Highlights |
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Highlights |
AAA ‘Accordion Seminars’ 2014, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) is proud to announce the 20th annual Master Class and Concert Series – ‘The Seminars’ – on August 1st, 2nd, 3rd at The Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West 13th St, New York. This year’s theme title is ‘The Everyday Accordion: Ordinary x Proper = Radiant’. The moderator and curator is Dr William Schimmel. Master Classes are at 3pm, and concerts at 7pm. The distinguished participants this year includes Micki Goodman, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Paul Stein, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, Rita Barnea, Will Holshouser, Ken Laufer, Lee Mc Clure, Kathleen Tipton, Mayumi Mayaoka, Doug Makofka, Bob Goldberg, Melissa Elledge, Mark Nathanson, Art Bailey, Mary Spencer Knapp, Erica Marie Mancini, Benjamin Ickies, Corn Mo, John Foti, Rachid Eladlouni, Rachel Swaner, Mark Nathanson, David First, David Stoler, Brian Dewan, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Dr. Rocco Jerry, Dave Soldier, Milica Paranosic, Dan Cooper, Noah Creshevsky, Demitrius Spaneas, Peter Jarvis, Tomoka Sugawara, Yoichi Fukui, Michael Dames, Linda Reed, Dragica Banic-Curcic, Peter Flint, Ingrid Kvale, Marni Rice, Genevieve Leloup, Bjorn Skjelbred, Carl Riehl, Ralph Crispino and, of course, Dr. William Schimmel. Download complete information including prices and applications at: 2014AA-Seminar Schimmel compositions and CDs at: William Schimmel |
Guinness World Accordion Record Huge Promotional Success – Chinaby Rob Howard |
There were over 1,500 entrants competing in 10 venues at this very popular festival in China. On the Sunday, a new world record for the largest number of accordionists playing together was set with 1361 accordionists at the same time playing the Chinese national anthem. An official of Guinness Records, Lisa Hoffman attended and counted the people and made the official certificate. This attempt, ratified by Guinness, will appear in their 2015 records book. See the pictures at: 2014Guinness Daily Reports and video at: 2014HohnerReport There was huge media coverage in China including many major newspapers, some front cover stories as well as national TV coverage. The previous Guinness World Record "largest accordion ensemble" consisted of 1,137 participants conducted by Martin Tezak at the 2011 Panonika Harmonika Festival in Cerklje ob Krki, in Slovenia on August 8th 2011. |
Accordionist John MacDonald competes in the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow – UKby Rob Howard |
Scottish diatonic accordionist John MacDonald, son of the well-known accordionist Fergie MacDonald, is competing in the rifle shooting event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, July 23rd to August 3rd. Fergie MacDonald wrote on Facebook: “I'm sure everyone is as proud as I am that my son John is shooting Olympic Trap at the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow. John has dedicated the last two years in order to obtain qualifying scores for games selection. John and Jonathan Reid are our two Clay Target shooters. Due to this qualifying period, John has not been playing the ‘box’, but hopefully we will hear his music again after the games. Best of luck Shonnie!!” Incidentally, John MacDonald is not the only accordionist and rifle marksman. Leading Italian accordionist Mirco Patarini is also a crack shot and has won competitions! |
Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival Underway - USAby Harley Jones |
The 74th Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival is now running from July 23-26, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza San Francisco International Airport Hotel, San Francisco. The above picture, is the fantastic costumed "Great Morgani" with ATG Executive member Kevin Friedrich and ATG President Betty Jo Simon. Can you believe, that even wearing such a wonderful costume, the "Great Morgani" also makes very nice music too. Picture and video by Dan Grauman. A report of the 74th ATG Festival will be published in next weeks news. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Opening Concert of Champions, Shi Xuan and Liu Zhao - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Video 1: Opening Concert performance by Shi Xuan student of Prof. Li Cong at the Shanghai Normal University performed Diligence, then Spring Breeze Spring, an arrangement of a famous Chinese folk melody. Video 2: Opening Concert performance by Liu Zhao, Gallardo,Tico Tico, Smooth Criminal, with dancers from Shenzhen. The video below has a section where Liu Zhao leaves the stage and because there was only one camera in the middle of the audience, Liu Zhao could not be filmed all the way through the audience. You do hear all the music. Daily Reports and video at: 2014HohnerReport |
Natalia Purits Dies in Tragic Accident – Norwayby Rob Howard |
Natalia Purits, Russian accordion teacher and the mother of the highly accomplished international competition winner Josif Purits, died on July 13th in a tragic accident in Norway. Natalia fell off a cliff, and into a river where she drowned. She had recently been seriously ill, had had operations, and was in Norway on a holiday to recuperate. Natalia’s late husband Josif briefly taught their young son Josif (born 1988), and she then took over the teaching following Josif senior’s sudden death in 1996. Their son went on to win many international competitions and perform concerts around Russia, Eastern and Western Europe. Natalia was a well-known teacher, and last year led master classes at the Palanga Festival in Lithuania. For further information email: elibass@bk.ru |
Video: Opening Concert of Champions, Cao Ye and Tan Jia Liang - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Video 1: Cao Ye was 2nd place winner at the 2012 Klingenthal and 2nd at the 2011 Coupe Mondiale Entertainment category competitions. Cao Ye performed Pondichery Tango composed by Jérôme Richard at the Opening Concert. Cao Ye is now a teacher at the Music College of Shenyang Province. Video 2 and 3: Tan Jia Liang was the winner of the 2012 Primus Ikaalinen International Accordion Competition and 2nd and 3rd placegetter at the Coupe Mondiale Entertainment category. Tan Jia Liang at the Opening Concert, played three arrangements he had made of Chinese folk songs. Daily Reports and video at: 2014HohnerReport |
Video: Viktor Romanko Concert - Chinaby Harley Jones |
Video of Viktor Romanko performing two works on the 19th July. Video 1: Awaiting the title/composer. Video 2: La Campanella: Concert Etude on a Theme by Paganini Rudolf Wuerthner Over 1,500 entrants were participating. Daily Reports and video at: 2014HohnerReport |
Classic Kyiv Duo @ Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
The brilliant Classic Kyiv Duo returned to Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire, as Club Night guests on July 16th. The concert began with a set from the Stockport AC Band (MD Derek Stubbs), performing a ‘Gay Gordons’ medley, ‘In the Mood’, and ‘The Dambusters’, followed by contributions from Rob Howard, Helen Rich, Betty Molloy/Chris Green, and Stefan Andrusychyn. The Classic Kyiv Duo - Igor Sayenko and Oleksiy Kolomoiets – on their annual tour from the Ukraine, did two lengthy spots, the first of which began with a spectacular ‘Widor’s Toccata No 5’, usually played on pipe organs, but rarely on accordions. Their program also included ‘Winter’ from the ‘Four Seasons’ by Vivaldi, ‘Vocalise’ - Rachmaninov, ‘Libertango’ and ‘Oblivion’ – Piazzolla, ‘Sabre Dance’ - Khachaturian, ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ – Rimsky-Korsakov, ‘Under the River Seine’ – Gaidenko, ‘Variations on Ukrainian Folk Songs’ – Novikov, and more. The duo’s great artistry and wonderful performance earned them a standing ovation, and we all left feeling happy after an outstanding concert. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Video: Group "Oesch's die Dritten" Performance, Rust - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Published on Jul 13, 2014. The Every Sunday Music Show in the Europapark Rust (Amusement Park), with Stefan Mross for the the World Cup Finals. The group "Oesch's die Dritten" perform "In den Bergen" (In the Mountains in English). |
Video: Opening Concert of Champions, Cao Ye and Tan Jia Liang Duet - Chinaby Harley Jones |
This really captured the attention of the audience. Cao Ye and Tan Jia Liang put silk covers on their keyboards and then played La Tempest! Daily Reports and video at: 2014HohnerReport |
‘14 Years Ago’: Jon Hammond visits the Czech Republic in 2000by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending July 21st 2000 included a report of an impending tour of the Czech Republic by New York-based accordionist Jon Hammond. These days Jon Hammond plays jazz on the Hammond organ, presents a radio show, and still does much international travelling. He still plays the accordion, but is currently busier as an organist. USA Accordionist Tours Czech Republic USA accordionist Jon Hammond will tour the Czech Republic in September giving concerts in Malostranska Beseda, Prague on September 21st and a seminar during the Muzika 2000 trade show. This will be the fourth time Jon has held a seminar at the show, which will be moderated and translated by Ales Kralik chief Redaktur of Muzikus. The show caters for a variety of musical instruments, accessories, lights, sound gear etc., organized by the Czech music magazine ‘Muzikus’ and the city of Prague. Jon's concert program will include ‘Czechoslovakian Salsa Song’, ‘No X-cess Baggage Blues’ (a song Jon wrote for the Pakistan International Airways promotion), ‘Pocket Funk’, and ‘Late Rent’. |
Future events |
NHAA Meeting, New Hampshire – USAby Rob Howard |
The New Hampshire Accordion Association monthly meeting takes place on Saturday July 26th, 12.30pm until 4pm. The agenda is: 12.30pm - Jam Session warm-up 1pm - Open Mike – ALL accordionists, including guests, may play solo, duet, trios, etc 1.30pm – Brief Business Meeting 1.40pm - Social Time – Snacks by NHAA, beverages by Accordion Connection 2pm - Orchestra Rehearsal (Non-orchestra players are excused. All silent listeners are welcome to stay.) Please bring your assigned individual parts for: • ‘Beatles Medley’ • ‘Patriotic Medley’ 4pm – Cleanup NHAA meets at Accordion Connection, LLC, 136 Route 106, Gilmanton, NH 03237. There will be no August meeting because ‘ACCORDIONS NOW!’, takes place August 8th -10th at Courtyard Nashua, 2200 Southwood Drive, Nashua, NH 03063. For further information email: regisdonna@yahoo.com |
Italian Music Concert, Western Cape – South Africaby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Stanislav Angelov performs an ‘Italian Music Concert’ programme on Sunday July 27th, 12pm, at the restaurant Mountain Shadows, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. Stanislav Angelov says, “This is the best way to spend a winter Sunday afternoon. Delicious food, wine and superb entertainment for the whole family! Tickets cost R160 and this is for the concert, light lunch, welcome drink and sweet treat”. For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
Mirco Patarini Concertby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Mirco Patarini Concert dedicated to Gervasio Marcosignori |
Erika & Jean-Marie Dance, Incourt – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
On Sunday July 27th, 6pm, Erika, known as ‘The Princess of the Accordion’, and her keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie play for dancing at La Fraternite, Valansart, Belgium. |
Sidmouth Folk Week, Devon – UKby Rob Howard |
The annual Sidmouth Folk Week takes place from August 1st to 8th, and involves a huge number of singers, musicians, bands, and dance teams. There’s always a large number of accordion and concertina players involved in the concerts, workshops, and dancing, and this year includes John Kirkpatrick, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, Jim Causley, Chris Wood & Andy Cutting, Mary MacNamara, John Dipper, Ed Rennie, Dan Quinn, Rod Stradling, Paul Hutchinson, Oyster Band, Will Pound Band, English Contra Dance Band, Kathryn Tickell & The Side, to name but some. For further information email: press@sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk |
Marco Lo Russo’s Summer Festival Concerts – Poland, Italyby Rob Howard |
Marco Lo Russo has returned to Italy after the resounding success registered in Poland for participation in the Summer Music Festival in the town of Wieliczka (one of the centres of the material and spiritual culture and heritage of Poland, recognized by UNESCO). The events were sold out during the performance of Marco Lo Russo and singer/songwriter Agnieszka Chrzanowska. The dazzling duo attended the Wlodek Pawlik’s Grammy Award 2014 ceremony for the CD ‘Night in Calisia’, made with the American trumpeter Randy Brecker and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Kalisz in the prestigious cultural center Piwnica Pod Baranami in the heart of Krakow. The Summer 2014 edition of the festival of the Polish town of Wieliczka, as well as public figures including Poland, Adam Marek Panus, Artur Koziol, critics, journalists and artists who paid tribute to the Italian artists in the audience also The Laywer. The festival closed with a performance by Albano Carrisi, who hosted the acclaimed duo Chrzanowska/Lo Russo on the front row. The next month sees Marco Lo Russo in Italy at Ponza Summer 2014 on August 2nd, and again in Poland on August 8th for the ‘week of the song’ arranged by the most important cultural centers of Krakow (Loch Camelot, Piwnica Pod Baranami, Rynek Glówny Plac Nowy) and then in the prestigious Festiwal Gitara Piórem on August 16th in the mountain town of Karpacz. The month will close with two concerts, one August 21st, Ponza Summer, and then on August 23rd in Tarquinia Lido, Rome. For further information email: dina@marcolorusso.com |
Raimondas Sviackevičius BSM Trio Concert, Palanga – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
The BSM Trio: Raimondas Sviackevicius – accordion, Vytautus, and Mindaugas Backus – cello, perform in concert on Monday August 4th, 8.30pm, at Rambye, Vytauto 35, Vytauto 54, Palanga, Lithuania. The trio’s repertoire includes music by Chick Corea, George Gershwin, Didier Lockwood, Miles Davis, Astor Piazzolla, Dave Brubeck, Henry Mancini, etc, and improvisation in "folk-jazz" style of Balkan, Jewish, Arab, and other international folk music. |
Tian Jianan Concert, Seattle – USAby Rob Howard |
Tian Jianan from Beijing, performs a concert, Monday August 11th, 7.30 – 9.30 pm, at the Senior Center of West Seattle, 4217 S.W. Oregon Street, Seattle, WA 98116. Admission is $10. Tian Jianan, born in 1994, started playing the accordion at the age of five. In 2006, thanks to her outstanding exam results, Tian was admitted to the Middle School Affiliated to Central Conservatory of Music, taught by Professor Cao Xiaoqing. Tian has competed internationally and won first prize some 28 times, including accordion competitions in Castelfidardo (Italy), Klingenthal (Germany), Moscow (Russia), the Coupe Mondiale in 2009 in New Zealand and 2013 in Canada, etc. The Chinese Ministry of Culture presented her four times with the ‘World First-Class Art Competition’ award. The French composer Franck Angelis composed the work ‘Beijing 2011’ for her, and that work won the Best Original Solo Work Award at the 2013 Coupe Mondiale. CD and DVD's available online at: Tian Jianan |
Ian Lowthian Accordion Weekends, Scotland - UKby Rob Howard |
Ian Lowthian has organised two forthcoming accordion weekends at Kirkhope House, Etrickbridge, Scottish Borders TD7 5JL. The dates are: August 30th/31st - an advanced weekend) October 4th/5th - an intermediate weekend) Look on Facebook page: ettrickbridgemusicweekends which has details of the courses, some pictures of the last one and a couple of folders full of tunes to give a guide to levels for each course. The courses will start about 10am on the Saturday with the all-important cup of coffee!, and finish about 4pm on the Sunday. On Saturday night we may have a wee session here at the house then invade the pub a bit later. (We will happily provide soft drinks for the evening but please feel free to bring your own alcoholic beverage!) Cost to include tuition, all resources, tea and coffee, lunch and an invitation to join us for some food on Saturday night (please let us know of any dietary requirements) will be £100. For further information email: ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
New and Updated Sites |
Franco Cambareri Releases Two New Compositionsby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 2 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'Viva El Toro', catalog: cfranco186 'In Loneliness', catalog: cfranco187 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
BAIDI Accordion Orchestra Releases eTracks Album - Chinaby BAIDI Accordion Orchestra |
BAIDI Accordion Orchestra has released this album in eTracks (MP3) format download. 'West Side Story', catalog: baidi01 with sound samples. Music performed by BAIDI Accordion Orchestra. |
Dan and Kim Christian Releases CD - USAby Dan and Kim Christian |
Dan and Kim Christian has released this CD. 'World Tour', catalog: dkchristian01 with sound samples. Music performed by Dan and Kim Christian. |
Paul Chamberlain's new CD 'Accordion Sensations' and Tour – UKby Paul Chamberlain |
Paul Chamberlain has released this CD with eTracks (MP3) format download. 'Accordion Sensations', catalog: cpaulCD202 with sound samples. Music performed by Paul Chamberlain. |
Dan and Kim Christian Releases CD - USAby Dan and Kim Christian |
Dan and Kim Christian has released this CD. 'Polka Power', catalog: dkchristian02 with sound samples. Music performed by Dan and Kim Christian. |
Dan and Kim Christian Releases CD - USAby Dan and Kim Christian |
Dan and Kim Christian has released this CD. 'Squeeze Play', catalog: dkchristian03 with sound samples. Music performed by Dan and Kim Christian. |
CD Reviews |
“3 Couleurs” CD by Lydie Auvray e AUVRETTESby Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of “3 Couleurs” CD by Lydie Auvray e AUVRETTES, Accordion, in Italian language, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. |
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