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Highlights |
XXIX “Arrasate Hiria” International Accordion Competition - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
The XXIX “Arrasate Hiria” International Accordion Competition will be held in Arrasate-Mondragón, Basque Country, Spain from December 2nd to 4th, 2022, organised by “Hauspoz” Euskal Herriko Akordeoi Elkartea, the Town Hall of Arrasate and the County Council of Gipuzkoa. The competition is open to soloists of any age and nationality. The winner of the competition will be invited by the organizers to give a series of concerts at the 2023 XXX “Arrasate Hiria” International Accordion Competition. Download the festival program: 2022ArrasateProgram.pdf |
10th International Accordion Festival 2023 - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
The 10th International Accordion Festival will be held at the Geert Teis Theater in Stadskanaal, Netherlands on April 16th, 2023. Entertainment will be provided by Pietro Adragna (Italy), Marieke Kroes (Netherlands), René Trok (Netherlands) and Jonny Kerry (accordion) & Harry Diplock (guitar) (Great Britain). For details email: info@accordeonfestival.nl |
XXXIV International Festival "Bayan and Bayanists", Moscow - Russiaby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
The 2022 XXXIV International Festival "Bayan and Bayanists" will be held at the Concert Hall of the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music (RAM) in Moscow, Russia, from December 14th to 18th, 2022. Download program poster: 2022MoscowPoster.pdf Prof. Friedrich Lips is the Artistic Director of the festival and Alexander Gataullin is the Festival Director. Concerts: December 14th: Performers at the Opening Concert include the State Academic Russian Folk Ensemble "Russia", Directed by Dmitry Dmitrienko, Professor Alexander Kapitan (accordion), Stanislav Gerasimov (accordion) plus a group performance by Professor Alexander Tsygankov (domra), Vladislav Afanasiev (domra), Anastasia Zakharova (domra), Olzhas Nurlanov (accordion), Rafael Sapukov (accordion) and Mikhail Chernov (accordion). December 15th: Concert of “Bayan and Accordion: Classics and Modern” by the Governor's Chamber Orchestra "Russian Camera" (Artistic director and conductor - Andrey Kruzhkov), soloist Maria Vlasova, “Folk Music Orchestra” from the Lugansk State Academy of Culture and Art. M. Matusovsky, directed by Irina Zolotareva, soloist Alexander Selivanov. December 16th: Performance by Vladimir Stupnikov (accordion) and the “Sib-Duo” which includes accordionists Alexander Sirotkin and Andrey Bityutskikh. December 17th: Performance by Dmitry Khodanovich (accordion), celebration of the 80th anniversary of the composer Vladislav Zolotarev with Professor Yuri Sidorov (bayan), Olzhas Nurlanov (accordion) and the Bayan Ensemble consisting of: Semion Shmelkov, Timur Galinurov, Arslan Aliev, Lin Jing Han and Rafael Sapukov. December 18th: Closing concert will feature popular music and jazz with Eduard Akhanov (bayan) and friends, the Ivan Talanin Quartet (bandoneon) "Tango En Vivo" and Peter Dranga (accordion). At the closing ceremony of the festival, the "Silver Disc" will be awarded. Former recipients include Marcel Azzola, Viktor Vlasov, Alfred Ginzburg, Viktor Gridin, Yuri Kazakov, Alfred Mirek and many others. A full report of the event will be published in this news. See the 2021 event report at: 2021Moscow |
Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble Perform at Perchtoldsdorf Castle - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
The Viennese Accordion Ensemble (Das Wiener Akkordeon-Kammer-Ensemble – WAKE) will perform at the New Castle Hall of the Perchtoldsdorf Castle (picture left) in Austria on December 4th, 2022. Group members are: Ladies - Sylvia Zobek, Margarete Gebauer and Elisabeth Weibert Men: Werner Weibert, Guenther Zobek, Walter Dietz, Anton Barink and Christian Hoeller. Their program will include works by Hummel, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Bernstein, Piazzolla and Strauss. In addition the group will perform the world premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Piccolo Concerto. For details phone: +43 (664) 2106552 |
Accordionists Entertain at New Year Highland Hogmany – Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionists will provide evening entertainment at the four-day New Year Highland Hogmany held at Jury’s Inn in Inverness, Scotland from December 30th, 2022 to January 2nd, 2023. Performers include Brandon McPhee Trio (picture left), Manson Grant & the Dynamos and the Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band (picture below). See poster for details. |
1st International Festival Da Gaita – Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
The 1st International Festival Da Gaita will be held in Barra do Ribeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil from December 9th to 11th, 2022. The event, which is organised by the Rio Grande do Sul Secretary of Culture, will include Brazilian accordionist Fofa Nobre and 40 artists in total. See poster for details. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Vincent Peirani and Yamandu Costa: Virtuoso Fire - Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
Vincent Peirani (accordion) and Yamandu Costa (seven-string guitar) are internationally acclaimed for their superb technique on the accordion and guitar. The French accordionist shapes European jazz with a variety of projects, the Brazilian guitarist is referred to as the "Paganini of the guitar" and is considered the most renowned contemporary Brazilian guitarist. Both can refer to an extensive, award-winning discography. In 2018 Vincent Peirani and Yamandu Costa met at the Festival “Jazz à Porquerolles“ and spontaneously decided to perform together. The concert was a firework of dynamic interaction and marked the beginning of a brilliant collaboration. Each of their performances promises an explosive mix of two gifted artists creating a space on stage that goes beyond the music and lets us experience something extraordinary! Now the gifted musicians have made their first guest appearance as a duo in the Vienna Konzerthaus. Their performance brought a breathtaking evening full of vibrant rhythms and ingenious melodies. |
Review: Aotango Quintet Perform to Excited Crowds - New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
Video above: En Pampa segment from the Aotango concert in Takapuna. The AOTANGO Quintet performed their first two "Century of Tango" concerts on November 21st at the Warkworth Town Hall and on November 22nd at the Westlake Girls Events Centre in Takapuna, Auckland. The concerts are part of a four-concert "Century of Tango" series. Despite a thunderstorm in Takapuna, the large audience enjoyed an amazing program of tango music - a musical journey through the evolution of tango, showcasing popular favorites such as El Choclo, Por una Cabeza and La Cumparsita, to the revolutionary nuevo tango style works of Argentinian composer Ástor Piazzolla, Gardel, Galliano, Rodriguez and Jaurena & Torres. AOTANGO features some of New Zealands most highly regarded musicians: Grayson Masefield (multi world accordion champion), Somi Kim (pianist of NZTrio), Andrew Beer (violin, Concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra), Gordon Hill (Principal Bass, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra ) and Sam Swindells (jazz guitar). Those attending the upcoming December 2nd concert at the All Saints Church in Howick, Auckland and the December 3rd concert at the Chapel of Christ the King in Hamilton are in for a "real treat"! Book Now - Aotango Tickets |
Video: Cody McSherry, Multi-talented Performer with the Tamburitzans – USAby Dan Grauman |
Video: excerpts from the concerts by the Tamburitzans featuring accordionist Cody McSherry Cody McSherry has performed concerts with the Tamburitzans in the USA since 2020. The Tamburitzans, formerly the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, is an ensemble that has performed a wide variety of folk dance and music representing international cultures for over 80 years in the United States and internationally. Cody was accepted into the Tamburitzans in 2020 following an audition that included singing, dancing and playing accordion. Cody is now a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in Classical Studies with an emphasis in Ancient Greek and French, and an additional certificate in Russian and in Slavic Studies. See news item for further details about Cody McSherry: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Oct-2022&lang=en#art19339 |
Saint Cecilia Celebrations – Spainby Christine Johnstone |
Saint Cecilia Celebrations were held at the Escola Municipal de Musica de Tarragona in Spain on November 22nd, 2022. The celebrations included a concert by the music school teachers designed for the whole family. Performers included Guillem Anguera (accordion), Alexis Lanza Bermejo (cello), Pau Duran Gual (guitar/ukelele), Xavier Pie (soprano sax) and Artemi Agras (bass) (pictured below). |
Nika Kushnir Galatz Radio Interview - Israelby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Nika Kushnir (picture left) was interviewed this month by music journalist Lior Friedman on the Israeli Radio Station, Galatz in Israel. During the show they discussed music that Nika has written, followed by her performance of Princess Accordion (Roger Dufas), Romanian Gypsy Suite (Emil Aybinder) and Basso Ostinato (Victor Vlasov). Nika is a member of the Haifa Cabaret Trio and performs regularly in Israel. |
2023 Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendarby Christine Johnstone |
The 2023 Accordion Babes Pin-Up calendar with CD is available for pre-order now. Calendar Editor Renée de la Prade advises that they need about 300 pre-orders to meet their goal for printing costs. Calendars are due out soon. For details email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Annie Gong: Guest at Canterbury Accordion Association Jam Session – New Zealandby Jeanette Perry |
On November 20th, 2022 the Canterbury Accordion Association (CAA) held one of its regular Jam Sessions where players of any instrument join in making music together. The afternoon started with the group consisting of accordionists, a harmonica player, a brass bass and a keyboard playing a variety of selected pieces from the music provided (picture below). The audience clapped along to ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas’ and the group finished with a few favourite Christmas Carols. 93yr old soloist, Raelene Turner (picture above right) then performed ‘Remember You’re Mine’ and CAA 2022 Scholarship award winner, 10yr old Ivy Du, played ‘Raisins & Almonds’ and ‘Yossel Yossel’. Then came the highlight of the afternoon with the CAA having the good fortune to welcome Annie Gong (picture above left), professional accordionist and entertainer, (usually entertaining on Cruise ships from London), in New Zealand for the Summer season. Annie is currently in Christchurch and was available to join in the Jam Session. Annie with her catchy enthusiasm and wonderful talent kept us all spellbound and wanting more. She played short excerpts from pieces such as Toccato in D Minor, Phantom of the Opera and a Jazz piece and then on to a very moving ‘Hallelujah’ and a country music piece ‘Cotton-Eyed Joe’. The variety of music ended with Annie changing her accordion to sound like the bag-pipes and she marched to ‘Scotland the Brave’ much to the delight of a Scottish member present! Annie then invited questions on how her MIDI accordion worked and she explained the programming system of different instrumental sounds to create whatever she wanted – even a full orchestra and voices! Annie’s passion for passing on any information she could and seeing players enjoy playing the accordion was appreciated and well received by all present. What a treat it was to have such a talented and exciting young player entertain us – thoroughly enjoyed by all! The CAA hopes to invite Annie to join in another one of their events before she returns to London. Picture below: Jam session performers |
Future events |
Handharmonika Club Walheim-Besigheim Church Concert – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The Handharmonika Club Walheim-Besigheim (picture below) will perform a church concert at the Catholic Holy Cross Church in Besigheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany on November 26th, 2022 at 6.30pm. The 1. Orchestra and the ensemble "Accent" led by Carmen Buchgraber (picture left) and the youth orchestra led by Sabina Keiner (picture right) have prepared a program for an atmospheric concert evening. Free admission. |
2022 Dream Concert - Koreaby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist DooHwan Jeon invites accordionists and enthusiasts to the next Dream Concert, which will be held in Korea on November 26th, 2022 at 2pm. See poster for details. |
Hohenlimburg Accordion Orchestra e.V. “We Will Entertain You” Concert - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The Hohenlimburg Accordion Orchestra e.V. will perform a concert entitled “We Will Entertain You” in the Auditorium of the Realschule Hohenlimburg in Hagen, Germany on November 27th, 2022. The orchestra will be joined by the Hohenlimburg theater group "Klamauk" and the "Elseyer-Nahmer Men's Choir". Their program will include a mix of classical music such as Ludwig van Beethoven's "Scherzo", well-known pop hits by Elton John, Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now", "The Sound of Silence" (new version by the group Disturbed) and "One Tango" by Ian Watson. For details phone: 02334/51493 |
Dave Evans "Accordion in the Courtyard" Concert - Australiaby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
Accordionist Dave Evans will play his favourite songs at a solo concert entitled "Accordion in the Courtyard" at Open Studio in Northcote, Victoria, Australia on December 2nd, 2022 at 6.30pm. Free Entry. |
John Kirkpatrick Launches New CD “Joy and Jubilation” – UKby Christine Johnstone |
John Kirkpatrick MBE (picture right) will launch his new CD “Joy and Jubilation” (Fledgling Records) at a concert at the SpArC Theatre in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, England, UK on December 3rd, 2022 at 7.30pm. The CD features songs relating to Midwinter and Christmas plus songs by the Bishop’s Castle Carollers. At the CD launch, the Carollers will join John “for a grand finale to raise the roof!” For details phone: 015 88 630321 |
Orchestra "Patty Stella" Presents New CD – Italyby Christine Johnstone |
The Orchestra "Patty Stella" featuring Filippo Bosco (accordion) will hold concert to present their new CD “Il Nostro Liscio” (Our Smooth) at the Parrocchiale Theatre in Verla di Giovo, Italy on December 4th at 5pm. Admission is free. For details phone: +39 338 84 41 753 |
Alex Meixner at Tomball German Festival Christmas Market - USAby Christine Johnstone |
The Alex Meixner Band will entertain at the Tomball German Festival Christmas Market held in Tomball, Texas, USA from December 9th to 11th, 2022. The festival includes three stages of live music, an open air market, street vendors and a variety of music and dance entertainment. The Alex Meixner Band will perform on December 9th from 6pm to 10pm, on December 10th from 6pm and on December 11th from 3pm. |
Christmas Weekend with Ian Lowthian - UKby Christine Johnstone |
Ian Lowthian will run his popular Christmas Weekend on December 10th and 11th, 2022 at Kirkhope House, Ettrickbridge, Scottish Borders, UK. This will be a live event and also online for those who prefer to attend from home Ian will cover some Christmas music along with the usual festive lights and decorations! For details email: ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
Ferran Martínez Performs Christmas Concert with “Industrial Choir” – Spainby Rob Howard |
Ferran Martínez will perform a Christmas concert with the “Industrial Choir” at the Acadèmia Catòlica Carrer St Joan, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain on December 18th, 2022 at 6pm. Their program will include works by Mozart, Piazzolla, Vivaldi, Bach, Scarlatti and Brahms. For details email: ferranacordio@gmail.com |
Closing Date Extended for 1st International Igor Zavadsky Accordion Competition - Ukraineby Christine Johnstone |
The closing date for the 1st International Igor Zavadsky Accordion Competition, due to be held in Kyiv, Ukraine next year has been extended until December 31st, 2022. The competition itself consists of three rounds. the third with the orchestra of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine. The event is planned to take place in Kyiv from May 23rd to 28th, 2023 or May 21st to 26th, 2024 (if martial law is still in place in Kyiv at the beginning of spring next year). The competition jury includes Igor Zavadsky (Ukraine), Renzo Ruggieri (Italy), Franck Vilain (France), Olga Mykytenko (Germany) and Victor Makarov (Belgium). |
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List of Linksby AWW |
2022 Coupe Mondiale, October 04 - 09, Switzerland Daily Reports from 05 October | |
PIF Castelfidardo 2022 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 |
Updated Site: Marie Evelyn Jones (93), Passed Away (1928 to 2022) - New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
Video above: The Holy City composed by Stephen Adams, a favorite of Marie Jones, performed by Alanah Jones and father Maurice Jones at the Marie Jones Celebration of Life on November 13, 2022. Marie Jones pictured above at 90 years of age with family. Shortly before her 94th birthday, Marie Evelyn Jones passed away at the Lady Allum Care Suites. Having recently suffered Covid, a broken leg and two strokes, she is now at peace. There was a private cremation, and a Celebration of Life held on November 13th, to honor a life dedicated to the accordion and family, that was long and well lived. Marie Jones was the much loved mother of accordionists Harley Jones, Maurice Jones and Heather Masefield and loved grandmother of Amber Masefield, Grayson Masefield and Alanah Jones. She is survived by her sister Nita Rotherham, the last of her 6 siblings. Living at 4 O'Neills Ave, Accordion House Importer/Retailer, for nearly 60 years, meant that daily, there were many phone calls, and visitors coming to see firstly her husband Allan Jones and then after 1980, her son Maurice Jones, who was importing accordions for the Australasian market at these premises. In October 2003, Marie Jones was the first person awarded the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Honored Friend of the Accordion Award at the CIA Congress in Hungary for her many years of contribution to the accordion in New Zealand as well as her work towards international events held in New Zealand. For further information and many pictures, view the website: Marie Jones |
CNIMA: Ludovic Beier 2022 Gypsy Jazz Masterclass - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Promotional information on the 2022 CNIMA Jazz Manouche Masterclass by Ludovic Beier. CNIMA tutor Ludovic Beier will hold a Gypsy Jazz Masterclass from December 14th to 16th, 2022. The course will cover all Gypsy Jazz music secrets: How to improvise, accompany, and develop your repertoire. Trainer Ludovic Beier is a well-known jazz accordionist. He has played with Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, Dorado Schmitt, San Severino, Thomas Dutronc and Guy Marchand to name a few and has a PHD in Gypsy Jazz. He has just returned from performing at Birdland NYC, USA for the six-day Django Reinhardt Festival held at the beginning of November. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
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