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Highlights |
Summer Sunshine featuring Joan Sommers & Stas Venglevski - USA
Académie Supérieure de Musique Entrance, Strasbourg - France
2014 Grammy Awards, Two Winning Bands Feature Accordionists - USA
Encuentro Internacional de Acordeones, Salto – Uruguay
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Patagonia Tori Trio - Slovenia
‘Accordions at the Castle’ Festival, Blackpool – UK
Video: Concerto da Camera, Ouyang Fang (Accordion) Concert in Hong Kong - China
Angelo DiPippo Master Class @ NHAA, New Hampshire – USA
Video: Alicia Baker Demonstrating at the Winter NAMM Show 2014 - USA
‘14 Years Ago’: Accordionists Greet the Chinese New Year in January 2000
Future events |
Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic Concerts – Austria, Germany
Cajun Squeezebox Shootout Accordion Championship
Victor Prieto Trio Concert, New York – USA
Robert Black @ Arbroath Box & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UK
International Jazz Accordion Course, Calabria - Italy
West Coast Tango gig, Cape Town - South Africa
NAO Area Accordion Festivals, Hertfordshire, Manchester – UK
Mika Väyrynen Performs with Symphony Orchestras - Finland
Winter Accordion Weekend, Eastbourne – UK
Winter Accordionists’ Weekend, Kněžice u Jihlavy - Czech Republic
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) website
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
15th International Accordion Festival 2014, Vienna – Austriaby Rob Howard |
 The annual International Accordion Festival takes place at venues in Vienna from February 22nd to March 23rd. The focus this year is on Austria's neighbouring countries.Download 37 page program: 2014Vienna A double concert opens the festival: In the atmospheric domed hall of the Vienna University of Technology, the Austrian-Croatian duo Klaus Paier (picture left) & Asja Valcic perform with Donauwellenreiter, from Austria, Italy and Russia, on February 22nd. The next day, February 23rd, there is the ‘Opening Gala 2’ at Porgy & Bess with the local Grossmütterchen Hatz 11 piece band. The Albin Bruns Nah Quartet, from Switzerland, perform at Sargfabrik on February 27th. Italian diatonic accordionist Riccardo Tesi and his quartet perform at Stadtsaal on February 28th. The group L'Arrache-Coer, from the Czech Republic, perform at Schutzhaus Zukunft on March 3rd. A standing concert with Harmonia Garden, from Hungary, will be held in the Ost Klub on March 5th, while the Jure Tori Trio featuring Ajda Sticker, from Slovenia, perform at Ehrbar-Saal on March 7th. Ben Holmes and Patrick Farrell, from the USA, play together with the local band Playbackdoll at Reigen on March 13th. The band Wiener Tschuschenkapelle, with its wide-ranging repertoire of Wienerlieder, music from the Balkans, Russia and the Orient, jazz and classical music, are at the Metropol on March 15th. Just like the opening of the Accordion Festival, the festive ending is also split into two. The Austrian duo Attwenger perform on March 22nd at Reigen at ‘Closing Gala 1’, and the ‘Grand finale’ is performed by the Ziehharmonisches Orchester Wien on March 23rd at the Metropol. Apart from accordion music, there is also a silent movie matinee with music from in the Vienna Filmcasino on each of the four Sundays. One matinee, on March 2nd, is dedicated to Charlie Chaplin (who played the accordion as a recreation), with Walther Soyka and Ernst Molden supplying the musical accompaniment. For further information email: friedl@akkordeonfestival.at |
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Summer Sunshine featuring Joan Sommers & Stas Venglevski - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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 In honor of Joan Cochran Sommers 80th birthday, well known accordionist Stas Venglevski has released a new CD of original works for accordion duo 'Summer Sunshine', recorded with Joan as duet partner.The CD features 14 original works including (1) The Carnival, (2) Invention, (3) Sommers Fantasy, (4) Three Waltzes - Bravo, (5) Three Waltzes - For Two, (6) Three Waltzes - Musika, (7) Agony Tango, (8) Rainy Day, (9) Polka Accelerando, (10) In The Forest (11) Drunken Tune, (12) In the Mood, (13) Promised Tune and (14) Summer Sunshine. Several of the tracks also feature Michael Britz (bass) and Andy Lo Duco (drums). Joan Sommers was awarded the title of Professor Emerita upon her retirement from the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music (USA), where she established and taught the accordion degree program for 40 years. During her lifetime of work in the accordion field, Joan Sommers has held positions in several music organisations, including the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) and the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA – IMC-UNESCO). Prof. Sommers continues to adjudicate, coach soloists, prepare accordion orchestra arrangements, and conduct accordion orchestras regularly, and now proudly serves as a CIA Vice President. At the CIA, she founded the spectacular World Accordion Orchestra which has presented concerts all over the world from Scotland to China to New Zealand, and this year will present its eighth edition in Salzburg, Austria, in early November. Artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav ‘Stas’ Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, formerly part of the Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas Venglevski is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the USA. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the USA, including performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. He performed the world premiere of ‘Concerto No. 2’, by Anthony Galla-Rini, and also the world premiere of ‘Bayan and Beyond’, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions as well as produce numerous recordings. Together, these two diverse accordionists have combined their passion and expertise in the field of the accordion to bring a fresh and artistic take original works by Stas Venglevski which span a variety of styles from the humorous to melancholy to musette and more. For more information, please visit http://www.stasv.com/ |
Académie Supérieure de Musique Entrance, Strasbourg - Franceby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist and teacher Pascal Contet writes about entrance requirements for degree courses at the Académie Supérieure de Musique in Strasbourg, France.Deadline of application is February 14th 2014. The entrance examinations for 2014/2015 will take place from April 1st to 17th. Bachelor’s Degree (3 years), Master’s Degree (2 years). Requirements information webpage and downloadable registration http://www.conservatoire.strasbourg.eu/academie-superieure-musique/licence-dnspm/concours-dentree-201415/ Erasmus / International exchanges : Applications and entrance are before June 1st. http://www.conservatoire.strasbourg.eu/academ ie-superieure-musique/echanges-internationaux/ Spécialisation: 1 or 2 years after Master – applications and entrance are in the middle of September. For further information email: pascalcontet@wanadoo.fr |
2014 Grammy Awards, Two Winning Bands Feature Accordionists - USAby Rob Howard |
Interview of La Santa Cecilia Group after Awards Presentation
 Ever since the Polka and Cajun/Zydeco categories were eliminated from the Grammys, it’s been tougher for accordion-toting artists to bring home Grammy hardware. But that didn’t stop some of our favorites from breaking through at this year’s event.Los Angeles’ La Santa Cecilia has been building a national following over the past couple years and won Best Latin Rock/Urban/Alternative Album last night for their major label debut, ‘Treinta Días’. If you haven’t heard their unique and lively fusion of rock, jazz, and Latin rhythms — and the incredible voice of Marisol Hernandez—check out their NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Louisiana’s Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience won Best Regional Roots Music Album for their Dockside Sessions. Not only is Simien a fantastic musician, he was a key figure in the creation of the short-lived Best Cajun/Zydeco Album Grammy back in 2008 (which he later won). Zydeco legend Clifton Chenier was also honored posthumously with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. If you watched the prime-time show last night, you may have noticed that The Beatles received the same award. Pretty good company for the King of Zydeco, eh? |
Encuentro Internacional de Acordeones, Salto – Uruguayby Rob Howard |
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| The 5th Encuentro Internacional de Acordeones, organized by Silvio Previale, takes place on July 19th 2014 at the Teatro Larrañaga, Salto, Uruguay. This international festival, dedicated to the late accordionist Silvio B. Previale’, the father of the organizer, includes accordionists of varied styles from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Uruguay. The event features a street parade followed by an evening concert, which begins at 8pm, involving about 50 accordionists. Performing will be Eris Bridges and Lácides Romero, from Colombia, Ignacio Hernandez from Chile, and Mario Braun, Raul Varelli, Walter Gialdi, Adelqui Bertotto, Anibal Gomez, Facundo Torresan, and Mariela Campodónico, all from Argentina. There are many more to be confirmed. For further information email: academiaspreviale@hotmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Gorka Hermosa’s new CD ‘Heterodoxia’, Santander - Spainby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Spanish accordionist, composer and historian, Gorka Hermosa has celebrated the 25th anniversary of his first concert with the release of a new CD ‘Heterodoxia’, a collection of hitherto unpublished recordings.In this album, there is a variety of recordings that perfectly reflect the unorthodox musical personality of this musician, ranging from contemporary music, to jazz and roots music (tango, Iberian folklore, flamenco ...). Gorka Hermosa, Professor of Accordion at the Conservatorio de Santander, Spain, is the author of ‘The Accordion in the 19th Century’ (published in 2013), an academic and detailed study of the evolution of the accordion and its free reed relatives and composer of accordion works that have been performed in many countries of the world. For further information email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
Video: Patagonia Tori Trio - Sloveniaby Harley Jones |
| Published on 17th January, 2014. RTV SLO, Aritmija Concert 2013, Music by Eduardo Contizanetti. Performers are: Jure Tori (accordion), Eduardo Contizanetti (guitar), Ewald Oberleitner (double bass). |
‘Accordions at the Castle’ Festival, Blackpool – UKby Rob Howard |
  The annual ‘Accordions at the Castle’ festival takes place from May 11th to 16th at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, Lancashire. The festival includes concerts, meet the guest sessions, orchestral workshops, Scottish dancing, and a trade show.The guests booked to date include Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), David Vernon (Scotland), Denise Leigh (operatic soprano) & Stefan Andrusyschyn (accordion), Harry Hussey, Rosemary Wright, and Bert Santilly. Caroline Hunt will display some of her large collection of antique accordions. There is also an organ/keyboard festival taking place in the hotel, May 11th/16th, complete with its own huge trade show. The festival organiser is Heather Smith, and to book, telephone 01780 782 093 between 10am and 4pm on weekdays (Sceptre Productions). For further information email: heather@accordions.karoo.co.uk |
Video: Concerto da Camera, Ouyang Fang (Accordion) Concert in Hong Kong - Chinaby Harley Jones |
| Concerto da Camera Ouyang Fang's Accordion & Chamber Music Concert, supported by Hong Kong Arts Development Council, was held on the 17th of November 2013 in the Hong Kong City Hall. Video publisher 24th January, 2014. Concerto da Camera Performers: Ouyang Fang (accordion) is a graduate of the Hochschule für Musik und Theatre. Karen Yeung (bassoon), Wilson Chu and Louie Lai Lai (violins) and Jamie Jim Wai Man (cello). www.concertodacamera.org |
Angelo DiPippo Master Class @ NHAA, New Hampshire – USAby Rob Howard |
 Mother Nature couldn't stop Angelo DiPippo or his diehard admirers from braving a heavy snowstorm to attend New Hampshire Accordion Association's Afternoon with Angelo DiPippo on January 18th 2014 at Accordion Connection LLC, Gilmanton, NH.As white flakes coated the trees, DiPippo, who has collaborated with countless illustrious names in the music industry, presented a master class with accordionists Richard Messina and Doreen Kimball, offered anecdotes, and took questions about his long, storied career as a performer, arranger, composer, conductor, and producer. The first annual NHAA Membership Kickoff Dinner followed at a cozy bistro in Manchester with Angelo DiPippo as guest of honor. NHAA meets at Accordion Connection, LLC, 136 Route 106, Gilmanton, NH 03237. For further information email: regisdonna@yahoo.com |
Video: Alicia Baker Demonstrating at the Winter NAMM Show 2014 - USAby Harley Jones |
| Alicia Baker demonstrating the Roland FR-8X Digital V-Accordion at NAMM Music Show 2014, Los Angeles. Published on 25th January, 2014. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Accordionists Greet the Chinese New Year in January 2000by Rob Howard |
 The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending February 4th 2000 included a report of accordionists celebrating the New Year in China – a happy occasion indeed!Accordionists Greet the Chinese New Year – China Contributed by Li Cong A "Greet the Chinese New Year with the Accordion" party was held at the Li Cong Accordion School, Shanghai on January 30th. Over 600 students and families attended the event, which included a 250 person accordion orchestra performance and a variety of accordion games for the children such as ‘Big Challenge’ and ‘Playing Freely’. One of the most influential Shanghai newspapers ‘New People Evening’ (Xinming Evening) included a report on the event. This Chinese New Year (February 5th) is the Golden Dragon Year, which only comes once every 60 years. Chinese people believe it is a very lucky year. |
Future events |
Milos Milivojevic February Concerts, England, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 London-based accordionist Milos Milivojevic performs this month, as follows:February 1st, 7.30pm - Tangley Parish Village Hall, Wildhern, near Andover, SP11 0JE Dinner served as part of the evening’s entertainment February 6th - Workshop and performance with eclectic ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists, Ensemble Zar, to experiment with musical and theatrical techniques led by composer Bushra El-Turk, University of Birmingham February 14th, 4pm – solo concert, "Bach to Baby Concert Series", Clapham, London February 20th, 7.30pm - Kosmos Ensemble, Charity Concert in aid of The Beatson Pebble Appeal (in memory of Keir Smart 1953-2013), St Andrew’s in the Square, Calton, Glasgow G1 5PP; tickets £10 available from daisy@classicalmusiciansscotland.com February 21st, 1.10pm - Kosmos Ensemble, Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh University, Bristo Square EH1 1EY, Scotland. Free entry February 21st, 7.30pm - Kosmos Ensemble, Falkirk Town Hall, West Bridge Street, Falkirk, FK1 5RS, Scotland "Bach to Baby Concert Series" - Solo Concerts February 26th, 10.30am - Borough February 27th, 10.30am - Camden, London February 28th, 10.30am – Greenwich For all information, tickets and directions please visit: www.bachtobaby.com Serbian born accordionist Milos Milivojevic is a first prizewinner at International Competitions in Germany, France, Italy and Denmark. In July 2007 he became the first accordionist ever to win the RAM Club Prize at the Royal Academy of Music, where he had studied with Professor Owen Murray. Milos has performed at such prestigious venues as the Wigmore Hall, St Martin in the Fields, National Portrait Gallery, Keble College Oxford, and has performed at the Foundation Day awards ceremony in front of HRH The Princess Royal. Appearances at festivals include Cheltenham International Festival of Music Aldeburgh Festival, Oxford Chamber Music Festival, Deal and Chichester, Swaledale, and many more. For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic Concerts – Austria, Germanyby Rob Howard |
 Video above: Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic - Singing Bird, Histoire d´amour recorded at the Festival Kunstflecken 2011.Accordionist and bandoneonist Klaus Paier and cellist Asja Valcic perform as follows: February 1st, 8pm – Kulturzentrum, Rossstall, Austria February 12th, 8pm - Ilipse, Illingen, Germany February 14th, 8pm – Kulturforum, Lörrach, Germany February 16th, 5pm - Hemingway Lounge, Karlsruhe, Germany February 17th, 8pm – jazz accordion workshop/concert, Dreikönigskirche, Dresden, Germany February 20th, 7.30pm - Rathaus Festsaal, St. Paul/Lav., Austria February 21st, 8pm – Raj, Klagenfurt, Austria February 22nd, 8pm – International Accordion Festival, University of Technology, Vienna Video: Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic - Singing Bird, Histoire d´amour recorded at the Festival Kunstflecken 2011. Klaus Paier (born 1966) graduated from Klagenfurt Conservatory, specializing in accordion, jazz and composition. He has performed in most European countries as well as Egypt, Israel, Canada, Algeria, Vietnam, and the USA. In 2011 in Moscow, Russia, Klaus Paier became the first Austrian accordionist to receive the Silver Disc prize - a special award for accordionists and their achievements. For further information email: klaus.paier@aon.at 8 CDs availabe online at: Klaus Paier |
Cajun Squeezebox Shootout Accordion Championshipby Harley Jones |
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| The Shootout is a family event designed to expand and promote Cajun music and culture. The contest is open to diatonic nine-and-ten-button Cajun accordion players of all ages. The competition features FOUR divisions - Youth, Junior and Adult Divisions while the newest division - Professionals - includes players of all ages. The prizes include recognition as the 2012 Cajun Accordion Champion, as well as trophies and a $500 Grand Prize in the youth, junior and adult divisions. $100 second prizes and $50 third prizes will also be awarded. The professional division will have only one winner and that contestant will take home $600 in cash and a 17” tall trophy. The deadline to register to compete is Tuesday, February 14 at 3 p.m. To register for competition or learn more about the Shootout go to the website: www.jeffdavis.org or call (337) 821-5532 or email polly@cityofjennings.com. |
Victor Prieto Trio Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 The Victor Prieto Trio performs twice at the City Winery brunch concert series, 155 Varick St, New York, NY 10013, on Saturday February 2nd, doing sets at 11am and 1pm. With Victor will be Edward Perez – bass and Jordan Perlson - drums.For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Robert Black @ Arbroath Box & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 On Sunday February 2nd, 8pm, accordionist Robert Black is the guest at the Arbroath Box & Fiddle Club, Arbroath Golf Club, Elliot, Angus DD11 2PE.Robert Black comes from an accordion playing family, and has been an All Scotland Champion no less than five times. His accompanying skills have been employed by most of Scotland's leading artistes including Andy Stewart, Kenneth McKellar, Bill McCue, Moira Anderson and Valerie Dunbar. He has worked in several London musical productions such as ‘Irma Le Deuce’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, and is also a jazz accordionist. |
International Jazz Accordion Course, Calabria - Italyby Rob Howard |
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| Antonio Spaccarotella leads an International Jazz Accordion Course on February 8th at the Conservatorio di Musica Tchaikovsky, 88047 Nocera Tirinese, Calabria, Italy. |
West Coast Tango gig, Cape Town - South Africaby Rob Howard |
  The duo West Coast Tango - accordionist Stanislav Angelov and pianist Albert Combrink - perform everything from Piazzolla to Beethoven at The Darling Experience, Cape Town, on February 9th, 11.30am.For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
NAO Area Accordion Festivals, Hertfordshire, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
  On Sunday February 9th, 10am until 5pm the NAO Thames Area Accordion Festival takes place in Hatfield Heath Village Hall, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM22 7EA. The festival organiser is local accordion teacher Stella Hughes.This year’s NAO North West Area Accordion Festival takes place on Sunday February 23rd at St Matthew's Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Stretford M32 9AJ (close to the M60). Entries close on February 10th and the organiser is Marika Pronysyzn, tel (0161) 881 6763. The area festivals are qualifying stages of the NAO UK Championships, will take place from April 25th to 27th at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool. For further information email: ray.anna@btopenworld.com |
Mika Väyrynen Performs with Symphony Orchestras - Finlandby Rob Howard |
 Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen will perform a series of concerts in February and March with symphony orchestras.His first appearance will be at the Kotka Concerthouse at 7pm on February 12th performing renowned composer Erkki-Sven Tüür's ‘Prophecy’ - Concerto for accordion and Symphony Orchestra with the Kymi Sinfonietta under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate. They will perform the work again on February 13th at the Kouvola City Hall at 7pm. On February 27th, at 7pm, Mika will perform Aulis Sallinen's Chamber Music V – ‘Barabbas Variations’ - with the Pori Sinfonietta under the direction of Juha Kangas at the Promenadehall. To conclude the series, on March 12th he will once again perform Erkki-Sven Tüür's ‘Prophecy’ - Concerto for accordion and symphony orchestra at the Jyväskylä Teatherhouse at 7pm with the Jyväskylä Sinfonia under the direction of Olari Elts. For more information on Mika Väyrynen and his extensive series of recordings and premieres, please visit www.accordions.com/mika CD's available online at: Finnish Accordeon Institute |
Winter Accordion Weekend, Eastbourne – UKby Rob Howard |
 The festival ‘Winter Accordion Weekend’ takes place, February 14th to 17th, at The Cumberland Hotel, Eastbourne. The organizer is accordionist/organist John Romero, and the artistes guest list includes Ian Watson, Julie North, Gary Blair, Lisa Lee Leslie, Harry Hussey, Alan Young, and Roman Voloshchuk. The trade show includes The Accordion Shop, Birmingham Accordion Centre, Trevani Music & Gifts, Harry Kipling's "Accordion Treasures", Jackie’s Threads, and Carillon Studios. For further information email: jr@carillonstudios.co.uk |
Winter Accordionists’ Weekend, Kněžice u Jihlavy - Czech Republicby Rob Howard |
 A Winter Accordionists’ Weekend takes place from February 21st to 23rd at eco-centre Chaloupky, Knežice u Jihlavy, Czech Republic.This will be a weekend workshop with an easy atmosphere, where players have the opportunity to meet other accordionists, play together and talk. There will be thematic workshops, an exchange of scores and recordings, practising together, individual consultations or playing and singing in the evenings. The teachers are Tomáš Görtler, Jindra Kelíšek, and Stanislav Samuel Raška. For further information email: jindra.kelisek@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl Releases New Arrangement - USAby Gary Dahl |
 Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated music title for purchase on-line. 'Crimson Time', catalog: DH0245 Sample for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Updated Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) websiteby Heather Masefield |
 The Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) website has been updated with 2014 examination prices, entry forms and also a newsletter for teachers. |
CD Reviews |
Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Airby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Air CD by Mika Väyrynen, Accordion, in English language, reviewed by Joan C. Sommers. |
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