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Highlights |
Buckwheat Zydeco wins 2010 Blues Instrumentalist of the Year - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() The Blues Foundation, based in Memphis, held its Awards event at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. The event usually runs more than seven hours and featuring performances by the various nominees. Buckwheat Zydeco is the stage name of Stanley Dural Junior, an American accordionist and Zydeco musician. He is one of the few Zydeco artists to achieve mainstream success. His music group is formally billed as Buckwheat Zydeco and Ils Son Partis Band, but often they perform as merely Buckwheat Zydeco. The New York Times says, “Stanley ‘Buckwheat’ Dural leads one of the best bands in America. A down-home and high-powered celebration, meaty and muscular with a fine-tuned sense of dynamics…propulsive rhythms, incendiary performances.” USA Today calls him “a Zydeco trailblazer.” Further information is on the USA News. |
47th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal - Germanyby Harley Jones |
The solo accordion competitions are divided into ‘Concert’ (classical) and ‘Entertainment’ categories with the top concert class having a ‘Concerto’ section for finalists to perform with a full symphony orchestra. This concerto part of the event has now become an annual feature of the International Accordion Competition Klingenthal. Click to download this 2010 K Program (3.1MB). The results for the highest level concert category are: 1st Bolong Jiang (China), 2nd Pavel Zyabko (Russia), 3rd Aliaksei Michailovski (Belarus) The results for the highest level Variete category are: 1st Sarah Vonau (France), 2nd Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), 3rd Vladislav Pligovka (Belarus), 4th Pietro Adragna (Italy). Click to download the full 2010 K Results. Photo: Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi/Bandoneon and Luca Lucini/Guitar during their concert in the AULA on the opening day of the Competition. |
João Gentil and Sergio Pinget on tour in Argentina – Portugal/Argentinaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() João Gentil will be touring with his good friend and fellow accordion player Sergio Pinget. Concerts are scheduled on Argentinean TV, with live broadcasts on the show ‘Argentinisima’, the most well known TV folk music show as well as playing on national radio. Whilst in Argentina João Gentil and Sergio Pinget perform at Los Chanchitos, La Reja, on June 11th, 10pm; Sociedad Italiana, Moron, on June 12th, 10pm. Both venues are in the Buenos Aires Federal Capital district. For further information email: geral@joaogentil.com |
Salomon Canelo on ‘Mexico de mis Amores’ TV Show – Mexicoby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
On Friday April 30th the Mexican accordionist known Salomon Canelo appeared on the Mexican television program ‘Mexico de mis Amores’, which is also broadcast live in the USA by several TV stations. Salomon together with his Mexican folk music group Los Gallos Del Bajio has presented the famous musical piece ‘El Jardin de San Miguel’ in a combined vocal and instrumental version with two row diatonic accordion. For further information email: salomoncanelo@hotmail.com |
Vlad Pligovka and Arnas Mikalkėnas Jazz Trio Concerts, Kaunas, - Lithuaniaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() The Kaunas Accordion Society (member of CIA), President Grazina Lukosiene, in cooperation with the Kaunas National Philharmonic, organised two spectacular and outstanding concerts that were dedicated to World Accordion Day, May 6th. During the first concert on May 2nd the international performer and winner of the 2008 Coupe Mondiale Vladislav Pligovka for the first time presented M. Majkusiak‘s concerto for accordion and orchestra ‘Concerto Classico’, performing with the Kaunas-based National Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Modestas Pitrenas). On the May 5th Vladislav Pligovka presented his own, solo repertoire playing a concert of classical, original and variety music. During the second part of the concert the whole audience paid close attention to the extreme jazz trio under the leadership of Arnas Mikalkenas‘ – composer and accordion performer, Nerijus Ardzevicius (bass guitar) and Arvydas Joffe (percussion, drums). The instrumental band presented original free-jazz style program, which has been created on the purpose of World Accordion Day. The concert achieved a resounding success – demonstrating the accordion‘s vast potential. For further information email KAS Vice President Mindaugas Labanauskas: mindaugas@akordeonas.lt |
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Weekly News Initiates New Interactive Feature - Worldwideby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() This is titled “Help Desk, Information needed, Readers Comments” and is situated below the Weekly News. The exciting part of this concept is that readers can list their own comments about any accordion subject they wish, ask questions, ask the accordion world for information. Its YOUR Accordion World on Accordions Worldwide Weekly News. So please use and enjoy this new interactive tool, aimed at enabling greater communication amongst accordionists. |
Amazing Concert for World Accordion Day Activities – Macedoniaby Anica Karakutovska |
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![]() An article with the information about the second World Accordion Day, being held on the 181st birthday of the accordion, was published in all the main newspapers in Macedonia. Professor Zorica Karakutovska, President of the Macedonian Association of Accordionists, appeared live on the National TV and radio station programs. On May 6th, students from the SMBSC ‘Ilija Nikolovski-Luj‘ Skopje and the Faculty of Music Skopje from the class of Prof. Zorica Karakutovska performed an amazing concert in the National Gallery of Macedonia “Daut Pasin Amam” Skopje in honour of the second World Accordion Day. The concert, that will be long remembered, started with the welcome speech from Prof. Zorica Karakutovska about the World Accordion Day, and short report about the recent activities related with the accordion. The high quality performances in solo, duet, trio and ensembles, including two works from Macedonian composer Elizabeta Ilievska, with various instrumentation were very well received and regarded with outstanding applause by the large audience. During the month of May, Macedonian Association of Accordionists “Ljubiteli na klasicnata muzika” Skopje will continue with the concert activities in other cities in Macedonia. |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
‘World Accordion Day’ Interviews, Staffordshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The day began with an interview at 7.30am with Pete Morgan on BBC Radio Stoke, involving NSAC chairman Steve Hughes and accordionist Stefan Andrusyschyn. The chat with host Pete Morgan flowed smoothly, and included a brilliant rendition of a shortened Strauss’s ‘Blue Danube’ by Stefan, which drew applause from the studio staff. Following a photo shoot Steve and Stefan left having, I believe, given good representation for the instrument and the club. The calculated listening audience was about 10,000. On the way out Steve Hughes had a phone call from Ben Lowe, who was directing the news program for the MA course in media studies at Stafford University and, having heard the broadcast on Radio Stoke, invited the NSAC duo take part that afternoon. From Radio Stoke, Steve and Stefan were featured on programs at the nearby Signal Radio, with Doug Wood on Signal Radio 2, followed by Signal Radio 1 with Perry and Louise. In both cases Stefan did a marvelous job, doing all the talking and playing ‘Misty’ and ‘Hot and Cold’. In the afternoon the NSAC duo to Stafford University, where they appeared on screen in a programme introduced as being ‘World Accordion Day’. Stefan was asked about the instrument and how long he had played – following the pattern of the previous interviews. He followed the questions with a brief rendition of ‘Czardas’. Hopefully, these interviews and music will have caught the attention of many listeners in the county. |
8th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund Event - USAby Rita Barnea |
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The American Accordionists' Association held an extremely successful fundraising event at the Magnanini Winery in Wallkill, New York, on Sunday, May 2nd, where over 200 attendees enjoyed an outstanding afternoon of accordion music, set to wine tasting and dinner. The 8th Annual event of its kind at the Winery, the money raised is placed in the AAA Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund, which will be used for the advancement of promising young accordionists and commissioning new works for the accordion. For the past 8 years, the Carrozza Scholarship Fund has awarded thousands of dollars to talented young accordionists throughout the USA and abroad. These young accordionists have gone on to further studies and have become award-winning performers and educators. A past president of the AAA, Carmen Carrozza is well known as one of the greatest exponents of the accordion in the classical field. He studied under Pietro Deiro, who was one of the pioneers of the accordion in the United States. He appeared as soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Arthur Fiedler, the Cincinnati Orchestra, Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony at Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.). He also appeared with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Andre Kostelanetz, premiering the 'Rubaiyat', written by Alan Hovhaness and narrated by Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in Washington DC, and for former NYC Mayor John Lindsay in New York. He performed in concert throughout Europe and was presented with a gold medal in Italy after an outstanding performance at the Teatro di Pavia. One of the high points in Carmen Carrozza's distinguished career was a concert in Town Hall in New York City where he performed all original accordion works by many outstanding American composers including Robert Russell Bennett, Paul Creston, Virgil Thompson, and many others. AAA Board member Ray Oreggia was the Master of Ceremonies (picture above) introducing AAA President Linda Soley Reed to open the event. The featured guest artist was 2009 Coupe Mondiale winner from New Zealand, Grayson Masefield. He presented a varied program of virtuoso selections and was warmly welcomed with many standing ovations. Special guests from New Zealand, Accordions Worldwide founder, Harley Jones, was also in attendance at the event along with Tony Davies-Jones. Other artistes included well known accordionist Mario Tacca and International vocalist Mary Mancini, Dominic Karcic ,Ray Oreggia, Anita and Bob Siarkowski, Bob Vitale, Frank Carozza, Frank Toscano, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Robert McMahan, Eddie Monteiro, Mary Tokarski, Julie Cardona, The Busso Trio {Christina, Frank, and Frank Busso, Jr.}, Emilio Magnotta. AAA President, Linda Soley Reed conducted The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra whose members are: Mary Tokarski, Julie Cardona, Marilyn O’Neill, Gerry Hertel, Bob Vitale, Art Piel, Sandy Zera, Jeanine Cariri, Bob Czarnecki, Dorothy Gondek, and Hasmik Zamgochian. The program concluded with a traditional group jam performance of “Jolly Caballero” conducted by Maestro Carmen Carrozza. Congratulations again for another special afternoon organized by the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Committee consisting of Dr. Joseph A. Ciccone, Dr. Robert Young McMaha, Carmen Carrozza, Dr. Salvatore Febbraio, Dominic Karcic, Lenny Feldmann, Linda Soley Reed, and Mario Tacca. Remember to sign up early for next year’s 2011 Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund Event!! |
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Vivant! Releases New Album, Kansas - USAby Karen Fremar |
![]() Tracks include several new compositions for the group by USA composer and accordionist, Karen Fremar, as well as new covers of works, all arranged by Fremar. The new Fremar works on the album are ‘Jammin', ‘Whatever You Do’, ‘Herricks Road’, and ‘Free’. The complete track listing is as follows: ‘Jammin', ‘September’, ‘Whatever You Do’, ‘St. Louis Blues’, ‘Herricks Road’, ‘Night Train’, King of Siam: ‘Something Wonderful’/ ‘March of the Siamese Children’/ ‘Getting to Know You’/ ‘I Have Dreamed’/ ‘Shall We Dance?, ‘Free’, Motown: ‘You Keep Me Hangin' On’/ ‘More Today Than Yesterday’/ ‘Ain't No Mountain High Enough’, ‘Tritsch-Tratsch Polka’, ‘Girl from Ipanema’, ‘Respect’ For more information contact: vivant@vivantsound.com or visit www.vivantsound.com |
George Syrett Celebrates World Accordion Day, Yorkshire Dales – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() From there I proceeded to Ripon, to The Blackamore, situated in a small village called Copt Hewick, and again received a reception of surprise and delight. Finally, I visited my local hotel, The Duke of Wellington, in East Keswick, where the locals started to dance and sing. As I carried my box into the bar some thought I had a sewing machine or was a traveling salesman. This proves the accordion is capable of bringing laughter and song to many who have never heard one played or indeed seen an accordion. All in all over 200 people in the Dales of Yorkshire have seen and heard the accordion at its best and are talking about it. So many photos were taken I am sure they will appear on face book at some time. For further information email: george@accordiontogeorge.co.uk |
Future events |
UMKC Accordion Orchestra World Accordion Day Concert - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() Some of the works to be presented are by: Antonin Dvorak, Geri Daanen, Ferde Grofe, Astor Piazzolla, John Williams, Fritz Dobler, Stephen Schwartz, and V. Ushakov. Joan Sommers has directed the world famous University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Accordion Orchestra since it formed almost 50 years ago, when she established the accordion program at UMKC in 1961. During its long history, the UMKC Accordion Orchestra has won many national titles in the USA, and toured to such places as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Estonia, New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Italy. For more information: Joan Sommers 913—722-5625 or joansommers@kc.rr.com |
AATA Championships Gala Concert, Sydney - Australiaby John Macdonald |
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![]() Daily Reports of past events at: Australian International Championships The all-star concert line up includes John MacDonald (picture right), Nerida Farmer, FUNKORDION, John Cave, Accordigles, and the Roland V-Accordion duo Ivan Liashenko and Nick Shcherbakov. The concert also includes the championships trophy presentation ceremony. For further information email: info@aata.org.au |
Victor Prieto May Performances, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
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New York-based Spanish jazz accordionist Victor Prieto performs during the latter half of May as follows: May 14th and 15th, 9pm and 11.pm – with Emilio Solla and the NY Jazz Tango Conspiracy at 183 West 10th St, Greenwich Village, New York City May 29th, 11pm and 12.30am - Victor Prieto Tio at 129 MacDougal St, New York For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Rosemary Wright @ Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel Street/A560 Hyde Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1ND (J25/M60). For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Beckster Fest, Iowa – USAby Rob Howard |
The Beckster Fest, an an annual polka festival organised each year by Barefoot Becky, takes place from June 4th to 6th at Amana Colonies RV Park and Event Center, 3890 C St, Amana, Iowa. Beckster Fest features several bands throughout the weekend playing in 2 air conditioned buildings with wooden dance floors. Food and drink is available. Although the event is a polka festival, the bands also play a variety of music including waltzes, foxtrots, country, big band, schottisches, and more. The bands this year include: Barefoot Becky, Julie Lee & The White Rose Band, Goodtime Dutchmen, Lyle Beaver, Zweifel Brothers, Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, Karl's Country Dutchmen, Squeezebox, and Malek's Fishermen. |
International Music Master Classes, Cividale del Friuli (UD) – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() ‘The Metamorphosis of Sound’ workshop, led by accordionist Patrizia Angeloni. Sound involves a network of connections that include hearing, breathing, one's hands and entire body, the voice, sensory organs, brain and psyche: hence a person in his/her entirety. Sound is a functional means in artistic expression and in one's command of a musical instrument. The workshop centres around practical collective experiences of perception and production of sound, with the intent of refining sensorial impressions and experimenting the relationship between sound and human system, with particular attention paid to musical and instrumental abilities. Moreover, improvisation and listening will experience different sound dimensions in processes and structures of contemporary music. No specific preparation is required and no musical programme is to be presented. ‘Accordion and Improvisation In Balkan Music’, with Aleksander Ipavec - Seminar /Workshop; no specific preparation is required and no musical program is to be presented. ‘Accordion stylistic evolution in Europe from 1950 to 1970’ Seminar/Workshop, led by Sebastiano Zorza; no specific preparation is required and no musical program is to be presented. Further further information email: Patrizia Angeloni patriziaangeloni@libero.it |
L’anima nella Fisarmonica, Monastier di Treviso – Italyby Rob Howard |
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The L’anima nella Fisarmonica accordion festival takes place, August 4th to 8th, in Monastier di Treviso, Italy. The festival program includes: August 4th and 5th, 9.30am-1pm - The Alexander Technique for Musicians, Actors, Dancers workshop with dancer Kathleen Delaney and accordionist Claudio Jacomucci August 4th to 7th, 3pm – 7pm - Accordion Master Class with Claudio Jacomucci August 6th – ‘Hamlet’ by and with Fabrizio Paladin (voice, direction) and Luca Piovesan (accordion) August 6th and 7th, 9.30am-1pm - The Alexander Technique for Accordionists workshop with Claudio Jacomucci and Kathleen Delaney August 8th – ‘Aracne’ by and with Kathleen Delaney (dance, choreography) and Claudio Jacomucci (accordion and electronics) Enrolment Fees include: Alexander Technique workshop: 120 Euro Accordion master class: 200 euro / 50 euro (passive students) workshop + master class: 300 euro Subscription fee: 15 euro Deadline date: July 1st The number of participants is limited. Lodging and meals are arranged by the organization for a convenient price (ask for info). The courses will be at “Casa della Protezione Civile”, while performances are at “Abbazia S.Maria del Pero” in Monastier. For further information email: info@accademiafisarmonicistica.com |
Richard Galliano Performs at the Lincoln Center - USAby Rita Barnea |
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On May 14th and 15th at 7:30 and 9:30 pm at The Allen Room in Lincoln Center in New York City, will be heard one of the most heartfelt voices in contemporary jazz, Kurt Elling, performing together with the great French master of jazz accordion Richard Galliano. Kurt and Richard will sing and play internationally famous ballads of love and loss in their original tongues and a language of love in a journey around the world. Richard Galliano is an exceptionally versatile musician, able to make his mark in all kinds of musical contexts, from solo appearances (like the Paris Concert from the Châtelet, which came out in 2009), to playing with a big band like the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, in 2008. His exceptional abilities as a soloist are now well-recognized, and he continues to explore a vast range of music, without ever losing that lyrical quality that infuses the ballads on Love Day that he recorded with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Charlie Haden and Mino Cinelu, or the French Touch which allowed him to make the link between Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf, with the trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Eager to pass on his wealth of experience, he is the author, together with his father Lucien, of an accordion method that won the SACEM prize for Best Pedagogical Work in 2009. |
CD Reviews |
Nuevo Mundo Duoby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
Donald E Grzanna releases new pieces of his workby |
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Mario Tacca releases new musicby Mario Tacca |
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Gary Dahl release new and updated workby Gary Dahl |
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Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Paolo Soprani Fidardo Classic Accordianby | Modify | Delete |
I have inherited a Paolo Soprani Fidardo Classic accordian. It has a serial number - 567A. I have been advised that it maybe of value or of interest to a collector. If so, can you advise me as to how I can go about selling it. I can send photographs if necessary. e-mail: chaffers122@hotmail.co.uk Yours sincerely, Sheila Chaffin-Power |
vintage HOHNER accordionby | Modify | Delete |
I would like to sell two Hohner vintage accordions. Please contact me using my e-mail: ilona.ivanashvili@gmail.com |
search for music publishersby | Modify | Delete |
Looking for a Music Publisher of the following pieces: 1)Basso Ostinato ( A Jazz or Swing Number) Music By V.Vlasov 2) Vivaldi Summer ( Presto ) by Vivaldi Basso Ostinato is available on the Karthause-Schmuelling Musik and Media website at http://www.MusicForAccordion.com/schmuelling/ Cat No: 1026 |
Farfisa Transivox Piano Accordionby | Modify | Delete |
Could someone provide info. re above accordion and price guide? Many thanks, Tom |
ACOSTA ACCORDIANby | Modify | Delete |
I have an italian accordian made by Acosta that I am trying to place a value on. It is in good shape with the original case approximately 50 years old. Can you help me? |
Info Scandalli Serviceby | Modify | Delete |
Wir benötigen für die Reparatur einer 4 chörigen Scandalli (rot) Baujahr ? 1934 eine Beschreibung und ev. Ersazteile Klappen außen, so wie Stimmplatten etc. Unsere Kommunikation sollte in deutsch stattfinden, da wir der italienischen Sprache nicht mächtig sind. Virab besten Dank für Ire Bemühungen in unserer Angelegenheit. Service für Handzuginstrumente Horst Englmaier Pastoriusstraße 39 90480 Nürnberg - Germany Tel: 0911 - 83 70 414 mail: horst.englmaier@neftv.net |
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