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Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordions Worldwide has a huge range of possible presents such as music books, sheet music, CDs, DVDs, instruments, etc. Please consider supporting our advertisers, whose quality products can satisfy the needs of most accordion enthusiasts. |
XXVI International Moscow Festival “Bayan and Bayanists” - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Video from the XXVI International Moscow Festival “Bayan and Bayanists” now in progress in Moscow. This is video of the Thursday 11th December Concert Hall of RAM, Gnessin, Moscow, Russia. |
16th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - USAby Paul Pasquali Event Organizer |
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![]() The 16th Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention will be June 22-25, 2015 in Las Vegas. This year we celebrate the return to a summer event with the theme “Summer Solstice” and nearly a complete new line up of accordion stars! Two-time Grammy Award winning Riders in the Sky (Nashville, TN) is set to open the event on Monday evening, June 22. Grayson Masefield (Zurich, Switzerland, picture right), five-time world champion and the first person to have won both the Virtuoso Entertainment and Concert Coupe Mondiale categories of the prestigious Coupe Mondiale (CIA) in the same year, will be performing Tuesday evening. View videos at: MasefieldVideo Also set for Tuesday evening, Mary Tokarski (Northford, CT), our 2015 Honorary Director will be performing. The famous group EUROPA (Orlando, FL) will be performing Wednesday evening plus the legendary Joey Miskulin will appear. Thursday evening will feature the 8th installment of the Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the esteemed Joan Cochran Sommers. Another new headliner will be Luciano Testani from Montreal, Canada. Completing the lineup of stars are Paul Betken (Phoenix, AZ), Jerry Cigler (Chicago, IL), Gina Brannelli, Gordon Kohl, Stas Venglevski, plus our friend from Las Vegas, the comedian Pete Barbutti! Registration fee for the event includes 7 superb Las Vegas banquet meals with concerts plus over 40 workshops and master classes taught by top experts. Check out special invitation pricing valid thru December and if you register by December 10 receive a FREE Thank You Gift special edition t-shirt (the t-shirt will be included in your registration packet at the event). See our website AccordionStars.com for complete pricing options, or call +1 801-486-1695 for personal assistance and to get your free gift. You may register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact the Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 486-1695, email paul@accordioninfo.com, or mail - LVAC, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. Please Note - Book early to assure your $36 room (plus resort fee) rate or premium room only $44 (plus resort fee) with the Gold Coast by calling them directly at 1-888-402-6278 (outside the USA +1 702-367-7111) and telling them you are with the Accordion Convention with group code ACCORDN5 or visit our website www.AccordionStars.com and click on HOTEL. |
Jörgen Sundeqvist Featured in 'The Accordion King' Concerto - Swedenby Harley Jones |
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'The Accordion King' is a ground breaking multimedia concerto by several times awarded and famous Swedish composer Fredrik Högberg. This 30 minute work features substantial accordion virtuosity with Jörgen Sundeqvist being the featured artist. The new work will have its World Premiere at Folkets Park, Kramfors on the 22nd and at Tonhallen, Sundsvall on January 23rd. Sundeqvist writes "that Fredrik Högberg bring us new levels of interpretation with this work, that is heavily influenced by the sometimes rough lives of the mid 20th century accordion kings of Northern Sweden." Highly productive, Högberg has written a large catalog of works ranging from orchestral music and concertos to choral pieces, ballets, opera and chamber music. Despite this mix of styles, Högberg himself points to rhythm and pulse as a common denominator of his different works. Jörgen Sundeqvist rose to prominence studying and then touring with the legendary Anthony Galla-Rini. Today, Jorgen is a an important force in Swedish cultural life and works as a soloist, arranger, composer and teacher. He performs frequently with many of the leading ensembles and instrumentalists and has made many recordings, both as a soloist and chamber musician. Jorgen is teaching at Pitea Academy of Music and is a member of the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. The new work will have its World Premiere in January and Högberg and Sundeqvist will celebrate a musical tradition and an important epoch of Swedish accordion history! |
Higher Studies in Accordion, Evora – Portugalby Rob Howard |
![]() The city of Évora is the capital of the Alentejo region, enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple. Évora is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. For further information email: mfjm@uevora.pt |
Free Postage Charnwood Publishing Christmas Specialby Charnwood Publishing |
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![]() To get your free postage music, email your order to: musicforaccordion@yahoo.com Christmas titles: M015 Ten Christmas Carols (Solo) € 8,50 M305 Busking as an Art Vol 5 Xmas Carol (Solo) M662 Christmas Bells (Solo) € 5,20 M332 Jingle Bells (Variations) (Solo) € 7,50 Enjoy some great new music from Charnwood Publishing over the Christmas holidays period. |
8th AIC - Accordion International Competition, Reinach AG - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
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![]() Organiser is the associations Accordion International Competition and the Accordion Orchestra Peter Frey. Competition Director is Peter Frey. The accordion soloist competition "International Accordion Competition" was founded by Peter Frey (Reinach, Switzerland), Armin Schneider (Hamburg, Germany) and Walter Maurer (Vienna, Austria) some 20 years ago. Download the rules and regulations in German and English and entry form: 2015AIC Closing date for entries is: 30th June 2015 For further information, email: aic@musikstudio-reinach.ch |
Free Postage, Super Value Christmas Gifts Booksby Harley Jones |
![]() Free Postage until 20th December ONLY make the following books SUPER value for a Christmas Gift. Free Postage Special: The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog benetouxen00). A quality book about accordion repairs, tuning etc. that is very popular indeed. In English and French. Comprendre et Reparer Votre Accordeon (catalog benetouxfr00). Free Postage Special: Sounding Out The Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog bthierryen). A very quality book that cares of the sounding and tuning up your accordion. In English and French. L’Accordeon & SA Diversite Sonore (catalog bthierryfr). Free Postage Special: SPECIAL: FREE POSTAGE Robaccord Publications: A Pictorial History by Rob Howard fully illustrated throughout with over 300 colour photographs, each with information, plus interesting articles. Only Euro 12.00 (or the US$ equivalent) plus postage. Vintage Accordions - Vintage Accordions is a unique and very popular book - a beautifully illustrated all-colour history of the accordion, in its various forms, with over 300 pictures of instruments. An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments by Rob Howard, an unique books that suits new learner of the accordion instrument. It also have An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 2, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 3, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 4 These Christmas gift ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers. Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,248 eSheet pieces, 300 CD/DVD’s, 1,702 eTracks recordings, 833 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2014Christmas Ideas |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Bandoneon Bonanza of Simone Marini and Filippo Arlia - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
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![]() Filippo Arlia is also a highly regarded symphony orchestra conductor and has worked with accordion and bandoneon players extensively including performing several times at the Strumenti Musica Festival in Spoleto. Filippo Arlia normally works in duo with Cesare Chiacchiaretta but for this tour, Simone Marini was available and made his first tour to New Zealand. Simone has performed extensively in Europe. The tour was organised by noted pianist Flavio Villani (picture right), Artistic Director, St Heliers Music Centre. Enjoy the videos. We will run two more videos from the concert next week. |
New CD ‘Tom Alexander’s Christmas’, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The 21 tracks on ‘Tom Alexander’s Christmas’ includes Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, When A Child Is Born, Jingle Bells, O Holy Night, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Away In A Manger, Sleigh Ride, O Come All Ye Faithful, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night, Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty The Snowman, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Winter Wonderland, Good King Wenceslas, Mistletoe And Wine, Snow Train Shuffle, Holly And The Ivy, Silver Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, A Guid New Year. For further information email: jiml@musicinscotland.com |
Thief Steals Musician Jose Martinez Livelihood, South Houston - USAby Harley Jones |
Jose Martinez has had his primary accordion stolen by a thief from his vehicle, outside a home in South Houston early Sunday morning after a gig. The search for the instrument has included hundreds of friends asking more friends to keep an eye out at pawn shops and on the streets. Martinez says: "It feels good to know that many people appreciate you and are willing to help you out." The accordion "provides for me and my family (3 daughters) and it has been doing so for the past 15 years. It's been a part of my life for a very long time." Anyone with information about the stolen accordion is asked to contact Police in the city of South Houston. |
Video: Auf Zug und Druck, Coupe Mondiale Opening Concert - Austriaby Harley Jones |
Auf Zug und Druck (pushing and pulling the Bellows). Unlimited possibilities on the diatonic accordion. A presentation concert of accordion classes at the Mozarteum University presented as part of the Opening Concert of the 2014 Coupe Mondiale in Salzburg, Austria. |
Chapter 14 Released, 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain' by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP)by Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() This exciting eBook by John Bonica (PT CMP NZRP) is being published chapter by chapter, with about one chapter being released each month. Released chapters to date are: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms Chapter 4 - The Shoulder Chapter 5 - The Amazing Brain and What It Does For You Chapter 6 - The Elbow Chapter 7 - The Great Accordion Myth Uncovered Chapter 8 - The Elbow Revisited Chapter 9 - Wrist and Fingers Chapter 10 - Caring for our Ten Precious Digits Chapter 11 - Low Back Pain Chapter 12 - So You Have Low Back Pain ...... What Can You Do? Chapter 13 - Back Pain, The More Serious Symptoms Chapter 14 - The Great Imposters: Back Pain From Other Sources There will be a minimum of 24 chapters, 14 chapters released so far. Special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase: John Bonica |
Video: Hutsul Mosaic for Folk Ensemble, Odessa - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Hutsul Mosaic for Folk Ensemble composed by Volodymyr Runchak (Version for ensemble of V. Mursa) consisting of: Volodymyr Mursa, bayan\art.director Oleksandr Mursa, balalaika Svitlana Mursa, domra Borys Talko, balalaika double bass Video published 03 May 2014 |
Stephanie Poole Tango Argentina Concert, Auckland - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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The Tango Argentina Concert consisted of Bibiana Ogando (vocalist) and Stephanie Poole (accordion) along with tango dancers Sheldon Bonito and Kelly Poon put on a very appreciated concert in central Auckland City. The concert featured several famous Piazzolla works such as Adios Nonino and Libertango as well as lesser know tangos. Libertango was performed solo by Stephanie Poole and others were in duo with Bibiano Ogando with long applause at the end of the concert. Teacher Stephanie Poole has just recently returned from judging at the Coupe Mondiale in Salzburg and has taught many New Zealand championship winners. |
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Video: Marta Cubas Hondal (11 years) Competing - Italyby Harley Jones |
Marta Cubas Hondal (Spain) has published this video of her performance in Category B at the Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition in September. She performs Sonata K.107 by Scarlatti and achieved 4th place in Category B. Full report of the 2014 event is at: 2014Concorso |
Harry Hussey @ Black Country Accordion Club, West Midlands – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Ray Izod made an appearance, armed with his accordion, and a surprise visitor, Jovan Rnjak who gave us a few songs, accompanied by Harry, of course. The mood was set for the evening but Harry decided to begin early and greeted the early arrivals with his playing. He answered their questions and gave demos with his answers. Harry eventually began his show with the usual question, asking what would we like to hear him play and he was very quickly inundated with requests, he did not disappoint anyone. The interval very quickly materialised when Trevor appeared with a huge box containing the evening meal, which was very quickly dispersed amongst the eager audience. Bread and butter was provided together with soft drinks, tea and coffee. The fish and chips were delicious and even Harry, joined by the lovely Pat tucked in to the meal, (we even feed the guest artists now). At this moment Mr. Richard Adey arrived and after commenting on the 'atmosphere' soon tucked in to the meal. We may see Richard and his band at the club in the near future. Ray joined Harry on stage and we were entertained by this duo and they played very well together. Next on stage was Jovan who played and sang a number of popular songs. Harry completed his show by playing an endless number of requests from the audience - an excellent night of music and fun, interrupted only by the endless Harry Hussey humour. The next social night will include the vote for the ‘Most improved player of the year’ and the winner will receive the 'Fred Payne Memorial Trophy'. This year we have decided to introduce another trophy, The 'Reg Philips Memorial Trophy', which will be awarded to the ‘best novice accordionist of the year’. Both Reg and Fred were founder members of the club. We end our very successful year with a grand Xmas Party on Monday December 15th. Barry Smith is assembling a band to play on the night and there will be a 1940s theme. We hope everyone will make an attempt to wear something from that era to add to the fun and atmosphere. 2015 will begin with our birthday party and Barry has lined up something special for the night. The Black Country Accordion Club meets at The Rowley Regis Disability Centre, Rowley Village, Rowley Regis, West Midlands B65 9AT. For further information email: lumicprod@aol.com |
‘14 Years Ago’: Leroy Anderson TV Documentary in December 2000by Rob Howard |
![]() "Once Upon A Sleigh Ride" Documentary – USA Contributed by Jane Berkovitz A documentary entitled "Once Upon A Sleigh Ride" will be broadcast in late December on many PBS Public television stations in the United States. The program is about the life and music of American composer Leroy Anderson (1908-1975), who has written many works frequently performed by accordion orchestras. Featured pieces include Blue Tango, Fiddle-Faddle, Jazz Pizzicato, Sleigh Ride, Syncopated Clock, Trumpeter's Lullaby, and The Typewriter. |
Future events |
Camille Privat Concerts, Rennes – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() Saturday December 6th, 6.30pm – 1st half Camille Privat solo, 2nd half, duo, playing JS Bach Sunday December 7th, 4pm – 1st half Camille Privat solo, 2nd half, duo playing ‘Winter Journey’ by Schubert Admission: € 7 (free for children up to 12 years) The next course oorganised by Atoût Vent takes place on April 11th and 12th – a master class with Claude and Sebastian Thomain Taillard. For further information email: atout.vent@yahoo.fr |
Jane Christison’s ‘Music With A Smile’, Kansas City – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() This is a fun family event with German food, arts & crafts, baked goods and even gingerbread houses for the kids to decorate. Many families have made this event a Christmas tradition, and Jane is looking forward to seeing everyone again this year. The Country Club Congregational Church is at 205 W. 65th St., Kansas City, MO (just east of Wornall Road). |
Murl Allen Sanders Concerts, Seattle – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Monday December 8th, 7.30pm - Northwest Accordion Society, West Seattle Senior Center Thursday December 18th, 12pm to 2pm - Pacific Place Shopping Center, 600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 Murl Allen Sanders, from Seattle, is a free-lance accordionist and pianist, composer, teacher and recording artist. He performs across several musical genres and has worked with such diverse artists as Chuck Berry, Etta James, Peter Duchin, The Von Trapp Children, Theodore Bikel, Leslie Gore, Barbara Lamb, Susan Pascal, Pearl Django, and Kelly Harland, among many others. He is in frequent demand as a recording musician for film scores, advertisements and CDs. For further information email: murl@murlallensanders.com |
Ludo Mariën Concert with Brussels Philharmonic, Mol – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
![]() The programme includes: WA Mozart - Ballet Music (‘Chaconne’ and ‘Pas seul Mr Le Grand’) from ‘Idomeneo’ Johannes Brahms – ‘Hungarian Dance no. 5’ Sergei Prokofiev – ‘Allegro from Symphony no. 1 in D major, op. 25’ Nikolai Tchaikin – ‘Concerto no. 1 for accordion and orchestra’ Hans Christian Lumbye - ‘The Copenhagen Steam Railway Galop’ Edward Grieg – ‘Chimes from Lyric Pieces Book 5 to 54’ Jean Sibelius – ‘Symphonic poem Finlandia op.26 no. 7’ Igor Stravinsky - Selection from the ballet ‘The Firebird’ |
Victor Prieto Trio Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() With accordionist Victor Prieto for this gig are Edward Perez - bass - TBA, and Ari Hoenig – drums. For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Concerts by Nuevo Tango Ensemble (Italy) in South Korea and Taiwanby Harley Jones |
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Video above: Nuevo Tango Ensemble (Italy) performing at the 2013 Jarasum International Jazz Festival in South Korea. Published on Feb 17, 2014. Concert at the Auditorium of Music, 18 December at 6 pm in Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan. Situated at the northern tip of Taiwan on the Tamsui River. Featured will be the Nuevo Tango Ensemble from Italy, Gianni Iorio (bandoneon) and Pasquale Stafano (piano) and Pierluigi Balducci (guitar). Gianni Iorio and Pasquale Stafano will both conduct a masterclasses in Taiwan. The trio is touring to South Korea from 12th December before coming to Taiwan. For further information, email: vincentaccordion@gmail.com |
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AKONIMA ‘Rocking All Over The World’ Show, Baden-Wurttemberg – Germanyby Rob Howard |
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Saturday December 13th, 7pm, the accordion orchestra AKONIMA performs at the Stadhalle Wehr, Baden-Wurttemberg. The AKONIMA show is preceded by a concert by the Vadim Fedorov Band at 5.45pm. The AKONIMA show, ‘Rocking All Over The World’, featuring the rock music of Kiss, Toto, Status Quo, Brian Adams, Bonnie Tyler, Meatloaf, etc, begins at 7.30pm. There is an after show party outside the theatre from 10pm in the Hauptstrasse. For further information email: info@akkordeonverein-wehr.de |
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London Accordion Orchestra ‘Winter Concert’, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert programme includes music from classical to jazz, featuring guest soloist Michael Atkinson, cellist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The Musical Director of the London Accordion Orchestra is Ian Watson. For further information email: mail@londonao.co.uk |
2nd Festival d’accordeon, Beloeil – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
![]() Michel Pruvot has long been one of France’s leading musette accordion personalities, with many TV and radio appearances to his credit. His many accomplishments include setting a new Endurance World Record for Accordion by playing continuously for 82hours and 33 minutes in May 1982. |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Jazz workshop with Rob Reich, New York - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() The timetable is: 2pm-3pm - performances by Benedikt Neuroth, Vitor Goncalvez, Tony Kovatch, Joe de Clemente, Tim, etc 3pm-4pm - participatory workshop with Rob Reich – bring your instruments! This workshop is open to any type of instruments and all levels. Rob Reich is an acclaimed accordionist, pianist, and composer based in San Francisco, California. Brooklyn Accordion Club meets at 61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York. For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Jerome Richard Concert, Cestas – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() Cestas is a town in the Gironde department in Aquitaine in southwestern France. Jerome Richard (born 1980) won several accordion competitions before turning professional, and has become one of France’s busiest musette accordionists. He is the producer of the French TV show ‘1, 2, 3 Musette!’ |
Chapter House Ensemble Concert, Edinburgh – UKby Rob Howard |
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40th PIF Castelfidardo International Competition - Italyby Harley Jones |
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![]() Castelfidardo Mayor Mirco Soprani said that “Roberto Lucanero had given us his availability for only one year, however, accepting the commitment to work together for world music section." The 40th PIF Artistic Director has now now been appointed. He is Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi (picture right) “a young emerging high level musician whose enthusiasm will help to take another shot upward.” The dates of the 40th PIF Castelfidardo International Competition are Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th September 2015. |
CD Reviews |
Accordion Sensations CD by Paul Chamberlainby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
New Site: 'Accordions by De Vincenzo', Miami - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() Accordions by De Vincenzo offer the brand new Scandalli Accordion of your dreams, pre owned instruments, accordion repairs and tuning or Live Music Entertainment. Owner & Founder is Pablo De Vincenzo, picture left. |
New and Updated Site for Grayson Masefield - Switzerlandby Grayson Masefield |
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New eBook Released, Traditional Polish Carols Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() ![]() eBook means that the book is emailed to you. Purchase online for only USD$16.50 or Euro equivalent at: DH07-eB This eBook Traditional Polish Carols is Collection #7 in a series of eBooks by Gary Dahl that have proved to be very popular. There is a special for clients wanting to purchase all 7 eBooks at: DH01-07eB |
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