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Highlights |
French National Qualifications for CIA and CMA on Web TV - France
Ralph Stricker (1930-2012), New Jersey – USA
Italian Finals of the 6th Italian V-Accordion Festival, Sacile - Italy
Petula Clark Loves the Accordion!, West Sussex – UK
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Flying Fingers Youth Accordion Orchestra Concert, Musikschule Schuch - Germany
Emmanuel Gasser Wins 4 Titles at the Victoria Festival, BC – Canada
Kimberly International Old Time Championships and Festival - Canada
Sonatas & Tangos at Twilight, Waiheke - New Zealand
Romanian Dances of Bartok 4,5,6 by Duo Voyageur - France
Stéphane Richez Promotional Video Features Accordion - France
Future events |
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham on Tour, Scotland – UK
Visiting Trio from Russia’s Concerts, Vaucluse – France
Lulu Wang and Harald Oeler Recital, Hof – Germany
Duo Mazaika Concert, London – UK
Group and Private Accordion Tuition, Istanbul – Turkey
Sidmouth Folk Week, Devon – UK
Ludo Mariën & Seppe Mariën Alla Festa Concert - Belgium
Dominique Paats Trio Concert, Maastrict – Netherlands
Delphine Lemoine Plays for Dancing, Paris – France
Ivano Battiston Master Class, Arezzo – Italy
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl New and Updated Music - USA
Canterbury Accordion Association Celebrates 50 Years – New Zealand
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Mika Väyrynen’s Summer Concerts, Lake Tuusula, Turku, Loviisa - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
 As the busy summer concert season draws to a close, Finnish Accordionist Mika Väyrynen will perform a program of Bach and Gubaidulina in the Tuusula Church at the popular ‘Our Festival’, by Lake Tuusula near Järvenpää on August 4th. On August 14th he will perform at the ‘Turku Music Festival, at the Turku Cathedral at 2pm. Mika will be one of five accordionist soloists performing concerts at this festival, each featuring the works of J. S. Bach. On August 18th Mika will perform at the ‘Loviisa Sibelius Festival’ where he will perform two different concerts. Mika will give the premiere of Aulis Sallinen’s new work for accordion and cello with cellist Jan-Erik Gustafsson. Originally Sallinen had intended the work to be for piano and cello, but he told Mika that he wrote it in a manner he could play the work with accordion and thus the accordion and cello premiere. Mika will also perform Aulis Sallinen’s solo work ‘Preludes and Fugues Op. 94’ and ‘Passacaglia and Fugue’, J. S. Bach. Mika Väyrynen is currently preparing several new CD’s for release, the first, an all Bach CD will be released on October 16th when he performs an all Bach program at the Helsinki Music Center. For more information, please visit the Mika Väyrynen website. Three CD's recorded by Mika Väyrynen available from the Finnish Accordeon Institute. |
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French National Qualifications for CIA and CMA on Web TV - Franceby Antonio Spaccarotella |
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French Qualifications Part One
French Qualifications Part Two
| Above is the video, French Qualifications Part One and Part Two. On July 22nd, at the beautiful farm of Frederic Deschamps in La selle sur le bied (near Paris), were held the National Selections for French candidates to qualify to compete in the different categories of the 2012 CIA Coupe Mondiale and CMA Trophée Mondial international competitions. In the past, the French Qualifications involved the candidates performing live in concert before a jury. For 2012, an unprecedented change was made. Each candidate sent in a video and the Deschamps Channel broadcast live on their web TV channel each video. An international jury had gathered at the Deschamps Channel premises: Gorka Hermosa, Christina Rossi, Frederic Deschamps, Jacques Mornet, Antonio Spaccarotella and video conferencing were jury members Anna and Raymond Bodell. After viewing the video of the candidates, the jury delivered its judgment publicly, then an important opportunity for development, where the student learns in real time the judgment, opinions and different thoughts of the international jury. The public could also vote and after a few minutes the results were announced. This new French Qualifications system was the idea of Frederic Deschamps of the Deschamps Channel assisted by Mike Rossi, as technical director. |
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Ralph Stricker (1930-2012), New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
  Accordion teacher and professional player Ralph Stricker, from North Brunswick, New Jersey, died on July 20th, aged 81. He had been in very poor health for some considerable time, though was actively teaching until recently.Ralph Stricker studied with various accordion teachers in the 1940s, and studied harmony and theory with Alfred D' Auberge 1949-1950. He showed an early aptitude for playing jazz, which shaped his later playing career. From 1950 Stricker ran his own accordion studio, and by 1956 had 300 students enrolled. He taught privately 1956-1960, then from 1960-1968 ran the East Brunswick Academy of Music, with an enrollment of 600 students attending weekly. Stricker’s professional playing career included playing with the Airlane Trio and the Johnny Ray band as well as his own combos, working top supper and nightclubs in New Jersey, New York, and Florida. He also played with Zoot Simms, Andy Fitzgerald, Vic Juris, Harry Leahy, Charlie Ventura, Buddy Deppenschmidt, and Glen Davis. Ralph Stricker will be remembered by many for his tutor book ‘Jazz Theory and Improvisation Studies for Accordion’, a detailed and comprehensive exposition of how to build a technique enabling accordionist to play jazz. |
Italian Finals of the 6th Italian V-Accordion Festival, Sacile - Italyby Marco Cinaglia |
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| The entries have now closed and the 5 finalists selected for the 6th Italian V-Accordion Festival will be competing on Saturday, September 8th at the Teatro Comunale of Sacile Zancanaro (PN). There will be two categories: Junior (Under 18) and Senior (Over 18). The winner of the Senior category will represent Italy in the International Final to be held on 2nd and 3rd November 2012 at the prestigious Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. |
Petula Clark Loves the Accordion!, West Sussex – UKby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Sue Bennett was booked to play French music at a wedding reception at Arundel Cricket Club, West Sussex for Clare Rooke and Chris McLaren-Clarke on July 20th. Before the date, Sue was told that there would also be a pianist and disco, and one of the guests is a singer, who might like to perform a song or two. The singer turned out to be Petula Clark! An international legend of show business, Petula was the sister of the bridegroom. When Sue was playing, Petula came over and quizzed her about her decorated blue accordion and the French music being played. Petula, who is a remarkably young looking 80 year old and still working, said that she has always loved the accordion. Petula Clark (born 1932) began her hugely successful career during World War Two, and she has sold 68 million records worldwide. Also an actress and composer, Petula Clark lived in France for many years, and now lives in Switzerland. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Report on the 2012 AAA Festival in Baltimore - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
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 The 74th AAA Festival, held at the Sheraton City Center, Baltimore, Maryland, from July 11-15, was a successful event, enjoyed by many accordionists and accordion enthusiasts from all over the world. The AAA Festival enjoyed extensive TV, radio, and newspaper coverage before and during the weekend. Congratulations to the Winners of the following categories: Albert Manginelli - 1st place US Virtuoso Solo Quinn Collins - 2nd place US Virtuoso Solo Chris Gorton - 2nd place US Piano Accordion Competition Quinn Collins - 3rd place US Piano Accordion Competition Rachel Quirbach - 1st place Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Category for Female Accordionists Christopher Gorton - 1st place Digital Accordion Competition Unique to accordion festivals, the second Youth Involvement Program was held, conducted by Don Gerundo. It featured young accordionists between the ages of 13 and 25, paired with young Baltimore musicians who played saxophone, trombone and bass. The jazz ensemble performed at the Saturday Awards Concert (picture left). The AAA Festival featured many accordionists performing solos, in combos, with other instruments, and with singers. The event was a true display of the great versatility of the accordion. The festival coordinators were Linda Soley Reed, AAA President;Frank Busso Sr., AAA 1st Vice President and Public Relations/Festival Coordinator; Mary Tokarski, 2012 AAA Contest Chariman and Junior Festival Orchestra conductor; and Marilyn O'Neil Youth Involvement Program Coordinator. Their excellent organizational efforts resulting in an event enjoyed by all, that sets the stage for the 75th AAA Festival to be held in New York City August 14-18, 2013. Performers during the AAA Festival included: Cody McSherry, Michael and Amanda Parziale, Robert and Rocio Ford, The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by Linda Soley Reed, Joy Bechter, Joe McKesson, Dr.Robert Young McMahan, Joe Zale, Vladimir Mollov, Annie Mollova, Dallas Vietty, Ben West, William Trigg, Tatiana Semichastnaya, Steve Albini, Stas Venglevski, Dick Morarity, Mary Tokarski , Manny Bobenrieth, John Simkus, and Emily Geller. Performing ensembles included: The Potomac Ensemble, Busso Festival Orchestra, The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by Linda Soley Reed, Alamo Angels Festival Orchestra, Junior Festival Orchestra, and the AAA 2012 Festival Orchestra conducted by Stas Venglevski. Attendees at the Saturday Night Gala Banquet heard the Festival Orchestra and the United States Army Strolling Strings (picture below) under the direction of Sergeant Major Manny Bobenreith (accordion) featuring vocalists from The United States Army Band. Workshop Presenters included: Mary Tokarski, Linda Warren, Don Gerundo, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Mary Kathryn Archuleta, Paul Ramunni, Dr. Marion Jacobsen, Dallas Vietty, Gabe Hall-Rodrigues. The large exhibition room gave festival attendees the opportunity to hear and see a variety of accordions, music and gift items including: Accordions USA (Alex and Lillianna Chudolij), Alessandrini, Deffner Music Publications ( Frank Busso Jr), Music Magic (Alex and Lillianna Chudolij), Ottavianelli Accordions Factory, Pancordion ( Frank Busso Jr), Pigini srl ( Frank Busso Jr), Roland, Roland Corp. U.S. (Steve Albini, Tatiana Semichastnaya), Scandalli, Titano ( Frank Busso Jr), Victoria Accordions (Elke Ahrenholz), SqueezinArt (Joan and Dan Grauman), The New England Accordion Museum (Paul Rammuni), Petosa Accordions (Tony Lovello) and Brandoni. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie among accordionists of all ages, especially the connections made by the young accordionists with the young Baltimore musicians. Many of them said that as a result of being involved in the AAA Festivals, they intend to learn the accordion! For further details on the 2012 AAA Festival and the 2013 AAA Festival in NYC, please read the August www.accordionusa.com news. |
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Flying Fingers Youth Accordion Orchestra Concert, Musikschule Schuch - Germanyby Harley Jones |
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| Musikschule Fröhlich celebrates its 35th anniversary and the Flying Fingers Youth Accordion Orchestra of Musikschule Schuch, Directors Barbara and Christian Schuch is part of the Musikschule Fröhlich teaching system. Enjoy the Flying Fingers Orchestra recent performance. |
Emmanuel Gasser Wins 4 Titles at the Victoria Festival, BC – Canadaby Rob Howard |
  15 years old Emmanuel Gasser very impressively won all four sections he entered at last week’s Victoria International Accordion Festival, held at the Comfort Hotel & Conference Centre in Victoria, British Colombia. The sections were Under 18 Classical, Under 18 Open, Classical, and Open. His prizes included a new Roland FR3X digital accordion. Emmanuel Gasser, from Saint-Charles, Ontario, is now in Chicago, where he will compete at the ATG Festival and play a concert in Eureka, Illionois. For further information email: emmanuel.gasser.9081@facebook.com |
Kimberly International Old Time Championships and Festival - Canadaby Harley Jones |
| Video above: AMI's Bob Short visits beautiful Kimberly BC for the Kimberly International Old Time Accordion Championships and gets to take in all the sights and sounds. Video below that is the KIOTAC Happy Hands Open winner Alicia Baker performing Artist lineup included: Monday July 9th, Concert - Cowboy Bob, Dance - The Softones Tuesday July 10th, Concert Mario Pedone, Dance - Edwin Erickson & Tight Squeeze Wednesday July 11th, Concert Cory Pesaturo, Concert Kerry Christensen, Concert - Alex Meixner Band Thursday July 12th, Dance - Best of the Platzl, Friday July 13th, Concert- Baker Bridge Duet, Dance - Austin Kawa Band Saturday July 14th, KIOTAC Massed Band, Awards and Presentations, Family Dance - Alex Meixner Band |
Sonatas & Tangos at Twilight, Waiheke - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
 On July 21st professional violinist Dr Joe Harrop (PhD, Royal Academy of Music) performed with 19 year old Eddie Giffney, who is acknowledged to be one of New Zealand’s foremost young pianists as well as a several times past NZ and South Pacific Accordion Champion and 3rd placegetter at the 2009 Coupe Mondiale Junior Virtuoso Entertainment category.They performed for the Waiheke Musical Museum Charitable Trust, in the unique historical Music Museum, a ferry ride away from the city of Auckland. The programme opened with Mozart’s ‘Sonata for Piano and Violin KV380 in E flat’ followed by Ravel’s ‘Sonata for Violin and Piano in G’. Further demonstrating his musical versatility, Eddie Giffney then swapped to play accordion for the Tango section of the program, presenting three contrasting pieces by Galliano and Piazzolla, arranged by Giffney and Harrop. This was a concert to remember and much appreciated by the full house audience. |
Romanian Dances of Bartok 4,5,6 by Duo Voyageur - Franceby Harley Jones |
| Just published is the performance of Romanian Dances of Bartok 4,5,6 by the Duo Voyageur, Yardani Torres(violin) and Guillaume Leroy (accordion). This performance took place at the Flaneries Musicales, Reims in June 2011. |
Stéphane Richez Promotional Video Features Accordion - Franceby Harley Jones |
| Three months after the release of his new album, Stéphane Richez presents his songs in their simplest form. An accordion (Clarisse Catarino), guitars (Martial Bort) and Stéphane (vocal and guitar). This was filmed in concert 4th June 2012. |
Future events |
AAA 18th Master Class and Concert Series, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
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 This weekend, July 27th to 29th, the annual Accordion Master Class and Concert Series, sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association (AAA), and moderated once more by Dr William Schimmel, takes place at the Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A West St, 13th St, New York.This year’s series is titled, ‘Redemption: The Radar off the Radar’. Dr Schimmel comments, “… you can find Redemption right smack in the middle of the accordion community. If I sound excited, I am – and it's OK to be excited. It's a new kind of Radar!! And Redemption is waiting for you there. Is it Salvation?? No, not exactly – It's Redemption – sort of like the Halleluiah Chorus played by dozens and dozens of Accordionists – sort of like that – but not exactly”. Master Classes take place in the afternoon at 3pm, and concerts in the evening at 7pm – featuring a distinguished lineup! In the lobby there will be books, CDs, DVDs, etc, on sale. Concert No. 1 on July 27th, 7pm, includes: ‘New Interactive Video’, by Micki Goodman, with Ms. Goodman - video, dance and choreography, music – Dr Schimmel ‘Star Twinkle – Mix’, by Mozart, Cage, Telstar, Doo Wop, and ‘Sonata for Two Pianos’ (accordion and piano) by Mozart, performed by Dr Gugo Goldenzweig and Dr Schimmel ‘St John Coltrane!’, by Mark Birnbaum/WS, performed by Dr Birnbaum, piano, and Dr Schimmel ‘Kensington’, by Art Baily, ‘Romp III’, by Robert Young McMahon, performed by Dr McMahon – Johanna Cho, piano ‘The Minimal Accordion’, by Michael Century ‘Grieg Goes Indie’, by John Foti, ‘Concerto (excerpts), by Howard Hanson, with Mafoka - Dr Schimmel, piano ‘Der Rosenkavalier’, by Richard Strauss, performed by Dr Schimmel ‘Variations on an Easter Hymn’, by Page Long, performed by Ingrid Kvale plus much more……. creative musical performances Master Class No 2 on July 28th, at 3pm, includes the following: Accordions Occupying Wall Street Song Writing at the Accordion Don’t Just Get Them, But Keep Them (Julio Giulietti) How I Achieved Salvation Through the Accordion Without Playing It A Bellows Pleated World/Full of Ins and Outs The Accordion and Dominion Theology How to play Happy Birthday anywhere Merton/Bhudda/Pussycat (WS) The Reality Chord/Money/Exhibit Fire and Worship Installation in Lobby – Please Don’t Go Away (WS) Music: Gregosphere (WS) These are just some of the programs offered during the seminars. For further information email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham on Tour, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 The ever popular fiddle/accordion duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are out on tour again, this time traveling round Scotland, with brief excursions to Orkney and to Skye. Listed are the dates until the end of August; further dates will be posted towards the end of next month.Video above of Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham at the recent Skagen Festival. Two of the most celebrated musicians on the present day Scottish traditional folk scene, Aly and Phil have worked together since 1988, and have gathered a large and loyal following. Their previous accomplishments include Aly Bain being a founding member of the Boys of the Lough, and Phil as the accordionist with the band Silly Wizard. Their tour dates include for the next month: July 27th, 7pm – Speyfest Marquee, The Playing Fields, East St, Fochabars July 29th, 7.30pm – Lomond Folk Festival, Gateway Centre, Ben Lomond Way, G83 8QL August 2nd – Falkirk Town Hall, FK1 5RS August 3rd, 7.30pm – Albert Halls, Stirling, FK8 2QL August 4th, 7.30pm – Grathes Castle, Banchory, AB31 5QJ August 9th – Victoria Hall, Selkirk, TD7 4LN August 10th – Cramond Kirk, Edinburgh, EH4 6NS August 11th – St Andrew Blackadder Church, N. Berwick, EH39 4NU August 12th – Palace des Blaces, Spiegel Tent, Fringe by the Sea, N. Berwick August 16th – Orkney Arts Theatre, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NL August 17th – Orkney Town Hall, Stromness, KW16 3BA August 23rd, 7.30pm – Aros Centre, Portree, Skye, IV51 9EU August 25th – Lochcarron Village Hall, Strathcarron, IV54 8YD August 26th – Universal Hall, Findhorn, IV36 3TZ August 28th, 7.30pm – Concert Hall, Perth, PH1 5HZ August 30th, 8pm – Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, IV3 5SA August 31st – MacPhail Centre, Ullapool, IV26 2UN For further information email: phil@philcunningham.com |
Visiting Trio from Russia’s Concerts, Vaucluse – Franceby Rob Howard |
 The trio of Julia Kornig – viola, and accordionists Thom Hardaker and Alexandre Belyakov, all visiting France from the St Petersburg Conservatory, Russia, play three concerts this weekend in the South of France. Entry to all concerts is free. The details are:July 27th, 6.30pm - Eglise de Maubec, Vaucluse July 28th, 8.30pm - l'Eglise de Saint-Restitut July 29th, 9.30pm - Place de la Borne, Pont-Saint-Esprit The programme is likely to include Baroque, Jazz, and Russian folk music. For further information email: bayanalt@yahoo.com |
Lulu Wang and Harald Oeler Recital, Hof – Germanyby Rob Howard |
 An accordion recital with the duo Professor Lulu Wang and Harald Oeler takes place on Saturday July 28th, 5pm, at St. Johanneskirche Hof, Oelsnitzer Straße 8, Hof. |
Duo Mazaika Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
 On Friday August 3rd, 7.30pm, Mazaika - the highly accomplished Igor Outkine (Roland FR7X/voice) and Sarah Harrison (violin/domra/voice) - perform at the Pushkin House, 5A Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2TA. This will be an evening of Russian folk, Gypsy, Tango and Foxtrot music from the 1930s plus some original pieces written by Igor Outkine. Guaranteed to transport you from the fairytale Russian Steppes to the Gypsy Campfire, from the streets of the Argentine to a Ballroom dance hall. Full of Russian soul and Gypsy Passion! For further information email: igor.outkine@yahoo.com |
Group and Private Accordion Tuition, Istanbul – Turkeyby Rob Howard |
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| The Turkish accordion association Iberya Özkan Akordeon Tölyesi organises one-to-one accordion tuition at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI (Georgian Arts Hall), Istanbul, and every Wednesday, 7.30pm until 10pm, there is a well supported accordion workshop. For further information email: ibeka@mynet.com |
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Sidmouth Folk Week, Devon – UKby Rob Howard |
 This year’s Sidmouth Folk Week takes place at venues in a the Devon seaside town of Sidmouth, from August 3rd to the 10th. This festival has a large number of guest musicians, singers and bands, and always includes many accordionists. The free reed instruments line up this year features John Kirkpatrick (photo top left, 3-row button diatonic accordion, Anglo concertina, and melodeons), Paul Hutchinson (piano accordion), Rod Stradling (photo left lower, piano accordion, English concertina), Dan Quinn (melodeon), Ed Rennie (melodeon), Spiers & Boden (melodeon), Oysterband, Polkaworks, Whapweasel, Peeping Tom, and the Treacherous Orchestra. For further information email: press@sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk |
Ludo Mariën & Seppe Mariën Alla Festa Concert - Belgiumby Harley Jones |
 Ludo Mariën & Seppe Mariën 14th August debut concert in Mol, entry Gratis14 August 2012 at 20 hours. |
Dominique Paats Trio Concert, Maastrict – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
 The Dominique Paats Trio perform in the Staaadspark, Maastricht, on August 5th, 1.30pm. |
Delphine Lemoine Plays for Dancing, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
 On August 25th and 26th, 9pm until 11pm, musette accordionist Delphine Lemoine plays for dancing at La Guinguette de l'ile du Martin Pêcheur, Champigny-sur-Marne, in the suburbs of Paris.Other accordionists play regularly at La Guinguette de l'ile du Martin Pêcheur throughout most of the year. |
Ivano Battiston Master Class, Arezzo – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Ivano Battiston holds an accordion master class at the Chiusi della Verna, Arezzo, from August 27th until September 1st. Full details are available from Ivano Battiston’s website or by email. The deadline for applications is July 31st. For further information email: ivanobattiston@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publications Releases New Piecesby Charnwood Publishing |
 Charnwood Publications releases 5 new pieces by composer Coppard Sue titled,'Carnival in Napoli', catalog:M680, 'If Only', catalog:M681, 'Lime Daquiri', catalog:M682, 'Lullaby for a Cool Babe in a Hammock', catalog:M683, 'Off to the Ball', catalog:M684. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl New and Updated Music - USAby Gary Dahl |
 Gary Dahl - performer, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following new music titles for purchase on-line. 'Clair De Lune', catalog:DH0233. Samples for these music are now available at the MusicForAccordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Canterbury Accordion Association Celebrates 50 Years – New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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| An updated page report of photos and information is online at: CAA50th |
CD Reviews |
Richness of the Tones CD by Esra Pehlivanli (Viola) and Marko Kassl (Accordion)by Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Richness of the Tones CD by Esra Pehlivanli (Viola) and Marko Kassl (Accordion), in English language, reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers. |
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