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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
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Highlights |
‘Accordions Cruise Festival’ – Italy, Greece, Croatiaby Rob Howard |
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An ‘Accordions Cruise Festival’, on board the liner Costa Victoria, takes place from April 17th to 24th 2010, sailing from Venice (Italy) and visiting Ancona (Italy), Santorini (Greece), Mykonos (Greece), Atene/Pireo (Greece), Corfu (Greece), Dubrovnik (Croatia), and returning to Venice. The organiser is Donato Di Tullio, and full details are now available. The guest accordionists include Frank Marocco (USA), Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), Riccardo Taddei (Italy), Romano Viazzani (UK), Gianni Mirizzi (Italy), and Gennaro Ruffolo (Italy). The floating festival includes: • Concerts every day • Free jazz accordion workshop, led by Frank Marocco • Free accordion band session, directed by Romano Viazzani • Product demonstrations by MusicTech, Vignoni Accordions, Beltrami Accordions, Victoria Accordions, and Ballone Burini, etc • All regular features of other Costa Cruises For further information email: redazione@accordionplanet.net |
CD Box Set of ‘100 Accordion Favourites’ - Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() This huge collection includes well known classical music and standards by composers ranging from JS Bach and Scarlatti, to Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Maurice Jarre, Sousa, Frosini, Piazzolla, and many more. The tracks include such favourites as ‘Prelude and Fugue in E Minor’, ‘Strauss Waltz Medley’, ‘Acquarelli Cubani’, ‘Migiavacca’, ‘Dark Eyes’, ‘Espana’, ‘Olive Blossoms’, Autumn Leaves’, ‘Siboney’, ‘Petite Fleur’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Misty’, ‘All the Things You Are’, ‘Arrivederci Roma’, ‘La Vie en Rose’, ‘El Relicario’, ‘Torna a Surriento’, ‘La Cumparsita’, ‘Besame Mucho’, ‘Volare’, ‘Perfidia’, ‘Tea for Two’, ‘Jealousy’, ‘Indifference’, ‘Cavaquinho’, ‘El Choclo’, ‘Libertango’, ‘Tico Tico’, and many others. For further information email: roy.tarrant@kindofbluerecords.com |
NAO UK Championships 2010 - UKby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
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Following the highly successful NAO UK Championships 2009 in Blackpool, the 2010 event will again take place at the Metropole Hotel and on the North Pier, Blackpool from 23rd–25th April 2010. In excess of 400 entries are expected in the various solo and ensemble categories plus the 2010 festival will again feature – the NAO Composers’ Competition; a very important opportunity for the promotion of new music for our Instrument and – UK National Finals of the Roland V Competition; in conjunction with Roland UK for which 10 finalists have been selected to compete in both the Junior and Senior categories. The traditional favorites, the Celidh on Saturday night with Gary Blair and his band and the Trade show in the Metropole Hotel will again be featured in the 2010 NAO UK Championships. The international jury for 2010 includes Kevin Friedrich (USA), Herbert Scheibenreif (Austria), Julien ‘Speedy’ Gonzales (France) and Djorge Gajic (Serbia/UK). Full further details email: naouk@btinternet.com or view the NAO website. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra, Glasgow – UKby Rob Howard |
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The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra was originally formed by Jimmy Blair in the early 1970s, evolving into several bands that competed at Preparatory, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels in NAO regional competitions and the All Britain Championships. By the late 1970s, the orchestra was the dominant force on the competition scene, winning competitions in all orchestra sections as well as many of the band members winning group, duet and solo sections. The band also played concerts at home and abroad, and foreign visits included trips to France, Belgium and Canada. With the untimely death of Jimmy Blair in 1981, the JBAO was taken over by his wife Lola, and then by son Gary. Gary maintained the high standard of the band, but unfortunately the band folded in the later 1980s due to a lack of commitment. In August 2009 Gary Blair decided the time was right to form a new orchestra under the prestigious Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra name. The new orchestra entered the NAO West of Scotland Championships in February 2010, came first in all their sections, with the intention of competing at the NAO UK Championships, Blackpool, in the Elementary and Advanced sections, April 25th to 25th. The new orchestra also recently won through at the semi-finals of the 'Quest for Talent' competition at the David Lloyd Centre, Glasgow, and will be in the finals of the competition which are to be held in the Paisley Town Hall, March 26th. Hopefully the band will be able to impress yet again and go the full way in the competition! The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra will perform in concert at St Andrew's Academy, Barrhead Road, Paisley PA2 7LG, on Saturday March 13th, 7.30pm. For further information email: gazzapt@yahoo.co.uk |
VAMÖ-Accordion Competition, Vienna - Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() The number of participants was lower compared to previous years, but the level of performances was still amazingly high. The repertoire of the candidates was of traditional accordion compositions, contemporary works and rarely performed pieces. During the gala ceremony the Vice President VAMO, Gerhard Göbl awarded the prizes. The concert was opened by the youngest participant, Rene Alber (6 ½ years old), followed by the performance of each category winner showing again all their skills. At the conclusion the winners of category 3 (adults), Drapinski Maciej, from Poland, with outstanding musicianship and technique performed Astor Piazzolla's ‘Sentido Unico’ and Moritz Moszkowski’s ‘Etincelles, op 36 / 6’, which the audience enthusiastically applauded. The jury included Herta Habersam-Wenghoefer, Eva Haupt, Professor Felix Lee, Kathrin Thorack, and MMag with Adolf Wutscher. Hermi Kaleta (Chairman of the VAMO) organized the competition. |
Ryskov Accordions Brand, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() 3 rows in the right hand with 55 buttons and left hand with 100 basses; 5 rows in the right hand with 92 buttons and left hand with 120 basses Nikolai Ryskov, well known as a professional accordionist, also arranges and sells music for accordion. For further information email: nryskov@googlemail.com |
Future events |
Pascal Contet Concerts – Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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Pascal Contet performs as follows: March 5th, 8pm – an evening of improvisation as a duo with Wu Wei, sheng, at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris 6th - Scène Nationale de Montbéliard, Seloncourt 7th, 5pm – Aurore de Murnau, Auxelles Haut 9th, 12pm - Les Mardis de la Saturation CDMC 10th, 6pm – Evreux 12th, 8.30pm – Ivry 18th, 8pm – Paris CNR 19th and 20th - Scène Nationale Theatre, Malakoff 21st, 5pm – Illkirch, Festival Printemps des Bretelles l'Illiade 23rd until April 3rd – Salle Boris Vian, Grande Halle de la Villette, Paris For further information email: pascalcontet@wanadoo.fr |
CFAC AccordionFest 2010, Florida - USAby Rob Howard |
The CFAC’ AccordionFest 2010’ takes place on March 6th, 12noon onwards, at Winter Park Elks Lodge, 4755 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Florida. The Central Florida Accordion Club’s ‘Accordion Fest 2010’ is a day full of entertainment, dinner, and dancing with performances, jams, workshops, vendors, and more. Performers include Vince Aleandri, Jimmy Horzen, Jim Andrykovich, The Orlando Buttoneers, Virgil Baker and the Just-4-Fun band. The festival runs from noon to 8pm. Admission price includes buffet lunch (early afternoon) and a light snack served about 6pm. Admission is $22 for CFAC members/$25 for non-members. |
Mika Väyrynen to Conduct Master Classes in Franceby Kevin Friedrich |
![]() An integral part of the teaching system in France, Master Class seminars welcome students from around the country and abroad to study with local and international guest teachers. In addition to group lessons covering various topics, Mika will be providing individual instruction covering topics such as ‘Technical Principles of Playing’, ‘Interpretation of various Musical Styles’, and ‘Challenges Associated with Performance’. The two Seminars at CNIMA J.Mornet will be held from August 9th to 14th and 16th to 21st. Participants wishing to take advantage of this unique opportunity to study with one of the world’s most respected accordionists, can request further information and application forms by contacting: cnima@cnima.com Mika Väyrynen has just released a new CD “Misterium” that is available online. |
‘Hell Said The Duchess’ Concert, Norfolk – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() ‘Hell Said The Duchess’ appear again at the Belfry on April 25th, 4.30pm. |
Richard Galliano Concert, Chisinau - Republic of Moldovaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() For further information email: info@concertino.md |
Festival ‘Rue de l’accordéon’, Orleans - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() A press conference takes place on March 9th, 6pm, at l’Atelier, 223 de la rue de Bourgogne, Orléans. The guest artistes include accordionists Marcel Azzola, Jérome Richard, Grayson Masefield, Gérard Blanchard, Petar Maric, Daniel Colin, Fred Ferrand, Regis Gizavo, Jean-Claude Laudat, Pascal Mahé, and Roel van Camp. For further information email: dreux.bruno@wanadoo.fr |
Victor Prieto Manhattan Trio, Ourense - Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: vpcruz@gmail.com |
Wazemmes Carnival Day, Lille – Franceby Harley Jones |
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The 6th annual Wazemmes Carnival, involving many accordionists, takes place on March 13th, with the parade starting at 10am, workshops at 6pm, and a grand dance at 9pm. |
Solo Zydeco Festival, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
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![]() Performers at this year's festival include:Chris Ardoin and NuStep, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, J Paul and the Zydeco NuBreeds, Marcus Ardoin and the Zydeco Legends, Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames, Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers, Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, and Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big-Timers. |
Accordion Tuition Weekend at Halsway Manor, Somerset – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Karen Tweed has an international reputation as a performer and teacher of Irish traditional and world music on the piano accordion. Welshman Paul Hutchinson's career began as an organist and choirmaster, subsequently playing accordion with the bands ‘The Old Pull & Push’, ‘IQ40’, ‘Hoover the Dog’, and ‘Ida Red. He also freelances with various bands and as a recording session musician, and when time allows, presents the folk programme on Radio Maldwyn. Halsway Manor, situated on the southern slopes of the Quantock Hills, is England's National Centre for traditional folk music, song and dance. It is the only residential folk centre in the UK. For further information email: office@halswaymanor.org.uk |
Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival, Kent – UKby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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The Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival is an annual competitive festival to be held in June 2010 at Walthamstow Hall Senior School, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL. The accordion classes, held on Saturday June 12th, will include (beginners, age 8 – adult; Grades 1 – 8; own choice, solo/group): Scottish/Irish traditional, Jazz, Musette, Polka/Tango, Recital, Duet/Group/Orchestra, Own Composition, Entertainment. The Festival Secretary is Margaret Holgate. The last date for entries is Tuesday April 20th. For further information email: candmholgate@btopenworld.com |
CD Reviews |
Misteriumby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
March Diatonic News Online 1st Marchby Werner Weibert |
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The March 2010 Diatonic News online 1st March |
Larry Malmberg New Music Releasesby Larry Malmberg |
Larry Malmberg releases 4 new pieces, 'Alexander’s Ragtime Band', catalog:larrym001', 'Amazing Grace , catalog:larrym002', 'Anchors Aweigh, catalog:larrym003' and 'Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, catalog:larrym004'. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
MusicForAccordion.com new eSheet Piecesby MusicForAccordion.com |
MusicForAccordion.com site releases 2 new pieces - 'La Cumparsita, catalog:mfa7027' and 'L i e b e s t r a u m, catalog:mfa7040'. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
March USA News Online 1st Marchby Rita Barnea |
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The March 2010 USA News, online on the 1st March. |
NAA Publications New Music Releasesby NAA Publications |
National Accordion Association releases 2 new pieces, 'Twenty Fingers, catalog:naa132' and 'Bolero, catalog:naa134'. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Yehuda Oppenheimer releases 2 new arrangementsby Yehuda Oppenheimer |
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MusicForAccordion.com new eSheet Piecesby MusicForAccordion.com |
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NAA Publications New Music Releasesby National Accordion Association |
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