Highlights

World Accordion Day, 24 Hours Live Video - International
Archives Hour 1 to Hour 6, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International
Archives, Hour 7 to Hour 12, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International
Archives, Hour 13 to Hour 18, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International
Archives, Hour 19 to Hour 24, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International
NAO UK Championships 2012 Report & Results, Liverpool - UK
49th Klingenthal International Accordion Competition 2012 - Germany
Marco Lo Russo to Receive Special Award, Naples - Italy
Stolen Accordion, London – UK
Veteran Accordionist Silvio De Pra Passes Away (circa 1925 to 2012) – New Zealand

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

Tom Duncan (1923 - 2012), Lancashire – UK
‘The Yetties Farewell Tour’ DVD, Dorset – UK
Aleksander Nikolic and Petar Maric Concerts – Germany, Czech Republic
Accordion Composer Gary Daverne Scored Movie Soundtrack – New Zealand
European Forum on Music 2012, Istanbul - Turkey
‘14 Years Ago’ – Regis Gizavo heads for the USA

Future events

Frank Marocco Memorial Concert, Castelfidardo - Italy
International Postgraduate Course II Accordion Master Classes, Arpino - Italy
German Accordion Band in Concert, Cheshire – UK
World Accordion Day Event, Auckland – New Zealand
Marko Kassl Concert Dates – Netherlands, Germany, Venezuela
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano Concert, World Accordion Day Event, Stockport - UK
Paprika on BBC Radio 3, London – UK
Steve Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya May Performances - USA
Duo Prochains Concerts, Brussels – Belgium
RESCHEDULED: First Annual Branson Accordion Festival - USA
25th Anniversary, Open Day at the Royal Academy of Music, London – UK
Kimmo Pohjonen Tours with Accordion Wrestling and Uniko - Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Holland, UK,

CD Reviews

BOOK REVIEW - Vintage Accordions by Rob Howard, Reviewed by Peter Ayers - UK

New and Updated Sites

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Site Update - USA
eTracks MP3 Albums by Silvio De Pra Now Online – International

Help Desk, Information needed, Readers Comments Submit Your Question, Comment NEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW

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Highlights

World Accordion Day, 24 Hours Live Video - International by Harley Jones

World Accordion Day Live Video (24 hours, starting 7am Paris time) has just ended and been a huge success with viewers from around the world watching contributions from many different nations, performers, teachers and associations. The show directed by Frederic Deschamps, Grayson Masefield and Mike Rossi is available for viewing in 24 separate hours of archived video coverage. Each 1 hour archived segment is linked below on this page. From CIA President Raymond Bodell, "A Dream has been realised – The World of the Accordion really does co-exist and has now been seen – thanks to all around the world who participated and joined us and particularly Frederic Deschamps, Grayson Masefield and Mike Rossi - Bravo! A truly spectacular event that will be memorable for years to come." CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila, "Bravo for this super idea and your perfect realisation, Fred, Grayson and Mike" Kevin Friedrich, CIA Executive and Ambassador: "On behalf of my colleagues from the CIA, a WORLD of thanks to Grayson Masefield from the CIA Music Committee, for organizing this spectacular World Accordion Day event. You have created one of the most interesting and amazing accordion spectacles we have ever seen. Thanks to Frederic Deschamps for 24 hours of non stop energy and communication with our accordion friends from around the world, and of course a special thanks to Mike Rossi for producing the show. The three of you have created something unforgettable and unique, bringing accordionists from around the globe together in a musical marathon and will be an incredible record of accordion activities from around the world in 2012. Bravo to you all and congratulations on your spectacular production for the CIA." AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ACCORDION WORLD: Thank you to all the participants of this year’s World Accordion Day 2012! Whether you were interviewed, a performer, sent in a video, commented on the live chat or even just watched, this event couldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you to the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) for creating World Accordion Day in 2009 and their continuous support and promotion of the accordion around the world. Also we must mention the members of the CIA Executive that took part with in this event: Raymond Bodell, Kevin Friedrich, Kimmo Mattila, Joan Sommers, Herbert Scheibenreif , Harley Jones and Mirco Patarini plus members of the CIA Music Committee: Viatcheslav Semionov, Andreas Nebl and Li Cong. There must of course be a very sincere thank you to our technical director Mike Rossi. His efforts and improvisation are greatly appreciated, especially as we were receiving videos throughout the live 24 hours. Thanks to Harley Jones (creator of www.accordions.com ) for his promotion and support of the event. The whole project was a worldwide success with over 310,365 minutes viewed and over 20,160 connections from over 87 countries. Congratulations must be given to the countries with the highest viewers: 1. USA, 2. France, 3. UK, 4. Chile, 5. Russia, 6. Germany, 7. Canada, 8. Italy, 9. Greece, 10. Finland. It proves that the accordion world is a real family no matter what level, whether beginner or professional or what genre they choose to play (Classical, Traditional, Jazz, Arabic, Contemporary, Ensemble etc... ) Thank you once again for everyone’s help, Sincerely The World Accordion Day Team Grayson Masefield – Coordinator & Co-Presenter Frederic Deschamps – Co–Presenter

Archives Hour 1 to Hour 6, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International by Directors: Frédéric Deschamps, Grayson Masefield & Mike Rossi

Hour 1
Welcome & New Zealand. Interviews with Kevin Friedrich and Harley Jones. Performances by Campbell Bettridge, the NSAO Music Makers, Maurice Jones, Lionel Reekie and Grayson Masefield.


Hour 2
Australia, Japan and Korea. Interviews with Zelkjo Bedic & Tania Lukic Marx. Performances from Australian Champions, Tania Lukic Marx, Mie Miki and Coba and a great beginning with the performance of an Australian Medley.


Hour 3
China and India. Surprise video (for us...) Highlights of Coupe Mondiale 2011 Shanghai. Discussion with Crystal Wang about new Chinese accordion compositions and Amit Vaidya from India.




Hour 4
Vietnam, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Russia (part 1). Interview with Vietnam delegation Nguyen Tuan Anh- NguyenTai Hung-Nguyen Quynh Trang representing CIA Delegate Prof Minh., Videos of Thailand compiled by Mika Wolkan, interview with Samgar Tollkynkhan from Kazakhstan, coverage of Russian Bayan Day organised by Friedrich Lips. Short presentaton of BayanMix created by Sergei Voitenko.


Hour 5
Afghanistan, Iran and Moldavia. Documentary of Gregory Warner about Afghanistan and footage of Ahmad Zahir, Discover the private accordion collection (200+) of Gholamreza Hasani from Iran, World Champions Radu Laxgang, Dorin Grama, Misha Grossu from Moldavia and the orchestra Concertino!


Hour 6 and Hour 7
Ukraine, Latvia and Finland. Interviews with Alexander Hrustevich from Ukraine, Ksenija Sidorova from Latvia and presentation from CIA General Secretary Kimmo Mattila from Finland ending with performance of Kimmo Pohjonen.

Archives, Hour 7 to Hour 12, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International by Directors: Frédéric Deschamps, Grayson Masefield & Mike Rossi

Hour 6 and 7
Ukraine, Latvia and Finland. Interviews with Alexander Hrustevich from Ukraine, Ksenija Sidorova from Latvia and presentation from CIA General Secretariat Kimmo Mattila from Finland ending with performance of Kimmo Pohjonen.


Hour 8
Russia Part 2. Interviews and performances of Viatcheslav Semionov, Alexander Selivanov & Yulia Amerikova, Saniok Veretennikov, Alexander Poeluev and Yuri Shishkin.


Hour 9
Greece and Serbia. Interview and performances from Zoe Tiganouria from Greece. World Champion Vladimir Blagojevic, Current Coupe Mondiale Champion Nenad Ivanovic and Serbia’s Got Talent winners 2009 with Trio Piller (Darko Sandra and Danijel) and 2011 Winner Nikola Pekovic.


Hour 10
Bulgaria, Croatia & Slovakia. Interview and performances from Bulgarian Group “CORD” composed of Vidin Andonov, Gerogi Velichkov, Svetoslav Stoychev and Stefan Dimitrov. Marjan Krajna from Croatia and performance from his student Marko Matic and finishing with Tibor Ivan from Slovakia and performance from Michal Cervienka.


Hour 11
Lithuania. Interview with Mindaugas Labanauskas, duo performance from duet D’accordo (Laimonas Salijus and Gintare Akstinaviciute), interview with Raimondas Sviackevicius and Martynas Levickis winner of Lithuania’s Got Talent.


Hour 12
Lebanon and Austria. Demonstration and explanation of Arabic tuning by Lebanese accordionist Elias Lammam. Presentation for the Austrian Accordion Association and interview with CIA Vice President Herbert Scheibenreif with performance by Loui Herinx and Denis Novato (Slovenia).

Archives, Hour 13 to Hour 18, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International by Directors: Frédéric Deschamps, Grayson Masefield & Mike Rossi

Hour 13
Sorry this Footage has been deleted because of internet failure. It was .... Interview and performances by Mirco Patarini organiser of 2012 Coupe Mondiale. Performances by Antonio Spacaratella and Current CIA Champion Pietro Adranga and interview with Holda Paoletti-Kampl.

Hour 14
Netherlands, Israel and Monaco. Vincent van Amsterdam interview and performances. Ettie Tevel the first accordionist to acheieve a Music degree with accordion in Israel. Monaco: Bach played by Sebastien Innocenti and Klingenthal Champion Christine Rossi with a suprise video from 1991 uploaded by her daughter Oksana.


Hour 15 Link
Germany. Interview with Georg Hettman and orchestra conducted by DHV President Fritz Dobler, interview with CIA Music Committee member Andreas Nebl with performance from Nebl & Nebl (accordion and clarinet) and conducting the World Hohner Accordion Orchestra in Shanghai. Current Coupe Mondiale Junior Variety Champion Matthias Matzke and presentation of German accordion magazines mAO and akkordeon by Dr. Thomas Eickhoff.


Hour 16 Link
France. Interview and performance of Pascal Contet – Concerto “Musette” from Bernard Cavanna. Perfomances from Jerome Richard and Mickael Vigneau. Interview with Phillipe Krumm director of the magazine “Accordéon et Accordéonistes “. Regis Gisavo from Madagascar, archives from Tony Murena (France), Medicis (madagascar). Oblivion by Richard Galliano.


Hour 17 Link
Spain and Macedonia. Presentation from Inigo Aizpiolea, Interview and videos of Gorka Hermosa of his recent compositions and his student playing the first record accordion piece by Louise Reisner "Théme varié trés brilliant”. Presentation by the Macedonian Accordion Association. Interview and performance with World Champion Aleksandar Kolovski.


Hour 18
Scotland & Ireland. Interview with Graham Laurie and a performance from the NAO festival by Graham Laurie Paisley Accordion Orchestras. From Ireland we have the St Johns Accordion Orchestra Conducted by Adam Wilkinson finishing with the Dropkick Murphy’s.

Archives, Hour 19 to Hour 24, World Accordion Day, 6th May 2012 - International by Directors: Frédéric Deschamps, Grayson Masefield & Mike Rossi

Hour 19
South Africa, Portugal & Poland. Interview with Sergio Zampolli’s wife Amarillie about their May 6th celebrations in South Africa. Performances and interview by multiple World Champion Joao Barradas or Portugal. Video of Joao Frade Portugal and interviews with Matuesz Doniec and Lukasz Mirek from www.akordeon.pl talking about the Polish May 6th celebrations organized by the Music Academy of Bydgoszcz.


Hour 20
England and Ghana. Interview with NAO chairperson Anna Bodell, the CIA President Raymond Bodell, Douglas Ward, Romano Viazzani. Includes performances from the Classical Buskers, The Royal Squeezebox and Romano Viazzani. Video of the late Bishop Michael Osei Bonsu from Ghana.


Hour 21
USA (East), Bahamas, Canada (East). Manny Bobenreith talking about his work with the U.S. Army Strolling Strings with a rendition of Piazzolla. A presentation of the AAA and after which Joan Grauman explains the history and it’s foundation. Talking to Diana Hamilton from the Bahamas and a performance with Jerome Richard. Performances from past World Champion Alexander Sevastian talking about his career and the evolution of accordion repertoire.


Hour 22
Brazil and Chile. Performances by Adriana Sanchez, Douglas Borsatti, Sivuca, Jackson Jofre Rodriguez and Brazilian popstars such as Michel Telo. Presentation from Ernesto Calderon about the accordion in Chile and video archives of Ignacio Hernandez.


Hour 23
USA (Central) and Argentina. Performances by the UMKC conducted by CIA Vice- President Joan Sommers followed with an interview about the accordion and accordion orchestras. Aldo Taborda plays two performances and explains about piano accordion in Argentina.


Hour 24
USA (West) and Canada (West). Interview with Shelia Lee and a demonstration of Texas diatonic accordion music. Daniel Kott from Texas talking different styles of education for the accordion. Interview and Performances by Michael Bridge and to finish Aleksander Milojsevic the organiser of Coupe Mondiale 2013.

An open letter for all World Accordion Day Participants: Thank you to all the participants of this year’s World Accordion Day 2012! Whether you were interviewed, a performer, sent in a video, commented on the live chat or even just watched, this event couldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you to the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) for creating World Accordion Day in 2009 and their continuous support and promotion of the accordion around the world. Also we must mention the members of the CIA Executive that took part with in this event: Raymond Bodell, Kevin Friedrich, Kimmo Mattila, Joan Sommers, Herbert Scheibenreif , Harley Jones and Mirco Patarini plus members of the CIA Music Committee: Viatcheslav Semionov, Andreas Nebl and Li Cong. There must of course be a very sincere thank you to our technical director Mike Rossi. His efforts and improvisation are greatly appreciated, especially as we were receiving videos throughout the live 24 hours. Thanks to Harley Jones (creator of www.accordions.com ) for his promotion and support of the event. The whole project was a worldwide success with over 310,365 minutes viewed with over 20,160 connections from over 87 countries. Congratulations must be given to the countries with the highest viewers: 1. USA, 2. France, 3. UK, 4. Chile, 5. Russia, 6. Germany, 7. Canada, 8. Italy, 9. Greece, 10. Finland. It proves that the accordion world is a real family no matter what level, whether beginner or professional or what genre they choose to play (Classical, Traditional, Jazz, Arabic, Contemporary, Ensemble etc... ) Thank you once again for everyone’s help, Sincerely The World Accordion Day Team Grayson Masefield – Coordinator & Co-Presenter Frederic Deschamps – Co–Presenter

NAO UK Championships 2012 Report & Results, Liverpool - UK by Anna Bodell

What a great weekend – the New venue at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool proved very popular,  atmospheric, friendly, and the days were full of wonderful music from our contestants  who competed in this, the 67th year of Competition! The NAO were delighted to welcome Pietro Adragna (Italy, picture left, top), the current CIA Digital and CIA Virtuoso Entertainment Solo Champion – who enthralled the audience with his superb performance as well as international jury members: Julien Gonzales (France), Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) and Antonio Spaccarotella (Italy). Outstanding competition winners included: - Manuel Cipolla (Italy) 1st Prize winner in the International Solo Category – a student of Antonio Spaccarotella, picture below. Multiple winners: - Alexander Bodell (17 & under Solo, Junior Recital, and 17 & under Musette Solo) who also Qualified to represent the NAO at the CIA Coupe Mondiale in Spoleto Italy in August (picture above left, trophy presented by past NAO Chairman Raymond Bodell). - Emma Dickson (15 & under Solo, 15 & under Musette Solo, Scottish 13-15 and Frosini 15 & Under) Picture above right, trophy presented by jury members Pietro Adragna and Julien Gonzales. - Alistair Hewitt (13 & under Solo, Higher Elementary Solo and 12 & Under Polka).  - Roseanna Bodell (11 & Under Solo, 13 & Under Musette Solo and Virtuoso Variety Junior, picture left lower, trophy presented by jury members Antonio Spaccarotella and Graham Laurie). The  winners of the Roland V-Accordion national competition 2012 were Alistair Hewitt (Junior, picture left middle, prize presented by Dean Lawrence of Roland UK)  and Larysa Bodell (Senior). Larysa will go on to represent the UK in the Roland V-Accordion International Finals in Rome in November. The NAO festival also heard an outstanding orchestral performance from the St Johns Accordion Orchestra (MD Adam Wilkinson) and duet performance in the Open Premier Duet Category by Alison Sutherland and Julie Patrick. During the NAO General Meeting, Graham Laurie was appointed to the position of Honorary Vice President in recognition of all the years of service to the NAO and Anna Bodell was re-elected to the position of NAO Chairperson for 2012/2013.   The 2013 NAO UK Championships will be held at the same venue – the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool at the end of April. Full results are available online at: NAO Picture below: NAO Chairperson Anna Bodell, Julien Gonzales, Raymond Bodell, Manuel Cipolla (International category winner), jury member Douglas Ward.

49th Klingenthal International Accordion Competition 2012 - Germany by Harley Jones

The 49th Klingenthal international Accordion Competition 2012 will be held from May 6th to 13th.  Each evening there are concerts and the performances for 2012 include: May 6th - Stadtorchester Klingenthal  May 8th - Opening Concert, Duo Vlachová - Vilímec May 9th - Accordion Orchestra Klingenthal, Duo-Steimel Mücksch  May 10th - Klaus Paier Trio May 11th - Paris Moscou Duo, Domi Emorine and Roman Jbanov  May 12th - Akkordeon-Landesjugendorchester Baden-Württemberg  May 13th - finalists of Solo category IV and the Winners Concert with Vogtland Philharmonie Greiz/Reichenbach The International Competitions run from May 9th to 13th, for the categories: Category I - Soloists up to 12 years  Category II - Soloists up to 15 years Category III - Soloists up to 18 years  Category IV - Soloists of any age  Category Va - Accordion duo  Category Vb - Duo - accordion and other instrument  Category VI - Soloists of any age, virtuoso entertainment music Category VII - Bandoneon soloists of any age  Category VIII - Instrumental groups with at least one but no more than two bandoneons, with a total of up to six musicians You can download the program (5.4MB) at: 2012ProgKling    For further information, view the Klingenthal website.

Marco Lo Russo to Receive Special Award, Naples - Italy by Rob Howard

Prominent Italian accordionist Marco Lo Russo has been awarded the ‘Premio Speciale Cultura Albatros’ (The Culture Special Prize), “For spreading culture with his accordion music that, crossing ethnic boundaries, combines Mediterranean rhythms with other musical genres into a unique style that expresses the soul of all cultures”. Each year, some 23 jury members from all over Italy, select a performer who have excelled in the musical world, arts and culture. “This prestigious award comes at a particularly happy period of my career” - said Marco Lo Russo - “My mission is to share the potential of the accordion in national and international concerts and to receive a reward for the work you are doing, is a highlight in the career of a musician." The award ceremony honored over the 10 years since inception has seen the recognition of cultural and artistic personalities, including: the Nobel Prize Rita Levi Montalcini, the designer Pierre Cardin, director Hugh Gregory, the art critic Achille Bonito Oliva, the ambassador the Holy See Francis Maria Greek and many others. The award is sponsored by Albatros Publishing, Italy and the award ceremony takes place on May 5th, 10.30am, at the Metropolitan Theatre, Via Chiaia, Naples. For further information email: dina.tomezzoli@alice.it

Stolen Accordion, London – UK by Rob Howard

A white colored Roland FR3s V-Accordion, sold by Allodi Accordions, 143-145 Lee High Rd  Lewisham, London SE13 5PF, was stolen on Wednesday April 25th. This distinctive instrument, in a black bag, was in a Parcelforce van being delivered to a customer. The van was stolen in Rotherham en route to Scunthorpe and all its contents with it. The instrument’s serial number is ZX60569. If anybody has information, please telephone Emilio Allodi on (+44) 208 244 3771 or email info@accordions.co.uk

Veteran Accordionist Silvio De Pra Passes Away (circa 1925 to 2012) – New Zealand by Harley Jones

On the 1st May 2012, veteran accordionist and vocalist Silvio De Pra sadly passed away from heart problems. Highly respected for his musicianship and his contribution to the accordion in New Zealand over many years, he was presented the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award in 2008, and many other awards including in 1987, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sir Robert Muldoon presenting Silvio with the Benny Award from The Variety Artist Club. The Eulogy read by Heather Masefield at his funeral on 4th May is published online as is the chapter about Silvio from the book The History of the Accordion in New Zealand by Wallace Liggett. SilvioEulogy Silvio De Pra leaves behind his wife Lesley and two daughters Gianna and Chiara. He will be greatly missed by the accordionists of New Zealand. Following the funeral on Saturday 5th May Jim Sutton gave a three hour tribute to Silvio on his very popular Auckland Radio program. On the following Monday 7th May at the Variety Artists Club ‘Meet and Greet’ a tribute was held for Silvio de Pra. Lionel Reekie played 3 items in Silvio's honor, Frosini’s Hot Points and 2 pieces that Silvio had recorded on his CD, It’s Now or Never, (O Sole Mio) and Arrevidici Roma. Also on Monday evening Shane Hales gave a short tribute to Silvio on “The Beat Goes On” on TV Cue. For those of you unable to attend his funeral and wish to send a card to the family the address to send to is: De Pra Family, 104 Frederick St, Hillsborough, Auckland, New Zealand. Further video, Silvio De Pra and Shaun Petterson: http://www.accordion-space4u.com/user.aspx?user=6&item=6&id=344

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

Tom Duncan (1923 - 2012), Lancashire – UK by Rob Howard

Scottish-born Tom Duncan, retired Chief Superintendent in the Lancashire Police, who became well known as an enterprising and prolific accordion festival organizer and co-founder with Heather Smith of the magazine ‘Accordion Profile’, died last week, aged 88. A like long accordion enthusiast, Tom Duncan played the harmonica and the accordion, but will be remembered as an organizer. In 1987, four years after retiring from the police, Tom founded the Wyre Accordion Club, and in 1988 he and Gina Brannelli together organized the first independent competitive Wyre Accordion Festival at The Marine Hall, Fleetwood. From 1990 Tom organized an annual festival at venues in Blackpool. Renowned as a ‘character’ and famous for his outwardly dour and irascible personality, Tom Duncan was nonetheless a go-ahead organizer who brought many international and national accordion stars to his festivals, including Frank Marocco, Gervasio Marcosignori, Dermot O’Brien, Gary Blair, Seamus Shannon, The Alexander Brothers, Gordon Glenn, Roberto Enzo, Jean-Louis Noton, Frederic Baldo, Alexander Korbakov, Oleg Sharov, The Vilnius Duo, Barbara Ann Martindale, and many others. Tom Duncan’s funeral takes place on Monday May 7th, 1.30pm, at the United Reformed Church, Thornton-Cleveleys, followed by burial in Scotland. He is survived by wife Betty and seven children.

‘The Yetties Farewell Tour’ DVD, Dorset – UK by Rob Howard

‘The Yetties Farewell Tour’ is the title of a recently released DVD of a concert filmed on April 2nd 2011 at The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage, a coastal town in Dorset, on the south west coast of England. The music includes ‘The Village Band’, ‘The Gypsy Rover’, ‘King of the Fairies’, ‘Dorset is Beautiful’, ‘Over the hills and far away’, and many more. The DVD runs for 136 minutes, and is a full concert performance by The Yetties: Bonny Sartin – vocals, percussion, Pete Shutler – accordion, keyboard, bowed psaltery, vocals, and MacMcCullough – guitar, banjo, vocals. The Yetties turned full time professional in 1967, and have taken their folk songs, dance music and humour to many parts of the world. In the process they have recorded more than 40 albums and several DVDs, but this is the first DVD featuring a full length concert. The Yetties disbanded in April 2011. The DVD is available through The Yetties website. For further information email: info@theyetties.co.uk

Aleksander Nikolic and Petar Maric Concerts – Germany, Czech Republic by Harley Jones

Aleksandar Nikolic (leader of the renowned Beltango Quintet) and Petar Maric (2010 Coupe Mondiale winner) have recently finished concerts in Wupperthal and Dusseldorf in Germany, where they were performing at tango milonga events.    Following the German concerts, they were performing in the Czech Republic (Ostrava)  for the1st festival and competition for accordion. They performed two concerts, April 21st and 22nd, with the project ‘Buttons & Bellows finally together’.   The full concert halls were amazed and greatly appreciative of the unique combination of bandoneon and accordion and the special connection between the two performers.

Accordion Composer Gary Daverne Scored Movie Soundtrack – New Zealand by Harley Jones

Gary Daverne ONZM and recipient of many awards and former music director/conductor of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra has scored the music soundtrack for the New Zealand produced film, ‘Journey of a Story’, which was premiered in Auckland last weekend and initially screened in 15 cinemas around New Zealand.   This independent NZ war drama tells the fictional story of a New Zealand World War II serviceman who returns home from fighting in Europe and finds a very different world to what he expects. He struggles to cope until he begins to follow his interest in writing. Gary Daverne has composed extensively for the accordion and accordion CDs and music, for solo, duet, group and orchestra are available online at: Gary Daverne.

European Forum on Music 2012, Istanbul - Turkey by Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions

The second edition of the European Forum on Music, ‘Transcending Boundaries – Building Bridges’ took place from 19th to 22nd April 2012 in Istanbul, Turkey. Through workshops, plenary discussions and presentations, participants  explored the physical obstacles hindering musical exchange in Europe as well as discussed the role which music can play in overcoming borders – be it geographical, cultural or generational.  The Forum was an opportunity not only for dialogue and networking, but a chance for participants to be inspired by each other and by the vibrant city of Istanbul, with its diverse musical traditions. The cultural programme, presented by the local hosts, the Borusan Foundation, made the 2nd European Forum on Music  an event to remember! The European Forum on Music took place in the Borusan Music House which is located in the heart of Beyoglu - Istanbul's thriving artistic and cultural centre. The 3rd European Forum on Music takes place in Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh) from April 18th to 21st 2013. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at

‘14 Years Ago’ – Regis Gizavo heads for the USA by Rob Howard

The French brought the accordion to the East African island of Madagascar in the 19th Century. Madagascar’s leading accordionist of recent times is Regis Gizavo. In 1998 he went on a tour of the USA, as reported in the Accordions Worldwide news for May 1st 1988. Gizavo became well known in France as a member of the Corsican group I Muvrini, and he has performed with musicians of different genres such as jazz, Arabic, African and pop. It would be good to know where he is playing nowadays. ACCORDIONIST FROM MADAGASCAR ON NORTH AMERICAN TOUR Contributed by Christine Adams Popular accordionist from Madagascar, Regis Gizavo is currently on a tour of North America until May 9th. He will be performing in Texas, Iowa, New York, Illinois, Minneapolis, Indiana, Missouri, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, including a performance at the Houston International Festival. Gizavo's music has been described as "exceptional, dynamic, fluid, complex and inventive".

Future events

Frank Marocco Memorial Concert, Castelfidardo - Italy by Accordions Worldwide

On May 10th 2012 a Memorial Concert will take place in honor of the great accordion legend Frank Marocco in Castelfidardo at the Theatre "Astra" at 9 pm. Entrance Free

International Postgraduate Course II Accordion Master Classes, Arpino - Italy by Rob Howard

The City of Arpino (FR), about 120 km from Rome, is organizing accordion master classes from July 28th to August 4th 2012. Course tutors will be:  Yuri Shishkin (performer and teacher of accordion), Massimiliano Pitocco (performer and teacher of accordion at the Conservatory of Music "S. Cecilia" in Rome), Adriano Ranieri (performer and teacher of accordion at the Conservatory of Music "L.Refice" of Frosinone), and Dario Flammini (Performer and teacher of accordion at the Conservatory of Music "A. Casella" in L'Aquila).   The classes are divided up into: a) Courses with individual tutors, Pitocco, Ranieri and Flammini; b) Course with all four teachers.   Those who enroll for the course will be entitled to a lesson with Yuri Shishkin.  Registration fees depend upon your classes. For further information or to enrol email: info@massimilianopitocco.com or phone: +39 335.6092110

German Accordion Band in Concert, Cheshire – UK by Rob Howard

On Saturday May 5th, 7.30pm, the HHS Bischofsheim Accordion Band (picture above) from Germany, perform in concert at St Michael's Church, Ford Lane, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3TN. HHS Bischofsheim conductor is Stefan Finkenauer. Sharing the concert will be Crewe Brass, the local brass band. Crew and Bischofsheim have a town twinning arrangement.

World Accordion Day Event, Auckland – New Zealand by Heather Masefield

The New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) has the following planned for World Accordion Day: on Sunday May 6th the Music Makers group of young accordionists aged 6 to 11 from Auckland, New Zealand, are playing in support of the school, Churchill Park Primary, that 2 of the players attend.  An arsonist burnt down the school hall and a fundraising fair is being held to build another hall. Two of the players’ fathers, Maurice Jones and Lionel Reekie, are professional accordionists, forming the ‘Starlight Duo’ (picture below), will also perform.   This will be videoed for live streaming from the school with the children doing the videoing and IT with the new equipment purchased after the fire. For further information email: nzaasecretary@yahoo.com

Marko Kassl Concert Dates – Netherlands, Germany, Venezuela by Rob Howard

German accordionist Marko Kassl, as part of the ‘Ensemble Black Pencil’ and the quintet ‘der kapuvka’, peforms on the following dates: May 4th, 8.30pm – EBP, Leenderweg 65, Eindhoven, NL May 8th, 7.30pm – solo, Johanneskirche (Scharoun-Kirche), Glockengarten 70, Bochum, Germany May 11th, 8pm – ‘der kapuvka’, BIS Zentrum, Bismarckstr.97-99, Mönchengladbach, Germany May 16th, 8.30pm – EBP, Lux Nijmegen, Marienburg 38-39, NL-6511 PS Nijmegen, NL May 20th, 5pm – EBP, Caracas, Venezuela May 22nd, 7pm – EBP, Valencia, Venezuela May 26th, 7.30pm – solo, Musiktheater Im Revier, Kennedyplatz, D-45881 Gelsenkirchen, Germany For further information email: info@marko-kassl.de

Pearl Fawcett-Adriano Concert, World Accordion Day Event, Stockport - UK by Rob Howard

Pearl Fawcett-Adriano is the guest at Stockport Accordion Club on Wednesday May 9th. This World Accordion Day event will be Pearl’s first concert appearance as Stockport AC’s new Honorary President, and is therefore almost a coronation! Pearl will be presenting her super brand new CD ‘Pearl– The Jewel of the Accordion’, her first new recording in 11 years, which includes ‘Granada’, ‘O Sole Mio’, ‘Ciribiribin’, ‘Caravan’, ‘Carmen Selection’, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Fossettes’, ‘Begin the Beguine’, ‘Hejre Kati’, ‘Lambeth Polka’, ‘Sleepy Blues’ and ‘Tico Tico’. The Stockport AC Orchestra (MD Brian Jenkins) will open the concert with a short spot, and anyone who would like to play a tune or two is most welcome. £5 admission, 8pm start. The venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel St, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1NF. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com

Paprika on BBC Radio 3, London – UK by Milos Milivojevic

The band Paprika, featuring accordionists Milos Miliojevic (picture left) and Zivorad Nikolic, can be heard on Friday May 11th, 11pm, on the ‘World on 3’ programme. Paprika perform in concert on Thursday May 10th, 8pm, at the Ruby Lounge, 28-34 High Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1QB. This concert is an event in the Cultural Collage World Music Festival. The line up of Paprika is Bogdan Vacarescu (violin), Milos Milivojevic (accordion), Zivorad Nikolic (accordion), Vladimir Strkalj (guitar), James Opstad (bass), and Rastko Rasic (percussion). For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com

Steve Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya May Performances - USA by Steven Albini, Roland Corporation U.S.

Tatiana Semichastnaya and Steve Albini of Roland-USA will be performing together at numerous events and festivals throughout the country during May. May 11 at 7:PM: Steve Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya perform with drummer Stephen LaPorta at A Taste of Rome in Sausalito, CA. May 12 at 1:PM: V-Accordion performance and clinic with Steve Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya at Best Music in Oakland, CA May 12: Steve Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya perform at Nonni's Ristorante in Santa Rosa, CA May 17-20: Steve Albini and Tatiana Semichastnaya perform  Lawrence Welk Resort Theater, Branson, MO. as part of the Branson Accordion Festival.  For further information email: steven.albini@rolandus.com

Duo Prochains Concerts, Brussels – Belgium by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

The duo Prochains have three concert dates at CEM, 119 rue Hôtel des Monnaies, 1060 Brussels, Belgium. Prochains are Gjovalin Nonaj – accordion, and Lucia Barcari, violin, with guest Lesya Demkovich – cello. The dates are: May 20th, 5pm; May 27th, 1.30pm; June 2nd, 12noon. For further information email: gjovalin_nonaj@hotmail.com

RESCHEDULED: First Annual Branson Accordion Festival - USA by Rita Barnea

Due to tornado damage this event has had to be rescheduled. The new date will be announced soon. All deposits and registration fees will be returned in full. The First Annual Branson Accordion Festival, May 17th to 20th, takes place at the Lawrence Welk Theater and Resort in Branson, Missouri. Activities include accordion workshops, competitions, and concerts showcasing accordionists including Gordon Kohl, Bruce Gassman, Nick Ballarini, Debra Peters, Steven Albini, Matt Tolentino, Tatiana Semichasnaya, plus more. Vendors from the accordion industry will be available offering new and used accordions, music, accessories, clothing, and other specialty items. Repair service will be available as well as a “swap shop” for those wishing to buy, sell, or trade an instrument. Instructors will lead workshops geared for all levels of skill, from beginners to advanced. Students 18 years of age and younger are admitted free to all events. Lawrence Welk's accordions and other memorabilia will be on display. A panel of celebrity judges, including special guest Jo Ann Castle from the Lawrence Welk show, will select the best performer from the competition to open for Tony Orlando at the Welk Theater later this year. There will also be a speed contest in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest accordion player. On Sunday, the 1st Annual Branson Zydeco Fest will take place from 10am to 4pm. A Cajun Cook-off will also take place. All proceeds from the ticket sales to this event will go to Branson Tornado Relief. Accommodation is available at the Welk Resort close to the Welk Theatre. Mention that you are attending the 2012 Branson Accordion Festival to receive the lowest rate. Contact the Welk Resort directly by calling 1-800-505-9355 and ask for the accordion festival discount. For further information email: bransonaccordionfestival@hotmail.com

25th Anniversary, Open Day at the Royal Academy of Music, London – UK by Rob Howard

An Open Day to mark the 25th year of the Accordion Department at the Royal Academy of Music which was started by Prof. Owen Murray (picture left) who continues to this day as the accordion professor. The Open Day will have as Special guest Lars Holm and takes place on Sunday June 10th 2012, 11am to 6pm. Admission is free. There will be a concert given by RAM accordion students. Teachers are welcome to bring their students. Anyone wishing to play in an open lesson situation, please inform the RAM Accordion Department administrator, Karen Ingram on 0207 873 7380 or email k.ingram@ram.ac.uk Also, on Thursday May 17th at 7.30 pm in the David Josefowitz Recital Hall at the RAM, Academy accordion students will perform works by Efrem Podgaits, Lutoslawski, JS Bach and Yuji Takahashi.

Kimmo Pohjonen Tours with Accordion Wrestling and Uniko - Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Holland, UK, by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Accordion Wrestling is a sport, theater, dance, music performance art piece conceived by Kimmo Pohjonen. The performance, featuring Pohjonen and Finnish wrestlers, is a modern spin on the Finnish tradition from the 1900s, when the accordion was used as a musical accompaniment for wrestling matches. The performance premiered in Turku in 2011, and now travels to UK, the Netherlands and New York. Kimmo Pohjonen is travelling also to Denmark, as he will perform Uniko with Samuli Koskinen and Proton String Quartet at Roskilde festival on 7 July. Pohjonen, Kosminen and Kronos Quartet will take Uniko also to Ostrava, Czech Republik (12 July) and Budapest, Hungary (23 October). The famous accordionist is also releasing a new record with folk singer Heikki Laitinen, covering traditional murder ballads. May 13: Helsinki, Finland - Espanlava (Kimmo Pohjonen and Romanian street musicians) 19:00-20:00 May 22: Ljubljana, Slovenia - Druga Godba festival (Soundbreaker film screening) May 20: Helsinki, Finland - Kallio Kukki festivaali Harjun nuorisotalo (Saana and Kimmo Pohjonen - The Alcoholic Atheists) June 30: Águeda, Portugal - Festim (solo) June 29: Águeda, Portugal - Festim (solo) June 19: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Holland Festival, Stadsschouwburg (Kimmo Pohjonen / Helsinki Nelson - Accordion Wrestling) June 18: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Holland Festival, Stadsschouwburg (Kimmo Pohjonen / Helsinki Nelson - Accordion Wrestling) June 8: London, UK - York Hall (Kimmo Pohjonen / Helsinki Nelson - Accordion Wrestling) SoundUK June 6: Manchester, UK - Royal Northern College of Music (Kimmo Pohjonen / Helsinki Nelson - Accordion Wrestling) SoundUK

CD Reviews

BOOK REVIEW - Vintage Accordions by Rob Howard, Reviewed by Peter Ayers - UK by Peter Ayers

CD Reviews Index for the Review of the book Vintage Accordions, author Rob Howard, review by Peter Ayers.

New and Updated Sites

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Site Update - USA by Paul Pasquali Event Organizer

Las Vegas International Accordion Convention Site Update - USA with full information of their convention event on 24-27 September 2012. Some of the stars (alphabetical order): Pete Barbutti, Gina Brannelli, Dick Contino, Liz Finch, Gordon Kohl, Jeff Lisenby, Mario Pedone, The Accordion Kings, Amy Jo Sawyer, Peter and Mady Soave, Mary Tokarski, Stas Venglevski. Joan Sommers is festival orchestra director.

eTracks MP3 Albums by Silvio De Pra Now Online – International by Silvio De Pra

The eTracks part of the MusicForAccordion.com website has already grown to over 915 MP3 tracks available. Priced at only € 0.70 a track with most albums costing € 8.00 or less its great value. New Albums this week are: Three albums by Silvio De Pra Encore Continental Cabaret Volume 1 Continental Cabaret Volume 2 The beautiful voice and accordion of Silvio De Pra is backed by some of New Zealand's finest musicians. Listen to the sound samples on the site.

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At the Charleston AAA meeting there was a young woman who had won the Roland competition a couple of years ago and was a piano/voice major at U of Oregon. What was her name and does she perform concerts?

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looking for history and rough value on a german made small accordian , it says made in germany staltone b&j new york piano chromatic scale . any information you can give me would be a great help.

german accordian by | Modify | Delete

looking for history and rough value on a german made small accordian , it says made in germany staltone b&j new york piano chromatic scale . any information you can give me would be a great help.

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