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Thank You To Our Readersby Harley Jones |
![]() The accordions.com, akkordeon.com and accordeon.com sites led the success with 561,190 page views for December 2012 and a huge 6.7 million page views for the 2012 year. AccordionUSA.com news enjoyed 125,338 page views for December 2012 and a terrific 1.18 million page views for the 2012 year. Diatonic-News.com enjoyed 48,445 page views for December 2012 and an enormous 603,321 page views for the 2012 year. Imagine if each Accordions Worldwide page viewer spent only 1 minute per page, that would be over 11 million viewer minutes for the 2012 year. We want to thank our readers for their support of our completely free service website. The service is only financially possible because of our large readership and the financial support of our greatly appreciated advertisers. Therefore, I urge our readers, to please consider first our advertisers, should you be looking to purchase a new accordion, used accordion, repairs, music, CDs, etc, etc. Your support helps our advertisers and that helps our free website which we wish you continue to enjoy in even larger numbers in the future. Harley Jones Founder Accordions Worldwide |
Free Download: ‘The Accordion in the 19th Century’, by Gorka Hermosa - Spainby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() This superbly researched historic book is a must have reference book for all accordion teachers and students. Author Gorka Hermosa wishes to have the knowledge of this book spread as widely as possible, and thanks to him, you may download this book free at: 19thCentury. If anyone wishes to have a printed copy of the book, please email the author at: gorka@gorkahermosa.com Forthcoming events and presentations of the book include: March 7th - presentation of the book ‘The accordion in the 19th Century’ on the Deschamps Channel. March 9th – ‘Accordion solo’ (compositions by Gorka Hermosa) and jury member, Loznica Accordion Festival, Croatia March 12th – ‘Accordion solo’ (compositions by Gorka Hermosa), Kulturni Centar GRAD, Belgrade, Serbia March 13th - concert-presentation of the short film ‘Oda a la fábrica abandonada’, Kafe Antzokia, Bilbao, Spain March 16th - Fender Club, ‘Flamenco Etxea Duo’, Getafe, Madrid, Spain March 20th - jury member of ‘Festival-Montrond Jeunes-talents’, Montrond-les-bains, France March 22nd - jury member for the examinations at Laussane University, Switzerland March 25th - presentation of ‘The accordion in the 19th Century’, Espacio Kattigara, Santander, Spain April 19th – ‘Flamenco Etxea Quintet’, Lugaritz, Donostia, Spain Gorka Hermosa is also a highly regarded composer and above is a video of one of his lastest works, 'Ka mate Ka ora' performed by multi world champion Grayson Masefield at the Montrond Festival in 2012. This and other works are available free on the website of Gorka Hermosa. The accordion world salutes this very generous and so talented composer, author and performer. |
Friedrich Lips’ Diary Dates – Russia, Germany, Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
![]() March 12th - concert with chamber orchestra in Kasan, Russia, performing Astor Pizzolla: ‘Aconcagua’ and Efrem Podgaits: ‘Viva voce’ March 16th – ‘All Russian Day of bayan, accordion and harmonica’ in Moscow, performing Michail Bronner: ‘Seven Jewish Songs’ March 19th to 23rd – concert in Irkutsk, Russia, performing Efrem Podgaits: ‘Viva voce’ and Michail Bronner: ‘Seven Jewish Songs’ March 27th - concert with Piazzolla-Studio in Tambof, Russia March 28th – Saratov, Russia, Efrem Podgaits: ‘Lips Concerto for bayan and symphony orchestra’ May 6th - concert in Klingenthal, Germany, Michail Bronner: ‘Seven Jewish Songs’ May 6th to 12th - adjudicator in Klingenthal July 16th - solo concert in Viktring, Austria July 15th to 19th - workshop in Viktring, Austria For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at 25 CD's and eTrack albums (priced from only Euro 8) are available online at: Friedrich Lips |
World’s First Kauri Accordion produced in Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() As part of an International venture between New Zealand and Finland, a local craftsman in Finland has constructed the world's first accordions made from the prized native New Zealand 'Kauri' tree. This project has been the dream of Kevin Friedrich, born in Dargaville, New Zealand, (near where the giant Kauri trees grow). Kevin Friedrich is a regular visitor to Ikaalinen, Finland, the home to a rare accordion making school, where trainees are taught the art of constructing accordions in the traditional Finnish folk style. This project combines the rich and rare tradition of Finland's accordion making culture with the stunning timber of the New Zealand Kauri tree. Under the hands of master Finnish craftsman Aaro Luukinen, the dream of a Kauri instrument has now become a reality. Three magnificent instruments K1, K2 and K3, all to be officially named at a later date, have been crafted. The first of the instruments K1, will be housed at the Dargaville Museum, which already features extensive displays on the history of the Kauri trade in the Dargaville area. This instrument crafted from Kauri timber from Dargaville, will be used for performances in the region to showcase this unique and beautiful instrument, the world's first made from the Kauri timber. K2 will be housed in Ikaalinen, Finland and will be the showcase instrument of the craftsman and accordion making facility, while K3 will become the personal instrument for Kevin Friedrich to keep in New York and use for personal performances in North America. The instruments were completed and officially unveiled on 30 January 2013 in Ikaalinen, Finland at an International Press Conference, with the debut performance scheduled for March 24th, 2013 in Dargaville. For more information and pictures of these unique instruments being crafted, please visit: www.accordions.com/kevin/n_kauriaccordion.htm |
World of the Accordion Kids Talent Show, Castelfidardo - Italyby Elke Ahrenholz |
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A new and sure to be very entertaining talent show for kids, will be staged in Castelfidardo during 'The World of Accordion' festival for all reed instruments, to be held from 29th June to 7th July 2013. The Talent show for kids (5-9 years, 10-14 years) will take place on the 6th July - so all kids - attention - mark this date!!! 6th July 2013!!! Further information at: 'The World of Accordion' |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Over 450 Entries at 3 NAO Regional Accordion Festivals - UKby Raymond Bodell, Charnwood Publications |
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![]() These 3 regional festivals were all hailed as “great success's”, and are part of the series of NAO qualification festivals for the UK Championships in Liverpool, 26th to 28th April. In Scotland, local organiser Brian Laurie was pleased to welcome contestants from many parts of Scotland. The jury particularly singled out excellent performances from Paul Capaldi (highest mark of the day - 92) and the Brian Laurie Accordion Showband (picture above). In Ireland, the festival was well supported from the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland and local organiser Clyde Johnston was quoted “to say thanks to all the competitors who made the 16th NI Open Accordion Championships the largest and most successful to date with the standard reaching news high as well.” From Manchester, jury member Ken Farran (NAO Hon. Vice President) was quoted “It is great to see the NAO North West Festival returning to its roots of Manchester – some very good performances, most especially Alexander Bodell (highest mark of the day 95 - picture right).” NAO Chairperson Anna Bodell (picture right) who was in attendance at two of the festivals “was delighted to see the support, friendly atmosphere and enjoyment shown from so many in the accordion fraternity. I thank all those who helped make these three festivals so successful (especially the organisers and their teams) for these excellent festivals provide a great basis for a most successful NAO UK Championships in April!.” Full results of these festivals can be found on the NAO website. |
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Video: Beltango at the Aix Les Bains Festival - Franceby Harley Jones |
Popular Beltango Quintet from Serbia appeared at the Aix Les Bains Festival in France, and this video was released 24 February. Beltango performing La Cumparsita & Milonga de mis Amores at the Le Théâtre - Casino Grand Cercle Aix Les Bains, France. The group consists of Aleksandar Nikolic (bandoneon/accordion), Ivana Nikolic (piano/vocal), Jovan Bogosavljevic (violin), Bogdan Pejic (el.guitar) and Ljubinko Lazic (double bass). Purchase online their CD Pack at: Beltango |
Video: Duo Mares - 'Devil's Diary' for Viola, Accordion and Symphony Orchestraby Harley Jones |
Published on 1st March 2013. Duo MARES performing the world premiere of "Devil's Diary". It is the first composition for Viola, Accordion and Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated and written for Duo Mares in 2008 by Selim Dogru. Duo MARES: Esra Pehlivanli - viola Marko Kassl - accordion Anadolu Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Burak Tüzün It is also available as a CD recording. More information: marko[at]duomares.com |
Video: Accordion Quintet, Nikolay Kanayev Gipsy Tunes - Israelby Harley Jones |
Published on Feb 17, 2013 is the Accordion Quintet from Beer-Sheva, Israel. Art-director - Valeri Somorov. They are performing Nikolay Kanayev Gipsy Tunes. |
2013 Mesa Accordion Event a Huge Success - USAby Dan Grauman |
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The beautiful Arizona Golf Resort was the setting for the seventh annual four-day gathering, known as the Mesa Accordion Event (MAE), formerly the Frank Marocco Accordion Event, which brought together 50 accordionists and 30 family members from twelve states, three Canadian Provinces, and Italy. Many of the participants have been to this event multiple times, and twelve have attended every year. This gathering has become more of a “family reunion” than an accordion camp. An orchestra, led by MAE Music Director and renowned bayanist, Stas Venglevski, performed a wonderful concert to an enthusiastic audience of over 350. Solos, a duet, and ensembles were featured, in addition to the orchestral selections. The highlight of the weekend was an evening celebration of the life, music and legacy of the great Frank Marocco, founder of this annual event, which began in 2007. Several of the participants, including Stas Venglevski, former AAA US Virtuoso Champion, Joe Natoli, 2010 AAA US Virtuoso Champion, Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, and jazz accordionist, Amy Jo Sawyer, wrote original compositions or arrangements to honor Frank Marocco’s memory. The 2014 MAE will feature Guest Artist, Joan Cochran Sommers, who will be honored on the occasion of her 80th birthday. You may contact event directors, Dan & Joan Grauman, at mesa.accordion@verizon.net for information about next year’s MAE. 2013 MAE photo collage details: Top left: Quinn & Liam Collins, youngest 2013 MAE orchestra members and 2012 AAA festival multiple trophy winners Top right: (left to right) Gabe Hall-Rodrigues, Amy Jo Sawyer, Frank Petrilli, Joe Natoli, Wes Anderson (drums), Sean Brogan (bass) perform a composition by Amy Jo Upper center: 2013 MAE orchestra Lower center: MAE Music Director, Stas Venglevski, demonstrating bellows shake technique with assistance from Gail Campanella Bottom left: Italian accordion virtuoso, Antonino De Luca, with Frank Petrilli Bottom right: Bruce Lawrie receives award from MAE co-directors, Dan & Joan Grauman, for being staff photographer and sound director for all seven years of the event. |
Dunloy Accordion Band at the Northern Ireland Accordion Championships - UKby Harley Jones |
Published on Feb 25, 2013, the Dunloy Accordion Band performing Under The Double Eagle at the Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championship's 2013. 1st Place & 1st Place Drum Corp. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Concertina newsby Rob Howard |
![]() CONCERTINA RESEARCH & RESOURCES - ENGLAND Contributed by Neil Wayne Alistair Anderson is well known for his work in teaching and popularizing the English concertina. He has also played a major role in FolkWorks, the study, performance and teaching center for Folk Music and Folk Arts based in the North East of England. One of Alistair`s concerns has always been the lack of good quality, affordable concertinas. "The potential interest in the instrument is considerable, especially amongst youngsters", he says, "but the lack of affordable and suitable instruments has always held things back”. Now, FolkWorks may shortly be in a position to commission the manufacture and purchase of a substantial number of ‘student grade’ concertinas. These will form part of Folkworks' instrument ‘Bank’. FolkWorks is interested in commissioning a first order of between 50 and 100 instruments. Alistair would like to hear ideas and then begin to move towards a design brief, a guide to potential costs, and then finalize a detailed design and cost per instrument. |
Future events |
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Concert, Auckland – New Zealandby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Presented by the APO as part of this year’s Auckland Arts Festival, there are three singers, a dancer, a guitarist, allusions to Bizet’s Carmen, and Auckland Town Hall is set up for cabaret seating. The composer describes it not as music or theatre but as “an entertainment,” The APO Composer-in-Residence Jack Body’s tribute to Carmen Rupe celebrates the colourful life and fearless personality of one of New Zealand’s most original icons. This will be a stunning evocation of a life lived theatrically and defiantly, a performance as flamboyant as Carmen herself. Town Hall will turn into a “tea room” to share the music as Carmen’s extraordinary world unfolds. |
‘Les 2 Jours De L’Accordeon’ Festival, Combeaufontaine – Franceby Rob Howard |
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Video of festival performer Cyrille Renaut playing 'La Fete Des Mirabelles' courtesy of 'MusetteTV presents to you the very best original French artists and Musette music'. The ‘Les 2 Jours De L’Accordeon’ festival takes place on March 2nd and 3rd at la salle des Belles Fontaines, Combeaufontaine, a town in the Haute-Saône department in the region of Franche-Comté in eastern France. The festival guests include accordionists Cyrille Renaut, Christelle Jeanblanc, Yannick Cattin, Cyril and Virginie Danrey, Charlotte Buch, Myriam Thiebaut, and special guest star Louis Corchia. Also performing will be the Frédéric Buch Orchestra. |
AAA to Adjudicate Coupe Mondiale Qualifying Categories via Skype - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() The Skype hookup will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16th with four contestants vying for qualification in the Coupe Mondiale Junior Virtuoso Entertainment category and one in the senior Virtuoso Entertainment category. |
Marko Kassl’s Diary Dates – Netherlands, Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() March 2nd, 8.30pm – part of a quartet accompanying Francis Poulenc's one-act opera ‘La Voix Humaine’ at the KunstEnHuis theatre, Amsterdam, Netherlands. March 10th, 8pm – same as above, this time an official premiere at De Balie, Amsterdam. March 3rd, 6pm – Musiktheater im Revier, Kennedyplatz, D-45881 Gelsenkirchen, Germany, for the ballet ‘Russ’. March 5th, 8pm – Theater in Bauturm, Cologne, for ‘Fremd ist der Fremde nur in der Fremde’. March 19th, 8pm – Ruhrfestspielhaus, Recklinghausen, for Lola Blau’. March 20th, 8pm - Theater in Bauturm, Cologne, for ‘Fremd ist der Fremde nur in der Fremde’. March 23rd, 24th and April 21st – with Ensemble Tangosphere at RüBühne, Essen, Germany, for a production of ‘Ein Stück Himmel’ (A piece of heaven), featuring music by Astor Piazzolla, Erik Satie, Ulrich Gasser, José Bragato, Rodrigo Ratier, Richard Galliano, Jean Kleeb, and Carlos Gardel. For further information email: info@marko-kassl.de |
8th March 1908 "International Women's Day" - Worldwideby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() A Mimosa - to all women of this world in memory of the 129 women killed on the 8th of March 1908 in New York, USA. Background information: The mimosa (technically, the Silver Wattle) is the symbol of the celebrations of Women's Day in Italy and Russia. |
Milos Miliojevic March Concert Dates, England, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() March 2nd, 7.30pm - ‘In Accord’, Harriet Mackenzie & Milos Milivojevic, Town & Country Concerts, Little Casterton, Stamford, Lincolnshire. March 4th, 1pm - Kosmos Ensemble, Central Hall, St Thomas’ Hospital, Waterloo, Westminster March 6th, 10.30am – ‘Bach to Baby’ Concert Series, Solo Recital, St. Mary Magdalen Church, 193 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UW March 7th, 12.45pm - Westbourne Music Society, Glasgow, Scotland March 11th, 1-2pm - St Clement Dane’s Church, Strand, London WC2R 1DH. Donations for the Friends of Fukushima. Programme to include Japanese folksongs. March 12th, 10.30m – ‘Bach to Baby’ Concert Series, Solo Recital, Hampstead Parish Church, Church Row, NW3 6UU, Hampstead Village Kosmos on tour in Scotland, March 13th to 17th March 13th, 7.30pm - Newtonmore, Scotland March 14th, 1pm - At One with Music, Inverness Town House, Scotland March 14th, 7.30pm - New Deer Public Hall, Church Crescent, New Deer AB53 6WD. Price £10 Box Office: Chemist and Food for Thought, New Deer, 01771 644217/644366 March 15th 7.30pm - Melrose Music Society, Melrose Parish Church, Melrose Music Society, Scottish Borders March 16th, 7.30pm - 42-43 Royal Park Terrace, Edinburgh EH8 8JA; tel: 0131 467 7028 March 17th, 7.30pm - Dunfermline Arts Guild, Scotland March 21st, 2-5pm - Workshop with composition students at the Royal Holloway, University of London March 22nd, 10.30am – ‘Bach to Baby’ Concert Series, Solo Recital, St. Alfege Church, Greenwich, London SE10 9BJ March 27th - Kosmos Ensemble, Friends of Walton Hall Music, Walton Hall, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
Beto Caetano Concert, Porte Alegra - Brazilby Rob Howard |
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Accordionist Beto Caetano entertains at the restaurant Vitrine Gaucha, Rua Frederico Mentz, 1561 Porte Alegra, on March 15th, 9pm. For further information email: vitrinegaucha@vitrinegaucha.com.br |
Mazaika Celebrate International Women's Day, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Mazaika are Sarah Harrison (England) – violin, vocal, domra (Russian mandolin) and Igor Outkine (Russia) - vocals, midi accordion. Their music encompasses Russian folk, Gypsy and Pop, Russian and Argentine Tango, Balkan, Hot Club Jazz, French chanson, Italian, Latin and International Pop. For further information email: igor.outkine@yahoo.com |
Oivind Farmen and Lars Karlsson Tour - Austriaby Rob Howard |
![]() Norwegian accordionists Oivind Farmen and Lars Karlsson, who occasionally perform as a duo, team up for some concerts in Austria midway through March. Oivind Farmen, a classically trained musician, and diatonic folk music specialist Lars Karlsson, are an unlikely but popular pairing, with several recordings of Scandinavian traditional music to their credit. March 15th – Neunkirchen March 16th - St Georgen March 17th - Graz March 19th – Vienna Accordion Festival For further information email: farmen@farmen.net |
‘Accordion Babes’ on tour, West Coast – USA, Canadaby Rob Howard |
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The ‘Accordion Babes’ are out on tour with their revue. Their leader, Renne de la Prade writes, “I'm taking six accordion babes on the road with me from Los Angeles to Vancouver. Since one of those Accordion Babes is my W&W band-mate Joan Wilson Rueter, we get to showcase our whiskey stomp-sound in the ‘Accordion Babes Revue’ on this nine show West Coast Tour. The ‘Accordion Babes Revue’ is a dream I've had ever since I published the Accordion Babes Album & Pin-Up Calendar five years ago. The show takes advantage of the fact that most accordion players also sing and play other instruments. It's not just a consecutive night of solo acts, we are learning each others' material, and putting new song arrangements together so that we are a real band with six different woman leaders. We're bringing the extremely groovy Aharon Wheels Bolsta to play drums and percussion for the group. I'll be the band's guitar player when I'm not playing accordion. Joan will play fiddle, lucky us! There will also be a trombone, a glockenspiel, and a host of percussion and voices”. March 16th, 8pm - Whiskey and Women with guest-drummer Leslie Jackson will play a St. Patrick's-themed show at the Berkeley Yacht Club, CA. March 21st, 9pm - El Rio, 3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, with an appearance by Big Lou the Accordion Princess. March 22nd - with Ketchup Soup and the Petting Pantry Burlesque Troupe, Fais Do Do, Los Angeles, CA. March 23rd, 8pm - Fresno Folklore Society, Frank's Place, Warnor's Center, Fresno, CA March 24th, 5.30pm - Duffy's Tavern, Chico, CA. March 27th, 4pm-7pm - venue TBA, Vashon Island, WA. This will be an informal Bar-B-Que show in the home town of Accordion Babe Luz Gaxiola, and it will be all-ages. March 28th, 8pm - with special guest Jason Webley, of Monsters of Accordion shows fame, Columbia City Theater, Seattle, WA. March 29th, 9pm - with Something About Reptiles and special guest Jack Garton, who is the accordion-and-trumpet playing lead man of Maria in the Shower; venue is the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, Canada. March 30th, 8pm - Troubadour Music Center, Corvallis March 31st, 8.30 to 10.30pm - with the Wanderlust Circus, opening for Sinferno Burlesque, Dante's, Portland, OR. For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Accordion Exhibition and Meeting, Sümeg – Hungaryby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() There will be exhibitions and demonstrations of Scandalli, Petromaestro, Moreschi, Paolo Soprani, E. Soprani accordions, and there will also be used accordions on display. For further information email: mogerp@freemail.hu |
CD Reviews |
“Wing Span” – Contemporary Danish Accordion Music & Classical Works CD by Adam Ørvadby Alessandro Mugnoz |
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New and Updated Sites |
Mingyuan Ruan releasing new CDby Mingyuan Ruan |
![]() 'Chinese Accordion Great Performance', catalog: CAGP400 with sound samples. Music performed by Mingyuan Ruan. Purchase online |
Gary Dahl Music eBooks Now Released - USAby Gary Dahl |
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![]() Cat No: DH01 Collection #1 Latin Spectacular - 10 titles, Besame Mucho, Amapola, Tico Tico, Brazil, Beyond the Sea, El Cumbanchero, Adios Muchachos, Spanish Eyes, A Day in the Life of a Fool, Amour, over 26 pages of high quality arrangements for only US$24.95 or Euro equivalent. |
Accordions TV |
Deschamps Channel Programsby Harley Jones |
Deschamps Channel Thursday 7th March 6pm Master Class Danilo di Paolonicola and 7 pm The Cultural featuring Friedrich Lips Deschamps Channel Friday 8th March 6 pm Master Class Accordina with Ludovic Beier and 7 pm The Focus Show with Ricardo Tesi |
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