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Weekly News from Around the World - 04-Mar-2011
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Highlights

Hohner Squeezebox App for the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, Virginia - USA
Aydar Gaynullin Wins ‘Best film music’ Award, Khanty-Mansiysk - Russia
Zydeco’s Chubby Carrier Wins Grammy Award, Los Angeles – USA
‘The World Accordion to Phil’ on BBC 2 Scotland TV – UK

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Martynas Levickis Interview by Roland Williams - UK
‘14 Years Ago’ – Large Accordion Collection Located in Germany

Future events

Film Music Ensemble at the "Nuova Fenice" Theatre/Osimo - Italy
2011 Roland US V-Accordion Festival at ATG, Florida - USA
Frank Marocco Concerts – Italy, Moldova, Germany, USA
Entries Closing for International Accordion Competition, Vilnius – Lithuania
Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini Perform for Mothers Day - USA
Entries Closing for International Competitions ‘Olimpo Musicale’ and ‘Kaunas Sonorum' - Lithuania
Accordion Course and Concert, Rennes – France
CT Tango Ensemble In Concert, Stellenbosch - South Africa
Claudio Jacomucci Performs at International Accordion Festival, Samara – Russia
Richard Galliano Concert Schedule – France
Stefan Andrusyschyn & Denise Leigh Perform at Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UK
Duo Mascagni Concert, Rovinj – Croatia
Accordion Variety Evening, Yorkshire – UK

CD Reviews

Duo MARES Esra Pehlivanli (Viola) and Marko Kassl (Accordion).

New and Updated Sites

March 2011 Diatonic News Online 1st March
March Accordion USA News Online 1st March
March Accordion Russia News Online 1st March

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Highlights

Hohner Squeezebox App for the Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, Virginia - USA

by Gilbert Reyes, Hohner Accordion Product Manager, USA

Hohner announces the introduction of a revolutionary new app for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch: the Hohner SqueezeBox. Mimicking the layout of Hohner’s Corona Classic diatonic accordion, this intuitive virtual accordion app feature a super responsive, three-row fingerboard that plays and sounds like the traditional instrument.

The Hohner SqueezeBox allows musicians to practice chord combinations, scales, and songs on-the-go in five different key combinations and colors. Headphones can be used for private practice or, the audio output of the virtual accordion can be amplified by plugging into computer speakers or other sound enhancing devices.

Players have the option to display the note names on the large white simulated pearloid buttons and with the touch of a button, the tonality can easily be changed from “wet tuning” or “musette” to “dry tuning” or “straight” tuning.

“While not intended to replace a real accordion, the app is a convenient and easy tool for practicing, learning, or teaching. SqueezeBox is great for any style of music.” comments Hohner US Accordion Product Manger Gilbert Reyes Jr.

The Hohner SqueezeBox App is available on the iTunes App Store for the introductory price of $1.99 in the following key combinations: Hohner-GCF, Hohner-FBbEb, Hohner-EAD, Hohner-ADG, and Hohner-BbEbAb. The Hohner-Mini version is available in GCF for the iPhone and iPod Touch at $.99.

For further information email: GReyes@hohnerusa.com

Aydar Gaynullin Wins ‘Best film music’ Award, Khanty-Mansiysk - Russia

by Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions

The film ‘Siberia. Mon Amour’, directed by the Russian filmmaker Slava Ross, took the grand prize of the IX International Debut Film Festival ‘Spirit of Fire’, held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia, from February, 19th to 25th. At the closing ceremony of the festival, the script writer of the film received the ‘Golden Taiga, Best Debut’ award. Aydar Gaynullin won the ‘Best film music’ award.

Picture right of Aydar Gaynullin performing recently at the 5th International Competition of Bayanists and Accordionists, December 2010.

The scenario of ‘Siberia. ??n Amour’, by Slava Ross, is based on the novel ‘Forgotten in Siberia’. Shooting took place in Krasnoyarsk region, Moscow, and Sverdlovsk area in 2008-2010. ??namur is the name of a lonely village in Siberia where lives Ivan, an old conservative man and his seven-year-old grandson Leshka, who are expecting the return of his prodigal son and accordingly the father.

"The main idea of the film is that mercy is beyond equity. We live in an environment of different people, among them many who are cynical , hardened and indifferent. But in these same people there is also a part of God. It is necessary to only consider it, to help it to reveal, regret, forgive", Slava Ross, director and author of the scenario of the film, explained in an interview.

World distribution of this film is by the movie company ‘Euro-corp’ (France), with well- known producer and director Luc Besson!

For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at

Zydeco’s Chubby Carrier Wins Grammy Award, Los Angeles – USA

by Rob Howard

On February 13th, at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, Chubby Carrier won the 2011 Zydeco/Cajun Grammy award for his CD ‘Zydeco Junkie’. Issued on Carrier’s own Swampadelic Records label, the CD includes his accordion-driven version of ‘Movin' On Up’, the theme from ‘The Jeffersons’ TV show.

Chubby Carrier (born 1967) began his music career in Louisiana dance halls playing in his father’s Zydeco band in the 1970s, then formed his own Bayou Swamp Band and to date has released 11 CDs since 1989. Chubby and his band have travelled all over the world, performing in all parts of the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, North Africa, and Europe.

Described in publicity as "The World's Premier Zydeco Showman", Chubby is the third generation of well known Zydeco artistes, the son of Roy Carrier, grandson of Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousin of Bebe and Calvin Carrier.

‘The World Accordion to Phil’ on BBC 2 Scotland TV – UK

by Rob Howard

‘The World Accordion to Phil’ is a 4 part TV documentary on BBC 2 Scotland, presented by Phil Cunningham, beginning on Wednesday March 9th, 8pm, looking at the accordion and its origins in an international context. The series begins in China, then moves to Vienna, Castelfidardo, the Spanish Basque country, Ireland, Brittany, Paris, Bucharest, Moscow, Prague, Louisiana, Texas, Brazil, and Argentina – exploring the local accordion traditions.

During the course of these programmes Phil Cunningham MBE, one of Scotland’s best known accordionists, meets Russia’s Viatcheslav Semionov, Ireland’s Sharon Shannon and Joe Burke, France’s Marcel Azzola, Tex-Mex player Flaco Jimenez, Louisiana’s Marc Savoy, and many more.

"When I took the idea to the BBC almost two years ago, I knew it was a big subject, but once the researchers got their teeth into it, it suddenly became a lot bigger than even I had imagined. Yet," says Phil Cunningham, "we only scratched the surface. We could have gone on for hours and hours. I know that the Inuits play the accordion but we didn't get up to the Arctic, and it's part of Zulu culture…"

Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc.

Martynas Levickis Interview by Roland Williams - UK

by Roland Williams

Martynas Levickis winning the ‘Lithuania’s Got Talent 2010’

In January 2011 Lithuanian-born accordionist Martynas Levickis caused a sensation by winning the ‘Lithuania’s Got Talent 2010’ contest on live TV. Levickis Interview.

Martynas Levickis was a student at Šiauliai Conservatory and is now studying at the Royal Academy of Music, London. He has won many international competitions including winning the International Piano Accordion category at the 2010 Coupe Mondiale (World Accordion Championships) in Varaždin, Croatia.

Levickis Interview.

‘14 Years Ago’ – Large Accordion Collection Located in Germany

by Rob Howard

On March 7th 1997 the Accordions Worldwide news reported the large accordion collection owned by Dieter Plinke in Berlin…

PRIVATE COLLECTION OF 400 ACCORDIONS IN BERLIN
Contributed by Faithe Deffner (picture right), President of the American Accordionists' Association

While in Frankfurt, Faithe Deffner and Harley Jones had the pleasure of meeting Dieter Plinke of Berlin, Germany who has a private collection of some 400 accordions of various vintage, style and manufacture, available for viewing by appointment.

Plinke hopes to set up a museum in the future, but is happy to show his collection to any accordion enthusiast. Of his most interesting squeezebox specimens are a Polish diatonic with unusual systems for both hands and a pedal attachment, a unique free bass system from the early 30s marked 'Meinl & Herold' and a mint-condition 'Titano' with piano keyboard from the 1950s.

When visiting Berlin, call him to see the collection: +49 30-8814916.

Future events

Film Music Ensemble at the "Nuova Fenice" Theatre/Osimo - Italy

by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

2011 Roland US V-Accordion Festival at ATG, Florida - USA

by Steven Albini, Roland Corporation U.S.

Roland-USA and the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) announce that the 2011 Roland-USA V-Accordion Festival, previously held in Los Angeles, will take place during the 2011 ATG Festival in Orlando, Florida July, 27th to 30th. The venue will be the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel.

The Roland Festival competitions will be held on July 29th. Roland artists will give workshops, master classes and be featured during the ATG's evening concerts. Details regarding auditions for the competition will be released shortly.

Roland artists giving workshops, performing, etc, include Sergio Scappini, Danili Di Paolonicola from Italy, Chris Gorton, Alex Meixner, Steve Albini. and more...

For 2011, the Roland-USA qualifications will again include both Senior Soloist category (minimum age 18 years) and Junior Soloist category (maximum 17 years), plus a new diatonic category for the new FR-18 model. The Roland V-Accordion International Festival is for Senior Soloists only.

The international event will take place on October 21st and 22nd in Rome, Italy and the US winner will be sponsored to that exciting event. 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 further information about the US Qualifications at the Roland-USA V-Accordion Festival, please email: salbini@msn.com

Photo below is Kevin Friedrich (CIA Executive) and Steve Albini (Roland US) at the Roland International Rome Festival 2010.

Frank Marocco Concerts – Italy, Moldova, Germany, USA

by Rob Howard

Frank Marocco, based in California, is one of the world’s most highly regarded accordionists, and one of the most recorded. Apart from his own numerous recordings, Frank Morocco has contributed to over 500 movie and TV soundtracks, and to many sessions recordings for artistes including the Beach Boys, Neil Sedaka, Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd, and many more.

Frank Marocco’s forthcoming concert dates include:
March 5th - quartet with Max Ferri, Felice Del Gaudio and Massimo Tagliata, Chet Baker Jazz Club, Bologna, Italy
March 8th – guest appearance at the international music festival ‘Martisor’, Republic of Moldova
March 9th, 9pm – Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
April 10th - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 4th to 7th – workshop, Klingenthal, Germany
May 7th, 7pm – concert, Klingenthal
June 2nd to 6th - Frank Marocco Accordion Event and Workshop, Castelfidardo, Italy
June 4th, 9pm –duo with Daniele di Bonaventura, Chiesa San Francesco, Castelfidardo
June 5th, 9pm – concert, Frank Marocco´s International Accordion Orchestra, Teatro Astra, Castelfidardo

For further information email: frankmarocco@yahoo.com

Entries Closing for International Accordion Competition, Vilnius – Lithuania

by Harley Jones

International Accordion Competition Vilnius 2011 banner

Entries close 10th March for the International Accordion Competition Vilnius 2011, organized by the Lithuanian Accordion Association, which takes place from April 6th to 9th.

The venue is the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.

This includes the ninth annual National Lithuanian Accordion Competition, which also serves as a selection process for entry to the International Accordion Competitions.

Competitors are grouped into 11 categories by the age and the chosen genre of the performance. The audience will enjoy soloists, ensembles and orchestras of various configurations, performing various genres of music.

The rules of the competition and entry form are in English and may be downloaded: 2011 Vilnius and Vilnius 2011 entry. For further information email: info@laas.lt

Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini Perform for Mothers Day - USA

by Harley Jones

Mario Tacca and his wife, noted singer Mary Mancini, will be performing as part of a spectacular Mother's Day Celebration at the Royal Manor in Garfield, NJ on May 5th and 6th. Produced by Ace in the Hole, a fantastic day awaits with an excellent menu, door prizes, a 50-50 drawing, and more!

Mario Tacca is a Second Vice-President of the AAA and well known internationally for his performances. He is also a composer with works published at Mario Tacca.

For further information email: mariobtacca@hotmail.com

Entries Closing for International Competitions ‘Olimpo Musicale’ and ‘Kaunas Sonorum' - Lithuania

by Rob Howard

Entries are closing now for the ‘Olimpo Musicale’ international competition organised by the Kaunas Accordion Society and the Veiveriai Art School. This competition is unusual in that it is open to all types of young instrumentalists, soloists and ensembles (except two pianos). An ensemble should not exceed nine persons, and excludes teachers. You may download the rules and other information at: 2011 Olimpo.

The third international competition ‘Olimpo Musicale’ will be held in Prienai, June 2nd to 5th 2011. The performances will be held in June 2nd to 4th. The closing ceremony of the competition will take place at Prienai Cultural Centre concert hall on June 5th.

Entries are also closing (10th March) for the ‘Kaunas Sonorum – 2011’, the first International Competition for Young Musicians takes place in Kaunas, Lithuania, from March 31st until April 2nd. The competition includes individual sections for accordion, piano, string and wind instruments, and vocalists. Each section has a range of age categories, and all competitors are required to play from memory.

Download Rules and Regulations: 2011Sonorum

For further information email: mindaugas@akordeonas.lt

Accordion Course and Concert, Rennes – France

by Harley Jones

This weekend an accordion training course led by Maryse Roux, Céline Rivoal and Camille Privat, organized in partnership with the EMCR, takes place in Rennes, Brittany.

On Sunday March 6th, 6pm, after the course finishes, Camille Privat will present music from her new CD in a concert that also features students from the course.

The venue will be the Stade Jean Coquelin, St Hélier, Rennes, close to the railway station. Admission is free.

For further information email: atout.vent@yahoo.fr

CT Tango Ensemble In Concert, Stellenbosch - South Africa

by Rob Howard

The CT Tango Ensemble perform in concert on Sunday March 6th, 6.30pm until 8pm, at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre, corner of Adam Tas and Oude Libertas Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa. The programme includes traditional tangos, music of Astor Piazzolla, and some of the band’s original compositions.

The CT Tango Ensemble includes Stanislav Angelov - bandoneon and accordion, Albert Combrink – piano, Elina Koytcheva – violin, and Charles Lazar - double bass, with guests Willie van Zyl – saxophone, Michael Hoole – guitar, and Frank Paco – drums.

For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za

Claudio Jacomucci Performs at International Accordion Festival, Samara – Russia

by Rob Howard

Italian accordionist Claudio Jacomucci gives a solo recital, and appears in a multimedia performance with the dancer Kathleen Delaney, at the International Accordion Festival, Samara, Russia, March 6th to 11th.

Richard Galliano Concert Schedule – France

by Rob Howard

French accordionist Richard Galliano’s concert schedule includes the following dates. Some of the concerts are billed as the French Touch Trio i.e. Richard Galliano (accordion), Jean-Marie Ecay (guitar), and Jean-Philippe Viret (bass).

Those dates billed as From Bach to Piazzolla, feature the music of JS Bach and Astor Piazzolla, performed by a sextet led by Galliano.

March 5th - French Touch Trio, Blue Note, Milan, Italy
March 7th and 8th – master class, Livorno
March 9th - solo concert, Livorno
March 11th - French Touch Trio, Azzano Decimo
March 12th - French Touch Trio, Fiorenzuola
March 14th - Guest of jazz singer Kurt Elling, plus the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Barbican, London
March 17th - French Touch Trio, Vitré, France
March 21st - Suite Méditéranéenne, Lyon
March 22nd – solo concert, Bordeaux
March 26th – sextet: From Bach to Piazzolla, Brive
March 29th - sextet: From Bach to Piazzolla, Ravenna, Italy
March 30th - sextet: From Bach to Piazzolla, Rouen, France

For further information email: ginga@wanadoo.fr

Stefan Andrusyschyn & Denise Leigh Perform at Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UK

by Rob Howard

Denise Leigh (soprano) and Stefan Andrusyschyn (accordion)

Stefan Andrusyschyn (accordion) and Denise Leigh (soprano) are the guests at Stockport Accordion Club on Wednesday March 9th, 8pm. The venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel St/A560, Woodley, Stockport SK6 1ND. The Stockport AC Band (MD Derek Stubbs) and Orchestra (MD Brian Jenkins) will both perform short sets.

Stefan Andrusyschyn is one of the youngest holders of the performers' and teachers' diplomas from the British College of Accordionists, the winner of several NAO UK Championship titles, and has competed internationally.

He has studied with Oleg Sharov, Friedrich Lips, Peter Soave, Owen Murray, Frédéric Deschamps, and others. Denise Leigh, Stefan’s wife is an acclaimed operatic soprano, and the winner of Channel Four TV’s ‘Opportunity’ competition.

For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com

Duo Mascagni Concert, Rovinj – Croatia

by Rob Howard

Franko Božac (bayan), from Pula, Croatia, and Charlene Farrugia (piano), from Malta, perform as the Duo Mascagni. On Wednesday March 9th they are in concert in Rovinj, Croatia.

For further information email: Fbozac3@gmail.com

Accordion Variety Evening, Yorkshire – UK

by Rob Howard

The enterprising accordion promoter Harry Kipling presents an ‘Accordion Variety Evening’
at The Pocklington Gliding Club, Pocklington Air Field, North Yorkshire YO42 1NP, on Saturday March 12th, 7.30pm.

The concert features accordionists Harry Hussey, George Syrett, and Sam Pirt & The Hut People.

For further information email: henrykipling@fsmail.net