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Highlights |
66th Coupe Mondiale Competitions Starting, Victoria - Canadaby Harley Jones |
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![]() The 66th Coupe Mondiale runs from Monday 19th August to Saturday 24th August. View the Daily Reports, pictures and livestream TV on the official Coupe Mondiale website www.coupemondiale.org. Full schedule at: 2013Coupe There are three days of pre-Coupe Mondiale competitions. Friday features local competitions with Saturday and Sunday featuring an international accordion orchestra competition with the finals on Sunday evening. Sunday morning also has an Accordion Parade in downtown Victoria. The Coupe Mondiale competitions start on Monday morning with the official Opening Concert on Monday evening. The Host Organization for the 66th Coupe Mondiale (2013) is the British Columbia (BC) Accordion Society, President Aleksandar Milojevic in conjunction with the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes (CIA), IMC-UNESCO, Secretariat, Finland. |
Super Accordion Events This Summer, Plans For 2014 - Chinaby Prof. Li Cong, President, China Accordion Association |
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![]() They were: 1.“Nanshan” Accordion Competition, July 21st, in Shenzhen Guangdong. Around 400 competitors from Southern China participated. 2.“Chuncheng” Keyboards Competition (including piano, accordion and double key keyboards), Aug 1st, Kunming, Yunnan. Around 400 competitors from Southwest China participated. 3.“Hohner” Variety Accordion Competition, Aug 5th, Luoyang, Henan. Around 900 competitors from Middle China participated. Frederic Deschamps, the chairperson of CIA Music Committee, held a master class during this event. Pietro Adragna from Italy, (the Entertainment category winner of the 2011 Coupe Mondiale held in Shanghai) and Elsa Gourdy (France) performed a concert. 4.“Parrot Cup” Accordion Competition Aug 10th, Beijing. Over 800 competitors participated. On 12th August, the China Accordion Association (CAA) has held an important meeting. President: Li Cong (picture left), Vice President: Wang Shusheng, Chen Jun, Zhang Guoping, Yang Guoli, Du Ning, Secretary-General: Zhang Tianyu, Deputy Secretary-General: Crystal Wang and Meng Hui attended. The association business and major events for 2014 were discussed and planned during this meeting. There will be 5 major competitions for 2014. They are: 1. The National Competition of comprehensive universities and teachers’ colleges,and the exchange conference in May, Shanghai, to be hosted by the CAA and Ministry of Education of China. 2. “Hohner” Variety Accordion Competition in July, Shenzhen, Guandong. 3. “Baidi” Accordion Competition in August, Shandong. 4.“Harbin Summer” (Harbin 2014) International Accordion Festival in August, Harbin, Heilongjiang to be hosted by CAA and Ministry of Culture of China. 5. Accordion Competition, October, in Wuhan Hubei. Predictably, 2014 will be a fascinating year of accordion in China. |
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Celebrating 150 Years, Travelling Exhibition 'Craftsmen of Sound' - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Numana (Palazzo Comunale), 25th August to 1st September Osimo (Teatro la Fenice), 7th to 18th September Camerano (San Francesco), 28 September to 12 October Castelfidardo (Auditorium San Francesco), 31 October to 16th November Loreto (Bastione Sangallo), 30 November to 11th December Recanati (Palazzo Comunale), 2014 date not yet determined Klingenthal, Germany (Museo Comunale), May 2014 150 years ago the first of mass production of accordions was initiated in Castelfidardo by Paolo Soprani. Impossible to think at that time, that this "spark" would have resulted in a history of ingenuity, resourcefulness, a passion that led to the emergence of a highly specialized manufacturing district in this territory. The City of Castelfidardo, through the Museum Castelfidardo has decided to organise a traveling exhibition that illustrates, through images, the historical journey / production of this musical instrument. The project also includes a publication and a series of conferences. Each show will be "personalized" with respect to the host city and the role which it played in the district. The events are organised by Beniamino Bugiolacchi (Director of the Museum Castelfidardo), Fabio Buschi (photographer) and Roberto Carlorosi (graphics) with support from local government and the cities where the exhibitions will be held. The prestigious photographic book "Craftsmen of Sound" published by Tecnostampa and processed by the curators of the exhibition will also be promoted. For further information email Beniamino Bugiolacchi at: info@museodellafisarmonica.it |
Video: Aydar Gaynullin Performs Tango de Amor With Philharmonie Berlin - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Video: Tango de Amor with the Berliner Philharmonie in concert on 8th June 2013, published 6th August 2013 The video features: Aydar Gaynullin (accordion, accordina), Artyom Dervoed (guitar). Aydar Gaynullin is a renowned accordionist, well known for international competition successes in past years, today for accordion concerts both solo and with his wife Elena Lutz (accordionist), and most recently as a vocalist and composer, with lots of success in the film music industry. |
World Record Attempt for Largest Irish Band, County Clare – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Players must be at least 12 years old and able to play the ‘Kilfenora Jig’. Players of accordions, concertinas, fiddles, flutes, or any typical ceili band instruments are welcome. For further information email: johnlynch1955@gmail.com7 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Sylvia Louise Prior, March 14, 1922 to August 9, 2013 - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() Sylvia taught accordion and piano in Los Angeles and later in Oxnard for nearly 60 years, carrying on the business her father started in 1917. She loved teaching music and took great pride in knowing that she had touched the lives of countless students during her career. Sylvia was also closely involved with the Accordion Federation of North America (AFNA) in various executive positions for the association over many years. The most important thing in Sylvia's life, however, was her family, especially her two daughters. Sylvia was a devoted mother who taught by example the importance of kindness, generosity and compassion. She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Sylvia is survived by her daughters Adrian Jo Guidotti (David Ross) and Sylvana Louise Guidotti, M.D. (Kevin Wells), as well as her sister Patricia Kessen (Willard) and her nephew Jeffery Kessen. She is also survived by many devoted friends and her faithful dogs Gina and Scout. Sylvia was predeceased by her big sister Dorothymae Nelsen, husbands Tito Guidotti and Richard Westhouse, and her niece and goddaughter Dorothy Lee Pabst. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff who cared for Sylvia at the Ventura County Medical Center and Victoria Care Center, especially Doctors James Helmer, Joseph Esherick and Jacqueline D'Orazio. The family is also grateful to Westwood Home Care and Sylvia's primary caregiver Mida who enabled her to remain in her home with her pets for her final years. Services will be held on Saturday August 17th at 11am at Santa Clara Mortuary and Cemetery, 2370 North H Street, Oxnard, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sylvia's memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame, California Province, 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, Attn: Advancement Office or to your favorite charity. |
Video: Three Finnish Folksongs by Mika Väyrynen - Finlandby Harley Jones |
Video: Mika Väyrynen performing his arrangement of "Three Finnish Folksongs" on 23rd July 2011 concert at Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaca - Claustro D. Afonso VI. - The sky is blue and white (dedicated to A-J-E) - Ostrobotnian Polska (in memoriam..) - Little folksong (dedicated to Vilja) |
Polish Accordion Quintet "Fantini" Performs At Polish Festival - USAby Dee Langley |
Polish Accordion Quintet "Fantini" from Poland were performing last Saturday and Sunday at the 2013 Annual Twin Cities Polish Festival, Cultural Stage, St. Anthony Main to an appreciative audience. Above are some videos of their performances. Video 1: Music name not listed. Video 2: "DANCE" Video 3: "The Easy Winners" composed by Scott Joplin Video 4: Excerpt from Carmen Overture by Bizet The Fantini Quintet was formed Qin 1996 by Arthur Zajkowski, who today is the artistic director. The group has a rich and varied repertoire that has made them popular with audiences. |
‘Donny & Diane Play Gaelic Pipe & Irish Tunes’ CD, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Tracks: 2/4 Marches - Pipe Major Jim Christie of Wick/The Crags of Stirling; Gaelic Waltzes - Soiridh Leis Na Fuar Bheann/Eilean Beag Donn A Chuain/Ho Ro Mo Nighean Donn; Jigs - Hebridean Jig/Dunacht Head/Drummond Castle; Irish Waltzes - The Flower of Sweet Strabane/Old Ardboe/I'll Remember You Love In My Prayers; Marches - Mairi's Wedding/Cutting Bracken/Calum's Ceilidh; Gaelic Waltzes - Fagail Ghlaschu/Mo Mhathair; 2/4 & 6/8 Marches - Royal Scottish Pipers Society/Jim Ritchie's March; Gaelic Waltzes - Fear A Bhata/Maighdeanan na h-airigh/Tha Mo Spiorad Cianail; Highland Schottische - Clan Macquarrie Community Centre/M'eudail air do shuilean donna; Gaelic Waltzes - Calum Sgaire/ Tha Mi Dol Dhachaidh/Ho Mhairi; 6/8 Marches - Dr J G Hunter of Aultbea/Pipe Major Donald MacLean of Lewis; Gaelic Waltzes - Gleann An Fhraoich/Guma Slan Don Ribhinn Oig/Oran Na Navy/Oigh Loch Na Madadh; Irish Jig & Reels - Lilting Banshee/Round The Irish Coast/The Jolly Beggarman; Gaelic Waltzes - S'Fhada Bhuam Thar A Chuan/Far An Og Rinn Mi Mireadh/Tiughainn Leam's Dean Cabhaig/Calum A' Ghlinne For further information email: jiml@musicinscotland.com |
Video: Ma Shuang Performs Revelation - Franceby Harley Jones |
Shuang Ma, student of CNIMA J.Mornet music school performs Revelation composed by Sergei Voytenko. Yvon Body of CNIMA writes: This young Chinese woman has been an accordion teacher for children in Beijing, while she was studying China’s Arts and Traditions at University. After she had obtained a degree in that subject, she decided to dedicate herself to accordion, to reach a high instrumental level and to do a training course with the aim of a Master's degree in teaching. Ma Shuang travelled to France in December 2012 to study at the CNIMA J.Mornet music school for a full-time classical accordion training course (in American plan) over one year. Shuang achieved stunning progress, so much so, that after only six months of courses Jacques Mornet, the founder, and Nathalie Boucheix, the manager of the centre, presented her in international competitions. The video above is her performance at the international competition Montrond-les-Bains in 2013. CNIMA also prepared Ma Shuang for selection at HEMU, High Music School of Lausanne (Switzerland), educational partner of the CNIMA. After her successful application, Ma Shuang is now studying towards a Master's Degree (by 2014) with accordion option pedagogy, diploma recognized by the authorities of her country. Ma Shuang demonstrates that CNIMA J.Mornet teaches buttons and piano keyboard accordions equally. |
Video: Duo Russkyistil - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Video: Those lovers of Russian folk style music will enjoy the duet Russkyistil who now have some 43 videos on their youtube channel. |
Video: Modrijani by the Group S teboj - Sloveniaby Harley Jones |
Modrijani by the group S teboj from Slovenia |
Video: Chiquito e Bordoneio 13 - Pêlos / Carreta (Os Serranos)by Harley Jones |
Chiquito e Bordoneio 13 - Pêlos / Carreta (Os Serranos) |
Video: Duo violin and accordionby Harley Jones |
These quality musicians were not named on this 10 minute video and the music played was also not listed. However, I am sure you will like their fine music and hopefully someone will send us their names. |
Video: Pino di Modugno Performances - Italyby Harley Jones |
Popular Italian entertainer and accordion demonstrator Pino di Modugno performing some well loved classics. Video 1: Dizzy Fingers with a fast fingered guitarist, performed at the World of Accordion Festival in June. Video 2: Finculi Finicula Another performance at the World of Accordion Festival. Video 3: A historical video of Pino di Modugno performing for early TV RAI in 1957. He performs Moto Perpetuo (Rondò dalla sonata op. 24) by Carl Maria Von Weber. Video 4: Czardas transcription for accordion by di Pino di Modugno performed by Sebastiano Barbagallo. |
Video: Sergio Scappini el stratto dal concerto Tango! - Italyby Harley Jones |
The trio "il Gusto della Musica" of Sergio Scappini (accordion), Mimma la Monica (flute) and Sonia Vettorato (piano) perform el stratto dal concerto Tango! |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Accordion Activity in Japan in 1999by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending August 13th 1999 included no less than three articles from Toru Katou about accordion events in Japan during August 1999. If one looks at the early years of Accordions Worldwide there were frequent items concerning accordion concerts, contests, and other events in Japan. Japanese Accordion Competitions – Japan Contributed by Toru Katou The Japan Accordion Association (JAA) will hold their 2nd ‘JAA Accordion Contest’ on August 29th at the Yotsuya Ward Citizens' Hall, Tokyo from 10 am. Contestants range in age from 6 to 67 years old, with participants from overseas. Competition judges include Stefan Hussong (Germany), Noboru Emori and Chikaie Yoshida. Guest accordionists include the Director of the JAA, Hideaki Yamaoka. |
Future events |
Guy Klucevsek Concert and Workshop, Alpentöne Festival – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
![]() On Friday August 16th, 10.45pm, Guy Klucevsek performs in concert at the Alpentöne Festival, Altdorf, Switzerland. On Saturday August 17th he leads an all day workshop at this festivalon the topic of ‘Accordion Tribe’ music. Guy will coach the participants in preparing individual parts of several pieces from the ‘Accordion Tribe’ repertoire, which they will then play together. All workshop participants must be able to read music. For further information email: info@guyklucevsek.com |
Erika & Jean-Marie Dance, Pondrome – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
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Helen Maher Concerts, Liverpool – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() August 19th, 6pm until 8pm - Vauxhall Vaults, Vauxhall Road, Liverpool. Free entry. August 23rd – with singer/guitarist Ian Prowse, The Commercial Inn, Chester. Free entry. August 30th, 8pm - with singer/guitarist Ian Prowse, Liverpool Olympia. For further information email: helenmaher@hotmail.com |
‘duistanz - About Sky(s)’ Performances, Duisburg – Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() Performances of ‘duistanz’ and ‘About Sky(s)’ take place in Duisburg, in the Ruhr area from August 21st to 25th. Each evening of the performance will have a different theme. Involved will be The Kaiser-Antonino Dance Ensemble, visual artist Wolfram Lakaszus, soprano Janin Roeder, and accordionist Marko Kassl, who will perform music by amongst others Luciano Berio, Gerhard Stäbler, Georg Friedrich Händel, and some of his own compositions. Performance dates: August 21st, 7pm – programme: ‘Meeting the white’, Garten der Erinnerung, D-47051 Duisburg August 22nd, 7pm – programme: ‘In the mood to wave’, Garten der Erinnerung, Duisburg August 23rd, 8pm – programme: ‘Ein Stück Himmel’, Brockhauser Str. 72, D-44797 Bochum August 24th, 7pm – programme: ‘duistanz - About Sky(s)1’, Garten der Erinnerung, Duisburg August 25th, 5pm – programme: ‘duistanz - About Sky(s)2’, Garten der Erinnerung, Duisburg August 30th, 7pm - Ensemble Tangosphere ‘Ein Stück Himmel’, Kunstkabinett Mönter, Kirchplatz 1-5, D-40670 Meerbusch For further information email: info@marko-kassl.de |
“From Broadway to the Met …. plus”, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Connie Shakalis has had a successful career in musicals, with leading roles in ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘South Pacific’, ‘Show Boat’, ‘Brigadoon’, and more. Dominic Karcic has played accordion and piano professionally for many years, with a long list of performing credits to his name. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) and contributes articles for the AAA Newsletter. For further information email: accordionman@verizon.net |
Ksenija Sidorova @ Rheingau Musik Festival, Hesse – Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() August 22nd, 8pm - St. Aegidius, Mittelheim; programme includes JS Bach: ‘Overture in the French style BWV 831’, Sergei Berinski: Also Sprach Zarathustra’, Sergej Rachmaninow: ‘Barcarolle op. 10 No. 3’, Felix Mendelssohn / Sergej Rachmaninow: Scherzo from ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream op. 21’, Yevgeny Derbenko: ‘Choral Prelude’, Alfred Schnittke: Excerpts from the ‘Gogol Suite’ August 23rd, 6.30pm - Gala Concert with Dinner at the Hotel Kronenschlösschen, Hattenheim For further information email: ksenijasidorova@yahoo.co.uk |
Renee de la Prade Gigs – France, Canadaby Rob Howard |
![]() August 23rd, 7pm/11pm – bar/restaurant Le Samoa, Vichy, France August 24th, 7pm/11pm - outdoor concert, Place St. Jean, Ambert, Puy De Dome region August 25th, 10.30am/11pm – outdoor fair, Le Foire Aux Anes, Braize, Auvergne August 30th, 9.30pm/11.30pm - playing with local Quebequois accordionist Santosh Lalonde at L'Escogriffe, Montreal, Canada For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Iñaki Diéguez Performs in California – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: inakidieguez@gmail.com |
CD Reviews |
‘Fairy Tales’ CD by Ksenija Sidorova, London - UKby Roland Williams |
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New and Updated Sites |
Dražan Kosoric Releases Two New Compositionsby Drazan Kosoric |
![]() 'Ballad for accordion solo', catalog: dkosoric106, 'Concert Piece for accordion and piano', catalog: dkosoric107 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Franco Cambareri Releases Two New Compositionsby Franco Cambareri |
![]() 'Parisian Sunset', catalog: cfranco183, 'Parisian Sunset', catalog: cfranco184 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
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