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Highlights |
Successful 2019 81st AAA Festival in Pennsylvania - USA
Giancarlo Borsini Passes Away (1937 - 2019)– Italy
Masterclass with Paolo Vignani, Castelfidardo - Italy
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
South Pasadena Review Reports Nick Ariondo Bastille Day Performance - USA
Future events |
“Les Dames en Melodies” Entertain at “White Night” Concert - Italy
University of Music & Performing Arts Concert – Bulgaria
Concert for Auckland Coupe Contestants - New Zealand
Folkworks Adult Summer School – UK
Beltuna Accordion Festival - Italy
2nd NordAccordion Festival – Norway
Crawley Accordion Orchestra Entertains – UK
Maine Fiddle Camp Accordion Courses – USA
2019 Sydney Folk Festival – Australia
Workshop: The Bellows - Sound Secrets on the Accordion – Germany
New and Updated Sites |
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Highlights |
Schedule Online for Record 173 Entry 2019 Coupe Mondiale - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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 The schedule of the 2019 Coupe Mondiale with a record 173 competition entries is now online at: http://www.coupemondiale.org/2019/cn_schedule.htmlbeing run in Shenzhen, China, from 12 - 17 August 2019. There are three competition venues running at the same time for much of the event in the magnificent Xixiang Music Valley Concert Hall, with concerts scheduled most evenings ending with the Coupe Mondiale Winners Concert and World Accordion Orchestra performance on Saturday 17th August. Thanks to generous support from the China Government, there is 42,500 Euro in Cash Prizes as well as subsidies towards airfares and accommodations! Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) President Mirco Patarini "wishes to gratefully thank the event hosts and sponsors: - Publicity Department of Communist Party of China of Shenzhen - China Accordion Association of Chinese Musicians Association - Bao'an District People's Government - Shenzhen Literary and Art Association" "The 2019 Coupe Mondiale will be a most exciting event and for those who are unable to attend, they can view the extensive Daily Reports, pictures, information plus video of each competitors performance, including the final Prize Winners Concert at: Coupe Mondiale " |
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Successful 2019 81st AAA Festival in Pennsylvania - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
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 The 81st AAA Festival and Competition was held July 17-21, 2019 in King of Prussia, PA. It was very well attended, an event filled with excitement, comraderie, great talent, collegial competition plus more! Attendees were enthused to meet old friends, make new friends, play together, hear young and upcoming accordionists and learn about both the acoustic and digital accordions. Additional pictures and video at: 2019FestivalAAA The first day, Wednesday, began with workshops by Joe Natoli and Dr. Robert Young Mcmahon, opening of Exhibits, Meet and Greet. The amazing “After Hours Club” hosted by Michael Bridge featured impromptu performances by Michael Bridge, Mario Tacca, Cody McSherry, Nathan Chapeton, “Papa Joe” DeClemente and more. Each night featured an After Hours Club filled with surprises and spontaneous performances! The Thursday Luncheon Concert MC’d by Manny Bobenreith included Nathan Chapeton (AAA USA Representative for the 2019 Coupe Mondiale), Saxophonist Mitch Guido, Stanislav Culcicovschi and an outstanding performance by Joe Soprani. Pasta Night featured more wonderful performances including Ray Oreggio, Cody McSherry, Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, followed by the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joanna Arnold Darrow. On Friday, there were performances at the King of Prussia Mall with Major Sargent Frank Busso, Jr. coordinating the events. The Busso Orchestra performed as did Papa Joe DeClemente and others. The Friday Night Gala Concert with the Joseph Natoli Chamber Ensemble (with Dr. Robert Young McMahon, William Trigg and Cecylia Barczyk), presented Joe Natoli’s new compositions. Michael Soloway and Joe, Peter Maric and Featured Guest Artist, Michael Bridge showcased their talents. During the festival, there were competition and evaluation categories for all ages, AAA Junior Orchestra rehearsals, AAA Festival Orchestra rehearsals, Master classes/workshops presented by Michael Bridge, Sam Falcetti, Mario Tacca, Dr. Robert Young McMahon, Joe Natoli, Cody McSherry, Ray Oreggio, Don Gerundo. The Saturday Night Gala Banquet introduced by Ray Oreggio 2020 in featured the Junior Orchestra, Youth Involvement Jazz Ensemble, Competition Winners, and the 2019 AAA Festival Orchestra conducted by Vesna Mehinovic. Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Winner Gia Ciccone performed “Waltz Allegro” by Magnante. Will Comer performed his composition as an Elsie Bennett Competition Winner, AAA Coupe Mondiale Representative, Nathan Chapeton performed. It was inspiring to hear them perform. It is very encouraging to hear the Youth Involvment Jazz Ensemble which combines accordions and other jazz instruments. TV News Coverage and newspaper articles let everyone know about the AAA Festival. A detailed report of the 2019 AAA Festival will be included with photos and videos in the August USA news. Special thanks for their great efforts, hard work and commitment go to Dr. Joseph Ciccone, AAA President; Mary Tokarski, AAA Contest Chairman and Festival Coordinator, Linda Soley Reed, Festival Coordinator; Ray Oreggio, Treasurer, Don Gerundo Comptroller, Rachel Quirbach, Secretary; Frank Busso, Public Relations/ Hotel Liaison; Frank Busso, Jr. Festival Coordinator, Exhibits; Joan Grauman AAA Archivist, Media and Workshop Chair; Marilyn O’Neill, Youth Involvement Program Coordinator; Mitchell Guido, Youth Program Jazz Ensemble Coordinator. Be sure to make plans for next years AAA Festival in Alexandria, Virginia from July 8-12, 2020. Details in future publications. |
Giancarlo Borsini Passes Away (1937 - 2019)– Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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  Picture above: Brothers Vincenzo and Giancarlo Borsini of the family Borsini who manufactured Borsini Accordions for decades from 02 January 1922 until the company ceased operation in 2015.Giancarlo Borsini (Borsini Accordions) passed away on July 22, 2019 and hundreds of friends and accordionists around the world have listed their condolences on the internet. In his younger years Giancarlo studied at the Università degli Studi di Firenze which is one of the largest universities in Italy and was founded in 1321. Until the time of his death Borsini lived in Castelfidardo. The funeral took place on Wednesday 24 July 2019 at 10:30 am at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (A Campocavallo) in Osimo. Widower of Norma Abramo. He will be sadly missed. |
Masterclass with Paolo Vignani, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 The Paolo Soprani Civic School held a 3-day "Pigini-Giaccaglia Seminar" recently for young students of Maestro Luigino Pallotta.The Masterclass was held by the highly regarded Maestro Paolo Vignani, who is the current Professor at the Conservatorio G. Rossini in Pesaro. A scholarship of Euro 500 was offered by the company "A-mare" and awarded to promising pupil Cristian Chiaraluce who gave proof of his talent Picture left: Paolo Vignani and Cristian Chiaraluce ( Fisitalia ) Picture below: masterclass students |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
David Vernon New CD “On the Level”, Edinburgh - UKby Rob Howard |
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| Scottish accordionist David Vernon’s latest CD, ‘On the Level’, is an entertaining recording, which demonstrates not only his outstanding ability as an accordionist, but also his talent for composition and his renowned sense of humour. The CD begins in lively style with a country flavoured polka “Terminal 3”, written during a ten hour wait at Heathrow, hence the title! Track 2, ‘Waltz for Irene’, also composed by David, is a melodic waltz dedicated to a lady in New Zealand. Other David Vernon compositions include the plaintive Celtic tune “The Braid View”, the quirky and catchy “Frolickin’ Phil”, and the lively “Samba Samsara”. “The Roulette Wheel” is perhaps my favourite track, involving lots of triplet runs up and down the keyboard, conjuring up an image of a roulette wheel in motion – a very quirky tune indeed. There are some typically Scottish dance numbers, including the popular two step “The Ornithologist” (composed by Freeland Barbour), sets of “Gay Gordons” and “6/8 Pipe Marches” tunes, “The High Level Hornpipe”, the melodic waltz “Jimmy and Mickie” (composed by Andrew Fitchet, and dedicated to Jimmy Blue and Mickie Ainsworth), and an Iain MacPhail composition, “The Grace Renwick Polka”. Of special interest to me as I used to be an accompanist to the Polish dance team in Manchester, is the “Polish Medley”, containing four lively dance tunes in different tempos. Other tracks are the Irish tune “O’Kanes March” and a lively musette waltz “La Valse Vernon”, dedicated to David Vernon and composed by Scottish accordionist George Burns. There’s plenty of great accordion playing and variety on this recording, plus there is sympathetic backing that never overpowers the lead accordion by Alex Ross (2nd accordion), Duncan Black (keyboard), Brian Nicholson (guitar), Kenneth Ross (drums) and Bob Miller (bass), plus Bruce Davies on guitar & keyboards on track 3. For further information email: dvernon100@aol.com |
South Pasadena Review Reports Nick Ariondo Bastille Day Performance - USAby Harley Jones |
| Video: Musette a la Russe composed and performed by Nick Ariondo Nick Ariondo was performing for Bastille Day at Nicole’s Gourmet Market & Cafe in South Pasadena and received a complimentary review from the South Pasadena Review Newspaper. |
Future events |
32nd Annual Mission Folk Music Festival – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
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  Video: Popular comedy performer Geoff Berner at Burdock in Toronto, Ontario with a "drinking" skit titled "Advice".The 32nd Annual Mission Folk Music Festival will be held at the Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission, British Columbia from July 26th to 28th. Accordion performers include Geoff Berner (picture left), Podorythmie (accordionist Pascale Lelong - picture below) a five member all-gal group known for their high energy, good time performances of French Canadian music and dance, and Strangely (Strangely Doesburg – picture right). For festival information phone: 604 309 6079 |
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“Les Dames en Melodies” Entertain at “White Night” Concert - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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 “Les Dames en Melodies” which includes Alessia Civalleri (accordion) and Flavia Gallo (flute), will entertain at a concert entitled “White Night” in Barge, Italy on July 27th.The two women have a great passion in common – music and enjoy performing a repertoire that ranges from the French music of Edith Piaf, to the sweet and engaging melodies of Yann Tiersen, to the beauty and passion of the Argentine Tango. For concert details email: flavia.gallo85@gmail.com |
University of Music & Performing Arts Concert – Bulgariaby Christine Johnstone |
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| Accordion students of Krassimir Sterev from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München (University of Music & Performing Arts in Munich, Germany) will perform a concert at the Kazanlak Art Gallery in Kazanlak, Bulgaria on July 29th at 6.30pm. Entrance is free of charge. For details email Krassimir Sterev: krassimir.sterev@gmail.com |
Concert for Auckland Coupe Contestants - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
 A farewell concert for 4 young New Zealanders who are travelling to Shenzhen, China for the 2019 Coupe Mondiale (CIA) will be held on August 2nd in Takapuna, Auckland sponsored by the Auckland Accordion Association.Performances will be given by Adam Perry, Catrina Lin and sisters Angela & Jessie Chen (all pictured on the poster right), who will entertain the audience with their competition programs. Guest performers include the North Shore Music Makers Accordion Orchestra (picture below). This orchestra was awarded the Cecil Smith trophy for a "performance that in some special way impresses the audience" at the 2019 New Zealand Accordion Association annual South Pacific Competitions and Festival held in June each year. Entry is by donation and all proceeds will go to the 4 Coupe entrants. For concert information email: heathermasefield@yahoo.com |
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Folkworks Adult Summer School – UKby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Folkworks Adult Summer School will be held in Durham from July 29th to August 2nd. The week-long event of folk music, song and dance will include tuition from accordionist Karen Tweed and Simon Thoumire (English concertina). Karen Tweed and Joey Oliver will also take a Band with Dance Ensemble workshop and Simon Thoumire will tutor Advanced Band. For further details email: folkworks.summerschool@sagegateshead.com |
Beltuna Accordion Festival - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| An accordion festival entitled “Gran Galla della Fisarmonica” will be held at Parco v.zo Renda Vita on August 3rd, organised by Beltuna Accordions. The festival will include accordion entertainment and dancing. Performances will be given by Pasquale di Marco, Mario Gatto, Diapason, Emanuale Pouzzi, Gianpiero Amato and Sergio Monacelu. For details see poster above. |
2nd NordAccordion Festival – Norwayby Christine Johnstone |
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| The NordAccordion Festival 2019 will be held from August 8th to 13th in Voss Norway and is a combination of master classes, seminars and concerts organised by Geir Draugsvoll and Ida Løvli Hidle. The opening concert will feature a performance by Friedrich Lips (Russia - top left) at the Ole Bull Academy in Voss at 8pm. Lips has arranged countless pieces of classical and modern music for the accordion in such a way that the instrument can be expressed in an ideal manner. He is also a renowned professor at The Gnesin Institute Moscow teaching a large number of price winning students. Performances will also be given by Matti Rantanen (Finland – top middle) a tutor at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and Jostein Stalheim (Norway- top right). Jostein Stalheim will premiere his piece “Langt av Garde” for solo accordion, which was written especially for NordAccordion 2019. Further performances throughout the festival will be given by Geir Draugsvoll, (accordion) and Mette Rasmussen (piano) on August 9th, at the Voss Church, Aleksander Nohr (baritone), Sigrid Vetleseter Bøe (soprano), Ida Løvli Hidle (accordion) on August 10th at Tre Brør, Geir Draugsvoll (accordion) and Hanzhi Wang on August 11th at the Stalheim Hotel, Accordion students from the Summer Course at Bakka Church on August 11th, Skadedyr (which includes accordionist Ida Løvli Hidl) at Voss kulturhus, Kultursalen on August 11th, and a lunchtime concert on August 12th with Hanzhi Wang and Karla Sorcic. Friedrich Lips will also hold a Masterclass during the festival, as will other performers at the event. A final closing concert will be held at the Ole Bull Academy on August 13th, which will include performances by the young students that took part in the week long event. For festival information email: post@nordaccordion.com |
Crawley Accordion Orchestra Entertains – UKby Christine Johnstone |
 The Crawley Accordion Orchestra will entertain on the Woking Bandstand in Woking Park, Surrey on August 3rd as part of their Summer Sounds program.Their varied program will include themes from musicals and films with a bit of Latin thrown in. Some chairs are provided and visitors can take a picnic and enjoy the entertainment. For further information email: crawleyaccordionorchestra@gmail.com |
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Maine Fiddle Camp Accordion Courses – USAby Christine Johnstone |
  Two Maine Fiddle Camp Accordion Courses will be held next month at Camp NEOFA, 219 Trotting Park Rd, Montville, ME, USA. The first course will be held from August 4th to 9th and will feature tuition by Sylvia Miskoe (picture left). Sylvia plays for contra dancing as well as Scottish and English Country Dance. Tutor Julie Vallimont (picture below) will give tuition during this course as well as the second course the following week. She performs nationwide on the accordion with the bands Buddy System and Nor’easter and other collaborations. She plays for contra, English, and French dancing. Drawing on teaching skills developed over fifteen years as a natural science educator, Julie enjoys teaching and leading workshops. The second course will be held from August 11th to 16th. In addition to further tuition from Julie, the music of composer, accordionist, and pianist Jeremiah McLane (picture right) is a unique blend of Franco-American, Celtic, jazz, and roots influenced music. He has recorded nine CDs with these and other musicians. For camp information email: director@mainefiddlecamp.org |
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2019 Sydney Folk Festival – Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
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| The 2019 Sydney Folk Festival will be held from August 16th to 18th in central Sydney, Australia. The most exciting aspect of the festival is that festival goers will be able to explore so much new music. Several venues will operate simultaneously and audiences can pick and choose their own programming. Performers include “Chaika Band” (which includes accordionist Emily-Rose Šárkova) who play genre-blending music inspired by Balkan vibrancy, Turkish markets, Celtic stories, and Australia’s own stunning landscapes. For further concert information email: info@chaikaband.com |
Workshop: The Bellows - Sound Secrets on the Accordion – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
 Accordionist Andreas Nebl (picture left) will hold a workshop entitled “The Bellows - Sound Secrets on the Accordion” at the Hohner-Konservatorium Trossingen on September 15th. The workshop will cover a bellows guide, breathing and sound presentation and is open to soloists and groups.It is recommended that participants have 1 or 2 pieces prepared if possible. Workshop registrations close on September 2nd, 2019. For further details email: AndiNebl@gmx.de or: info@hohner-konservatorium.de |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: Mike Middleton, Texas Entertainer - USAby Harley Jones |
 Updated site has a new schedule of concerts and some new photos for Texas entertainer Mike Middleton. |
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