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Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rob Howard |
The Weekly News on Accordions Worldwide began in the last week of October 1996, thanks to the vision of Harley Jones, the website’s founder. Few would disagree that the accordion needs publicity, and by the mid-1990s the Internet was fast becoming a global means of mass communication, accessible to millions. Accordions Worldwide has since 1996 offered free publicity for accordion activities, and endeavours to give the best possible service to accordionists and event promoters everywhere. Just let us know what you are doing… The article headed '14 Years Ago' is taken from the very first Weekly News in 1996. |
Petar Maric Wins Double Crown, 2010 Coupe Mondiale - Croatiaby Harley Jones |
Daily Reports for the Coupe Mondiale in Varaždin Croatia from October 19th to 25th 2010 are online at Coupe Mondiale. Peter Maric (Serbia) was the popular winner of the two highest categories, Coupe Mondiale (Classical) and Virtuoso Entertainment categories to achieve for the second time only, this double award in 63 international Coupe Mondiales. The other time was in 2009 by Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) and below is a photo of Grayson handing over the Coupe Mondiale trophy to the new holder, 2010 winner Petar Maric. Winners of the other categories were: Junior Coupe Mondiale: João Barradas (Portugal) International Piano Accordion: Martynas Levickis (Lithuania) International Digital Accordion Competition: Pawel Janas (Poland) Junior Virtuoso Entertainment: Radu Laxgang (Moldova) International Ensemble: Syrius Duet (France) Julien Gonzales (accordion) and Cyril Carbonne (clarinet) Photos of all the winners plus full results are online at Coupe Mondiale. |
Sergey Osokin Tours Austriaby Herbert Scheibenreif |
Sergey Osokin, born in Kolomna, Russia, started playing the accordion at the age of six. After finishing musical school in 1997 he entered the Schnittke's State Music College in Moscow where he was taught by Professor Andrey Ledenev. After completing of studies in Schnittke's State Music College, he continued his education at the Schnittke's State Music Institute in Moscow, again with Professor Ledenev. Finally, Sergey entered the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow, in the class of the distinguished Russian concert artist and professor, Friedrich Lips. Sergey Osokin went on to win several international competitions under the tutelage of this famous educator. His main achievements are the famous high-level international competitions: Klingenthal (Germany, 2002), Arrasate-Mondragon (Spain 2002), Castelfidardo (Italy, 2003), ‘Trophée Mondial’ (Bourboule, France, 2005) and Golden prize at the festival ‘April Spring’ (North Korea, Pyongyang, 2006). He frequently participates in international festivals in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Spain, Slovakia, Serbia, Lithuania, Latvia, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, the United States, France, Italy and, of course, ‘Bayan and Bayanists’, held annually in Moscow. In 2006 Sergey Osokin became the soloist of the Moscow Philharmonic Society. He is currently an active concert artist, and often serves as an adjudicator at international competitions. Since 2006 he has been a teacher at the Schnittke's Moscow State Institute of Music. In November 2010 Sergey tours Austria, and below is his concert schedule: November 13th, 8pm - Hotel Lichtenegger Reart, St.Stefan im Lavanttal, Austria November 14th - New Secondary School, together with pupils, Klagenfurt November 15th - Klagenfurt, school concerts November 16th, 7pm - Rehabilitationszentrum, Bad Tatzmannsdorf November 17th, 7.30pm - Sparkassensaal der Musikschule, Neunkirchen November 19th, 7pm - Protestant church, Rottenmann November 20th, 6.30pm - Neuer Saal der Musikschule, Villach November 21st, 6pm – Leobendorf For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
26th International Festival of Music for Bayan and Accordion, St Petersburg - Russiaby Alexander Dmitriev |
The 26th International Festival takes place, 4th to 6th November in St-Petersburg, Russia. Since the start of the festival, the Artistic Director of the festival has been honored artist Prof. Alexander Dmitriev (picture left). The distinctive feature of this festival is the cooperation of all generations of accordion players of the city: pupils of music schools, colleges and conservatories, professionals and famous guest artists. Among the famous guest artists over the years from many countries are such names as: Yu. Kazakov, A. Shalaev, I. Panitsky, duo of V. Kuznetsov and I. Tikhonov, F. Lips, O. Sharov, Viatcheslav Semionov, A. Skliarov, Yuri Shishkin, ensemble “Russian timbre” (Moscow), the Lipetsk trio of bayan players, P. Soave, T. Rats, V. Chuhran (Slovakia), J.-M. Marroni, Jean Louis Noton , D. Polly, Ph. Bouvier, J. Gonzales, C. Fonten, C. Chiacchiaretta, Renzo Ruggieri, P. Adragna, L. Nika, O.Farmen, U. Jutila, Kiev Philharmonic Quartet conducted by N. Rizol, V. Murza, ?. and I. Ergievies, Vladimir Besfamilnov, V. Podgornyj, V. Vlasov and many young players - winners of international competitions from the different countries of the world. In this season in the festival poster on the 4th of November young accordion players – winners of many international competitions: Anastasiya Shkinderova (class of Professor V. Semionov), Maria Vlasova (class of Professor F. Lips) and Nadia Guseva (class of Professor Alexander Dmitriev). This concert will feature these three young players who play piano accordion. On the 5th of November, in the second concert the brilliant Finnish composer, the performer and teacher Petri Makkonen will play his new pieces for accordion. It is necessary to notice that it is third arrival of Makkonen at the festival over the last 10 years (the first has taken place in 2001). Another known Belgian bayan player Ludo Marien will take part in the concert. L. Marien will play at the festival the second time. On the 6th of November young winners (all of them are from St Petersburg) of international competitions of 2009-2010 with the above-named performers will take part in Gala concert. The St Petersburg festival always has full halls, gives huge pleasure to the spectators with music of all emotions and types being enjoyed with enthusiastic applause. Photo below, left to right: Vitaly Pugachev, Victor Semenkin, Prof Alexander Dmitriev, Nadia Guseva and Alexander Shirunov. |
Gary Daverne Two Awards – New Zealandby Rob Howard |
Gary Daverne, the well known and highly accomplished composer, arranger and conductor, has recently received two public awards. The North Shore City Council made Gary Daverne ‘A Companion of North Shore City’ for exceptional service to the local community benefiting present and future generations. This award took place on September 14th. On October 27th 2010 Gary was the recipient of the prestigious Benny Award, the highest honour that can be awarded to any entertainer in New Zealand. The ‘Benny’ award, from the Variety Artists Club (VAC) is for services to entertainment in the fields of Music, Musical Theatre, Acting and Film. This major award is named after a famous NZ magician Edgar Benyon who received the first award in 1969. A Benny is awarded each year to an entertainer or someone in the industry who has excelled or contributed to the industry above the "norm". The function was held at the 'Pumphouse' in Takapuna and international celebrity, Max Cryer MBE made the award presentation. “That makes two major awards within he month. Wow! I am still on a high”, commented a highly delighted Gary Daverne. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Yuri Shishkin Concert, Astana - Republic of Kazakhstanby Rob Howard |
Yuri Shishkin, bayan maestro, performed to great audience acclaim on October 18th in the Organ Hall of Kazakh National University of Arts, Astana. His program was a kaleidoscope of Russian music, which included ‘Russian Renaissance II’, by the 18th Century composer Khandoshkin, ‘Huntingand’ - Vladimir Semenov, accordion transcriptions of opera and symphonic music, until now rarely performed in Kazakhstan, one of which was a scene from Mussorgsky's opera ‘Boris Godunov’. Other items included the coquettish ballet suite from ‘Pulcinella’, by Igor Stravinsky, ‘Barcarolle’, by Rachmaninov, and ‘Nocturnes’, by P.I. Tchaikovsky. Yuri Shishkin (born 1963), is widely known internationally, having prizes at international contests in Klingenthal, Germany, in 1988, Kansas City, USA, in 1990 Castelfidardo, Italy in 1991. His performance deserves praise and respect for his very fine presentation to the public of such a broad stratum of Russian music. For further information email: folkduet@mail.ru |
Festival Internazionale di Fisarmonica, Castelfidardo – Italyby Rob Howard |
"We never produced so much music" is a comment by one of the organisers, meaning that the International Festival of the Accordion in Castelfidardo continues to grow in numbers of participating musicians, and also in quality of music. The combination of contests with entertainment events is a winning formula, and demonstrates to the world the infinite potential of the accordion. Everything worked perfectly - good weather, an influx of visitors from many countries, and the city immersed in a holiday atmosphere. A giant truck placed in front of the City Hall was a popular place for visitors, where accordionists Gianni Mirizzi, Manuela Sessa and Gennaro Ruffolo played continuously. Concerts featuring international stars Frank Marocco, Richard Galliano, Coba, and Marc Perrone, drew large audiences. The competition involved entries from 26 countries and four continents, and the jury was impressed by the high standards displayed. Competitors from China, Russia and France were especially impressive, winning many high placings. Daily Reports and Competition Results: 2010 Concorso |
New CD by accordionist Evgeniy Kochetov released, Rīga - Lativaby Rob Howard |
The Oclassica record label, based in Riga, Lativa, has released a new digital CD, ‘Frescos’, by the brilliant Russian accordionist Evgeniy Kochetov (born 1980). This album presents the best known compositions by Viatcheslav Semionov, and ‘Frescos’, a concerto for bayan, chamber orchestra and percussion. The recording was made during concert sessions in Voronezh, Russia, in March 2006 with Chamber Orchestra of the Voronezh State Academy of Arts and conductor Alexandr Gura. Evgeniy Kochetov says about the album: "The idea behind the ‘Frescos’ is very important for me. Need in spiritual values is becoming vital while everything around is getting more and more materially concerned. With this album I want to draw attention to the everyone's personal inner world." The album is available in digital stores from October 27th 2010. For further information email: label@oclassica.com |
Gary Dahl’s Christmas Book for the Accordion, Missouri – USAby Rob Howard |
‘A Christmas Tradition. A Celebration With The Accordion’ is the title of a new Mel Bay book of 19 Christmas carols and songs, arranged by Gary Dahl. All titles are specially arranged for the accordionist with one advanced version and one single note version that is accessible for all skill levels. There is also advice about registration and performance. The titles are: O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel), I Saw Three Ships, O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum), God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Away in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard On High, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Deck the Halls, The First Noel, Auld Lang Syne, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles), Hark the Herald Angels Sing, We Three Kings, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells, Gesu Bambino, and What Child Is This? For further information email: garydahlmusic@msn.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ - Competitions Time in Chinaby Rob Howard |
The following article appeared in the very first Weekly News on Accordions Worldwide, published in the last week of October 1996… COMPETITIONS TIME IN CHINA by Wu Jie Earlier this year the Yunnan Accordion Association was formed, in the Kumming Province. In August, Viatcheslav Semionov and Grant Martin (a Jazz accordionist from New Zealand) performed concerts at the Third International Accordion Festival held in Beijing, and the Inaugural Yunnan International Accordion Festival. There have been many accordion competitions in China recently. In May, the 4th "Xiwang Cup" Beijing Children and Young Accordionists Competition was held in the Cultural Centre of the Eastern Districts of Beijing. There were over 400 competitors, with about 200 of them claiming 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. A Closing Ceremony and Presentation was held at the Youth Palace in Beijing. Near the end of June, a group of Chinese accordionists travelled to France, to compete in the 29th International Accordion Competition, organised by the France Accordion Society. All the Chinese competitors did extremely well. On the 10th and 11th of August, the Fourth Annual Zhanjing Children Accordionists' Competition was held in Zhanjing, in the Guangdong Province of China. There were about 200 competitors, who were divided into 7 age groups. 20% of the competitors gained placings. Two days later, the 1st Liaoning Accordionists Competition was staged. There were about 250 accordionists, who were divided into 6 age groups. A total of about 30 accordionists were awarded placings from 1st to 3rd. |
Future events |
West Sussex Accordion Club ‘Monthly Players Meeting’, Burgess Hill - UKby Rob Howard |
All accordionists and listeners are welcome to attend the next meeting of The West Sussex Accordion Club, on Saturday afternoon, October 30th, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Meetings are held on the last Saturday of each month at The Youth Centre Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Cants Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0LG - close to Wivelsfield Railway Station. £4 admission includes interval tea/coffee/soft drink and biscuits, plus the provision of excellent original musical scores by John Leslie, Charlie Watkins, Richard Holmes and Peter Ayres. For further information email: accordionfriends@aol.com |
Richard Galliano Concerts – Armenia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Argentinaby Rob Howard |
French accordion visrtuoso Richard Galliano travels extensively in late October and through November, performing concerts far and wide, as follows: October 29th – solo concert, Yerevan, Armenia October 30th - guest of Orchestra, Yerevan November 9th – solo, Allensbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany November 12th - French Touch Trio, Perros Guirec, Brittany, France November 13th - Sextet from Bach to Piazzolla, St Martin en Crau, Arles, France November 13th - French Touch Trio, Modena, Italy November 19th - Sextet from Bach to Piazzolla, Barcelona, Spain November 21st - Concerto with Orchestra, Cannes, France November 26th and 27th – ‘Piazzolla et Tom Jobim’ with Orchestra, Sao Paulo, Brazil November 28th - Solo + Guest with G. Firmenich, Buenos Aires, Argentina November 30th – Solo, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil For further information email: emmanuel.jolivet@free.fr |
Dr William Schimmel's Autumn Schedule, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
Dr William Schimmel's autumn diary dates include: October 30th/31st - Kid's Eurofest, Finnish Embassy, Washington DC - with singer/flutist Ulla Soukko November 4th/5th – recording of Jorge Martin's ‘Ropa Vieja’ for accordion, cello and percussion, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York November 11th/12th/13th – performance and recording of ‘In Vain’, by George Friedrich Haas, with The Argento Ensemble – EMPAC – Troy, New York Dr. Schimmel can be heard of the following new and recent CDs and DVDs: ‘Portrain in Seven Shades’, by Ted Nash, with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, directed by Wynton Marsalis – JLCO Records – Bill Schimmel appears as guest soloist ‘Gay Marshall Sings Piaf’ - GM Records ‘Weatherwatch/Free Jazz’ – with pianist Dr Mark Birnbaum – IPS/STUDIO MUSE Records ‘Accordion/Piano/Piano/Accordion’ – IPS/STUDIO MUSE Records ‘Ever/Never’ – DVD, with Micki Goodman, director and choreographer – can be seen on www.billschimmel.com - and You Tube - an IPS/STUDIO MUSE Production Soon to be released: ‘Accordion/Piano/Piano Accordion II’ - IPS/STUDIO MUSE Records ‘In Orbit’ – with Dr Mark Birnbaum – IPS/STUDIO MUSE Records William Schimmel is a virtuoso accordionist, author, philosopher and composer. He is one of the principle architects in the tango revival in America, the resurgence of the accordion and the philosophy of Musical Reality (composition with pre-existing music). He received his diploma from the Neupauer Conservatory of Music and his BM, MS and DMA degrees from the Juilliard School. He has taught at the Juilliard School, Brooklyn College CUNY, Upsala College, New School University, Neupauer Conservatory (dean) and has lectured on accordion related subjects at Princeton, Columbia, Brandeis, University of Missouri, Duke University, Manhattan School of Music, the Graduate Center CUNY, Santa Clara University, The Janacek Conservatory in Ostrava, Czech Republic, and at Microsoft. He now heads the Neupauer Conservatory Order of the Shield program, a private studies program for gifted students on a graduate and post graduate level. He conducts a successful annual three day master class and concert series in New York, sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association. The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) has awarded Dr Schimmel the distinguished merit award for the AAA Master Class and Concert Series as well as his contribution to the international accordion scene. He received the AAA ‘Distinguished Service Award’ for Fifty Years of Accordion activity and his work as Lecturer in Residence. He is listed in Who's Who in America and Great Minds of the 21st Century. |
Owen Murray’s Engagements, Liverpool, Huddersfield, Maidstone – UKby Rob Howard |
Owen Murray, born in Scotland, studied with Mogens Ellegaard in Copenhagen. He is well known for his long term work pioneering the accordion at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and has done a great deal to promote an awareness and enthusiasm for the instrument in the classical music world. He is also a performer of renown, and has worked with many orchestras and ensembles in concert halls and at music festivals. November 17th, 7.30pm – performing with ‘Ensemble 10/10: Dutch Treat’, The Cornerstone, Liverpool Hope University, Creative Campus, 17 Shaw St, Liverpool L6 1HP November 21st, 5pm - St Paul's Hall, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival Maidstone Music Festival, Invicta Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Kent ME14 5DS. Accordion Classes culminating in a Workshop given by Owen Murray at 2 pm. Details from, info@maidstonemusicfestival.org.uk Telephone 01622 750943. For further information email: o.murray@ram.ac.uk |
Austin Celtic Festival, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
The annual Austin Celtic Festival takes place in Austin, Texas, on November 6th and 7th, noon until 7.30pm. This festival mainly features Irish and Scottish music song and dance, and the guest list includes Ireland’s 2-row button accordionist James Keane, the band Beyond the Pale, and button accordionist John Williams, 5 times All Ireland Champion. On Sunday, at 4pm James Keane delivers a lecture, ‘Walking With Giants’, and at 4.30pm, John Williams leads a workshop for button accordion. |
Scottish Tango Ensemble Concert, Strathclyde – UKby Rob Howard |
On Tuesday November 2nd The Scottish Tango Ensemble are giving a concert in Glasgow. The ensemble features accordionist Paul Chamberlain along with violin, piano and double bass. The concert takes place at 1.15pm in the Ramshorn Theatre at Strathclyde University, and includes a selection of tangos by Salgan, Laurenz, De Caro, Villoldo and Piazzolla. For further information email Paul Chamberlain: paul@theaccordionist.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated 4th Roland International Festival, Rome - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Updated with more photos: Read in detail about the 4th Roland International Festival and International competition. Daily Reports are online at: 2010 Rome Festival. Updated: Recorded video is also available for viewing online at: 2010 Rome Festival. |
North Shore Accordion Orchestra releasing a new CDby North Shore Accordion Orchestra |
North Shore Accordion Orchestra selling a new CD titled 'Musical Party', catalog:nsao1109 with sound samples. Music performed by North Shore Accordion Orchestra. Purchase online. |
Zevy Zions Releases 3 New Arrangementsby Zevy Zions |
Zevy Zions releases 3 new arrangements, 'Malagueña', catalog:zzions07, 'Mozart Menuetto', catalog:zzions08 and 'Alla Turca', catalog:zzions09. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Yuri Shishkin releases another new CDby Yuri Shishkin |
Yuri Shishkin selling a new CD titled 'Yuri Shishkin Bajan', catalog:yshishkin05 with sound samples. Music performed by Yuri Shishkin. Purchase online. |
Günther Stoll Website Updatedby Günther Stoll |
The website of conductor and teacher Günther Stoll has been updated with information about: 7 November 2010, Soirée, Orchestervereinigung Rutesheim-Flacht, 17:00 Uhr Aula Schulzentrum Robert-Bosch-straße, Rutesheim. 14. November 2010, Konzert, Handharmonika-Club Nufringen, 19:00 Uhr Wiesengrundhalle, Nufringen. For further information view the Handharmonika-Club Nufringen website. |
CD Reviews |
acCORPUS simulacrumby Joan C. Sommers |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of "acCORPUS simulacrum" by Joan Cochran Sommers. Performer is Raimondas Sviackevicius. |
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