Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
Reminder: 2018 Coupe Mondiale Entries Closing, 15 August - Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() ![]() Coupe Mondiale Categories are: • 71st Coupe Mondiale • Masters Coupe Mondiale • Junior Coupe Mondiale • International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Junior International Competition for Virtuoso Entertainment Music • Chamber Music - Classical • Chamber Music - World Music The Coupe Mondiale in Lithuania will be an outstanding musical event. Kaunas City with the Lithuanian National Accordionist's Union, President Kazys Stonkus, Vice-President Mindaugas Labanauskas, are preparing a very exciting schedule of competitions and musical events for participants, delegates and guests. CIA President Mirco Patarini looks forward to welcoming competitors from all quarters of the globe, for the 71st Coupe Mondiale to be held from 24-30 September, 2018 as well as International guests and supporters of the accordion. The entry system for competitors for the 71st Coupe Mondiale is online at: http://coupemondiale-entry.eventio.fi/ Full information, accommodation and entry details at: Coupe Mondiale |
![]() |
ATG Festival Underway in Chicago - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() |
On Wednesday evening, was a very nice Reception with entertainment by Matthias Matzke & Leonie Kratz. Thursday had daytime competitions and workshops and an excellent evening concert featuring Donna Dee & Dennis Ray (pictures above), Petar Maric (Serbia - picture left), Matthais Matzke & Leonie Kratz (pictures below). Chicago CBS made a 2-minute local news feature where "Joan Sommers is my hero!" https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/07/26/906873-accordion-festival-lisle/ A report with pictures and video will be online after the weekend at: 2018ATG |
![]() |
High Improvement Musical Masterclass for Classical Accordion, Osimo - Italyby Elisa Caprari |
![]() |
![]() The event started on 16 July with the concert which took place at the S. Stefano Church (Osimo) in occasion of its reopening after a long renovation. The concert’s program envisaged the performance of three soloists: the two artistic directors Dario Flammini and Mirco Patarini and also Alexander Selivanov (professor at the “Gnessins” Musical Accademy). On 17 July, at the Teatrino Campana was the national selection for the 2018 Coupe Mondiale 2018 Lithuania. All candidates played in front of an international jury and they were judged fit or unfit to represent Italy. From 18 July, there were individual lessons each day by conservatory teachers with 19 students participating. Every evening there was a concert in which the accordion played the main role. On Thursday 17 July there was a classical period concert featuring Mirco Patarini and two young musicians Alessandro Pagliari and Lorenzo Scolletta. On Wednesday 18 July, the San Giovanni Battista Church in Passatempo has been permeated by the music and the energy of the Duo Alberto La Neve (soprano sax) and Master Antonio Spaccarotella (accordion). Alberto and Antonio played well-known pieces belonging to jazz tradition and others one composed by themselves. On Thursday 19 July featured “Triosphere” being Dario Flammini (bandoneon), Mauro De Federicis (electric guitar) and Roberto Della Vecchia (double bass) with tango, jazz and pop music. The last two concerts took place in Piazza Boccolino, the main square of Osimo. Friday 20 featured “Tangospleen” an Argentinian group who regularly plays in Europe and Tobjas and Isabella, two tango dancers. Finally, on Saturday 21 July Osimo citizens had the honour to listen to the Orchestra Giovanile Castelfidardo, directed by the conductor Mr Edoardo Mantini. The orchestra is composed by 20 elements and different instruments: violins, accordions, keyboards, guitar and drums. They played different genres of music: from classical music, walking past soundtracks of famous film, to light music. The event was made possible by the local Osimo city administration and the Marche Region. Furthermore, a particular thank is for all those who put at the disposal rooms and facilities where lessons and concerts took place. |
![]() |
Gordon Glenn (1927-2018), Preston – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Gordon was a contemporary and friend of the likes of the 1953 CMA Trophee Mondial winner James Reavey, Gerald Crossman, George Scott-Wood, Francis Wright, Albert Delroy, and the famous piano duo Rawicz & Landauer, with whom he worked many times. He was a veteran of variety theatres, cabaret clubs and cruise liners, and also appeared at many accordion clubs and festivals. Gordon was an advocate of the acoustic, stradella bass piano accordion, and his preferred instrument makes were Settimio Soprani, Sonola, and Bugari. He was mainly a solo musician whose only gimmick was his talent, and his expressive, smooth and silky style together with his wide repertoire of standards, light classics and accordion specialities made him popular wherever he appeared. Gordon’s music took him to many countries over the years, and especially memorable highlights of his travels include visiting the Pyramids in Egypt, Field Marshall Rommel’s HQ in Tunisia, and the huge war graves cemeteries in North Africa – the latter making a lasting impression on him. Apart from music, Gordon also worked as a TV ‘extra’, appearing in all kinds of programmes, such as Channel 4’s ‘Brookside’ where he was a jury member during the ‘Jordache trial’ episodes. Most notably, he appeared in the first episode of the BBC comedy series ‘Dinner Ladies’, in a speaking role as Victoria Wood’s grandfather, and also playing the accordion. Discography: ‘Moments of Musical Reflections’ (1995) |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Grayson Masefield 13th July AAA 80th Anniversary Gala Concert - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Two selections from the program by Grayson Masefield at the 13th July AAA 80th Anniversary Gala Concert. Video 1: Ah vous dirai je, Maman - W.A. Mozart Video 2: Pondichery Tango - J. Richard Many thanks to Dan Grauman for the videos. AAA 80th Anniversary Festival Daily Reports of pictures and videos at: 2018AAA80th |
Video: UMKC Accordion Community Ensemble at AAA 80th Anniversary - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Two videos performed by the UMKC (University of Missouri, Kansas City) Accordion Community Ensemble. The performance was part of the 80th AAA Anniversary Festival concert on the 12 July. Players are: Betty Jo Simon, Ron Barrow, Kevin Friedrich, Samantha Wagner, Ron Dake, Cathy Weiss, Joyce Davis, Joan C. Sommers. Their program was: Fuga 9 by A. Piazzoll Danse (Tarantell Styrienne) by Claude Debussy Concerto per Archi by Nina Rota Blue Swan and Fuga by Stas Venglevski Danse Bacchanale by Saint Saëns. Daily Reports of pictures and videos at: 2018AAA80th |
![]() |
Concert Review: Classic Kyiv Duo @ Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert began with a special appearance by the jazz accordionist Harry Hussey, who on arrival began taking requests 15 minutes before the official starting time of 7.30pm, thus uniquely functioning as his own warm-up act! He was looking well, and playing on top form. The trio Accordion Spice trio, soloist Helen Rich, and the Stockport AC Band (MDs Marj Howard and Adrienne Sharpe) all played very well indeed, contributing to what was a superb and well attended concert. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Video: Lionel Reekie, AAA Thursday Evening Concert - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Two selections form the performance by Lionel Reekie at the AAA Thursday Evening Concert. Lionel is a well known international accordionist with a beautiful tenor voice who has performed in many countries of the world. His performance was very much appreciated by the audience with a standing ovation at the end. Video 1: Buena Sera Signorina Video 2: Chanson d'Amour Many thanks to Dan Grauman for the videos. AAA 80th Anniversary Festival Daily Reports of pictures and videos at: 2018AAA80th |
Concert Review: Eddy Jay in Guernsey – Channel Islandsby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Accordionist Eddy Jay performed a solo concert as part of the Summer Courtyards Concerts 2018 season in Guernsey on Wednesday July 25th, and the following review reads: Edward Jay’s understated demeanour belies a force of virtuoso talent, the likes of which have probably never been heard in Guernsey. It is easy to imagine having to travel around the globe to find a powder keg of musical brilliance in one person and, describing his skills as ‘world-class’ is entirely accurate. Opening with a ferociously paced ‘Tarantella’, Edward Jay’s statement of skills and thrills created an immediately compelling relationship between the performer and his audience, lasting from that Tarantella moment, to the last note of his encore ‘Tico Tico’. By virtue of a set, drawn from worldwide composers and cultures, Jay shaped virtual visits to smouldering Cuban dancefloors, the rolling highlands of Scotland and an 18th century English village green, whilst darting in and around the Parisian café culture, American Jazz Clubs erstwhile perching on achingly romantic moments, owned the world over. Instantly fascinating, compelling and addictive, the power of Edward Jay’s performance lies in his breath-taking dexterity and an intimate relationship with his Sonola accordian. This chemistry is better described as ‘body and soul’. The result is profound. |
Video: New Guy Klucevsek Work performed by Cody McSherry - USAby Harley Jones |
Video: Carousel of Dreams composed by Guy Klucevsek and performed by Cody McSherry was featured at the AAA 80th Anniversary Festival on the 11th July at the Opening Concert of the festival titled Concert of Original Music. This new work by Guy Klucevsek is described by 15 year old Cody McSherry. |
Closet Accordion Players of America is now onlineby Cheryl Thurston |
![]() Since 1992, CAPA has been encouraging accordionists to come out of the closet and play proudly. It's an organization with a sense of humor, but it also addresses serious subjects such as stage fright, back problems and accordions in the news. The popular newsletter "The CAPA Times" was discontinued several years ago when CAPA founder Cheri Thurston sold her publishing business and no longer had a staff to deal with collecting information, handling printing and mailing, etc. The new CAPA is an online presence only. According to Thurston, "If there is enough interest, I will resume the 'CAPA Times' as an email newsletter." She asks that any former members re-register. Many of the most popular articles from past issues are available on the new site. For further information email: capa@closetaccordionplayersofamerica.com |
Future events |
Marco Lo Russo in concert for Svicolando 2018, Priverno – Italyby Rob Howard |
From international successes to live concerts in the province of Latina, accordionist Marco Lo Russo Rouge will perform a solo recital at Piazza Trieste, Priverno, Latina, Lazio, on Saturday July 28th, 9pm, on the occasion of the review Svicolando 2018. In the recital, Marco Lo Russo, will propose a musical journey that will embrace international pop, Argentine tango and soundtracks, characterized by world music and jazz. Recently Marco Lo Russo, who received the Nomination Orpheus Award 2018, for his musical production ‘Ave Maria’, dedicated to Pope Francis, has also seen the publication of his compositions for Universal Music included in the compilation ‘El Tango Emocion Vol. 2’ together to other international artists such as Gotan Project, Caro Emerald, John Powell, Bajofondo and others. Marco Lo Russo has an international artistic activity as an accordionist, composer and producer, with prestigious collaborations, from Nicola Piovani to the Cuban Leo Brouwer; he has composed soundtracks for Cinema, TV, Italian Fiction and promotes the musical artistic project ‘Made in Italy’ concert, and is thus considered an ambassador of Italian culture abroad. "It will be very exciting to play in one of the most beautiful historical centers of the province of Latina. Music is good and can do good!" says Marco Lo Russo. Made in Italy video playlists concert by Marco Lo Russo around the world (Cuba, Mexico, USA, Canada, Europe etc): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZILNMHzqVs&list=PL9bV01SJZF08PFyKweaVMBhPJiYItMR5W |
Della’s Benefit Tea Dance, Galway – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() In the past 10 years Della’s Tea Dances, which are held in Tuam every Sunday, have raised over €1,000,000 for a range of charities in Galway. Della won Tuam Person of the Year in 2013, while her organisation was named Group of the Year in 2009. Michael Sexton was the All Ireland Champion on diatonic button accordion in 1987, and is a highly regarded dance musician. |
Belfast Traditional Music Summer School, Northern Ireland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The week’s programme features daily tuition, workshops, master classes, lectures and concerts that feature some of Ireland and Scotland’s leading traditional musicians, including Dermot Byrne – button accordion, Harry Bradley - flute, Bríd Harper - fiddle, Siobhán O’Donnell - fiddle, Ross Ainslie – Highland and small pipes, Steven McWhirter – drums and percussion, Mary Bergin – tin whistle, and many more. Other instruments covered include harp, concertina, bodhran, banjo and guitar. The week will also include Demonstrations and Pop-Up Workshops in Set Dancing, Solo/Sean nós Dancing and Highland Dancing as well as a Céili. For further information email: info@belfasttraditionalmusic.com |
Alan Crookston Trio Concert, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The Alan Crookston Trio and Band, based in West Lothian and Central Scotland, are one of Scotland’s most sought after bands, bringing lively Scottish Ceilidh music to weddings, ceilidhs, 21st’s and other functions. The Alan Crookston Ceilidh Band are a 3 piece band but offer additional extras such as 4 or 5 piece band and disco on request. The band have played the length and breadth of Scotland, from Edinburgh to Shetland, Glasgow to Keith. The band have been fortunate enough to have been asked to play at several festivals including Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival and The Mull Music Festival to name a few. The band was nominated in 2015 for ‘Dance band of the year’ at the MG Alba Trad Awards and had a track off their debut album ‘Note Before Time’ nominated in the Celtic Radio Awards in America. The band have also recorded 4 BBC Radio Scotland ‘Take The Floor’ broadcasts to date which have been popular with both listeners and fellow musicians. For further information email: a.crookston@sky.com |
Laxviken Can-Jämt Festival, Krokum – Swedenby Rob Howard |
![]() |
The Laxviken Can-Jämt Festival takes place in Laxviken, Krokum, Sweden, on August 3rd to 5th. The festival features accordionists and other musicians from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Canada, and elsewhere. The organizer is Canadian accordionist Edwin Erickson. There will be concerts, and dances on Friday and Saturday in Laxviken’s stately Community Hall, near the shore of the beautiful Lake Hotagen. The festival also includes technical workshops on diatonic accordion, impromptu jam sessions all weekend in the camping areas, and a Musicians’ Parade along the lake with horse, wagon, antique cars and strolling musicians on Saturday morning. On Sunday there will be a church concert and Finale with Group Play-Along. There are Camping spots with and without electricity at the Community Hall and nearby along the lake, Cabins and Suites within 5 kilometers, and hotel rooms available at the new hotel in Storåbränna (20 km). There is an authentic Canadian Cowboy Breakfast on Saturday morning at Sågbacken, continuous lunch and hot-dog/hamburger service at the Community Hall both Friday and Saturday, and ‘Loggers’ Pancakes’ (kolbulle) prepared and served outdoors on Saturday evening. For further information email: erickson.edwin@yahoo.com |
Accordion Summer School – Republic of San Marinoby Rob Howard |
![]() Florianópolis is the capital and second largest city of the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil. For further information email: acorfest@gmail.com |
Acordeon Festival, Florianópolis – Brazilby Rob Howard |
![]() |
A concert styled ‘Acordeon Festival’ takes place at the Teatro Ademir Rosa, Avenida Governador Irineu Bornhausen, 5600 Agronômica, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, on Wednesday August 8th, 8.30pm. The accordionists performing include Albino Manique, Flavinho Alves, Douglas Timm, Gustavo Almeida, Elton Silva, and the duo Duetango. Florianópolis is the capital and second largest city of the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil. For further information email: acorfest@gmail.com |
Accordion Festival, Objat – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() Objat is a commune in the Corrèze department in central France. |
Brandon McPhee Trio Concert, Orkney – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Brandon McPhee, winner of many competitions including the All Scotland Championship, has forged a very successful career performing all around Scotland and Ireland. He also sings and plays the guitar, performing mainly country songs. Every Saturday he presents ‘The Brandon McPhee Hour’ music show on Caithness TV – Sky 289, Freesat 516, and Freeview 87 channels. Recently he has been performing in ‘The Jimmy Shand Story’ at theatres in Scotland, and this show is likely to extend its tour dates in the near future. To date Brandon McPhee has made numerous CDs and DVDs for Pan Records. For further information email: robertcameron29@hotmail.com |
Paris-Moscow Duo Concert, Olmet - Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() Roman Jbanov and Domi Emorine began performing together in 1998, and have performed in France, Russia, Denmark, Italy, Poland, China, Portugal, Lithuania, Canada, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. Domi Emorine’s achievements include winning the CIA Coupe Mondiale, CMA Trophée Mondial, Concours International de Klingenthal, and the Prix de la Sacem. Roman Jbanov’s achievements include Grand Prize Beloborodov in Tula (Russia), Scholarship of the President of the Russian Republic, and the CMA Trophée Mondial. For further information email: duopm@sfr.fr |
CD Reviews |
Book Review: The Art of Arranging Classical Music for Accordion by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
![]() Books available online by Friedrich Lips: Catalog: kslips00 The Art of Bayan Playing and Playing the Accordion Artistically Catalog: kslips01 Die Kunst des Bajanspiels, Methodik und Didaktik des künstlerischen Akkordeonspiels Catalog: kslips02 Die Kunst der Bearbeitung klassischer Musik für Akkordeon Catalog: kslips03 The Art of Arranging Classical Music for Accordion |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |