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Highlights |
ATG Celebrates its 73rd Anniversary in style, Illinois - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() Among the featured performers was the remarkable virtuoso accordionist Martynas Levickis, (Lithuania) (pictured left) a winner of multiple International competitions as diverse as 'Lithuania's Got Talent' to the CIA International Competition for Piano Accordion. More recently he has enjoyed the success of his newly released CD 'Martynas' reaching the top of the UK Classical Music Charts, a first for an accordionist. During the festival Martynas performed both solo and in duo with violinist Abe McWilliams. Adding a terrific flare to the ATG Festival were the 50 member Polyphonia Orchestre (directed by Pierre Varo) from the Réunion Island, who performed a well received program, participated in the ATG Festival Orchestra, competed in the competitions and presented a workshop about life and musical culture in their tiny homeland. The dynamic and entertaining orchestra comprises accordionists, strings, winds and brass, percussion and vocalists. MIrco Patarini, from Castelfidardo, Italy, performed in concert and presented a magnificent workshop detailing the construction of a concert instrument. Former ATG President Stas Venglevski (pictured top-right) highlighted his versatility by performing in concert a popular program of classics and contemporary works, as well as his original compositions which he performed solo, in duet with CIA Vice President Joan Cochran Sommers (pictured top-left) and had showcased by the ATG Festival Orchestra. Other featured performers included Joe Natoli (highlighting the capabilities of digital technology with the Roland), Elena & Gregory Fainshtein, John Simkus (popular Chicago Jazz accordionist), Nick Ballarini, Soundscape Trio - Larry Miller, Madalynn & John Neu, the UMKC Chamber Accordion Ensemble - Joan Sommers, Betty Jo Simon, Ron Barrow, Amy Hatfield, Joyce Davis & Kevin Friedrich, the Accordion XXI Century Ensemble - Judy Moriarity, John Simkus, Shirl Barry, Richard Moriarity, Jean Urry and Sandy Bednarek, and the beautiful exotic sounding performances by the Tianjin Angels Art and Culture School Ensemble from China. Workshops were also presented by Dr. Helmi Harrington, World of Accordions Museum, Gordon Kohl, Avrum Levin, Donna Dee Ray, as well as the featured performing artists. The closing concert featured the 80 piece ATG Festival Orchestra (directed by Joan Cochran Sommers and Pierre Varo) and the 35 member ATG Board of Directors and Friends Orchestra directed by Joan Sommers, with singers Dennis Ray, Anne Marie Cardon and Damon Cole. Competitions were held throughout the festival, and this year in addition to the solo, duet and ensemble competitions, the ATG hosted several competitions for accordion with other instruments. Plans are already underway for the 74th Competition and Festival to be held in San Francisco, California from July 23-26th 2014. For more information, please visit the website: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) |
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Friedrich Lips’ Diary Dates – Russia, Chinaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
![]() September 10th to 14th - Chairman of the Jury at the All-Russian competition for bayan, domra, balalaika (qualifying rounds) September 24th to 29th - adjudicator at the Trophée Mondial in Samara, Russia October 28th - announcing the first concert in Moscow‘s Philharmony Hall November 19th to 24th - master class in Tianjin, China December 2nd to 7th - Chairman of the Jury at the All-Russian competition for bayan, domra, balalaika (final) December 11th to 15th – festival ‘Bayan and bayanists’ in Moscow December 13th - Sofia Gubaidulina: ‘Fachwerk’ for bayan and strings in Moscow February 13th 2014 - Giya Kancheli: ‘Kapote’ for bayan and symphony orchestra and Evgeny Podgaits: ‘Viva voce’ for bayan and chamber orchestra in Minsk February 18th - announcing the second concert in Moscow‘s Philharmony Hall March 25th - announcing the third concert in Moscow‘s Philharmony Hall March 29th and 30th - Chairman of the Jury at the Rotary competition for bayan, domra, balalaika in Tver, Russia For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at 26 CD's and eTracks albums (download mp3 files) available online at: Friedrich Lips |
Information About Internet Digital Banner Advertising – USAby Harley Jones |
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To potential advertisers on Accordions Worldwide sites, here is some information for you to consider regarding digital advertising banners. - Amazon Ad Revenue Jumps 45% and tops $600 million last year according to a new report from eMarketer. - About 97% of Google’s total revenues come from advertising. Google revenues are growing at about 18% per annum and in 2012, rose 20% to $43.6 billion. - Record Breaking Quarter (USA): Digital Ad Revenues Cross $10 Billion Mark For The First Time according to the IAB’s annual Internet Advertising Revenue Report conducted by PwC. Released today, the report shows a 15% rise to $31.6 billion in U.S. digital advertising revenues in 2012. Total media revenues grew just 3% in 2012, showing more advertisers turning to digital banner advertising in preference to all other forms of advertising. Accordions Worldwide sites puts you right in front of accordionists for less cost per accordionist viewer than any commercial site, so please help support all the free services we provide the accordion world and benefit your business as well. For our readers, we hope you will continue to support our advertisers who make all our free services available and possible. We thank you for the support. |
International Accordion Seminar, Saarland – Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The course will include master classes, chamber music classes, jazz improvisation, and aspects of teaching. The week ends with a concert featuring the course teachers. The teachers include Prof. Stefan Hussong (top right), Prof. Mie Miki (middle right), Prof. Geir Draugsvoll, Prof. Veli Kujala, Stephan Bahr, Gerhard Scherer, and Rügert Jürgen Wunn. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Fantasia for Cello and Accordion - Sloveniaby Harley Jones |
Published on Jul 24, 2013, Fantasia for cello and accordion composed by Tine Bec (Slovenia) and performed by Klemen Stopar (accordion) and Vita Peterlin (cello). |
Michael Bridge Summer News, Calgary - Canadaby Harley Jones |
![]() "Come Hell or High Water", I was fortunate and thankful to be unscathed by the Alberta Floods and kicked off July with the Calgary Stampede Parade. I performed on the Stampede float for an estimated downtown audience of 250,000. Then began ten days of constant concerts and parades throughout the city during the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". At the climax of Stampede, I was thrilled to be awarded the Grand Prize at the Stampede Talent Search. It's been a long road since the auditions in May, when about 250 Alberta artists (21 and under) showcased for the Stampede. The Grand Prize is worth approximately $9,000 and includes studio production of a single, radio airtime, and more! I was particularly overjoyed to be recognized in a field where I was the only accordionist and I hope this will open doors for young squeezers in Alberta and beyond! From July 26th to 31st I'll perform at the Great Canadian Barn Dance Music Festival and stay on to teach piano and accordion at the Acoustic Music Camp. It’s a fabulous festival and a unique resort—the daytime festival is outside in the fields before everyone dances the night away at the 103-year-old lakeside barn. Crystal Plamondon and I will be tearing up the Calgary Blues Fest on August 3rd, then it’s on to Wallace, Idaho for the Historic Wallace Accordion Festival. I’ll be playing a concert and dance on the 10th, featured alongside my great friends Bruce Gassman and newly-crowned CMA World Champion Sammy Thomas! I’m particularly excited to be giving a world première performance of my own silent film accompaniment to Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” at the Sixth Street Theatre and Melodrama. Finally, the summer will wrap up in Victoria B.C. at the 66th Coupe Mondiale World Championships, hosted by the B.C. Accordion Society. I will be representing Canada in the Digital Accordion category with brand new arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’, ‘Czardas’, and a surprise. Canada will be putting on a show hosting one of the world’s most prestigious accordion events - don’t miss it! For further information email: michael@michaelbridgemusic.com |
Video: La Foule Performed by Israel Ben Haim Trio - Franceby Harley Jones |
Published on Jul 23, 2013 is the performance of La Foule by Israel Ben Haim (accordion), Felix Nissin (violin) and Jakob Ruvin (bass). |
'Play Your Accordion Without Pain', New Chapter Released - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() This exciting ebook is being published chapter by chapter, at least one chapter per month. Released to date is: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms Chapter 4 - The Shoulder Chapter 5 - The Amazing Brain and What It Does For You Chapter 6 - Due at the end of this month There will be a minimum of 24 chapters. As a special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by email as it is released. Purchase at: John Bonica |
Video: Iryna Viriasova at the International "Accoholiday" Kiev - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Published on Jul 25, 2013, is Iryna Viriasova competing at the 2013 International Accordion Competition "Accoholiday" in Kiev, Ukraine where she won 3rd place, Variete Entertainment category. |
Video: Antonio Tanca Performances - Italyby Harley Jones |
Antonio Tanca is from Sassari, Italy and plays, Video 1: Published on Jul 21, 2013, 1) a beautiful waltz titled "Tempesta" (Storm) by Mario Rocchi Gualandi 2) a beautiful polka "Il Calabrone" (The Hornet) 3) an old waltz "Ricordami" (Remember Me) Video 2: Published on Jun 2, 2013, Antonio Tanca on the 13th June 2013 at Porto Cervo (Costasmeralda - Olbia) performs: 1) Galoppina Polka by Mario Horsemen) 2) The Bell Waltz by Roberto Giraldi |
Jimmy Shand CD ‘Jimmy’s Fancy’, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() With excellent tempo and swing, the album was recorded in a live dance setting with the dancers of the Royal Scottish Dance Society. The enthusiasm with which the band plays and the audible responses of the dancers to the music creates a very lively atmosphere which makes for highly enjoyable listening. Available from the Music in Scotland website. Tracks: The White Cockade, Jimmy’s Fancy, The Express, La Tempete, Jessie’s Hornpipe, The Bluebell Polka, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Donald Bane, Waverley For further information email: jiml@musicinscotland.com |
Video: Ion Lacatus Performing Hungarian Dance No. 5, Brahms - Serbiaby Harley Jones |
Published on Mar 18, 2013, Ion Lacatus Performing an arrangement of Hungarian Dance No. 5, Brahms. |
Video: Lego Accordion 'Accordion Dude'by Harley Jones |
A video for the Lego fans and young children published on Jul 23, 2013. Enjoy. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Danielle Pauly demonstrates the value of musicby Rob Howard |
![]() It is well known that music can be a positive factor in enhancing mental and physical well being, and the accordion is an important part of this process. Danielle Pauly and her wines expert husband Jean-Philippe Laruelle, incidentally, have recently opened a shop in Paris selling accordions and wine, 'Accordéon Paris Gourmands', based at 80 rue Daguerre (close to Montparnasse and Denfert Rochereau), 75014 Paris. For further information email: danielle.pauly@wanadoo.fr PAULY ENTERTAINS AUTISTIC CHILDREN - FRANCE French accordionist Danielle Pauly performed recently at an end of school year celebration for autistic children aged from 5 years to young adult. The children's parents and the school principal believe that music can be used to communicate successfully with these children. Danielle found it very touching to see the thirty children reacting positively to accordion music, saying "They came close to me, danced and wanted to touch my instrument". Danielle played light music, waltzes, polkas, marches and well known songs. The parents were also very moved, seeing a lot of joy in their children's eyes. Danielle believes it is important, as we get closer to the year 2000, to remember the elderly, the sick and the disadvantaged. The following week Danielle performed with Marc Aurine's orchestra at the ‘L'Aquarius’ disco near Clermont-Ferrand (central France). A large crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves dancing the night away until 4 am. |
Future events |
Lácides Romero Duo Concert, Limoux – Franceby Rob Howard |
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Dee Langley, Twin Cities Accordion Course, Minneapolis – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() The course offers the experience, excitement and fulfillment of music through a community ensemble while exploring the rich, mysterious and sometimes romantic melodies from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Roma (Gypsy) people. The Twin Cities World Ensemble offers a look at our friends on the other side of the world with help from the most time honored folk instrument, the accordion. TCWE is open to all ages and levels. Ensemble members should have an accordion in good working condition, a folding music stand, and a desire to discover world adventures through music. Instructor is Dee Langley (picture right), an award winning musician and composer specializing in both solo and ensemble works for the accordion. Dee Langley teaches at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) and is the winner of the 2012 Minnesota Emerging Composer Award (World Music) from the American Composer Forum and the 2011-2012 McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians administered by MacPhail Center for Music. |
11th International Międzynarodowy Accordion Festival, Sulęczyno – Polandby Rob Howard |
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![]() The chief guests are Zoltan Orosz, from Hungary, and Poland’s Motion Trio, with many other performers, such as Dorota Lulka & Milonga Baltica, Jazz by Cezary Paciorek, and the Almost Jazz Group. The event is well supported by local sponsorship. For further information contact Director Pawel Nowak: pawel.akordeon@wp.pl |
Kilfenora Ceili Band @ Ardmore Pattern Festival, Waterford – Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
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The Kilfenora Ceili Band play for a ceili on Sunday July 28th, 6pm, at Cul na Scoile, Ardmore, Waterford. The ceili is an event in the Ardmore Pattern Festival. Founded in County Clare in 1909, the Kilfenora are Ireland’s longest established ceili band. The present line-up is John Lynch (leader) – banjo, (accordion) - Claire Griffin, Tim Collins – concertina, (flutes) - Anthony Quigney, Garry Shannon, (fiddles) – Anne-Marie McCormack, Anne Rynne, Eimear Howley, Sinead Heagney, piano - Fintan McMahon, drums - Sean Griffin. For further information email: johnlynch1955@gmail.com |
Brandon McPhee Trio Concert on Stornoway, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Teenager Brandon McPhee, a Shand Morino player, is an All Scotland Champion, has won several other competitions, and is an outstanding talent on the diatonic accordion. |
Nihad Hrustanbegovic @ Sarajevo Film Festival - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Rob Howard |
![]() Nihad will perform a solo concert at the Gala opening ceremony on August 16th in Hotel Europe, Sarajevo. His program, featuring 7 music styles, includes Classical music: ‘Asturias’ – Isaac Albeniz; Tango: ‘Strange’/‘Libertango’ and ‘Tango pour Claude’ – Astor Piazzolla/Grace Jones/Richard Galliano; French valse: ‘La Foule’ – Edit Piaf, ‘Amelie’ - Yan Tiersen, ‘Bluesette’ – Toots Thielemans; Jazz: ‘Take Five’, ‘Summertime’, ‘Love is the losing game’, ‘All The Things You Are’, ‘Caravan’; the movie soundtracks: ‘Fly’ – Einaudi, ‘Farewell to Cheyenne’ - Ennio Morricone, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ - Hans Zimmer, ‘Sevdah’ (will be chosen by Sarajevo Film Festival this week). Nihad Hrustanbegovic will also play ‘Sky Blue and Stork Suite’ - songs of Amy Winehouse - in the jazz part of the Gala. For further information email: info@nihad-accordeon.com |
Bristol Cajun & Zydeco Festival 2013 Line-up - UKby Harley Jones |
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![]() We have visitors all the way from Louisiana, USA, as well as top UK bands playing a mixture of traditional and modern cajun and zydeco: - Racines Trio with Steve Riley (Louisiana, USA) - The Big Easy (pictured top) - The Zydeco Diamonds (pictured low) - Rough Chowder - Out of the Swamp - Whiskey River Boys For further information phone: +44 16 34 78 91 17 |
New and Updated Sites |
Franco Cambareri Releases Three New Compositionsby Franco Cambareri |
![]() 'Amortango', catalog: cfranco180, 'Jolly Puppet', catalog: cfranco181, 'Mediterranean Dance', catalog: cfranco182 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
New Celebrity Interview with Mika Väyrynen Online - Finlandby Mika Väyrynen |
![]() http://accordions.com/interviews/mika/13_interview1.htm Mika is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding accordion artists today. He has performed all over the world both as a soloist, and in concert with other internationally acclaimed artists, conductors and orchestras. He has an impressive list of recordings and World Premieres, and is responsible for commissioning many new works for accordion. Mika has an impressive discography, having already released 19 CDs, with more on the way. His most recent CD is "For Duo Works For Two Accordion" CD by Mika Väyrynen and Angel Luis Castaño, which is available online along with other CD's by Mika, from the Finnish Accordeon Institute. Just prior to this, he released his first 'all Bach' series CD Vol. 1, and now Vol. 2 has been recorded and being prepared for publication. During the Interview Mika talks about his recording and concert work, his work as a teacher, and some insights into his career working alongside the elite of the musical world. We invite you to enjoy this fascinating publication, our second Celebrity Interview we have published with Mika Väyrynen: http://accordions.com/interviews/mika/13_interview1.htm As part of the Interview, Mika has also published an article 'The Technical Strategies of Playing the Accordion. |
CD Reviews |
Dragonfly CD by Klaus Paier Trioby Alessandro Mugnoz |
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