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Highlights |
Sata-Häme Soi Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Ikaalinen – Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() Day 2, 2012 Ikaalinen July 4th, Daily Report, photos and live web TV Day 3, 2012 Ikaalinen July 5th, Daily Report, photos and live web TV Day 4, 2012 Ikaalinen July 6th, Daily Report, photos and live web TV Video above: 2012 Sata-Häme Soi Festival promotional video. Watch Primus Ikaalinen VIII Live! Time: 5th July, Finland: 7-9:00 pm | 5th July, USA EST: 12-2 pm | 6th July, New Zealand: 4-6 am The small Finnish town of Ikaalinen was full of people in June 1972, when a music festival was arranged for the first time. During the 40 years since then, there have been millions of music notes, hundreds of thousands of listeners, thousands of performers and hundreds of concerts. Although there has been a great amount of international colour, and many world class performers have been heard, the local roots of the folk music have always been treasured. This can be seen and heard in the Gala 40th Anniversary Concert, where the program contains a fast-forward of music through the decades. The concert’s climax will be the Ikaalinen folk musicians playing together. This year’s festival features the eighth edition of the spectacular Primus Ikaalinen International Accordion Competition, soloists such as Finland’s own Mika Väyrynen and Folk artist Maria Kalaniemi as well as International guests Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) and Ludovic Beier (France). Competitions will include traditional Finnish Folk accordionists in 1 and 2 row and 5 row instrument categories, and the Golden and Silver Accordion National Finnish Championships. Mika Väyrynen performs in the Ikaalinen Church on July 6th, 8pm, and his solo recital includes music by JS Bach and Chaconne. Sata-Häme Soi Festival Artistic Director Kimmo Mattila (also the Secretary General for the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) as well as the President of the Finnish Accordion Association and Director of the Finnish Accordion Institute) is shown here competing at the very first Sata-Häme Soi Festival in 1972, where he won the Finnish Folk Music Competition for accordionists under 15 years of age. For extensive online coverage of the event with links to Daily Reports, daily live TV Broadcasts and live coverage of the various competitions and events, please visit: Sata-Häme Soi |
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Landmark CD ‘Los Acordeones del s. XIX’, Santander – Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() The CD notably includes the first recording of the very first original composition known for accordion, ‘Theme varié très brillant’, written in Paris in 1836 by Louise Reisner. There is also one of the very first classical duos for accordion, ‘Fantasia sobre Fausto’, by Antonio López Almagro in 1876, There are works for harmonium by Liszt, Saint-Säens, Berlioz, Franck, Elgar, Janacek, and compositions for the concertina by Regondi and Harcourt. The playing standards and sound quality are first class throughout this landmark recording. The players/tracks include: Nicolae Ginu - ‘Duo No 2, op 8’, Camille Saint-Säens Juan Mati´as Cuartas - ‘The´me varie´ très brillant’ (1836), Louise Reisner Carlos Valbuena Gonzalo - ‘Fantasia sobre Fausto’, Antonio Lopez Almagro Catalin Bursan - ‘Romance sin palabras’, Antonio Lopez Almagro Marta Navas Méndez de Andés - ‘On an overgrown path, no 4’, Leos Janacek Sofia Ros Gonzáles - ‘Pieza corta, nos 1 and 15’, Cesar Franck Pablo Da Silva Saiz - ‘Weinachtbaum, no 5’, Franz Liszt Ana Gonzáles Arteaga - ‘Vesperklange’, Edward Elgar Fernando Navas Méndez de Andés - ‘Serenade agreste’, Hector Berlioz Fernando Navas Méndez de Andés - ‘Toccata’, Hector Berlioz Fernando Navas Méndez de Andés - ‘Hymne pour l’elevation’, Hector Berlioz Mikel Cerrada Laurrauri - ‘Waltz No 2’, Giulio Regondi Marina Pereira-Cabral Pérez - ‘Sonata, nos 3 and 4’, James Harcourt For further information email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
‘On the Banks of the Seine’ Tour, London, Dorset – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() There are the gorgeous French chansons (1930s – 70s), Piaf, Brel, Hot Club de France… sultry Tangos by Piazzolla and Galliano, some unexpected gems and a wealth of new cabaret songs. Romano Viazzani has created stunning new arrangements for all the songs and has composed rich, quirky and charmingly ‘retro’ music for the new pieces, which explore lost love, politics, the beauty products scandal, looking after ageing parents, and of course, picking up younger men in bars! ‘Just Her Younger Man’ (Jameson/Street) featured in last year’s show ‘The Accordionist’ and was judged ‘a showstopper’ by London Fringe Theatre. The dates are: June 29th, 9pm - 7pm doors open, The Green Note, Camden, London June 30th - The Lyric Theatre, Bridport, Dorset, Saturday 2.30 pm and 8pm July 1st, 7.30pm - The Winchester Pub, Bournemouth, Dorset July 5th - The Battersea Barge (short showcase at Cheese'n'Crackers) For further information email: romanoviazzani@hotmail.co.uk Three CD's available online at: Romano Viazzani |
Lips Accordion Workshop, Carinthia – Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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![]() Bayanist/accordionist Friedrich Lips (Head of the Bayan Department of the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow) will give solo lessons to participants giving his view of how to solve musical and technical problems, performance on stage, etc. Application for places is still possible. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at or go to www.musikforum.at Twenty-five CD's and MP3 albums at: Friedrich Lips |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
New Composition, Tango for Two by Karén Khanagov - USAby Grayson Masefield |
![]() This tango is for Viola and Accordion Duo with Sinfonia with Gerred Edwards (viola) and the composer Karén Khanagov (accordion, picture left). Karén is the violin teacher at Oklahoma City University and is also the director of the Academy Sinfonia string chamber orchestra at the Performng Arts Academy of Oklahoma City University. Karén Khanagov, Armenian by origin, was born in Baku, Azerbaijan and after becoming a refugee, he settled in Oklahoma City. Other compositions include concerto for violin and orchestra, Mel Bay publications for violin and viola and Karén regularly performs and records. |
Steve Pacitto (1926-2012), Birmingham – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Of Italian parentage, Midlands born and based Steve Pacitto began playing the piano at 5 years of age, but soon switched to and became hooked on the piano accordion. As a teenager he played accordion in a small group, and his first big career break came with a booking as chief support act to the legendary Glenn Miller AEF Band at Walsall Town Hall in 1944. This was a turning point in Steve’s life: “When I listened to the wonderful chords and solos they pumped out, I thought ‘This is for me’. This is what attracted me to jazz and swing music”. He made his first radio broadcast whilst in the Royal Navy, in a programme called ‘Navy Mixture’ with Jack Warner and a host of other stars including Alfred Marks and Paddy O'Neil. From 1945 Steve was a regular broadcaster with the BBC Midlands Light Orchestra and the Harold Rich Quartet, and in 1948 won three Melody Maker Awards for his unique playing. In the 1960s Steve Pacitto discovered the electronic accordion, and henceforward played with the sound of a jazz organ. Most of Pacitto’s work was within the jazz world, often with the Europa Jazz Band, though with occasional appearances in accordion clubs. He was one of the contributors to the 1979 Club Accord album ‘It’s All Accordion To What You like’, produced by Malcolm Gee. Steve Pacitto died from cancer at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, on June 19th. |
Ceremony Performance at 'New Space', Samara - Russiaby Grayson Masefield |
This is Rafael Sapukov, winner of under 15 years age competition category, "Vivat Bayan!" performing at the 20 June ceremony of a grant for the project 'International internship in France', for the winners of the competition "Vivat Bayan!"in 2012. The ceremony was held at the gallery "New Space". The X open competition of the region Volga "Vivat, Bayan!" took place in Samara and winners of the X open competition of the region Volga "Vivat, Bayan!" will take part in the internship in France. According to tradition, the contestants competed in two rounds in two categories "Variety" and "Classic". In each category, winners were determined in three age categories: "Kids" (up to 15 years), Junior (16 to 18 years) and Senior (19 years and over). Famous Russian accordionist Sergey Voytenko has organized this festival since it began. Enjoy the performance of Rafael Sapukov Russian language report of the 2012 Vivat Bayan at: www.accordionrussia.com/?d=01-may-2012#art193 |
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Van Amersterdam Duo Win Fontys/Toonzaal Chambermusic Competition - Netherlandsby Grayson Masefield |
Released 23 June is the video of the Van Amsterdam Duo (Jeanine and Vincent van Amsterdam) performing their winning interpretation of the 1st movement of Vivaldi’s Summer at the Fontys/Toonzaal Chambermusic Competition on 26 April 2012 in Toonzaal, Den Bosch. The Van Amsterdam Duo (violin and accordion) recently won first prize at the 49th Klingenthal International Accordion Competition in (Germany) in the‘Chamber Music’ category. Jeanine van Amsterdam studies violin at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Peter Brunt. Her brother Vincent will finish his accordion study at the Fontys conservatory Tilburg this year and will continue his study with Stefan Hussong in Würzburg (Germany). Van Amsterdam Duo played works by Kusjakov, Vivaldi, Subitzky, Nielsen and Piazzolla. |
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Instrumental Duo R & J Project, Thunderstorm of Dance, Accordion and Violin - Russiaby Grayson Masefield |
A new, unique project by instrumental duo R & J Project (elektro bayan and elektro violin), with the participation of trendy show-ballet Art Group JAM (Finalists' Tantsyuyut vs? ") will present a vivid and dynamic show program New birth. The program includes performances of world famous hits in cutting-edge treatments, an intriguing storyline and all performances, breathtaking, emotional graphic artistry. For further information email: rjproject@ukr.net |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Gary Blair Goes East…by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for July 3rd 1998 included a report from the always very active Gary Blair about a visit he and three other musician friends paid to Dubai, where they played for a Scottish ceilidh. Scottish dance music is internationally popular to an extent that will surprise many people, and Gary Blair is this week off to France, then to the USA, where he is always a welcome visitor with his lively music. SUCCESSFUL CONCERT IN THE MIDDLE EAST Contributed by Gary Blair On June 18th Gary Blair and his Ceilidh Band performed Scottish dance music at the Dubai Caledonian Society's Chieftains Ball in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dubai which houses five restaurants, an ice rink, swimming pool, health spa, shopping centre, cinema and disco! The ballroom was decked out with tartan and paintings of Scottish Castles on every wall. Over 250 guests danced to tunes like Gay Gordon's, Strip the Willow, and the Dashing White Sergeant. The four piece band consisted of Gary Blair (accordion), Richard Wong (accordion), Stevie Mills (drums) and Alistair McCulloch (violin). The event was so successful they have since been invited to Baku (Azerbaijan), Dubai, Dahran, Abu Dabi, and Bahrain. |
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Future events |
Emy Dragoi Jazz Concert, Ploesti – Romaniaby Rob Howard |
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CT Tango Ensemble Weekend Gigs, Johannesburg – South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() The following evening, Sunday July 1st, 6pm, the CT Tango Ensemble perform at Summer Place, 69 Melville Road, Hyde Park, Johannesburg. For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
Natalya Chesnova Concert, Gorzone – Italyby Rob Howard |
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Concert and Accordion Tuition, Istanbul – Turkeyby Rob Howard |
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On Saturday June 30th, 7.30pm, the acoustic ensemble ‘Kafdagi’ perform in concert at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI (Georgian Arts Hall), Istanbul. One-to-one accordion tuition is available at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI, and every Wednesday, 7.30pm until 10pm, there is an accordion workshop. For further information email: ibeka@mynet.com |
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Festival d’Accordeon, Incourt – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
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João Gentil Acoustic Quartet June/July Concerts - Spainby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() From Amalia Rodrigues, Edith Piaf, Richard Galliano to Carlos Gardel and Astor Piazzolla, the accordionist presents on June 22nd at 22h at the Solstice Festival in Ançã the work premiered in Lisbon earlier this year." Concerts: 30 June Óbidos 5.30pm 07 July FNAC Coimbra 6pm 07 July Palco Z - Tocha 11pm 12 July Aguada de Cima 10pm 18 July Piolho - Praia da Tocha 11pm 24 & 25 July Casino Figueira |
East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra Concert, Larne – Northern Irelandby Rob Howard |
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The East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra (MD Clyde Johnston) perform in concert on Sunday July 1st, 2.30pm, at Carnfunnock Country Park, Coast Rd, Larne BT40 2QG, Northern Ireland. For further information email: clyde.johnston@hotmail.co.uk |
John Kirkpatrick @ Lymm Folk Festival, Cheshire - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: personal@bernardcromarty.co.uk |
Cafe Accordion Orchestra Celebrate Independence Day, Minnesota – USAby Rob Howard |
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The Cafe Accordion Orchestra, featuring accordionist Dan Newton and vocalist Diane Jarvi, peform at the 4th of July Fest, Morristown, Minnesota on Wednesday July 4th at 2pm and 5.30pm. This will be Morristown’s 120th annual 4th of July Fest, the oldest Independance Day celebration in the State! For further information email: daddysqueeze@yahoo.com |
‘Tweed’ Aviemore CD Launch and Gig List, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The band launch their debut CD, ‘Tweed’, on Thursday July 5th, 9pm, at the Cairngorm Hotel, 77 Grampian Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PE, Scotland. After an experimental gig in Carrbridge in January 2011, the above trio have decided the sound created was so good, it was worth carrying on, and have already completed the first international booking at a festival in Germany. Performances: Every Thursday in the Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, 9.30pm - 12 July 5th - Album Launch, Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore July 13th, 9.30pm – Album Launch, Hootananny, Inverness August 2nd - Black Isle Show dance August 4th, 9.30pm – Hootananny, Inverness August 24th to 26th - Thunder in the Glen Harley Davidson Festival, Aviemore September 20th - Button Box Gathering, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness For further information email: graeme@mackaymusic.co.uk |
Kilfenora Ceili Band Concert, Dublin – Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() Founded in County Clare in 1909, the Kilfenora are Ireland’s longest established ceili band. These days the band also frequently performs on concert stages in addition to playing for dancing. The current 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: jlynch.ennis@eircom.net |
AAA Festival Additions, Maryland – USAby Rob Howard |
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![]() The festival includes a wide range of workshops, exhibits, cabaret, luncheon concert, gala concert, and festival orchestras. Accordion artists already announced include Mary Tokarski, the Busso Trio (Frank; Frank, Jr, and Christina), Tatiana Semichastnaya, Stas Venglevski, Vladimir Mollov, Dr Robert Young McMahan, Frank Petrilli, and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues. For further information email: AAA1938@aol.com |
New and Updated Sites |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Alexander Dmitriev Now Online – Internationalby Alexander Dmitriev |
![]() ![]() New Albums this week are: 2 albums by Alexander Dmitriev Images Contrasts Moods Paganiniana |
Gary Dahl New and Updated Music - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() 'Largo from Symphony No. 9 "From the New World", Op. 95', catalog:DH0239, 'Anvil Chorus', catalog:DH0240, 'To The Evening Star', catalog:DH0241, 'La Traviata', catalog:DH0242, Updated music titles, ' 12th Street Rag', catalog:DH0105, 'The Blue Danube', catalog:DH0127, 'Les Bicyclettes De Belsize', catalog:DH0170, 'Auld Lang Syne (Intermediate)', catalog:DH0214, 'Auld Lang Syne (Advanced)', catalog:DH0215, 'Funiculi Funicula', catalog:DH0235, 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. |
CD Reviews |
Richness of the Tones CD by Esra Pehlivanli (Viola) and Marko Kassl (Accordion)by Joan C. Sommers |
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