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Highlights |
Dr. Carmelo Pino Passes Away, Washington DC - USAby Harley Jones |
Video of Carmelo Pino performing his arrangement of "Gershwiniana". Dr. Carmelo Pino, former AAA President, honored concert accordionist, composer, teacher, has passed away on the 20th June 2013 after months of serious illness. Dr Carmelo Pino was sadly diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago and I quote these heartfelt words: "To see a vibrant man like Carmelo reduced to living in a care facility, dependent on others for his day-to-day care, is heartbreaking. I miss the man who was Carmelo Pino, friend, artist, teacher, composer." Linda Soley Reed, AAA President We have a very full article by Joan Grauman, AAA Historian, about his many achievements online at: Carmelo Pino |
Spoleto 6th International Competition for Accordion Soloists and Ensembles - Italyby Harley Jones |
One year after hosting the 65th Coupe Mondiale, the city of Spoleto (PG) is once more, between 1st and 6th October 2013, the capital of the accordion. The Italian Accordion Culture, member of the CIA, IMC – UNESCO, is organizing the 6th edition of the event Strumenti & Musica Festival. The program of the event, in addition to a series of unmissable concerts, includes the 6th International Competition for Accordion Soloists and Ensembles. Rules and Regulations download at: 2013Spoleto.pdf Entries close 7th September 2013. |
Jacques Mornet & Nathalie Boucheix Masterclass in Beijing – Chinaby Harley Jones |
Video above: Jia Cheng Xue, 15 years old, plays 'Sur un air de Migliavaca' on an arrangement by Eric Bouvelle at the 2013 Klingenthal competition. Renowned French teachers Jacques Mornet (pictured left) & Nathalie Boucheix (pictured right) will run a Masterclass in Beijing from 29th July to 6th August. They are guests of their friend Yan Sheng Li, teacher and creator of a private accordion school in the Chinese capital. Li was searching for technical and musical support for teaching French style, and discovered CNIMA six years ago. Amazed by the CNIMA J.Mornet pedagogical system, he adopted it, and has now co-named his school 'CNIMA Jacques Mornet in Beijing' on a large sign in Chinese characters. As part of this cooperation, Li sends each many of his best students to CNIMA J.Mornet in France for intensive training prior to international competitions. The above video features Jia Cheng Xue, student at Yan Sheng Li’s school. Accompanied by his charming father and mother, Jia Cheng (called 'Jack' in Saint-Sauves) came to CNIMA for two weeks to prepare for the Klingenthal 2013 competition. Only 15 years old, he was competing in the senior virtuoso entertainment category, achieving a remarkable 2nd place. Two weeks ago, he also won the 20 years and under Australian international competitions. Some 40 full time students and long term trainees from all over the world live and train at the CNIMA J.Mornet school in France. Director Jacques Mornet has recently released his teaching book, available online at Jacques Mornet. Those wanting to attend the Masterclass in Beijing can obtain further information from the CNIMA J.Mornet website. |
The World of Accordion Festival Starting, Castelfidardo - Italyby Harley Jones |
Advertised as a new and alternative festival and music awards, the World of Accordion Festival is taking place from June 29 to July 7, 2013 in Castelfidardo. This event will be held during the summer in beautiful Castelfidardo - where you can enjoy the award auditions during the day and the concerts in the evening. There are 9 festival days with awards auditions daily from 9am to 6pm and concerts at 9pm. Program download at: 2013program_woa.pdf |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Yuri Medianik and Eduard Kunz in Concert, Moscow - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Yuri Medianik and Eduard Kunz perform Scarlatti Sonata Fm K466 Published on Jun 27, 2013, this was recorded at a recital at Scriabin Moscow Museum, April 2013, organized by Artnovi Project www.artnovi-project.com |
Stolen Accordion, Crucianelli Video 85 - Italyby Harley Jones |
A few days ago, a distinctive accordion of the Belgian performer “Jan De Smet” (bandleader “De Nieuwe Snaar”) was stolen from his car on the route between “Bergamo and Brescia”. The model is a Crucianelli Video 85 in the color setting pastel green & pink, the instrument was in good working order with a recently installed new keyboard. Any information that could lead to finding this instrument would be helpful. The instrument was packed in a Viseur gig bag in a vivid green color. The owner is willing to buy this accordion back when it would be offered for sale somewhere (auction , a music shop). Since the accordion world is rather small, I do hope you can help by spreading this message in Italy to music shops, accordion repairman and accordion teachers. Email Jan De Smet: de.jivers@pandora.be |
Zevy Zions’ New Music Book: ‘Accordion Selections’, New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Zevy Zions has produced a new spiral-bound music book, ‘Accordion Selections’, containing arrangements of music included on his various CDs. The pieces include Mozart Menuetto, Lady of Spain, I Don't Care (Guido Deiro), Tziviele's Bulgar (Dave Tarras), Krakowiak, William Tell Overture, Malagueña, Alla Turca, Flight of the Bumble Bee, Cleopha (Scott Joplin), Schön Rosmarin (Fritz Kreisler), Voi Che Sapete (Mozart), Flute Minuet (Mozart), Le Basque (Marais), The Swan, and Haydn's Serenade. Zevy Zions teaches accordion and keyboards and is a student of the late Charles Nunzio who, in turn, was a student of the great Pietro Frosini. He has to date released four solo CDs, ‘Olive Blossoms’, ‘Dizzy Accordion’, ‘William Tell’, and ‘Bolero Fantasia’. Zevy performs as a solo musician and with various musical ensembles. For further information email: kvetcher@oliveblossoms.com |
Sylvie Pulles DVD, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
Musette accordionist Sylvie Pulles has released a double DVD, recorded at the Olympia, Paris. The tracks include: La Bourre A Deux Temps, L’Aio de Roso, Pastourelle et Troubadour, Les Garcons de la Montagne, Mon Auvergne et Paris, Mon Aveyron, La Manivelle, La Gigue, Le Brise Pied de Sylvie, Mon Olympia, Au Temps des Veillees, Ave Maria, La Bourree de Pierrefort, Auvergne de Toujours, Mon Vieux Village, Le Boulangere, Je Suis Malade, Medley Millau, L’Alliance, La Crouzado, Tristesse, Florilege de Valses du Pays, DVD 2 Group Folkloriques Auvergnats de Paris. For further information email: contact@cdmc.fr |
Leavenworth Accordion Celebration, Washington – USAby Rob Howard |
The following is an abridged report by Griff Ziegler: The accordion took over the Festhalle, the Gazebo, the Grange, and even down Main Street, and after hours in the local beer halls and Bavarian restaurants for the duration of the Leavenworth Accordion Celebration. This year saw soloists such as Bruce Gassman doing his upbeat interpretations of Rock and Roll, the Beatles, to numerous musical themes from Star Wars and James Bond movies. There was also Gary Blair, Leavenworth's favorite Scotsman, treating everybody to his flying fingers and his unique interpretations of traditional and other music. How does anyone move fingers as quickly as Gary?? Must be the Haggis! Then there were the duet sounds of Kory Tideman and Juan Barco, whose ‘Conjunto’ was a pleasure and wonderfully entertaining. This year also featured the wonderful sounds of Tango music in the form of Tango Volcado, who come from by Spokane, WA. The group features piano accordion, string bass and violin. There was also the Northwest Accordionaires, an accordion orchestra composed of 14 accordions, drums, tuba, bass, and a wonderful female vocalist. The selections ranged from Folk, to Broadway, to Classical. A welcomed surprise was the appearance of Sam Thomas, a former Leavenworth contest winner, now returned as a featured player. Recently Sam was encouraged to entered the Trophee Mondial competition in his home town of Spokane, WA, winning first place overall - the first time in over 25 years that an American won such an honor. This year’s entertainment also featured a Russian group, now residing in Eugene, Oregon, called Trio Voronezh. This group play authentic Russian instruments including the double bass balalaika, a domra, and a bayan. Their selection of music included Russian folk songs, Gypsy music, JS Bach, selections from the classics, and from George Gershwin. Closing the last evening’s entertainment was the Great Dance Palooza - swing, fox trots, waltzes, polkas, Latin rhythms, and more for all listening and dancing pleasure, performed by the LIAC Dance Palooza Jam Band, with accordionists Bonnie Birch, Toby Hanson, Rod Miller, Jim and Shirley O’Brien, Kory Tideman, Johnny V, and other NWAS accordion players. Next year’s Leavenworth begins on June 19th 2014. |
ABC 7 News, New York Features Bryant Park - USAby Harley Jones |
ABC 7 News, Accordions around the world in Bryant Park. It looks like a scene from Paris, but this is Manhattan. Bryant Park on Thursdays throughout the summer is where the accordion is taking center stage. Albert Behar will be one of many accordionists positioned throughout the park. He'll be playing in the French style. Matt Dallow plays more bluesy rock and pop and his bright orange instrument. On August 15, the American Accordionists' Association celebrates its 75th Anniversary with award-winning accordionists, a massed band of accordionists at 7pm playing "New York, New York", and an accordion jam session open to all from 9pm to 10pm. |
Video: 2013 Accordéon Fest in Zagreb - Croatiaby Harley Jones |
Video report of the 2013 Accordéon Fest in Zagreb organised by the Ivana Art Studio & Prof. Dr. Semir Hasic ran from 11th to 15th June at the Paviljon Park. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Pietro Deiro Jr died in June 1999by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending June 25th 1999 reported the passing of Lee Deiro, known as Pietro Deiro Junior, at the age of 86. Born into an accordion family, the son of the famous father made his own mark in the accordion world, especially through the long term work of his well established publishing business, Pietro Deiro Publications. The death of Pietro Deiro Jr marked the end of an era. Pietro Deiro, Jr. Passes Away – USA Contributed by Faithe Deffner, President of the American Accordionists' Association The Governing Board and Members of the American Accordionists' Association sadly announce the passing of Pietro (Lee) Deiro, Jr., dedicated past President, incredible accordion personality and legendary contributor to accordion development in the US and throughout the accordion world. Mr. Deiro, 86, died in a New York hospital on Saturday June 19th of complications following a diverticulitis operation, exacerbated by a serious case of emphysema which had plagued him for several years. Lee, as he was affectionately known to his colleagues, was born into a theatrical family on September 30th 1913. He inherited much of his famous father's love for the accordion and its music. His was the thrilling experience of being present when the pioneering first began as the accordion asserted itself in the world of music, groping for the prestige which would compliment its folk origin. Up until his retirement from the publishing business (about 20 years ago), he operated one of the foremost accordion music publishing firms in the world, Pietro Deiro Publications, which his father had founded. A wake was held in New York City on June 21st. The funeral was held the following day. In tribute to his memory the American Accordionists' Association has established the Pietro Deiro, Jr. Composer Commissioning Fund which will seek to finance important future additions to the body of original works for accordion. |
Future events |
Ksenija Sidorova CD Launch and Festival Concert, Cēsis - Latviaby Rob Howard |
On Saturday June 29th, 8pm, accordionist Ksenija Sidorova will be launching her new CD ‘Fairy Tales’ when she performs with Sandis Šteinbergs (violin) and the Sinfonietta Riga at the Cesis Arts Festival, Festival Hall, Cesis Sports Complex, Cesis, Latvia. For further information email: ksenijasidorova@yahoo.co.uk |
Alan Kelly Concert and Workshop, Dublin – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
Video: Published Jan 21, 2013, Alan Kelly (piano accordion), Steph Geremia (flute), Maureen Browne (fiddle) and Tony Byrne (guitar) play Breton Woods at the Winter Music Weekend (2013) in Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, Ireland. This tune is included on The Alan Kelly Gang's CD "Small Towns and Famous Nights", published by Blackbox Music (2011). Accordionist Alan Kelly and Gang are appearing at the Millbank Theatre, Rush, County Dublin, on June 29th, at 8.30pm, and will also be doing an accordion workshop earlier in the day. The workshop takes place, 1pm until 5pm, at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Convent Lane, Rush. These events are part of Rinceoil Fingal, a weekend traditional music festival. Alan Kelly is regarded as one of Ireland’s most accomplished musicians in any genre. He is a piano accordionist, composer and arranger, and hails from Roscommon. He has had three critically acclaimed CDs, ‘Out of the Blue’, ‘Mosaic’, and ‘After the Morning’. His most recent Alan Kelly Gang album is ‘Small Towns and Famous Nights’. He has toured and recorded with artists such as Eddi Reader, Matt Molloy, Sean Keane, Cathy Ryan, Arty McGlynn & Nollaig Casey, Michael McGoldrick, Karen Casey, Cathal Hayden, De Dannan, Lúnasa, Alison Brown, and has worked with Galway’s Druid Theatre Company, The Lyric in Belfast and Mabou Mines in New York. For further information email: croghant@indigo.ie |
‘3 Hour Accordion Squeeze’, West Sussex – UKby Rob Howard |
A ‘3 Hour Accordion Squeeze’, organized by the West Sussex Accordion Club, takes place on Saturday June 29th, 1.30pm until 4.30pm, at The Youth Centre, St Andrew’s Church, Cants Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0LG. Admission is £4, which includes home made Cornish scones. All players and guests are welcome. For further information email: sqzbxs@aol.com |
Reykjavik Accordion Festival, Reykjavik – Icelandby Rob Howard |
The Reykjavik Accordion Festival takes place throughout July at venues in the Icelandic capital city. The accordion has long been an important part of Iceland's heritage and is played in front of large audiences at venues, such as the Arbaejarsafn. |
Erika & Jean-Marie play for dancing, Incourt – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
On Sunday June 30th, 6pm, Erika, known as ‘The Princess of the Accordion’ and her keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie play for dancing at Sprl (RIANFRA), Incourt, Belgium. |
Martynas Levickis EU Presidency Celebration Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
From July 1st until December 31st, Lithuania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2013. In celebration of this honour, Lithuanian accordionist Martynas Levickis and accompanists will perform in concert on July 1st, 7.30pm, at St John Smith Square, London SW1P 3HA. This concert is the first event in the Lithuanian Presidency Cultural Programme. Martynas Levickis became a household name in Lithuania when he won the ‘Lithuania's Got Talent’ TV show in 2010. In the same year, he also won the CIA Coupe Mondiale Piano Accordion category. Having studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, is his second home, and he's played in many of its prestigious scenes. What does he play? Oh, anything from Beethoven to Lady Gaga, and his new album is also out in July. For further information email: amb.uk@urm.lt |
João Gentil Concert, Figueira da Foz - Portugalby Rob Howard |
Accordionist João Gentil performs with guitarist Emiliano Faryna on Monday July 1st, 8pm, at the restaurant Picadeiro, Figueira da Foz, Portugal. For further information email: pjorgef@hotmail.com |
Jackie Daly Button Accordion Master Class, Dublin – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
On Tuesday July 2nd, 12 until 4pm, 2-row diatonic button accordionist Jackie Daly holds a diatonic accordion master class at the Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. At 8pm, Jackie Daly and fiddle player Matt Cranich perform in concert at the same venue. Jackie Daly, from County Cork, grew up surrounded by traditional music, and eventually became a central figure in some of the most dominant groups playing Irish music in recent times, including De Danann, Patrick Street, Buttons and Bows, Arcady, Reel Union and Kinvara. He has toured extensively throughout the world, and is also in demand as a teacher. In 2005, he received the TG4 Gradam Ceoil (National Music Award), and, in 2009, the Kanturk Arts Festival Award. For further information email: dublin@steeplesessions.com |
Marco Lo Russo Overseas Tour – Canada, Mexicoby Rob Howard |
Italian accordionist Marco Lo Russo goes overseas for most of next month, visiting Canada from July 1st to 5th, then Mexico from July 6th to 22nd. For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
The weekly Edinburgh Ceilidh Club takes place at Summerhill, Newington, Edinburgh. This week’s guests, July 2nd, 8pm, are the HopScotch Ceildh Band, featuring accordionist Paul Chamberlain. For further information email: paul@theaccordionist.com |
Renee de la Prade at Priceless Festival, California - USAby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Renee de la Prade writes, “The Priceless Festival, July 4th-7th, is held on a campground in the town of Belden on the Feather River, in the hills east of Chico, California. I'm booked to play a noon or 1pm set on July 5th at the Beach Stage with a rockin’ drummer who can groove those funky New Orleans styles with me. I am going to instruct the sound guy to turn my bass knob up to Mighty since they want us to bring it. I think that you have to buy tickets for the whole festival to come out for this one, however if you enjoy nature, music, and art, this needn't be an impassable roadblock”. Renee de la Prade, of ‘Accordion Bales’ fame, leaves California in July for the ‘Whiskey & Women Europe’ tour, visiting France, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and Canada. She will not be home until September 16th. For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Mupie Sommer Festival, Bruchsal - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Accordionist Veronika Todorova performs at the Mupie Sommer Festival on July 6th, which takes place from 10am until 4pm, at Bruchsal, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The event includes a Roland V Accordion demonstration and a diatonic accordions feature. For further information email: info@scandalli.com |
Nick Ariondo Performs for Bastille Day, California – USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Video: Nick Ariondo plays French musette accordion. Nick Ariondo composed his "Musette a la Russe" in 1990 in homage to the great French musette accordionists of the early 1920's and 30's. Ariondo's "Musette a la Russe" is musette in the Russian/French style. Accordionist Nick Ariondo www.NickAriondo.com performs for Bastille Day celebrations on Sunday July 14th, from 12- 5pm, at Nicole's Gourmet Foods Market & Café, 921 Meridian Avenue, Unit B (enter El Centro), South Pasadena, CA 91030. Bastille Day is celebrated annually on July 14th and is a popular celebration by French people around the world. The Bastille was a prison in Paris prior to the French Revolution, 1789-94. For the peasant classes, the much hated Bastille stood as a symbol of the hypocrisy and corruption of the aristocratic government. On July 14th 1789, the people stormed and seized the Bastille, starting the revolution that toppled King Louis XVI and the aristocracy. For further information email: accomusic@nickariondo.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Don Grzanna release new musicby Donald E Grzanna |
Don Grzanna - accordionist, composer, performer, releases 4 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'You Are The Dream', catalog: grza173, 'Ragtime', catalog: grza174, 'New Italian Waltz', catalog: grza175, 'Kiss Me Waltz', catalog: grza176 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
John Raczka release 4 new musicby John Raczka |
John Raczka - accordionist, performer, arranger, releases 4 new music for accordion available for purchase online. 'Missouri Waltz', catalog:raczka233, 'Muirsheen Durkin', catalog:raczka234, 'Non Sei Tu', catalog:raczka235, 'Old Maid In The Garret', catalog:raczka236 The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Franco Cambareri Releases Two New Compositionsby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 2 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'Samba del Fuego', catalog: cfranco176, 'Saudade', catalog: cfranco177 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Don Grzanna release new musicby Donald E Grzanna |
Don Grzanna - accordionist, composer, performer, releases 4 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'Northern Lights', catalog: grza169, 'Bella Bocca Polka', catalog: grza170, 'Swingtime', catalog: grza171, 'Etude No. 1 In C', catalog: grza172 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
Dragonfly CD by Klaus Paier Trioby Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Dragonfly CD by Klaus Paier Trio, in Italian language, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. |
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