) and Livio Bollani (composition), as well as to live in an environment that smells of art and culture. Students attended from different regions of Italy as well as from Germany, Finland, and Brazil. During the master classes of Spaccarotella, students practised both in groups and individually. At the end of the course, which lasted lasted 4 days, the Artistic Director Maestro Valentina Currenti addressed the students and presented a calendar of events and master classes for further academic study, where activities involve the highest musical training standards in southern Italy. |
Alexander Brothers Tribute TV Program on BBC 1 Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The video above is fittingly a tribute by the Alexander Brothers to the great Andy Stewart, another renowned Scottish entertainer who enjoyed major international success. The Alexander Brothers were one of Scotland’s most consistently popular show business acts for several decades. Singer and pianist Jack Alexander and accordionist Tom turned professional in 1958 after winning a talent competition and were soon headlining shows throughout the UK and overseas with their Scottish songs and tunes, and in 1964 had the distinction of outselling the Beatles in Scotland with their number on hit song ‘Nobody’s Child’. Since 1958 Jack and Tom made a large number of recordings and DVDs, and their sales continue to be popular right up to the present time. In recognition of their huge contribution to entertainment, the brothers were each awarded the MBE in 2005 by HM Queen Elizabeth at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. The Alexander Brothers retired in 2012. Jack died on November 2nd 2013, and is survived by brother Tom. |
Stéphane Chapuis ‘Tango Sensations’, Sion – Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
![]() The performers include Stéphane Chapuis (bandoneon, accordion), Johanna Hernandez (violin), Tomas Hernandez (violin), Jorman Torres Hernandez (alto sax), Janaina de Aquino Salles (cello), and Leo & Eugenia (tango dancers). For further information email: stephane.chapuis@bluewin.ch |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Aydar Gaynullin, Music Festival Pantonale - from Classical to Tango, Berlin – Germanyby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
![]() After his first major and sold-out Berlin concert, ‘Tango de Amor’, on June 8th 2013 in the chamber music hall of the Berlin Philharmonic, Aydar Gaynullin now showed that he - in addition to another appearance with string orchestra - can also excel as a chamber musician and in pop music. The name of the festival is made up of the Greek prefix “pan” (pa? = completely, comprehensively) and the word “tonal” (the key), thus describing the programmatic idea of the variety of musical styles and artists, presented by PANTONALE. Thanks to the meeting of partly the same musicians in the various concerts and the coexistence of different musical genres, the festival becomes a unique experience to the public and for everyone involved on the stage. After all, three concerts took place in January 2014 focussed on Latin American music, classical music, popular songs and compositions by Aydar Gaynullin. The first evening was called ‘Rhythms of Passion’ on January 10th at the Russian House of Science and Culture. Together with his ensemble ‘Euphoria Orchestra’ and the singer Malika as front woman, Aydar Gaynullin presented special songs from the region of Latin America. ‘Poppier’ songs by Lucio Dalla or Yann Tiersen, internationally known for his film music of ‘The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain’, completed the evening with spirited music of passion and dance. Next day, a chamber musical ‘Flight of the time’, with a program from Bach to Piazzolla, was the unique experience in the Church of Jesus Christ in Dahlem. For about 60 years, this church is used for classical music recordings because of its excellent acoustics, and provides a concert experience in an almost intimate setting. The gala concert ‘Fiesta de Aydar’ at the Philharmony with ten soloists, strings and a vocal ensemble made up of members of the Berlin State Chapel, conducted by David Robert Coleman, concluded and simultaneously presented the climax of Pantonale on January 12th (by the way, the birthday of Aydar!). In a very finely tuned program, the focus was on classical music and tango. One of the highlights of the concert in the Chamber Music Hall was the world premiere of ‘ALINA’ for accordion, guitar, bansuri, cajon, chorus and orchestra, especially composed by Aydar Gaynullin for Pantonale, which the composer dedicated to his daughter Aline. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
Video: Oesch's die Dritten Group, Open Air Concert, Zofingen - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
The name Oesch is famous in Swtzerland since the 1970's and 80's when the Oesch Trio became well known and popular. The children and grandchildren now make up most of the Oesch's die Dritten group today which has a proud history of very popular family music making in Swtizerland. This concert is held in the beautifully situated Heitere Square, Zofingen in surroundings that guarantee a great atmosphere and open air concert. |
‘Going Places’ Mairtin O’Connor Band CD, Galway – Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() This superb ensemble covers the whole terrain of Irish traditional music yet seamlessly integrates gypsy jazz, musette, and touches of rock 'n roll into their style. ‘Going Places’ is available via Amazon or through the Mairtin O’Connor Band website. Tracks: Trip To Turk, The Monaghan Jig, Believe me Sligo, Lord Mayo, Going Places, The Mountains of Pomeroy, Rockets to the Moon, Indifference, Geese in the Bog, The Water is Wide, The Drogheda Jig, Heading Home Mairtin O'Connor, from Galway, began playing the button accordion at the age of nine and has had a remarkable career stretching back to the late 70s. As well as performing as a leading member of De Danaan, Boys of the Lough, and other traditional bands, he has also recorded and toured with The Chieftains, Mark Knopfler, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, and on the highly popular Riverdance show. He is also an imaginative composer, whose music fits well within the idiom of Irish traditional music yet often heads in new directions musically. |
Video: Accordion Trio 'Brides' - Russiaby Harley Jones |
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![]() They are: Lybov Akhanova (dark hair), Anna Yushina (blond) and Natalya Lipovtseva (brunette). Voytenko who had created the very successful duo 'Bayan Mix' decided to create a new project, this time featuring lady accordionists. Sergey Voytenko writes many of the arrangements and these three talented accordionists, unusually bright charming girls who could all be models, enjoy making their living performing with the accordion. The group has toured to cities in Germany, Italy, France and India and have taken part in popular Russian TV shows and major concerts. Enjoy the videos. |
2014 Collectors Edition Accordion Artists Calendar – USAby Rob Howard |
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With the growing popularity of crowds drawn to the accordion comes a new culture and generation of accordionist. Petosa welcomes these new artistic bands that feature the accordion along with some nostalgic groups as well by assembling a 2014 calendar to highlight 12 top recording and touring bands and their accordionist. You will definitely want to keep these great photos. Groups include: Nirvana, John Mellancamp, Decemberists, Beriut, Lumineers, Jack Johnson, Cedar Suede, Pearl D’Jango, Contino Band, Riders in the Sky, Molly B and the Squeezebox Band, Mood Area 52. Proceeds will be donated to accordion scholarships to be announced in the near future. For more information: petosa@petosa.com |
Video: Duo 'Concertino' and Folk Music Ensemble 'Brevis' - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Published on Dec 12, 2013, The accordion duo "Concertino" with folk music ensemble 'Brevis', Director, Jaroslav Bybyk and filmed by Salut Studio. Duet accordionists "Concertino" was created in 2000 as professional staff of the Art Institute Carpathian National University. V.Stefanyk. "Concertino" is: - Myron Cherepanyn - Doctor, Professor, Honored Artist of Ukraine, Head of the Department of Musicology and akordeonnoho art, Art Institute of Carpathian National University. V.Stefanyk. - Marina Bulda - Ph.D., Assistant professor of musicology and art akordeonnoho Art Institute of Carpathian National University. V.Stefanyk. |
Video: Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra Composed by Anatoli Kusiakov - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Published on Dec 21, 2013 by well known Ukrainian composer Volodymyr Runchak. Concerto for accordion and orchestra by Anatoli Kusiakov performed by, Georgi Koch, (accordion) and the Chamber Orchestra of Odessa Philharmonic, conducted by Volodymyr Runchak. |
Video: Lelo Nika - Srba Balkanica TV K::CN - Serbiaby Harley Jones |
Uploaded on May 2, 2011, Lelo Nika and group on Srba Balkanica TV K::CN TV Kopernikus performing "Gladna sam rodnog neba". Lelo Nika (1969) is a Serbian and Romanian Romani accordionist who lives in Denmark. He plays a mixture of Balkan, jazz, and especially Romanian music. He originally comes from the multiethnic town of Nikolinci near Belgrade, Serbia, which has a large Romanian population. He moved with his family to Helsingør, Denmark in 1970 and for 3 years, starting in 1979 he studied under Serbian accordionist Branimir Djokic. Lelo Nika went on to win international competitions including 1st equal at the 1996 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category after which he pursued a career as a highly regarded accordion professional. |
Video: Beijing Children's Palace Baidi Accordion Orchestra - Chinaby Harley Jones |
The Beijing Children's Palace Baidi Accordion Orchestra performing Porgy and Bess arrangement, superbly conducted by Chen Weiliang, is famous in Beijing, performing nearly always, to packed concert halls. One of the finest accordion orchestras in the world. |
Video: "Voronezh Dance" Composed by Y. Fabruchnyh and performed by E. Pirogov - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Published on Jan 8, 2014, "Voronezh dance" composed by Y. Fabruchnyh and performed by E. Pirogov at the Jubilee Concert of Peoples Artist of Russia, Victor Romanko, 27 February 2013. Playing the students of Victor Romanko. Video published by Alexei Gerasenkov http://www.youtube.com/user/aleksei19451/about |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Whitby Folk Week 1999by Rob Howard |
![]() Whitby Folk Week - UK Contributed by Bill Hodgson The popular 34th annual Whitby Folk Week was held from August 21st to 27th in Whitby, Yorkshire, England. Thousands of people enjoyed many hours of official events comprising of dances, concerts, workshops and sessions as well as music stalls, craft fairs, group performances and children's events. Several accomplished accordion, melodeon and concertina players performed and gave very useful workshops. These included Alistair Anderson, Damien Barber, Sara Daniels, Tim van Eyken, George Garside, Johnny Handle, Robert Harbron, John Kirkpatrick, Dave Mallinson, Chris Parkinson, Brian Peters, Chris Pollington, Lester Simpson and Simon Thoumire. |
Future events |
Romano Viazzani Gigs Update, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() On Sunday January 26th, 8pm, I will be at The Pheasantry, Kings Road, London, with the wonderful vocal duo Joanna Strand and Jacqueline Tate. The cabaret is always popular so remember to book. I’m back with singer/multi-instrumentalist David Vaughan first on February 8th, 8pm, at the revamped The Bull’s Head, Barnes, London. I’m also with David Vaughan on February 15th, 9pm, at Olivers in Greenwich. On February 20th, 7.30pm, I will be back with Bethany Jameson and Cabaret Veritè for a Soiree Parisienne at the Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster University. I’m very proud that one of my students Fiona MacDonald is currently performing in Die Fledermaus at The King’s Head Theatre, Islington London. Also congratulations to Ben de Sousa, another of my students, who has got into the Royal Academy of Music to study the accordion. Well done Ben. For further information email: romanoviazzani@hotmail.co.uk |
Richard Galliano Concerts – Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() January 25th – JS Bach, Piazzolla, Verdi, Vivaldi at Pistoia, Italy January 26th – with the Piazzolla Forever Septet, Verona, Italy January 27th – Vivaldi, Piazzolla at the Tonhalle, Zurich, Switzerland January 28th – Vivaldi, Piazzolla at the Temple du Bas, Neuchatel, Switzerland January 30th - Vivaldi, Piazzolla at the Burghof, Lorrach, Germany January 31st – with the Orchestre Symphonique Lyonnais, Annonay, France |
Paul Chamberlain Recitals, Yorkshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() On Friday January 31st, 1.15pm, Paul Chamberlain performs at the Clothworkers Centenary Hall, University of Leeds. His programme will include JS Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue in D Minor’ as well as works by Khachaturian, Angelis and Zolotariev amongst others. Free admission. Paul Chamberlain was one of the first classical accordionists to graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, where he studied with Djordje Gajic. He gained a BMus (Hons) degree and has recently graduated from RCS with a Master of Music Performance, with Distinction. Paul has performed at festivals such as Baltica Harmonica in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Sata-Häme Soi Accordion festival in Ikaalinen, Finland. He has also performed in France, Italy, Greece, Bahrain and the USA. In 2011, Paul released his debut solo album, ‘Classical Accordion’. This spring he will be making a new recording which will include a mixture of chamber works and solo repertoire, and will be released in July 2014. For further information email: paul@theaccordionist.com CD and original compositions available at: Paul Chamberlain |
Matthias Matzke Concert, Sitzungssaal - Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() Barely 20 years, Matthias Matzke has done concert tours in China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Costa Rica, and throughout Europe. He performs a "cross-over" repertoire that incorporates traditional folk, jazz, rock, musette, and classical music. Admission - adults 12 euros, children and adolescents 6 euros. |
Concerts @ the Križanke Summer Theatre, Ljubjliana – Sloveniaby Rob Howard |
![]() February 10th, 7.30pm - Tjaša Ceric - accordion, Domen Koren - saxophone, and Jan Sever – piano, performing works by T. Habe, P. Sancan, E. Schulhoff, J. S. Bach, V. Avsec, E. Grieg, S. Prokofiev. Free admission February 12th, 7.30pm – students from the St Petersburg Conservatory: Nikolai Ovchinnikov - accordion (pictured above) German Skripachev - piano, Elizaveta Ukrainskaya - piano, Ilya Izmailov - cello, Anastasia Farrachova - violin, Apollinaria Nosacheva – violin. Works by P. Tchaikovsky, D. Shostakovich, K. Davydov, A. Alyabyev, G. Sviridov, R. Shchedrin, S. Rachmaninoff, F. Chopin, A. Scriabin, R.Roggieri, Streychy/Akhanov, C.Thomain, A. Piazzolla, I. Frolov, S. Joplin. Free admission |
40th NAAFC ‘Box & Fiddle’ Championships, Scotland - UKby Rob Howard |
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![]() ![]() The competitions include Traditional Accordion Solo, Polka and Musette, with other sections including Accordion Orchestra/Showband, Scottish Bands and Trios. There are also numerous fiddle sections. Further details are on the Box & Fiddle magazine website. This year’s selected composers are Ian Powrie – accordion, Michael Philip – fiddle. The adjudicators for accordion are: classical - Paul Chamberlain, Neil Copland; traditional – Colin Garvin, Charlie Kirkpatrick, Iain MacPhail; fiddle – Bill Cook, Graham Reid, Stella Wilkie; percussion – Gus Millar. The competitions are followed by a concert, and a ceilidh with Neil Hardie and his Scottish Dance Band, 9pm, in the hotel. For further information email: lorna.mair@ymail.com |
Bellows and Waves Accordion Week, Devon - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() There will be 4 days of intensive rehearsals, leading to a concert in Emmanuel Church, Ilfracombe, on May 28th at 8pm. The programme of music will include original works for accordion orchestra as well as arrangements of popular classics, film music and other well-known favourites. Rehearsals will be directed by Ian Watson. The cost of the course will be £135 per person, which includes tuition, hire of music and tea/coffee/ biscuits /soft drinks at break. The fee also includes a Welcome Meal and party on the first evening. Please note that all other meals are not included. ? All members of the course will have to find their own accommodation. Ilfracombe is a picturesque coastal town and there are many B & Bs, hotels, holiday parks and camp sites within a short drive of the rehearsal venue. The Tourist Information Centre telephone number is 01271 863001, and the website www.visitilfracombe.co.uk is also very useful. There will also be an optional, informal play-along session to finish the week on the morning of Thursday May 29th. For further information email: jnorth72@hotmail.com |
‘Il fiore delle mille e una nota’, Amsterdam – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() This third edition of this festival will feature internationally renowned artists as well as young international musicians prepared to perform through a series of master classes by Claudio Jacomucci. There will also be the premiere of a new piece by Claudio Jacomucci and also a premiere of a choreography by Kathleen Delaney for a group of 5 dancers. Il Coro Durantino will sing ‘Arcana’, a piece by Claudio Jacomucci for choir and accordion. The full programme will be ready in February. The calendar to date includes: Musicians master classes: 17-18-19 January 2014 21-22-23 February 2014 22-24 March 2014 Rehearsals in April 2014 Performance in Amsterdam, Netherlands: May 2nd and 3rd 2014 Performance in Urbino, Italy: 6-7-8 June 2014 For further information email: accordionconference@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl Releases New Arrangement - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() 'Crimson Time', catalog: DH0245 Sample for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Updated Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) websiteby Heather Masefield |
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Updated Gary Daverne video page and websiteby Harley Jones |
![]() http://www.garydaverne.gen.nz/videos.htm |
CD Reviews |
Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Airby Joan C. Sommers |
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