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Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rob Howard |
![]() Let us applaud and support those who commemorate this significant date. It was on May 6th 1829 when the accordion was first patented in Vienna, Austria, by Cyrillius Demien (there are various spellings of his name), and the accordion has developed considerably in all sorts of ways since then. The accordion today exists in various forms, but all owe their origins to Demien and his contemporaries way back in the early part of the 19th Century. We now have a rich heritage, and should not forget the efforts and dedication of those early pioneers of the accordion. |
World Accordion Day (WAD) Online - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
![]() May 6th will see the celebration of World Accordion Day by many accordionists around the world. A project of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), coordinated by CIA Music Committee Member Grayson Masefield, ths 5th annual celebration has taken on several interesting formats during its short evolution. Beginning with coordinated celebrations from around the globe, the last two years have seen a 24 hour live streaming. While initial plans thought of a live streaming this year, the CIA has decided instead to collect footage from around the world of CIA member activities, to be made available to member associations and interested accordionists for use to publicize the accordion with media, fellow musical associations, the International Music Council as well as for other opportunities to promote the accordion in the field of music as appropriate. The CIA is blessed to be supported by more than 30 nations spanning all corners of the world, and with its competition winners alone, features some of the world's most outstanding accordionists performing a diverse array of musical styles, while representing many countries and musical cultures. Combined with World Accordion Orchestra, the composers portfolio of new works for accordion and representation at the International Music Council, the CIA is truly the epitome of 'World Accordion' and so by compiling all these exciting activities into one source, the CIA hopes to celebrate World Accordion Day itself, along with the rest of the world! We invite those celebrating World Accordion Day to submit video and pictures from their activities to the CIA, so that as we correlate the various activities we have a wonderful cross section of the many faces of accordion found around the world. During World Accordion Day, members of the CIA Executive will be in Finland at the CIA headquarters, working on plans for publicising this years events, as well as exploring possibilities for a live event next year, which will be discussed by the CIA Delegates at the upcoming General Assembly in Salzburg, Austria later in the year. To submit your information, please send your videos, pictures, or links to online performances to the CIA General Secretary Kimmo Mattila at e-mail, with World Accordion Day in the subject box: secretariat_cia@harmonikkaliitto.net |
‘Night Flowers’ New CD by Friedrich Lips, Moscow - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
![]() Michael Bronner wrote several cycles of “Jewish songs” for various ensembles: for violin, tuba and chamber orchestra, for chorus and piano, for orchestra with folk instruments ... “Seven Jewish Songs” for accordion and orchestra include both new pieces as well as compositions of other cycles. Seven Jewish life pictures clearly show us different aspects of being, the local way of life in the “village” (any small village in Belarus and Ukraine, home to people of different nationalities): joy and sorrow, memories of the past…. Bronner gives an authentic and accurate description of the typical national coloring of provincial village life and the particular nature of the villagers, usually with his inimitable sense of humor. By the way, in this cycle the composer only uses his own themes. Three Chorale Preludes” were originally written for organ by Johannes Brahms. The arrangement for cello and accordion comes from V. Tonkha and Friedrich Lips. The “Tatarian Dance” by Sofia Gubaidulina is a jocular birthday song for the composer and close friend Viktor Suslin. The small effective piece was written for an unusual ensemble: accordion and 2 double basses. What is also unusual is the use of traditional Tatar pentatonic in modern music. “Moment” by Alexander Cholminov is the last work of one of the greatest Russian composers of the twentieth century. It's just a little sketch, but very convincing: postlude, postscript, meditation on the threshold of eternity ... In continuation of her series on “flowers” Tatiana Sergeyeva wrote the charming miniature “Night flowers”. A certain aleatoric in the musical notes gives the piece a spicy touch. When listening we really feel the smell of night flowers, the aroma of night violets… For further information and to purchase online, Night Flower Catalog No: CD026 27 CD's available online at: Friedrich Lips |
NAO UK Accordion Championships and Festival - UKby Harley Jones |
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![]() Making a very popular return to the festival was Pietro Adragna (Italy) whose performance on Friday evening was full of character and enthralled the audience. This year the NAO renowned Arthur Bell Memorial Trophy (17 & Under) celebrated its 50th Anniversary – and for the first time in that history was won for a 3rd consecutive year by 15 year old Alexander Bodell (picture left), who also took 1st place in the Senior Solo and Polka Seniors. Other outstanding solo competition performances (alphabetical order) included Annalize Bodell, Roseanna Bodell, Fraser Hewitt, Graham Laurie, Kyle Rowan and Jonathon Wilson as well as outstanding orchestral performances from the Killyglen Accordion Orchestra from Northern Ireland, the Burton Accordion Group and the Colchester Accordion Ensembles. Honoured during the festival with the NAO Associate Award was Anna Bodell, who had completed her 3 year term of office as NAO Chairperson. The 2015 NAO UK Accordion Championships and Festival will be held again at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool from 17th - 19th April. Full results are available online at: National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO) |
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Don Lipovac (1935-2014), Kansas City – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() He graduated with degrees in Music Theory and Music Education. During these years, Don began performing with a Croation Kola Club, a Yugoslav folk song and dance group, and his interest in European folk music was stimulated and led into a highly successful career in music. In 1958, Don came first in the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) national contest held in New York. He went on from there to represent the USA in the International Accordion competition at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium, performing ‘Russion Airs’, his own arrangement. This was the catalyst for Don’s long career in music, which included Don appearing on the Lawrence Welk TV show, performing at Carnegie Hall, and as a guest soloist in the Kansas City Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras. Don Lipovac formed a trio in the 1950s, which expanded into the Don Lipovac Orchestra, and became a major attraction nationally. Don had also played in the 1950s with ‘The Blue Danube Tamburizans’, performing traditional Croatian traditional music. Don is accredited with the mixing of the Croation and Slovenian dance music traditions in the Kansas City area, and he has also long been popular with other ethnic Slavic traditions, including Polish and other Yugoslavian audiences. Music was a passion for Don, and he has devoted his life to performing, arranging, composing, teaching and music preservation. Among the many awards received throughout his career he received the Tamburitz National Hall of Fame Award in 1977, the ‘Polka Hall of Fame’ Award at Iron World Chisholm, Minnesota, in 1992, and a ‘National Cleveland-Style Hall of Fame’ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing him for preserving and promotion of Slovenian Cultural Heritage in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006. Don Lipovac passed away on April 27th 2014. He is survived by his wife JoAnn. |
Paul Chamberlain New CD and Tour Dates – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The CD includes ‘Konzertstück in F minor’ by Carl Maria von Weber, ‘Tango Sensations’ by Astor Piazzolla (with the Maxwell String Quartet), two Scarlatti Sonatas, ‘Sonata No 2’ by Zolotariev, and ‘Le Grand Tango' by Piazzolla, recorded with the violinist Feargus Hetherington. Tour dates: July 1st –– 1901 Arts Club (Album Launch event), London July 2nd – Apple Store, Regent Street, London July 3rd – St Giles in the Fields, London July 4th – St Martin in the Bullring, Birmingham July 5th – Holy Trinity Headington, Oxford July 6th – Emmanuel Church, Cambridge July 10th – Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld, Scotland July 11th – Dundee Cathedral, Scotland July 13th – Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen, Scotland July 18th – Lit & Phil, Newcastle July 19th – Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, Portsmouth July 20th – Faversham Parish Church, Kent August 1st – St George’s, Bristol August 2nd – Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wales August 3rd – St Tudwalls Church, Pembrokeshire, Wales August 5th – Royal Overseas League, Edinburgh, Scotland August 9th – Royal Overseas League, Edinburgh, Scotland The first CD released by Paul Chamberlain titled Classical Accordion is available online at: cpaulCD201 For further information email: paul@theaccordionist.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: voXXclub "Rock mi" - Flashmob in the Riemer Shopping Mall - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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voXXclub "Rock mi" immediately transformed the Riem Shopping Mall with good humor and the crowds simply LOVED it..... |
Glory for East Antrim Accordion School at the All Ireland Championshipsby Rob Howard |
![]() First prizes were awarded to Louise Boomer from Newtownabbey in the Adult Solo and Jonathan Wilson (Larne) and Emma Dunlop (Carrickfergus) in the Higher Junior Duet whilst Jonathan and Emma were both awarded third prize in their respective Quatro & Terzo Solo Recital Classes. The Gold medals were awarded to Larne lassies Hannah Blackburn in the Terzo Recital, Lauren Blackburn in the Junior Solo and Shannon Brown in the Preparatory Solo. The East Antrim students were the only competitors from Northern Ireland to take part in the musical extravaganza which ran over two days and attracted the cream of Irish accordionists with over 200 competitors. The adjudicator was Graham Laurie ABCA (TD), LBCA (picture left) from Glasgow. Principle of East Antrim Accordion School Clyde Johnston stated he was delighted with how his students had performed. The standard at the Championships was very high and to win such prestigious acclaim was an excellent achievement. They performed to a very high standard and were great ambassadors for the East Antrim Area. Open to all ages from 5 years upwards East Antrim Accordion School is organised along similar lines to piano schools with pupils being taught to read music and play both the treble and bass keyboards of this very popular instrument. They can also be prepared for examinations, as set by the British College of Accordionists, compete in various music festivals or simply play for fun. In addition the school runs music theory classes in the summer which is open to all music students, not just accordionists. Anyone interested in learning to play the accordion or learn music theory should contact Clyde Johnston. For those who do not have an accordion the School has a number of instruments that can be borrowed. For further information email: clyde.johnston@hotmail.co.uk |
Video: Mika Väyrynen Performs in Helsinki - Finlandby Harley Jones |
Video: Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen performed on March 31st at the Helsinki Music Center, Camerata Theater, at 7pm, where he performed these two works. Video 1: J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue a BWV 543 Video 2: Derbenko Choral Prelude CD Recordings available at: Finnish Accordeon Institute |
Frosini Society News, Stockholm – Swedenby Rob Howard |
![]() Lars Ek asks, “Will you be the first to play it in public ....?!” The IFS website music archive has the original sheet music, which includes a unique picture of Frosini on the cover. For further information email: lars@frosinisociety.org |
Low Back Pain, An Accordionist’s Worst Nightmare! - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() The first words of the chapter are: "An accordionist’s worst nightmare!" Another quote is: "hence the recurring nature of the condition, which tends to happen more frequently with less and less provocation. This reinforces the theory that once a back is injured it will never be the same again. Nothing could be further from the truth!" This exciting eBook is being published chapter by chapter, with about one chapter being released each month. Released chapters to date are: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms Chapter 4 - The Shoulder Chapter 5 - The Amazing Brain and What It Does For You Chapter 6 - The Elbow Chapter 7 - The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered Chapter 8 - The Elbow Revisited Chapter 9 - Wrist and Fingers Chapter 10 - Caring for our Ten Precious Digits Chapter 11 - Low Back Pain There will be a minimum of 24 chapters. As a special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase the eBook: John Bonica |
‘14 Years Ago’: Alexander Korbakov in Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() Russian Accordionist Performs in Ireland Contributed by Enda Kelly The Heritage town of Kells in Co. Meath, Ireland was the venue for an exciting evening of accordion music on April 30th. Guest Alexander Korbakov gave a recital of classical and Russian folk music, delighting the audience with his free bass repertoire and interpretation of Russian folk tunes. The concert also included performances by the Oristown Intermediate Accordion Orchestra and the Castletown Senior and Preparatory Accordion Orchestras. The Oristown AO performed a popular program including ‘Irish Suite’, ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Time to say Goodbye’. The orchestra will give a recital in their hometown of Kells on July 2nd, prior to their trip to the UK where they will take part in the European Concert Band Competition as part of the Midsomer Norton Mardi Gras Festival. The Orchestra would like to contact other accordion orchestras in Europe who may be interested in an exchange or twinning program. |
Future events |
Dan Newton Gigs, Minnesota – USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() May 2nd, 9.30pm - Daddy Squeeze @ Ward 6, 858 Payne Ave, St Paul, Minnesota. Dan plays solo in this eclectic and friendly neighborhood cafe and bar on the East Side. May 3rd, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm - Daddy Squeeze @ Festival of Nations, St Paul, MN. Look for Dan playing French music at St. Paul's largest international cultural event. The Festival is held at River Center, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. in Downtown St Paul. |
Marco Lo Russo in concert for Italiana LAM, Formia – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
Victorian Day @ Styal Mill, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Motion Trio Concert, Warsaw - Polandby Rob Howard |
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Video: The Heart by Motion Trio The Motion Trio perform in concert on Friday May 9th 7pm, at Studio Koncertowe, Polskiego Radia im W. Lutoslawskiego, Warsaw. This concert is an event in the 6th Krzysztofa Komedy Film Music Festival. Formed in 1996, the Motion Trio accordionists Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek, and Marcin Galazyn have performed in many different countries to huge acclaim. |
Blackpool Festival, Lancashire – UKby Rob Howard |
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‘Accordions at the Castle’ takes place at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, from May 11th to 16th. The festival includes concerts, workshops, a master class with Ian Watson (who will also speak on behalf of the newly formed United Kingdom Association of Accordion Teachers), ‘meet the guest’ sessions, dancing, and a trade show. The guests include Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), David Vernon (Scotland), Denise Leigh (operatic soprano) & Stefan Andrusyschyn (accordion), Harry Hussey, Gennaro Ruffolo (Italy), Rosemary Wright, and Bert Santilly. Caroline Hunt (Scotland) will display some of her fascinating collection of antique accordions and memorabilia, which will be an interesting special attraction and well worth seeing. The festival organiser is Heather Smith. There is also an organ/keyboard festival taking place in the hotel, which has its own huge trade show and is open to all. For further information email: heather@accordions.karoo.co.uk |
Nicole Havaner Entertains, Saarbrucken – Germanyby Rob Howard |
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On Tuesday May 13th, 9pm, accordionist Nicole Havaner entertains at La Cantina Tapas Bar, St Arnual, Saargemünder Straße 83, 66119 Saarbrücken, Germany. For further information email: kontakt@la-cantina-tapasbar.de |
7th Annual Accordions Now! 2014 Festival, New Hampshire - USAby Donna Maria Regis |
![]() Register by May 31st to take advantage of the special value $99.00 All events Package ($129 starting June 1st). Admission to all concerts, workshops, open mike, jam sessions, displays, cocktail reception, exhibits, etc. is included as are Saturday's Festive Luncheon Buffet and Gala Dinner. More playing opportunities than ever are open to you this year, including a chance to “sit in with the band” Saturday night. You are warmly invited to participate! Tony Lovello, the “living legend of the accordion world” dubbed "King of the Bellow Shake" by the great Galla-Rini, will kick off the Gala Concert with his inimitable musical merrymaking. Fans travel from far and wide to witness Tony's high-octane razzle-dazzle shows. Following Tony's “don't miss it!” performance, expect more fun – and bring your accordion. Accordionist/keyboardist/vocalist Glen Robertson & Catfish Howl will perform a concert of blues, Cajun, and country tunes, then invite YOU to “sit in with the band.” Glen will first give a brief coaching session, then watch the sparks fly! At Accordions Now! you have more opportunities to participate than at any festival we know. You can be part of the ever-popular Accordions Now! Festival Orchestra (ANFO). ANFO 2014 will celebrate the Beatles' 50th anniversary with a medley arranged by conductor Donna Maria Regis. Sign up by July 11th to receive the sheet music. The Just-for-Fun Play-Along Ensemble, fast becoming another annual favorite, returns with entertaining two-level arrangements by coordinator Dan Mackowiak. Music is sent in advance, but there is no rehearsal, just the enjoyable low-key play-along session. Informal Daytime and Night Owls Jam Sessions will also weave their way into the fabric of this all-welcoming yearly gathering of accordion aficionados. Also on tap: performances and educational presentations by Lynda Fish, Nancy Leonard, Richard Messina, Rachel Quirbach, Jerry Tramontozzi, Carmen Vitanza, Sam Falcetti, Paul Ramunni and New England Accordion Museum, plus door prizes, vendor displays, and more. Register now and come to beautiful New Hampshire to experience the Accordions Now! - motto: Lots of Accordions, Lots of Music, Lots of Fun!! For further information email: AccordionsNow@yahoo.com |
CD Reviews |
Live in Rostov-on-Don 2013 CD Review of Alexander Poeluevby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
Friedrich Lips releases new CDby Friedrich Lips |
![]() 'Night Flowers', catalog: CD026 with sound samples. Music performed by Friedrich Lips. Purchase online. |
Karen Fremar New Site For 'Vivant! - Whatever You Do' CD - USAby Karen Fremar |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
Romano Viazzani updates sites with eTracksby Romano Viazzani |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
Paul Chamberlain Updates Site with eTracks - UKby Paul Chamberlain |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
Karen Fremar New Site For 'Vivant! - River of Destiny' CD - USAby Karen Fremar |
![]() Site has sound samples and eTracks MP3 downloadable files. Purchase online. |
Alexander Poeluev Updated Site - Russiaby Alexander Poeluev |
![]() Purchase online. |
Finland Recording Site Update adding sound samples - Finlandby Finland recordings |
![]() with sound samples added. Music performed by Mika Väyrynen and Angel Luis Castaño. Purchase online. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Eugene Ettore concertosby | Modify | Delete |
I've not yet found any hints to the two concertos ("Pioneer" and "Frontier" - sheets of the accordion parts) of the great Eugene Ettore. Could anybody help me in finding (for buying) those? Maybe a pleasant surprise for accordion day on May 6th… Thank you & best regards from Austria, Walter (ego.143y@yahoo.de) |
TRÉSORS DE LAMES, accordéon-bandonéons : a beautiful coffee-table bookby | Modify | Delete |
![]() Some of these pieces are rare or even unique. This carefully put together corpus will be enhanced by a rich content of documents and archives. It will be punctuated by a variety of texts and quotations from art world personalities, describing their views about these instruments. The book will be prefaced by Pierre Étaix, long-time lover of the accordion. Informations : www.lelivredart.com/accordeons.html www.laboitedaccordeon.fr |
TRÉSORS DE LAMES, accordéons - bandonéons : a beautiful coffee-table bookby | Modify | Delete |
![]() Information : www.lelivredart.com/accordeon.html For further information email : contact@laboitedaccordeon.fr |
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