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Highlights |
Brandon McPhee April Tour to Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
Brandon McPhee will tour Ireland in April giving the following concerts: • April 2nd, 2023: The Glen Theatre, Banteer, Co Cork, phone 0295 6239 or 0877 558 752 • April 3rd, 2023: Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, phone 02866 325 440 • April 4th, 2023: Hot Country TV Awards Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, phone 0876859895 • April 6th, 2023: The Old Courthouse, Antrim, phone 0300 123 7788 |
XXV Kokkolan Winter Accordion Festival 2023 and New CD - Finlandby Harley Jones |
The XXV Kokkolan Winter Accordion Festival 2023 was held in Kokkola, Central Ostrobothnia, Finland from February 10th to 18th, 2023. Download festival program: 2023KokkolaFest.pdf Pictures at: 2023KokkolaGallery News update about the Winter Accordion Festival concerts from Raimo Vertainen (picture right), festival Artistic Director since the beginning of the festival: As this year was the 25th anniversary of the festival, the Central-Pohjanmaa Chamber Orchestra and soloists have been recording over the past week at the Kaustinen Folk Arts Center. “This is an historic week as the result is the first CD in our country where only Finnish composers' accordion concerts have been recorded.” All concerts recorded have been commissioned works of the Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival: Aulis Sallinen's Duo Concertante (soloists Sonja Vertainen and Janne Valkeajoki), Brother Kujala Shape-Shifter (soloist Petteri Waris) and Minna Leinonen Vyöry (soloist Antti Leinonen). See pictures above and below. All concerts are different in style, but very successful. Thanks to conductor Tomas Djupsjöbacka and administrator Marjukka Puutio. The album consists of three contemporary accordion concertos by leading Finnish composers Aulis Sallinen, Veli Kujala and Minna Leinonen and will be released in February 2024 at the 26th Winter Accordion Festival in Kokkola. Festival Pictures at: 2023KokkolaGallery |
Video: 14th Orpheus Award 2023, Award Ceremony - Italyby Rob Howard |
Video: The 14th Edition of the Orpheus Award 2023 (Critic Award for Accordion Productions and the whole family of reeds) award ceremony was held on March 19th, 2023. The event is organised by the Association Promozione Arte: Gerlando Gatto (Art Director) Renzo Ruggieri (APA President) Giuseppe Di Falco (Secretary) Andrea Di Giacomo (Secretary) The award includes three categories: Classic, Jazz and World. Results: Jazz: Simone Zanchini and Gabriele Mirabassi with "The Cat and the Fox" Egea Records. Classical: Marco Gemelli with “El Tiburon” Ars Spoletium Publishing & Recording World/popular: Flaviano Braga and Simone Mauri with “Ma per” by Caligola Records. Career Award: Wolmer Beltrami. Born in Breda Cisoni on May 23rd, 1922, from the 'boy prodigy' that he was, Wolmer already at 16 had his own orchestra with which he performed for many months in some large hotels. In 1947, the famous duo Kramer-Beltrami was formed while with the advent of television in Italy he formed the Trio with sisters Luisa and Leda, with whom he toured the Middle East in the 1950s. In 1960 he had an important recognition: the "World Accordion Oscar". Extraordinary virtuoso, Beltrami is rightly remembered also as an imaginative composer: "Il Treno", "Carovana negra", "Squadrone bianco". |
Stas Venglevski Performs at the Wisconsin Lutheran Concert Series - USAby Christine Johnstone |
Stas Venglevski will perform in concert at the Schwan Concert Hall, Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA on March 27th, 2023 at 7pm, organised by Frankly Music. This event is being held as part of the Wisconsin Lutheran Concert series. Stas will be joined by Frank Almond (violin) and Roza Borisova (cello) to present a program featuring tangos, waltzes, music by J.S. Bach, Astor Piazzolla, Mariano Mores, Ernesto Lequona, Juan de Dios Filiberto and more. |
2023 Accordéons-nous.org Festival - Belgiumby Christine Johnstone |
The 2023 Accordéons-nous.org Festival will be held in Mons, Belgium from April 19th to 23rd. The event will feature the 5th International & National Competition, an exhibition of accordion paraphernalia that belonged to Willy Staquet (accordionist from Montois) as well as a variety of concerts as follows: - April 19th at 8.30pm: Opening Concert by Duo Argos (picture above left), which features Julien Beautemps (accordion - France) and Sotiris Athanasiou (classical guitar – Greece) at La Maison Losseau in Mons. The duo will play a “cosmopolitan repertoire from George Gershwin to Fazil Say, via Radamés Gnattali”. - April 20th at 8.30pm: Geir Draugsvoll (Denmark) at La Maison Losseau in Mons. - April 21st at 12 midday: Roman Puneiko (Ukraine) at Arts 2, Mons. - April 21st at 8.30pm: Salvatore Pace and Alessandro Gaudio (picture above right) "Viva Italia" concert at Plaza-Art, Mons. - April 22nd at 12 midday: Michel Stockhem (Belgium) at Plaza-Art, Mons. - April 22nd at 8pm: Prix Accordéons-nous 2023 concert at Arts 2, Mons. - April 23rd at 12 midday: Loris Douyez (Belgium) at Arts 2, Mons. - April 23rd at 5.30pm: Closing concert with the "Accordéons-nous" orchestra (picture below) and "Accordiola St. Vith". Competition winners will also perform at this concert. For details email: accordeons.nous.org@gmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
All-Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Garmonica, Moscow - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
Video: Allow a few seconds for the video file to load. Video starts at 0:14:50 Download print pdf video program in English, Deutsch and Russian with times. 2023ARVideo.pdf Print above poster: 2023AllRussiaPoster.pdf Concert dedicated to the All Russia Day of bayan, accordion and garmonica at RAM ''Gnesin'' Concert hall on 18 March 2023. The Department of Bayan and Accordion of the Gnesins RAM established the event with project manager being Friedrich Lips. Video: Allow a few seconds for the video file to load. Video starts at 0:14:50 The All-Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica is also Russia's contribution to World Accordion Day (May 6th) because that date clashes with a Russian National Holiday, so for that reason, the All-Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica is held in March annually. The Department of the Bayan and Accordion of the Gnesins RAM established the event with project manager, Friedrich Lips. The aim of the event is to become part of a national cultural project. |
The Shands Family Show Almost Sold Out - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
Tickets are almost sold out for The Shands Family Show, due to be held at the Dumfries Baptist Church Centre in Dumfries, Scotland on April 8th, 2023 at 7.30pm. All proceeds from the show will be going to two great charities: Prostate Buddies D & G and Breast Cancer Support. The Shand family, who played recently for the King when he bestowed City status on Dunfermline, will be joined by Gordon Smith (drums) plus a variety of local talent. See poster above for details. |
Video: David Vernon Playing Music from “The Quiet Man” - UKby Rob Howard |
Video: David Vernon playing music from “The Quiet Man” to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Enjoy! |
Future events |
Tomball German Heritage Fest – USAby Christine Johnstone |
The 2023 Tomball German Heritage Fest will be held daily from March 24th to 26th in Tomball, Texas, USA. Accordion entertainers include the Alex Meixner Band, Chris Rybak Band (picture left), and Matt Tolentino. The event will include music, dancing and entertainment for the whole family. Admission is free of charge. For details email: info@tomballgermanfest.org |
Tracey Collins Entertains at “One Day in Provence” Event - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
Picture top: 2022 “One Day in Provence” Event. Picture above left: Tracey Collins at the St Patrick's Day Parade. Picture above right: Tracey Collins entertaining at St Patrick's Day celebrations. Auckland accordionist, Tracey Collins will entertain over 1,000 people at the “One Day in Provence” long lunch event at The Cloud in Auckland, New Zealand on March 25th, 2023. The event is organised by a trio of Frenchies who are keen to celebrate the end of summer in New Zealand in style. The dress code is Pink & White – see 2022 picture above. Last weekend Tracey performed a variety of Irish tunes at Florrie McGreal’s Irish Pub in Takapuna, Auckland to celebrate St Patricks Day on March 17th. The following day (March 18th), Tracey took part in the Takapuna St Patrick's Day Parade (photo left) with Marika Balzat (violin) and Archie (guitar) to a large crowd. |
Prahran Accordion Band "Lounge" Concert - Australiaby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
The Prahan Accordion band will present a concert entitled “Lounge” at the German Club Tivoli in Windsor, Victoria, Australia on March 25th, 2023 at 2pm. For details phone: 0499 188 826 |
“Leveret” Entertain at Live at Sam’s – Englandby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Leveret - Sidney Forlong / Misty Morning - Live at The Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Scotland. Three piece band “Leveret” will perform at Live at Sam's in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England on March 26th, 2023. The group features Andy Cutting (melodeon), Rob Harbron (concertina) and Sam Sweeney (violin). Leveret are celebrating 10 years on the road, and to mark this milestone, they're releasing a new album, “Forms” on April 21st, 2023. For details email: info@leveretband.com |
Black Pencil Perform Special Children's Show - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
Black Pencil will perform a special children’s show (for nine and over) entitled “Caioni's Secret Book” at the Secondary Education Vechtstede College in Weesp, Netherlands on March 28th, 2023 at 11am and 12.30pm, directed by Annechien Koerselman. “Imagine: you inherit a map, with which you can find a treasure, which has been hidden for centuries in a monastery in Transylvania, present-day Romania. Then, of course, you don't think twice, but you go out with the musicians of Black Pencil to understand this mystery. Their instruments from recorders and pan flutes to percussion, viola and accordion show you the way. But be warned, Caioni's Secret Book can't just be revealed: musical riddles have to be solved and codes cracked.” |
John Kirkpatrick Entertains at the Ryburn Folk Club, England - UKby Christine Johnstone |
John Kirkpatrick will entertain at the Ryburn Folk Club, The Hollins Mill, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, England on March 29th, 2023. John Kirkpatrick has been dancing, singing, and playing his way around the English folk scene since 1959 at the age of twelve. |
Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini Entertain at Rini's Restaurant - USAby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini (vocals) will entertain with an evening of live music at Rini’s Restaurant on March 31st, 2023 from 7pm. See poster for details. |
Tutto a Dio Concert in Geneva - Switzerlandby Christine Johnstone |
Tutto a Dio will give a concert at the Trocmé Hall in Geneva Switzerland on March 31st, 2023 at 12.30pm, organised by Musique a Midi. The duo consists of Augustinas Rakauskas (accordion) and Greta Staponkute-Rakau (viola). |
Wälderbuebe Accordion Club Joint Concert with Choir - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
After a 3-year break, the Wälderbuebe Accordion Club (picture below) will hold a joint concert with the Laetitia choir on April 1st, 2023 at 8pm. For details email: vorstand@harmonikaverein-linach.de |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
List of Linksby AWW |
Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year | |
Release of 2023 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations 2022 Coupe Mondiale, October 04 - 09, Switzerland Daily Reports from 05 October |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2022 Daily Reports | |
XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports | |
2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article | |
Accordion Reed Production Article Link | |
Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link | |
Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link | |
2022 AAA Recent publications, USA News Link and Article |
New and Updated Sites |
CIA Merit Awards for Ladislav Horák and Renzo Ruggieri, Paks - Hungaryby Harley Jones |
Photo above: 2023 Winter Congress Delegates The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) held their 149th General Assembly of Delegates Winter Congress in Paks, Hungary from 3-5 March, 2023, which was attended by Delegates from 17 countries from as far afield as the USA, South Korea, Russia, Scandanvia and throughout Europe. The CIA had received two nominations for their prestigious CIA Merit Award, to honor outstanding contributions to the international accordion movement. The Congress voted to unanimously accept Ladislav Horák (Czech Republic) and Renzo Ruggieri (Italy) for the Merit Awards. Renzo Ruggieri, jazz accordionist has performed more than 2,000 concerts all over the world, participated in hundreds of productions and is renowned as a composer, arranger and teacher. Formerly an artistic director of PIF Castelfidardo and currently director of the Italia Award Festival which he created. He teaches Jazz Accordion at the conservatory "Gaetano Braga" (Teramo, Italy) and his students have won many international competitions. Ladislav Horák is accordion professor and deputy director of the Prague Conservatoire. He performs as a soloist, chamber player and accompanied by symphony and accordion orchestras and has regularly appeared at prestigious festivals in different countries of the world. He is artistic director of the festival International Accordion Days in Prague and premiered many works by contemporary Czech and foreign composers which he has recorded for Czech and international radio stations. |
World Accordion Day (WAD) Festival at A World of Accordions Museum - USAby Christine Johnstone |
A World of Accordions Museum will hold the Dr Willard Palmer Festival at the Harrington Arts Centre in Superior, Wiscomsin, USA to celebrate World Accordion Day (WAD). The festival will run from May 5th to 7th, 2023 and include a variety of concerts, seminars, exhibits and a museum visit. See poster for details. The first WAD was held on 6th May 2009, marking the 180th birthday of the accordion - 6 May 1829, the date the accordion patent was filed. WAD is organised by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. Every accordionist is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on 6th May or the weekend either side of WAD if that should be more convenient. Register your WAD event at: World Accordion Day |
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