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Highlights |
Important 2014 Chinese Festivals and Competitions - Chinaby Prof. Li Cong, President, China Accordion Association |
![]() 2014 “Golden Cup” 1st National Colleges And Universities Performing Competition Of Accordion, 6th to 8th June, Shanghai Normal University. Rules and Information in Chinese at: 2014Golden 2014 “Hohner Cup” National Accordion Championships, 18th to 21st July in BaoAn, Shenzhen, Guangzhou (near Hong Kong). Report and pictures of 2012 Hohner. Rules and information for 2014 in Chinese at: 2014Hohner 2014 Harbin China Summer International Accordion Art Week, 6th to 11th August in Harbin. Report and pictures of Harbin 2012 and Harbin 2010. Harbin 2014 website in English will be online soon. Download the 2014 Rules and the competition entry form in Chinese and English at: 2014Harbin 2014 “Baidi Cup” National Accordion Competition, 12th to 15th August in Jinan, Shandong. Report and pictures of 2012 Baidi. 2014 Information and rules in Chinese at: 2014Baidi 2014 National Accordion Festival of Middle And Old Age, mid October. For further information, please check: http://www.accordions.com/china/index.shtml |
Mozart Prize at 2014 Coupe Mondiale - Austriaby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
![]() The special Mozart category is for soloists, duos or ensembles up to a maximum of six musicians. Ensembles must have at least one accordionist and can be made up of multiple accordionists or accordionists with other instrumentalists. The candidate must present one Mozart piece, and part of a work is allowed, with a playing time of maximum 15 minutes. The 1st Prize of 1000 Euro for the best interpretation of Mozart is being sponsored by Hohner-Konservatorium Trossingen. For full details and requirements, please visit: Coupe Mondiale |
2014 National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Report, Texas - USAby Laura Niland, President of the San Antonio Accordion Association |
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The National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention was held at the Southfork Hotel in Plano, Texas on March 6-8, 2014. Norman Seaton, President of NAA, welcomed the crowd. There were over 300 participants in this yearly festival which gathered accordionists from across the US and beyond. The three-day event featured an Accordion Band Camp (both Youth and Adult Orchestras), Jazz Training Workshops, Gulf Coast JamFest Competition, & Youth Competition for Accordion, Piano and other instruments, as well as a host of other workshops, and concerts. To read a full report and photos about this very successful National Accordion Association (NAA) convention click: 2014 NAA |
7th Strumenti & Musica Festival of Spoleto, 8th to 12th October, Spoleto - Italyby Harley Jones |
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![]() Competition categories are: A Classical Accordion without age limits. B Classical Accordion up to 18 years of age. C Accordion “Virtuoso” (Varieté) without age limits. D Accordion “Virtuoso” (Varieté) up to 18 years of age. E International Competition for ensemble. IAC Artistic Director Mirco Patarini (picture top left) announces that the festival now includes a piano competition in addition to a series of unmissable concerts, which includes the winners of the 7th International Competition for Accordion Soloists and Ensemble. Concert details to come later. During the event, there will also be seminars by Alexander Selivanov (picture lower left), Professor of Accordion at the Gnessin Academy in Moscow and Denis Chefanov, professor of piano at the Conservatory Moscow Tchaikovsky. Entries close 20th September 2014. Rules and entry forms are available in English at: 2014Spoleto.pdf |
Video: Part 2, Excerpts of the Opening Concert, V International Festival ‘Accordion Plus’ – Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() Part 1 was published in last weeks news. Video 1: Yuri Shishkin Folk instruments Orchestra ‘Don’ (conductor Krikor Khurdayan). Video 2: Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi and guitarist Luca Lucini (Italy) Video 3: Young Performers and Liritsa Video 4: Young People Performing 2 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Claudio Jacomucci at Sibelius Academy, Helsinki – Finlandby Rob Howard |
![]() The chair of the accordion is held by Matti Rantanen and Helka Kymäläinen (pedagogy) with teachers Mika Väyrynen, Veli Kujala, Marjut Tynkkynen, and Heidi Velamo. The academy recently hosted a master class Claudio Jacomucci and Kathleen Delaney. The central theme was the accordionist with an approach based on the principles of the Alexander Technique. This teaching is very relevant because the accordion is a very physical instrument. Jacomucci and Delaney explained the various possibilities and applications as set out in their recent book ‘Mastering Accordion Technique’. Students of all levels took part in the lessons. Claudio Jacomucci performed at the chamber music hall of the academy a solo concert, with his own compositions ‘Wonderlands’, ‘Tarantolata’, followed by the virtuoso work by the Italian-Swiss composer Giorgio Tedde, ‘Ballu’, and the arrangements of ‘Baiao Malandro’, ‘Agua y vinho’ and ‘Loro’ by the Brazilian Egberto Gismonti. The concert ended with the moving ‘Infernal Circles’ featuring dancer Kathleen Delaney, and performed in complete darkness where the dancer uses portable lights and evoke the underworld of Orpheus and Eurydice myth. The concert was supported by the Italian Cultural Institute in Helsinki. |
Kevin Friedrich joins ‘A World of Accordions’ Board of Directors - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() As past-president of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) he is respected in accordion circles worldwide, also serves on the board of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) with which the museum is affiliated, and is a performing artist of renown. As founder/curator of the New Zealand Accordion Gems museum, he is intimately familiar with operations and requirements of this type of organization. His regard for our museum and friendship with its curator, Helmi Harrington, has been solid for decades. The board unanimously welcomes his involvement in our future. |
Masterclass by Riccardo Tesi, Paola - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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A two day masterclass by Riccardo Tesi was organised by the Accademia Musicale “Nuove Armonie” director, Alberto La Neve. The event began with a concert by Riccardo Tesi at the concert hall Arci "Piera Bruno". Opening the concert were two students, Alexander and Gabriele Guglielmi (diatonic accordion), who presented a repertoire of songs composed by the guest, prepared and arranged by Antonio Spaccarotella, professor of modern and classical accordion and diatonic accordion at the Academy. The Riccardo Tesi masterclass saw a large participation of students from different regions of Italy and also abroad, as Dayane Radvansky, a young Brazilian student of Spaccarotella had recently arrived in Italy. CD available at: Antonio Spaccarotella |
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Video: Zoe Tiganoura Live Performances - Greeceby Harley Jones |
![]() Video 2: Live at Spetses Very popular Zoe Tiganoura writes: …”I was born and raised in the distant Island of Samothrace, in a family of traditional musicians. Upon my arrival in Athens, I began my quest by experimenting with various musical forms and traditions. I discovered my love for the accordion which, after three years, led me to compose my own songs and instrumental pieces…’’ …Zoe studied Harmony and Counterpoint at the "Nikos Skalkottas" Conservatory, she performs many of her compositions and has made hundreds of recordings as an accordionist, toured extensively and released 7 CD's. |
Video: Anastasia Petrochenko Performs Dark Eyes - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Anastasia Petrochenko soloist performing "Dark Eyes" Rudolf Wurtner arrangement. Anastasia has won many awards and competitions and studied at Novosibirsk State Conservatory, teacher Professor A.N. Romanov. Video was published on Jun 11, 2013. Video by Victor Rakshevsky https://www.youtube.com/user/7264951 who has some 559 videos, many of them accordion for your viewing. |
Video: Ja Imam Talenat Finals 2013, Orkestar Harmonika - Serbiaby Harley Jones |
Serbian TV program Ja Imam Talenat (I Have Talent) 2013 Finalist was Orkestar Harmonika. |
Video: Bohr Natalia and Michael Efimovby Harley Jones |
This young duo of Bohr Natalia and Michael Efimov have been winner of numerous regional competitions and are from the city of Perm Natasha Borovskikh (teacher N.V.Yunkind). Video by Victor Rakshevsky https://www.youtube.com/user/7264951 who has some 559 videos, many of them accordion for your viewing. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Busker George passes away in 2000by Rob Howard |
![]() George Riccardo Passes Away - England Contributed by Heather Smith Much loved accordionist George Riccardo (Hicks) passed away on April 3rd aged 81 years. George was a Dubliner, and came to England, living in Liverpool for many years. He joined the Wyre Accordion Club upon its inception in 1987, and later was to become President. Before becoming ill, he was a regular visitor to Clubs in the North West of England, and on occasions directed the 'Buskers Band' at the annual International Accordion Festival, Blackpool, also regularly attending the accordion weekend at Prestatyn, North Wales. He played his accordion at every opportunity and deemed it to be an inspiration when he was in poor health. George will be missed by his countless friends in the accordion movement and the heartfelt sympathy of us all goes to his family at this very sad time. |
Future events |
12th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Event, New York – USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() The AAA evening will feature Dr. Joseph Ciccone, Chairman, Lenny Feldmann - Master of Ceremonies, Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, Frank Toscano, Manny Corallo, Mary Tokarski and Julie Cardona (The “K” Duo). Frank Carozza, Ray Oreggia & Dominic Karcic, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Emilio Magnotta, Anita & Bob Siarkowski, plus the CT Accordion Orchestra with Linda Soley Reed, Conductor. Special young guest artists will include Albert Manginelli, Cody McSherry, and Rachel Quirbach. RESERVE NOW! Donation of $65.00 per person includes wine tasting at 12 noon, complete dinner including Antipasto, Homemade Soup, Homemade Tagliatelle with tomato/basil cream sauce, Mixed Garden Fresh Salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette, Roast Veal and Chicken (or Pork Roast and Chicken), Vegetable, Potato, Dessert and Coffee. For further information email Dr. Joseph A. Ciccone: drjciccone@aol.com |
Joâo Gentil Tour - Argentinaby Rob Howard |
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Portuguese accordionist Joâo Gentil has been since April 1st on tour in Argentina, and his remaining concert dates include: April 4th – Video Club Social, Carlos Calvo 3978, Buenos Aires April 6th – Auditorio de la Asociation Nedica de Rosario, Rosario April 7th – El Cairo Café, Rosario April 9th – Vidalita, Buenos Aires April 11th – Espacio Cultural Los Surcos, Fado-Tango Club, San Isidro April 12th, 4pm – Jardin Botanico Carlos Tahys, Av Santa Fe, 1425 Caba April 13th, 6.30pm – accordion workshop, 7.30pm – concert, Museo Anconetari, Buenos Aires For further information email: joaogentil1@gmail.com |
Pamela Zahra performs in the 5th Sanremo Junior Contest, Valletta – Maltaby Rob Howard |
![]() Pamela Zahra is a member of the Santa Maria Accordion Band (MD Marthese Busuttil Cassar L.B.C.A.). The winners of the Malta contest qualify to take part in the Sanremo international finals, held at the Teatro Ariston, San Remo, Italy, from May 7th to 10th 2014. |
Folk Music Workshop, Salford – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
3rd Festival d’Accordeon, Pondrome – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
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Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham Tour – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Concert dates: April 5th – The Mart Theatre, Skipton April 6th – The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk April 7th - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs April 8th – The Stables, Milton Keynes April 9th – Arts Centre, St Helier, Jersey April 10th- St James’ Concert Hall, St Peter Port, Guernsey April 11th – Kings Place (Hall One), London April 12th, 8pm - Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. April 13th – The Sage, Gateshead May 23rd, 7.30pm – Community & Arts Centre, Nairn, Scotland May 24th, 8pm – Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, Scotland May 25th, 7.30pm - Town Hall, Stonehaven, Scotland May 29th, 7.45pm – St Andrew’s-in-the-Square, Glasgow, Scotland May 30th, 7.30pm – Corran Halls, Oban, Scotland May 31st, 7.30pm – The Nevis Centre, Fort William, Scotland September 19th, 7.30pm – Kirkcudbright Parish Church, Scotland |
Romana Stahniva and Vitalija Micaka Concert, Daugavpils - Latviaby Rob Howard |
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Rafal Luc Premieres Concert, Wroclaw – Polandby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: rafal@rafalluc.com |
Francesco Palazzo and Tiziana Portoghese Classical Concert, Rome – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() Francesco Palazzo is the highly respected professor of accordion at the Conservatory "N. Piccinni" in Bari, Italy and has performed in many countries. The text about the above video says: The duo offers a search among the most important and beautiful music written on popular texts around the world: a musical journey through all continents: from Italy to Spain, from Germany to Argentina and America, from France to Uzbekistan, from Albania to Persia. Songs and Lieder inspired by popular texts, such as some of the world-famous Folksongs by Luciano Berio, Benjamin Britten, Enrique Granados, Igor Stravinsky, Massimo de Lillo. Folk songs and romantic songs jiddish original and unpublished works composed for the duo and by duo itself. The concert enriched with solo pieces, performed on accordion, inspired by popular themes and atmosphere. |
William Schimmel’s Diary Dates, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() April 12th, 8pm – premiering 3 new works by Columbia University composers, Di Menna Center, New York April 18th – premiering new work by Clara Ianotta, Talea Ensemble, The Kitchen, Mata Festival, New York May 7th, 7.30pm – Irma La Duce, City Center, New York May 9th, 8pm - Irma La Duce, City Center, New York May 10th, 8pm - Irma La Duce, City Center, New York May 11th, 7pm - Irma La Duce, City Center, New York May 17th – Compcord Ensemble performing Dr Schimmel’s ‘Accordiomass’ at the Queen’s New Music Festival, New York June 14th, 7pm – Rossini’s ‘Petite Missa Sollennele’, St George Choral Society Summer Music Festival, Church of the Incarnation, New York; harmonium – Dr Schimmel August 1st to 3rd – This year’s Seminars – ‘The Everyday Accordion: Ordinary X’, ‘Proper = Radiant’, Tenri Cultural Institute, New York. 14 new works of Dr Schimmel will be performed. For more information: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
All Ireland Accordion Festival, Meath – Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: chilton_accordion@hotmail.com |
8th ‘Squeezebox Mania’, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
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The festival ‘Squeezebox Mania’ takes place at Threadgills WHQ, Barton Springs, Riverside, Austin, Texas, on Saturday April 12th, featuring an evening concert at 7.30pm Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox with Los Aztexs, and Ponty Bone & the Squeezetones. Earlier in the day, from 12 until 2pm, Steve Riley and Joel Guzman present a diatonic accordion workshop. Squeezebox Mania celebrates its eighth year of producing these shows. Co-founders are Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox. |
Ken & Mary Gigs, Tennessee, Ohio - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() April 12th, 10am/2pm – WOW Festival 2014, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee April 18th, 7pm/9pm - Wurst Und Bier Restaurant, 110 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, Ohio Ken Nicol’s music background includes not only playing the 5-row diatonic harmonika but also the tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, and mandola. He taught in the Creative Arts program at Ohio State University from 1979 until 1984. He was even bestowed the title “Baron of the Banjo” by Frankie Yankovic. Ken had his own rag/jazz band for many years, playing in and around Ohio as well as performing in the German Pavillon at Disney’s Epcot Center and at the Altstadt Fest in Goslar/Harz, Germany. Mary’s music career has spanned over 30 years, playing both the organ and the piano accordion, performing at numerous festivals, banquets, and for parties. For further information email: kenandmarymusik@yahoo.com |
CD Reviews |
Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Airby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
MusicForAccordion.com eTracks Advertising Pageby Harley Jones |
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New eTracks advertising page http://www.musicforaccordion.com/about_eTracksbanner.aspx |
Amy Jo Sawyer Updates Site - USAby Amy Jo Sawyer |
![]() New accordion orchestra compositions are available online and can be sent by email. |
Douglas Mews New Website on MusicForAccordion.comby Harley Jones |
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Gary Dahl Updated Site - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() 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. |
Gary Dahl Updated eBooks - USAby Gary Dahl |
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Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated eBooks music from Volume 1 - 6 with new prices for purchase on-line. Easy purchase with credit card. |
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MusicForAccordion.com eSheets Advertising Pageby Harley Jones |
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New eSheets advertising page http://www.musicforaccordion.com/about_eSheetbanner.aspx |
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