Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
CD Reviews |
New and Updated Sites |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
Roland 2011 V-Accordion Festival Rules & Regulations - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Roland Europe S.p.A. and Roland Corporation announced the 2011 5th “Roland V-Accordion” international Festival for accordion soloists at the recent NAMM Show in California, USA. The international event will take place on October 21st and 22nd in Rome, Italy. The rules are available on the Roland website and may be downloaded - 2011 Rome Rules. Roland distributors in countries around the world will be holding selection qualifications to decide by September 23rd who will be the competitors representing their country in Rome at the Roland V-Accordion Festival. For 2011, qualifications will again include both Senior Soloist category (minimum age 18 years) and Junior Soloist category (maximum 17 years). The Roland V-Accordion International Festival is for Senior Soloists only. For further information, view the Roland website or download a pdf of the 2011 Rome Rules and Regulations. |
Musikmesse 2011, Frankfurt - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() The fair is an exhibition of trends from the fields of musical-instrument making, digital music production, electronic music, music literature and music marketing, featuring more than 30,000 musical-instrument products. Events, awards and workshops includes: - a trade fair of international exhibitors from 46 countries presenting musical instruments, music software and hardware, sheet music, accessories and services connected with music making. * live music: around 1,000 workshops, product demonstrations, concerts, showcases and clinics present instruments and artists in action. * Public Day with over 50 live acts on the stages, see stars live and at autograph sessions. Public day has many accordion demonstrators at the displays of the accordion manufacturers. * Vintage Show – exhibition of rare and special instruments, a journey through the history of music in Hall 4.1 * Music4Kids: six-day participatory exhibition revolving around music, acoustics and instruments * awards for musicians, celebrities and instrument makers |
International Accordion Festival, Vienna – Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() Pdf program file (4.9MB). 2011 Festival Wien Artists at this month long major international festival of some 42 accordion events include: the Richard Galliano Sextet (France), Otto Lechner, the Martin Lubenov Orchestra, Klaus Paier, Chango Spasiuk (Argentina), Wendy McNeill (Canada), Jana Vébrová (Czech Republic), the Tim Edey Collective (Scotland), Johanna Juhola (Finland), Klaus Paier, the Jurek Lamorski Quartet (Poland), Milos Todorovski, Box Club (Scotland), Bester Quartet (Poland), and many more. High profile accordionists from around the world will be performing virtually every type of music. Download the .pdf program file. 2011 Festival Wien For further information email: friedl.preisl@aon.at |
Bandini-Chiacchiaretta Duo with the Philharmonie, Baden-Baden - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
The duo Bandini-Chiacchiaretta perform with the Philharmonie orchestra, conducted by Pavel Baleff, on Saturday February 12th, 8pm, at the Stadthalle, 20 Kleiner Saal, Baden-Baden. The concert also includes appearances by Pablo Márquez (classical guitar), the Cuarteto de Guitarras de Chile, and Rafael Aguirre (classical guitar). There will be an introduction by composer Ernesto Cordero at 6pm. Giampaolo Bandini (guitar) and Cesare Chiacchiaretta (bandoneon) founded the Bandini Chiacchiaretta duo in 2002 with the aim of interpreting Argentinean music using the charm and magic of guitar and bandoneon. This duo quickly became well known on international concert circuits, and their first CD, ‘Hombres de Tango’ sold more than 10,000 copies. Recently, the duo has been teaching at prestigious music schools and holding master classes at international festivals. For further information email either: isabella.ruggeri@parmaconcerti.it or cesaremagnum@hotmail.com |
9th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund Event, New York - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() |
The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) presents the 9th Annual Afternoon of Music, Food, and Fun at the Magnanini Farm Winery in Wallkill, NY, on Sunday March 27th, 12 noon until 5pm, to benefit the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund for the advancement of promising young accordionists. Traditional ‘Valtaro’ music will be featured at the AAA Carrozza Scholarship Dinner along with guest artists Mario Tacca, Frank Toscano, Emilio Magnotta, Frank Carozza, Ray Oreggia, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Lenny Feldman, Chris Gorton, Fabio & Fabio, Anita and Bob Siarkowski, The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra, Mary Mancini, and others to be announced. The AAA event begins at 12 noon with wine tasting, 1pm dinner, followed by entertainment. It will be a fun and entertaining afternoon with great food, dancing, and accordion friends! Reserve early! In the past, the event has sold out! For further information email: drjciccone@aol.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Emilio Balcarce, 1918 to 2011, Buenos Aires – Argentinaby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Juan Emilio Sitano, born February 22nd 1918 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, better known as Emilio Balcarce, was a violinist, bandoneon player, director, arranger and composer. His first instrument was the mandolin, followed by the violin, which Balcarce studied for 6 years. Later he played at dances, cafes, and during the intermissions of plays. In 1940 Balcarce formed his own orchestra, also playing the accordion. For 19 years he played in an orchestra with Osvaldo Pugliese, and eventually Balcarce began a solo career. Barace formed his first band with the singer Jorge Duran, followed by Amadeo Mandarino and Osvaldo Bazán, and began composing, arranging and collaborations with big names from the Tango scene such as Anibal Troilo, Alfredo Gobbi, Francini-Pontier, José Basso, Leopoldo Federico. He achieved great popularity with his compositions ‘La Bordona’ and ‘Pichuco’ and the tango composition ‘Bien compadre’. Balcarce later formed Sexteto Tango, making recordings for RCA Victor. Sexteto Tango toured Japan, France, Russia, Spain, Holland, and all the countries of South America. In 2000 the Orquesta Escuela de Tango Emilio Balcarce (OTS) school was founded in order to commemorate the golden tango era, releasing 2 CDs: ‘De contrapunto’ (2000) and ‘Bien compadre’ (2004). In December 2001 the first musicians graduated from the school. Emilio Balcarce was declared Honorary Academician of the National Academy of Tango, Distinguished Citizen of Villa Urquiza and Buenos Aires, received the Diploma ‘Glory of Tango’ by the Academy of Lunfardo Porteña. With the Sexteto Tango he achieved two Konex awards in 1985 and 1995. After many years of performing Emilio decided to retire and settled in the Neuquén province of Argentina. He died in Buenos Aires on January 19th 2011. |
Alexander Poeluev Performs 30 concerts in the Last Month - Russia, Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() Alexander Poeluev has appeared in recitals in Italy, Rostov-on-Don, Rostov region, Krasnodar, as well as the Christmas show "Champagne" in Rostov-on-Don, where over 20,000 people enjoyed the show. |
Owen Murray Performs in ‘The Plague’, London – UKby Roland Williams |
![]() Roberto Gerhard (1896 – 1970) set the story to music using a narrator, a large chorus and orchestra (the London orchestra Da Camera, conducted by David Temple) with the orchestration including a large part for accordion, which adds brilliantly to the orchestral tonal color of the accompaniment of the narrator and choir. This Barbican performance received high praise from the music critics. The accordion part by Owen Murray blended brilliantly with choir and percussion in some of the most dramatic parts of the score and the narration, so much so, that one critic described it as ‘the lungs’ of the orchestra. Owen Murry received with the conductor and narrator an especially loud cheer from a very appreciative Barbican audience. Roberto Gerhard, also composed a ‘Concerto for 8 instruments’, one of which is the accordion. Like ‘The Plague’ it is a rarely performed work but one of exceptional tonal colour. |
’14 Years Ago’ - Well Known Americans Playing Accordions - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() BIG NAMES AND GREAT TALENTS PLAY ACCORDION Contributed by Faithe Deffner (picture right), President of the American Accordionists' Association The accordion currently is played by a host of celebrities. Among them are: Peter Catera (Chicago), Sheryl Crow (picture top left), Linda Evangelista Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, Benny Anderson (ABBA), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Peter Holsapple (Hootie & the Blowfish), Krist Novoselic (formerly of Nirvana), Cindy Lauper, Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Charlie Gillingham (Counting Crows), Bruce Hornsby (picture lower left), John Linnell (They Might Be Giants), Garth Hudson (The Band). Journalist Katharina Sand hailed the accordion's ever growing popularity in her recent New York Magazine article: "Last year, Jay Leno (the popular night time TV talk show host) tried to make Linda Evangelista (the high-style fashion model) look uncool by having her play the accordion on the Tonight Show (a top-rated nightly TV broadcast). He may have been behind the curve. Lately, the little-loved instrument has been popping up in surprising places. Lili Taylor is a professional accordion player. Sheryl Crow now straps one on in concert. 'She took it up easily because she played the piano,' says Crow's agent. 'She decided the accordion was much sexier as an instrument though.' Aren't you proud to be playing the hottest instrument around - the unique and exciting accordion! |
Future events |
Frederic Deschamps and Grayson Masefield, Washington State - USAby Kathleen Falco |
![]() The Master Class and Workshop dates are March 20th to 26th, culminating in a concert by his protégé Grayson Masefield (New Zealand). The concert will take place on March 26th (time to be advised) at St Mark's Lutheran Church, Park and Ride Place, 218-398 E 24th Ave, Spokane, Washington. Grayson Masefield is an outstanding artist who has been honored with many first place awards including 2010 1st Place - Spoleto Senior Variete and Senior Classic, 2009 1st Place - Roland International V-Accordion Competition & Festival, 2009 1st Place – Coupe Mondiale, 2009 1st Place - Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment, 2009 1st Place - Primus Ikaalinen International TV Competition - Finland. Grayson is returning to Spokane, WA to perform once again. This Master Class and Concert is hosted by local professional accordionist, teacher, and international competitor and USA jurist for the CMA, Patricia Bartell, who has a teaching school based in Spokane, WA. For further information email: kathleen.falco@yahoo.com |
Gary Blair’s Traditional Scottish Ceilidh, Dorset – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: sammiecatling@hotmail.co.uk |
Vibratango in Concert, Barcelona - Spainby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
The trio Vibratango perform in concert on February 17th, 7.30pm, at Auditori Belles Arts, Psg Manresa, 20 Sabadell, Barcelona. Music includes compositions by Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla, Errol Garner and Vladimir Vlasov. Vibratango are Ferran Martinez – bayan, Mario Bernaus - bass guitar, and Raul Serrano – percussion. For further information email: fmc_martinez@yahoo.com |
‘The Great American Squeeze Off’ Accordion Festival, Nevada - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The chief guests are accordionists Dick Contino (picture top left), Mario Pedone (picture lower left), and the comedian Corky Bennett, plus Steve Albini (picture right), Pete Contino, Ron Borelli, Joe Cairo, Bob Russ, and John Coverelli. The festival has an “emphasis will be on fun and camaraderie”. The show will travel to the Midwest and the East coast later on in the year and feature stars from those areas! For further information email: info@cbproductions.net |
VAMÖ Competition, Vienna – Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
The VAMÖ competition for young accordion soloists takes place on February 27th at the Waldmüller Centre, Hasengasse 38, 1100 Vienna. The competition, with various age categories, is open only to players from EU countries and to foreigners resident in Vienna. The closing date for entries was on January 15 th. A gala concert begins at 6pm. For further information email: kaleta.hermi@aon.at |
Mazaika Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() |
On Sunday March 6th, 8pm – 11pm, Mazaika perform in concert at Archangel (AAA below Archangel), 11-13 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP. Mazaika are Igor Outkine (accordion and vocals) and Sarah Harrison (violin, domra, vocals). Their extensive repertoire includes Russian gypsy songs, Hot Club Jazz, Tango, French, Latin and English popular songs. For further information email: igor.outkine@yahoo.com |
39th ‘Kleinen Tage der Harmonika’, Klingenthal – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() Young accordionists from Saxony, Thuringia and Bavaria, the Czech Republic, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg will meet to demonstrate their skills in a competition. For many players this event is a preparation for their participation to the annual International Accordion Competition in Klingenthal, which takes place from May 2nd to 8th. This competition also includes a small concert program: Saturday February 26th, 7pm - concert with the Accordion Orchestra Hofer Symphoniker Sunday February 27th - Winners Concert, 2.30 pm Both concerts take place in the foyer of the Sparkasse Vogtland branch in Klingenthal. For further information email: Intern.Akkordeonwettbewerb @ t-online.de |
João Gentil TRIUM LAAC CULTURAL CENTER - Portugalby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
Saturday, February 5 from 21:00, café-concert with the newly formed João Gentil TRIUM will take place at LAAC Cultural Center. Musicians: Piano - André Varandas DoubleBass - Miguel Duarte Accordion & Bandoneon - Joao Gentil New project from Joao Gentil, called TRIUM, wich consist on musical journey thru the world but mainly on south America, the Argentinean Tango, the Chamamé, but also Fado (portugueses tipical music). Influenced by Amália Rodrigues, Zeca Afonso, Astor Piazzolla, Ennio Morricone, Richard Galliano and many others. for INformation: João Gentil joaogentil1@gmail.com |
CD Reviews |
Viva Voce CD Reviewby Joan C. Sommers |
![]() |
New and Updated Sites |
Soundwear Dimbath e.K., Accordion Bag Manufacturer - Germanyby Soundwear Dimbath e.K. |
![]() |
The Accordion Russia News 1st February edition, now online.by Alexander Selivanov |
![]() |
The Accordion Russia News 1st February edition is now online. |
February 2011 Diatonic News Now Onlineby Werner Weibert |
![]() |
The February 2011 Diatonic News is now online. |
February Accordion USA News Now Onlineby Rita Barnea |
![]() |
The February 2011 Accordion USA News is now online. |
Viacheslav Bondarenko New Website - Russiaby Viacheslav Bondarenko |
![]() |
Jean-Marc Marroni New Website - Franceby Jean-Marc Marroni |
![]() |
Coupe Mondiale Website Updateby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
![]() |
The Coupe Mondiale website has been updated with the categories, rules and regulations for the 2011 Coupe Mondiale being held in Shanghai China from 2-6 October, 2011. |
CIA Website Updateby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
![]() |
Website update with information about the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) holding their Winter Congress and 125th General Assembly of Delegates in Ikaalinen, Finland from March 4 - 6, 2011. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Email Address for Claude Thomain and Pascal Groffeby Harley Jones | Modify | Delete |
I have a request for the email address for Claude Thomain and also for the email address for Pascal Groffe. Please send to harleyaccordion@yahoo.com Thank you. |
Titano Organette Tube Chamber Accordian information neededby | Modify | Delete |
Random video 4UAdd your video!TRY IT NOW |