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Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rob Howard |
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Video: XXVI International Moscow Festival “Bayan and Bayanists” - Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() Russian language program (48 pages) download: 2014moscow.pdf Video 1: Thursday 11th December Concert Gnesin Hall, Moscow, Russia. Video 2: 12th December, Gnesin Hall, Moscow. Concert in honor of composer Nikolai Malygin, Chelyabinsk on the 70th anniversary of his birth. The concert performers are winners of international competitions and guests. Concert program is shown at the beginning of the video. Video 3: 13th December concert at the Gnesin Hall, Moscow. Video 4: Concert December 14, 2014. Video kindly provided by Gnesin Hall. |
Marko Sevarlic (Serbia) Wins XXII Competition "Arrasate Hiria" 2014 - Spainby Iñigo Aizpiolea Viloria |
![]() ![]() 1st place: Marko Sevarlic (Serbia, picture right) €3,600 and a concert tour in 2015 2nd place: Maria Zubimendi (Basque Country) €1,800 3rd place: Olga Morral (Spain) €900 As well as the international competition, there are many national classes and a festival with about 350 accordionists from 11 countries performing on the two stages for this event organised by Hauspoz (Euskal Herriko Akordeoi Elkartea), the Town Hall of Arrasate and The County Council of Gipuzkoa. The 2013 winner Hanzhi Wang (China) performed 6 concerts. The Jury included well known performers and teachers: Friedrich Lips (Russia), Iñaki Alberdi (Spain), Geir Dragsvoll (Norway), Stefan Hussong (Germany). Download the 56 page program: 2014AHiria.pdf Picture below, left to right, International category contestants: Iwo Jedynecki (Poland), Patryk Sztabinski (Poland), Maria Zubimendi (Basque Country), Marko Sevarlic (Serbia), Olga Morral (Spain), Samgar (Kazajistan), Guan Lei (China), Helena Sousa (Spain), Stefanie Mirwald (Germany). |
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Late News: Linda Soley Reed Retires After 10 years as AAA President - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() ![]() During her presidency, the AAA sponsored annual festivals, special concerts, competitions, seminars and other events. Among the many highlights of her presidency, the AAA hosted with the ATG, the 2007 Coupe Mondiale in Washington DC. On behalf of the AAA, Mary Tokarski presented Linda Soley Reed with a special gift. Each of the board members present read their personal tributes to her which will be compiled into a book. Linda was very moved by these tributes. Incoming AAA President Mary Tokarski told the AAA meeting: "What an honor it is to be chosen to serve as President of a prestigious organization like the American Accordionists’ Association. I am so happy to have this opportunity to serve our members, and promote our beloved instrument for the next two years. The AAA is like a second “home” to me . . . as a young girl I remember the frequent trips to competitions, concerts and workshops, meeting all the accordion “giants” of the day, and simply “growing up AAA”. As I progressed with my music (in many ways because of my AAA experiences), my plans for my music and my life expanded. All those dreams have now come true for me . . . the last “dream” was someday becoming President of this wonderful association!" "We have some very exciting things happening at AAA in 2015 ..... - Our annual Festival in July with workshops, concerts and competitions; - The inaugural Faithe Deffner Memorial Competition with awards totaling $25,000; - AAA Master Class and Concerts, curator/morderator Dr William Schimmel; - Carmen Carrozza special Memorial Concert, Dinner and Competition. I look forward to working together with the accordion community to expand and enhance the accordion here in the United States." The new slate of officers consists of: Mary Tokarski - President Linda Reed - First Vice President Joe Ciccone - Second Vice President Frank Busso - Sr. Treasurer Bob McMahan - Secretary. For further information view the website: AAA or email: ameraccord1938@gmail.com |
V International Competition & VI International Festival 'Accordion Plus' - Russiaby Alexander Poeluev |
![]() The competition includes solo categories for children to adults for classical, entertainment, folk (harmonica) and digital types of music. There is several categories of ensemble from children to no age limit. The concerts of the festival will be held in the biggest concert halls of Rostov. A number of famous accordionists will be performing supported by the Rostov Symphony Orchestra, folk orchestras and jazz bands. Download Rules and Regulations (Russian and English) at: 2015Rostov Closing date for entries is: 15 February 2015 by email to: info@accordionplus.ru or on the website: 'Accordion Plus' |
13. Akkordeon-Musik-Festival (AMF), 4-7 June 2015, Bruschal - Germanyby Harley Jones |
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![]() As in previous years, the competition is divided into 2 phases: At the state competitions participants will be determined for the final competition. To qualify for Bruchsal, at least 31 points or excellent must be achieved. Professional accordionists and musicians are also invited to participate. Bruchsal facilities include the reconstructed grand baroque palace and the modern community center with its beautiful hall, which have impressed all. Download the 2015 Akkordeon-Musik-Festival (AMF) Brochure and Entry Form at: 2015AMF |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
New Solo and Ensemble Music Released by Renzo Ruggieri - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() Renzo Ruggieri releases two eSheet compositions (sent to you by email). Catalog: rrenzo506 Cinema is for electronic accordion (4 parts) and drums. Catalog: rrenzo505 Roma Tango (solo) Composer Renzo Ruggieri writes: "The composition is for solo accordion, standard bass and very suitable for use in international virtuoso entertainment competitions, where this work has already been performed with very successful results." Andrea Di Giacomo has used Roma Tango in his competition program and won 1st at the prestigious Castelfidardo Entertainment category, 1st place at the Trophee Mondial in Lithuania, and 3rd place at the 2014 Coupe Mondiale in Salzburg, Austria. Earlier in the year, Andrea won first prize in the national selections for the CMA and CIA Italian qualifications and performed a concert at the Conservatory of Joensuu, Finland. Andrea who studies modern accordion with Renzo Ruggieri is currently preparing for his first recording in the Spring. Other music and recordings available online at: Renzo Ruggieri |
Sergej Tchirkov Master Classes, Geneva – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordionist Sergej Tchirkov, who currently holds the position of Assistant Artistic Director of Studio for New Music Ensemble and lecturer at the Center of Contemporary Music at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, will give master classes at Fondation l'Abri in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, which is open for accordionists and composers, will feature individual master classes as well as lectures on contemporary performance practice and new music and is to be held on January 12th and 13th. Sergej Tchirkov has been guest lecturer at many European universities of music, has collaborated with major new music ensembles and has premiered over 100 new works for accordion. The masterclasses in Geneva are organized by the Ensemble Batida as part of a residence program at l'Abri Fondation. For more information please email to: ensemblebatida@gmail.com and/or info@tchirkov.eu |
Video: Sandrine Tarayre, Atmosphere Accordion - Franceby Harley Jones |
Video 1: Sandrine Tarayre performs Viva Olazabal; from the show Atmosphere Accordion No. 10 at: http://www.ambianceaccordeon.com Published: 1 November 2013 Video 2: Sandrine Tarayre performs Tonic musette from the show Atmosphere Accordion No. 5 at: http://www.ambianceaccordeon.com Published 24 September 2013 |
Grammy Nomination for New York based accordionist Victor Prieto - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() This is the second time I am involved with a Grammy nominated album. In 2010 I was a part of the Grammy Winning album "Songs of Joy and Peace" Yo-Yo Ma - Cristina Pato. (Sony BMG)... ..It is just great!!!" |
Video: Mika Väyrynen Performing The sound of Ice - Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
Published on Dec 7, 2014, Mika Väyrynen Performing The sound of Ice by Pasi Lyytikäinen (Finland) at the 2014 Akordeono Festivalis. |
Christmas Street Party, Hal-Balzan - Maltaby Joseph P. Grima |
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The first ever Christmas Street Party with an accordion band in Malta took place last week. The Santa Maria Accordion Band (MD Marthese Busutill Cassar) entertained all and sundry in l-Gherusija Street in the 16th Century medieval town of Hal-Balzan in the central part of Malta. The event was organized by the residents committee, and every resident family participated in this event, and all prepared the home made food, sweets, cakes, chaud hot wine, drinks, pastries etc. All the street lighting decorations, and crib paintings and the tent for the band were made and provided free of charge by voluntary painting artists, and street lighting technicians gave their services voluntarily. The Mayor and all council members of the Hal-Balzan Local Council should be thanked for their help and all the logistical support for the traffic management, and all the free electricity consumption of street lighting for the whole month of December. Marthese Busutill Cassar, Joseph P. Grima, and all band members send our thanks for all the articles on AWW and wish you and all at Accordions Worldwide a happy squeeze accordion Christmas and a prosperous New Year. |
Video: Pawel Janas Performing - Polandby Harley Jones |
A recent performance by Pawel Janas in Poland. |
Accordions @ The Lowry, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
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Stockport Accordion Club members Leo Hickey, Josie McFarlane, Rob Howard, Brennan Wilson and Dorothy Brincat braved freezing cold temperatures to perform carols and seasonal tunes outside at the annual Lowry Christmas Fair on Saturday December 5th. There were large crowds throughout the day, and the accordionists’ cheery music resulted in lots of cash collected in aid of The Christie, the world famous cancer treatment hospital in Manchester. The Lowry is a large and popular shopping mall and theatre complex, close to Manchester United FC and the Imperial War Museum North. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Video: Trio Akilamin, Au Bonheur de Nacre - Franceby Harley Jones |
Trio Akilamin and Kevin Lacombe featured, on the excellent accordion TV program Au Bonheur de Nacre, presenter Pascal Savard, LMtv Sarthe, April 2014. |
Future events |
Declan Aungier plays for dancing – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday December 12th - Napper Tandys, Stradbally, County Laois Saturday December 13th - Ballingarry GAA Centre, County Offaly Sunday December 14th – afternoon, Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow, County Laois Sunday December 14th – evening, Ballyglass House Hotel Co.Tipperary Wednesday May 28th – Castle Arms, Durrow, County Laois For further information email: declan@declanaungier.com |
Marco Lo Russo & Anna Luana Tallarita Concert, Sermoneta - Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert is part of ‘Inferences D'Arte’, a series of Christmas cultural events in Sermoneta, which continues until January 24th. For further information email: dina@marcolorusso.com |
Milos Milivojevic Concerts, London, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() December 12th, 5pm and 9.30pm – ‘Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton’ concert, with the London light Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall, London December 13th, 7.30pm – Kosmos tour with violinists Harriet Mackenzie and Meg Rosaleen Hamilton, Linlithgow Academy, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 6EH, Scotland December 14th, 7.30pm – Kosmos, New Deer Public Hall, Church Crescent, New Deer AB53 6WD December 15th, 7.30pm – Kosmos, Tin Hut, Gartly, Aberdeenshire Serbian born accordionist Milos Milivojevic is a first prizewinner at International Competitions in Germany, France, Italy and Denmark. In July 2007 he became the first accordionist to win the RAM Club Prize at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Professor Owen Murray. Milos has performed at such prestigious venues as the Wigmore Hall, St Martin in the Fields, National Portrait Gallery, Keble College Oxford, and has performed at the Foundation Day awards ceremony in front of HRH The Princess Royal. Appearances at festivals include Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, Chichester, Swaledale, and the Oxford Chamber Music Festival. For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
‘Duo insolito’ Concert, Trieste - Italyby Harley Jones |
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The ‘Duo insolito’ - Ghenadie Rotari (accordion) and Valentina Vargiu (piano) – perform in concert on Sunday December 14th, 4.30pm, at Sala Rovis, via Valdirivo 11, Trieste. Ghenadie Rotari, from Moldova, studied at the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland, where he is now based. Ghenadie formed the ‘Duo insolito’ pianist Valentina Vargiu, and they have performed for various concert series in Italy. The duo participated in international music competitions winning awards, such as the second prize at the “Strumenti&Musica” international competition in Spoleto, the second prize at the “Svirel” international music competition in Stanjel (Slovenia) and, at the same competition, the duo was awarded a special prize assigned to the “most promising chamber ensemble” consisting in a recital for the Amici della Musica of Capodistria association to be held in their 2014-2015 concert series. For further information email: g.rotari@yahoo.com |
Mazaika Dance Party, London - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Come to listen, dance and socialize. There'll be an introduction to Russian gypsy dance by Saeeda at the beginning of the evening. The duo Mazaika are Igor Outkine – accordion, vocals, and Elizabeth Harrison – violin. For further information email: igor.outkine@yahoo.com |
Nihad Hrustanbegovic Performs ‘The Four Seasons’, Middelburg - Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() Nihad Hrustanbegovic is currently doing a national concert tour of ‘The Four Seasons’, and has recently recorded ‘The Four Seasons’ for Zefir Records. Other pieces for the CD include ‘Adagio’ - Albinoni, ‘Air’ & ‘Badinerie’ - J.S. Bach, and ‘Canon’ - Pachebel. In 2015 there are similar concerts forthcoming in Brussels, Paris, Vienna, and Istanbul. For further information email: info@nihad-accordeon.com |
Christmas Songs & Tunes @ The Dulcimer, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
‘Christmas Songs & Tunes’, organised by The Beech Band, takes place on Tuesday December 16th, 8pm, at The Dulcimer, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester. Come and enjoy an evening of Christmas songs and tunes mostly but not exclusively traditional. Song books provided. Bring your instruments. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Acoustic Concert, Istanbul – Turkeyby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert is organized by Iberya Özkan Akordeon Atölyesi, the Turkish accordion organization. For further information email: gurcusanatevi@yahoo.com |
Giuseppe Mancini Concert, Sardinia – Italyby Rob Howard |
On Friday December 19th, 8pm, accordionist Giuseppe Mancini performs music from the 1960s to the present day at the Hotel Airone, Sardinia. The evening, a Christmas event, includes a buffet. |
Conservatory Students’ Concert, Nocera Terinese – Italyby Rob Howard |
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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. |
Updated Website: 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 |
New and Updated Site for Grayson Masefield - Switzerlandby Grayson Masefield |
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