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Highlights |
7th European Festival of Accordion Orchestras, Prague - Czech Republicby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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The 7th European Festival of Accordion Orchestras takes place at concert halls in Prague, Czech Republic, November 1st to 4th, organized by The Czech Accordion Association and the Concert and Travel Agency CTA Prague. Festival manager is Pavel Švarc and Festival President Ladislav Horák. There are three competition categories: I. Junior Accordion Orchestras - Orchestras of 12 and more musicians (at least 70% of the members must be under the age 16 years). These bands may also include other instruments with at least 10 accordions. Free choice of programme, without any limitations. II Classical and Modern Music - Orchestras of 12 and more musicians, no age limit, these bands may also include other instruments besides at least 10 accordions. Free choice of programme, with one original modern composition. III Light Music - Orchestras of 12 or more members with no age limit, either consisting mainly of accordions and of other instruments (where the accordion predominates). Free choice of programme. The 2012 participants include: Akordeónový orchester ZUŠ Lipany (Slovakia), "Pohoda" Havlíckuv Brod (Czech Republic), Accordioona-Kids, Berlin (Germany), Malakhitovaya Shkatulka, Nizhnyaya Tura (Russia), Akordeonový orchestr ZUŠ Chváleniká, Plzen (Czech Republic), The Youth Accordion Orchestra St. Petersburg (Russia), Accordioona- Orchestra, Berlin (Germany), "Safari" ZUŠ Na Strezine Hradec Králové (Czech Republic), Brodski Harmonikaski Orkestar "Bela pl. Panthy", Slavonski Brod (Hungary), Accordioona-Junior-Orchestra, Berlin (Germany), JP and the Harmonic Sanfonas, Wien (Austria), The Rockin´Accordions Leipzig (Germany), Harmonikarski orkester glasbene šole Radovljica (Slovenia). For further information email: cta@iol.cz |
Roland U.S. Announces 2012 V-Accordion Festival Winners - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() Senior Division: 1st Place: Svetlana Ivanchenko (photo on left) 2nd Place: Gregory Fainshtein Runner ups: 1. Paul Betken 2. Steve Gordion Junior Division 1st Place: Olivia Luey 2nd Place: Peter Chudolij Runner ups 1. Cassie Nelson 2. Rachel Quirbach Svetlana Ivanchenko, as the first place winner of the senior division, will represent the U.S. at the international Roland V-Accordion Festival in Rome this November. The first place winner of each division receives a Roland V-Accordion. Originally from Russia, Svetlana now lives in Dallas, Texas where she gives private piano and accordion lessons, performs regularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is the pianist/organist for the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Dallas. In Russia, she was the Director of Bayan and Accordion Department for the Mari El State Music College while serving as head of the Commission of Folk Instrument Art Department for the Mari Republic College of Culture and Arts where she was also Orchestra Conductor as well as Choral Director. She holds a Masters Degree in Music Education, has been involved in teaching and performance for over 22 years and performed as accordionist with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra. |
Nicola Benedetti and Ksenija Sidorova on BBC Breakfast TV, London – UKby Romano Viazzani |
![]() ![]() If you did you will have seen Ksenija Sidorova playing with 2004 ‘Young Musician of The Year’ winning violinist Nicola Benedetti on a newly released video publicising Benedetti's new CD ‘Silver Screen’, with music from Hollywood films. Video of Tango, Por Una Cabeza above by Nicola Benedetti, Ksenija Sidorova, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Leonard Elschenbroich and Alexei Grynyuk. Ksenija Sidorova, from Latvia, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, and is rapidly becoming a high profile classical accordionist. Nicola Benedetti, from Scotland, is a classical violinist of international stature. |
‘Piano Accordion Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide’ by George Bachich – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() It explains how to identify and evaluate musette tuning, reed quality, handmade reeds, and how to decide which accordion is right for the reader. This 164-page soft cover book is illustrated with over 40 color photographs and contains useful new information for everyone, beginner to experienced accordionist. George Bachich has been playing accordion for ten years, and repairing them for eight years. Each year at the Cotati Accordion Festival he performs "accordion autopsies", dissecting an old accordion and explaining how accordions work and what goes wrong with them. The ‘Piano Accordion Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide’ is a new book that fills a very useful gap in the available accordion literature. The price is $25 plus $5 shipping and handling in the U.S. and $12 for orders outside of the U.S. For further information email: gbachich@accordionrevival.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Michel Teló - BARÁ BERÊ - Brazilby Harley Jones |
![]() This singer / accordionist sensation was the lead singer with several groups before making his solo career. We love him using the accordion so prominently in all his hits. |
‘Fly Transatlantic’ CD Launch, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The ‘Fly Transatlantic’ album launch takes place on September 11th, 8pm, at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey St, Camden, London NW1 7NL. Numbers will be performed from the CD, which includes lots of songs from both sides of the Atlantic. Romano Viazzanni writes, “Don't miss it and give us a good send off to our gigs in New York in October”. ? The line-up is Joanna Strand (vocals), Romano Viazzani (accordion), John Bailey (piano), Yazz Ahmed (trumpet), Nick Pini (double bass), and Asaf Sirkis (drums). For further information email: romanoviazzani@hotmail.co.uk Three solo CD's available at Romano Viazzani. |
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New Accordeon Melancolique CD, ‘Gratitude’ - Netherlandsby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() A lot of original work, separated by a musette of Gus Viseur and blues that was the closing theme on Dutch Radio for thirty years. But central yet the three original compositions ‘Gratitude’ I, II and III: melodies written by Jean-Pierre, but played by Cherie as if they fit her like a glove”. Tracks: Eléphants Blancs, Swiss Affair, Flambée Montalbanaise (Gus Viseur), Gratitude I, Gratitude II, Gratitude III, Bailamos la Vida, Creole Love Call (Duke Ellington), Sans Queue ni Tête, The Singing Moon, Seaside, Cinquante, Farewell Blues The duo Accordeon Melancolique perform this weekend, as follows: September 8th,1pm until 2.30pm, at Het Kerkje, Fransum, Zuidhorn, Groningen September 9th - Accordion Festival, Marburg For further information email: info@acmel.nl |
Aleksandar Kolovski Recent Performances - Italy, Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
![]() This was followed by his own concert at the "Kristupo"Festival in Vilnius, Lithuania on 30th August That concert was titled "From Classical To Variety" and advertised as a "fiesta of accordion music bursting with energy." The program included works by D. Scarlatti, F. Liszt, V. Novikov, A. Piazzolla, R. Galliano, and others. For further information email: akolovski@yahoo.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ – A Case of Noise Annoys!, Toronto - Canadaby Rob Howard |
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The Accordions Worldwide news for September 11th 1998 included a report about Canadian accordionist Ron Jensen whose name made headlines in Ontario due to complaints about his music being too loud, resulting in legal action against him. We hope his situation was amicably resolved for all concerned. Accordionist charged with playing too loud!, Ontario - Canada Contributed by Domenic "the Accordion Beatles guy" Amatucci The Toronto Star included an item recently about an Oakville (Ontario) accordion player, who was charged for playing his polkas too loud and has one more chance to turn down the music! The trial of Ron Jensen was adjourned until June (1999) after a tentative agreement was reached where Jensen is to reduce the level of his accordion speakers, and Constable Shane Crawford will monitor the sound levels. If Jensen doesn't comply, he will be back in court to face the existing charge and a maximum fine of $5,000. Jensen has been playing at weekends along the shores of Bronte Harbour for 17 years. Despite community support, Jensen said he may never come back to Bronte Village. "I don't feel they're trying to make an effort to help me out," he said. |
Future events |
‘Nuit de l’accordéon’, Opens ‘Festival d’Isle de France’, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() The ‘Nuit de l’accordéon’ concert on the 8th September features Richard Galliano and the Tangaria Quartet plus accordionists invited by Galliano being René Lacaille, Régis Gizavo, Martin Lubenov, and Lulinha Alencar. |
Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, Nevada – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordionists will be featured during the event include Dick Contino, Jeff Lisenby, Stas Venglevski, Mary Tokarski, The Accordion Kings, Amy Jo Sawyer, Peter and Mady Soave, Mario Pedone, Gordon Kohl, Gina Brannelli, Liz Finch, Pete Barbutti, plus The Fifth Annual Las Vegas International Accordion Orchestra directed by Professor Joan Cochran Sommers. |
Akkordeon Festival, Marburg – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() The main guests are Viktor Romanko (Russia, picture above left), Vassily and Larissa Dück (Russia/Germany), Accordeon Melancolique (Netherlands, picture below left) and Jaune Toujours (Belgium). The festival includes master classes and workshops led by Viktor Romanko and Irina Resch. For further information email: info@musikschule-marburg.de |
Internationale Akkordeontage - Swtzerlandby Harley Jones |
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![]() Jazz, ethno, folk, avant-garde and classical musicwith its various types of Schwyzerörgeli, bandoneon and accordion. Freitag, 14. September 2012, 20 Uhr, Alte Kirche Romanshorn, Silenzio (picture top left), Paul Giger (Violin), Srdjan Vukasinovic (Akkordeon), Cobus Swanepoel (Cello). Samstag, 15. September 2012, 19.30 Uhr, Eisenwerk Frauenfeld Christy Doran's Bunter Hund (picture middle left), Christy Doran (Gitarre / Komposition), Patricia Dräger, (Akkordeon), Christian Weber (Kontrabass), Lionel Friedli (Drums). Samstag, 15. September 2012, 21.30 Uhr, Eisenwerk Frauenfeld, Motion Trio (picture lower left), Janusz Wojtarowicz (Akkordeon), Pawel Baranek (Akkordeon), Marcin Galazyn (Akkordeon). Sonntag, 16. September 2012, 11.30 Uhr, Matinée, Rosenegg Kreuzlingen, Zisman & Favre, Michael Zisman (Bandoneon), Pierre Favre (Perkussion). Sonntag, 16. September 2012, 17 Uhr, Aula Pädagogische Maturitätsschule Kreuzlingen Jugendorchester Oberthurgau, Gabriel Estarellas Pascual (Director) For further information: info@akkordeontage.ch |
Ian Watson @ ‘Last Night of the Proms’, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Also appearing as a guest will be the violinist Nicola Benedetti. Ian Watson has appeared in more BBC Proms concerts than any other accordionist. For further information email: i.watson99@googlemail.com |
‘Màs en Tango’ Concert Dates - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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‘Màs en Tango’ have played at several festivals in Italy during this summer, including Santa Severina (Crotone), Camigliatello Summer Festival, Capotirone in Jazz, Festival di Sorrento, and in historic places such as Belvedere Marittimo, Bonifati, Sangineto, San Nicola Arcella, Aiello Calabro, Firmo, Morano Calabro, and amid the beautiful scenery at Le Castella di Isola di Capo Rizzuto. This weekend ‘Màs en Tango’ finish their summer gigs with concerts on September 7th at Brescia, September 8th at the Festival delle Serre, Cerisano, and on September 9th at the Peperoncino Festival, Diamante. ‘Màs en Tango’ are Salvatore Cauteruccio (accordion), Sasa Calabrese (bass), and Fabrizio La Fauci (drums). For further information email: info@salvatorecauteruccio.it |
Rand Symphony Orchestra Silver Jubilee Concert - South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() They will perform two works as an accordion/harp duo, and Sergio Zampolli will play ‘Czardas’, by V. Monti. The concert takes place at the Church Hall, Malcolm St, Blairgowrie, South Africa. Tea and cake will be served at the interval. For further information email: sergio@duo2000.co.za |
Tony Compton and Digby Fairweather Concert, Southend – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: tony@tonycompton.com |
Zoltan Orosz Concert, Budapest - Hungaryby Rob Howard |
![]() Zoltan Orosz studied the accordion and the organ in Budapest, and is a virtuoso musician who has performed with distinction in such places as Singapore, Siberia, Finland, Spain and Denmark. For further information email: harmonika@harmonika.hu |
Eric Bouvelle Gala Dance, Mercurol – Franceby Rob Howard |
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CD Reviews |
Richness of the Tones CD by Esra Pehlivanli (Viola) and Marko Kassl (Accordion)by Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl updates musicby Gary Dahl |
![]() 'Beyond the Sea', catalog:DH0008, 'Clair de Lune', catalog:DH0233 and 'El Cumbanchero (Rhumba Gusaracha)', catalog:DH0156. Samples for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Charnwood Publications composer Sue Coppard has a new siteby Charnwood Publishing |
![]() 'Piccolo Mio', catalog:M674, 'Paddy's Penny Whistle', catalog:M634 'Warszawa Mazurka', catalog:M641 'Sampling the Cider', catalog:M665 'Once Long Ago', catalog:M664 'Picnic Time in Bavaria', catalog:M632 'The Wizards' Waltz', catalog:M643 Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Accordions TV |
Deschamps Channel Next Speed Chat Quiz - Franceby Harley Jones |
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Next Speed Chat Quizi is Wednesday 12th ... Next WEEK. Play with us on the Chat of the Web TV Deschamps Channel. Win an accordion and much more with The Speed Chat Quiz... on the web TV Deschamps Channel Wednesday, September 12 at 8:30pm in UTC+02 at |
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