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Highlights |
Iosif Purits Wins 50th Klingenthal International Accordion Competition - Germanyby Harley Jones |
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![]() Winner Isoif Purits (picture above) performed "Impromptu" by the German composer Wolfgang Jacobi with the orchestra. The results for Category IV were: 1st Iosif Purits (Russia), 2nd Marko Sevarlic (Serbia), 3rd Hanzhi Wang (China) 4th Maciej Frackiewicz (Poland). Of note was the success of competitors from China, who achieved a 1st, 2nd or 3rd placing in most categories. Competition results for all the categories, photograph and videos are part of the event Report: 2013 Klingenthal The event also featured concerts by such performers as: Friedrich Lips, Juan José Mosalini, Stefan Hussong, Bayan-Mix, Beltango, Elsbeth Moser, Tobias Morgenstern, Concertina, Matthias Matzke, Victor Hugo Villena etc, along with the symphony orchestras Stadtorchester Klingenthal and Vogtland Philharmonie Greiz/Reichenbach. You can download the complete program at: 2013KProgram Results, photographs and videos are online at Reports: 2013 Klingenthal |
Akud Sonja Marinkovi Orchestra Wins 11th World Music Festival 2013, Innsbruck - Austriaby Harley Jones |
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![]() Akud Sonja Marinkovi Orchestra of Novi Sad, Serbia conducted by Goran Penic (picture below) won the top category of the 11th World Music Festival 2013, Innsbruck, Austria. This was the first orchestra from outside Germany to win this highly prestigious accordion orchestra competition and they did so with a tremendous performance that achieved a standing ovation from the large crowd. The results were announced on Sunday morning at the prize giving, held at the Innsbruck Olympic Stadium, being the only venue large enough to hold all the participants and audience. See the photos and video of the thousands attending. Congratulations to the DHVev for a superbly run event. A photo report including full results is online at: 2013InsbrReport |
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IV International Festival and Competitions "Accordion Plus" - Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() Extensive report in Russian language by Mikhail Imkhanitskycan at: 2013Plus The IV International Festival and Competitions "Accordion Plus" was held from the 29th March to the 1st April 2013 in Rostov-on-Don. The International Music Center "Harmony" association, organizers, have seen entries increase from 43 the first year, 65 last year and now 115 entrants from Russia and Ukraine. The competition is included in the Russian system of selection of accordion players to represent Russia at the "Coupe Mondiale 2013" and "Trophee Mondiale 2013". Download a list of the categories and the rules at: 2013Rostov The event featured many performers including: Yuri Shishkin, Vladimir Murza, Yevgeny Derbenko, Motion Trio, Alexander Poeluev, Alexey Shaligyn, Andrey Statsenko, Aljena Bulatetskaja, Anna Kryshtaleva, Orchstra of Folk instruments "Don", Ensemble of Folk instruments "Dontsy" and many students,childrens Composers: Victor Vlasov, Alexander Dorensky Judge: Victor Vlasov, Yuri Shishkin, Vladimir Murza, Mikhail Imkhanitsky, Vladimir Yshenin, Anatoly Zaikin, Alexander Poeluev, Sergey Galkin, Gennady Vandenko, Andrey Statsenko. The 2014 V International Festival and Competitions "Accordion Plus" will be held from 27th to 31st March 2014. |
‘The Accordion in the 19th Century’ by Gorka Hermosa, Now Available in Print – Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() This well researched work, with the text in English, is an important point of reference for all accordion teachers and students. The author Gorka Hermosa wishes to have the knowledge of this book spread as widely as possible, and thanks to him, you may download this book free at: 19thCentury. ‘The Accordion in the 19th Century’, still available as a free pdf download, is now also available from Gorka Hermosa as a printed book. email: gorka@gorkahermosa.com |
Video: Patrick Harison Featured in Jack Klatt and the Cat Swingers "Life's a Drag" Hit - USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The group Jack Klatt and the Cat Swingers, based in Minnesota, have had a hit titled "Life's a Drag". Video above. This hit features accordionist Patrick Harison with some great jazz accordion fills. Patrick also plays in groups such as Patty and the Buttons as well as solo. Patrick has appeared as a soloist with the Minnesota Orchestra, Florida Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony and the Minnesota Opera. For further information email: Patrickharison@yahoo.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
ITV News Reports: Major Record Deal for Lady Gaga Covering Accordion Player - UKby Harley Jones |
ITV.com News reports on 16th May including the two videos above: A Lithuanian accordion player who covers Lady Gaga has landed a major record deal in the UK. Twenty-two-year-old Martynas Levickis, a world champion virtuoso accordion player, and graduate of London's Royal Academy of Music, has landed a classical deal. The Lithuania's Got Talent winner said he aims to bring the keyboard to a wider audience, as the first accordion player to be signed by Decca Classics. His album, which will be released this summer, includes classical standards such as Air On A G String, Hungarian Dance and Rondo Alla Turca, as well as Lady Gaga's chart-topper Telephone. Levickis' talent was developed after his godfather gave him a tiny accordion as a child in his native Lithuania. He studied with one of his country's leading teachers at the Saulius Sondeckis Music School before graduating from London's Royal Academy of Music. He said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Decca and bring the accordion to an ever larger audience." Paul Moseley, managing director of Decca Classics, said: "Martynas is the master of an instrument lodged deep in most of our musical memories. His mission is to bring the accordion back into the mainstream where it belongs. His unstuffy virtuosity and showmanship are the advocacy this wonderful instrument needs and Decca is delighted to be breaking boundaries with him." |
‘Starr Music Box’ CD and Download, Edinburgh – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() Will Starr (1922 - 1976), from Croy, Lanarkshire, has become a legendary figure amongst Scottish accordionists. He pursued a career as a concert player rather than a dance musician, and is one of the most influential and inspirational accordionists of his genre. Starr was a very successful composer, arranger, stage, radio and TV performer and recording artist. His musical range included traditional Scottish song, dance and pipe music, to the expressive French musette music. The tracks include: 1) Under The Double Eagle 2) Dundee Reel/Bonnie Dundee/Dovecot Park 3) Burns Waltz 4) Chilliwack Barn Dance 5) Highland Schottische: Monymusk/Lad Wi The Plaidie/Lord Lynoch 6) Les Triolets 7) The Household Brigade 8) Gaelic Waltz: Dearest My Own One/Leaving Barra/Morag of Dunvegan 9) Whistling Rufus 10) Atholl Highlanders/Rakes of Kildare/Teviot Bridge/Biddy the Bowl Wife/Biddy of Sligo/Roaring Jelly 11) Scottish Waltz: Crookit Bawbee/Rothesay Bay/Bonnie Wells O' Wearie/Auld Scots Mother Mine For further information email: info@footstompin.com |
Stas Venglevski Performed in New York City, May 3-12 - USAby Harley Jones |
Highly regarded Stas Venglevski, has been part of a chamber orchestra performing in the opera, "The Firework Maker's Daughter", playing at the New Victory Theater on 42nd Street in New York City, May 3-12 with matinee and evening performances. Above is a recent video featuring Stas Venglevski and soprano Anna Kryukovskaya. Stas Venglevski has toured extensively across the USA and in Russia to excellent acclaim. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Domenic 'the Accordion Beatles guy' Amatucciby Rob Howard |
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The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending May 21st 1999 reported news of a radio interview in Canada featuring Domenic Amatucci, the Toronto accordionist well-known for performing Beatles music. The intrepid Domenic has for years performed on the Toronto subways, and his specialized interest in Beatles music marks him out among accordionists. He has his own website, makes recordings, and is still very active. Accordion Beatles on CBC Radio One – Canada Domenic 'the Accordion Beatles guy' Amatucci appeared live on the Metro Morning show with host Andy Barrie on May 13th. Domenic performed ‘In My Life’ by the Beatles, his own composition ‘Wee Wool Cat’, and ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ (Beatles). He was also interviewed in between his musical performances. Andy Barrie asked questions regarding busking in Toronto's subways, which songs were most popular (‘Imagine’ and the ‘Titanic’ theme) and why some people were annoyed by buskers. They also discussed reasons why the accordion declined in popularity during the 1960s in North America and why it's becoming popular again. The Metro Morning show broadcasts all over the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's (CBC) southern Ontario network to a potential audience of 8 million listeners. |
Future events |
Dr. Robert Young McMahon Premieres New Work for Accordion, Chorus - USAby Rita Barnea |
AAA Board member, Dr. Robert Young McMahon, will premier his new work, "Time", for chorus, accordion, organ, and percussion. The poem was written by Valerie Bloom a Jamaican poet living in England. It is from a collection of children's poems by Bloom. It will be part of a concert by VOICES Chorale, Lyn Ransom, conductor, entitled "Time Passing, Time Standing Still: Musical Perception of Time". Dr. McMahan who was commissioned by VOICES will perform the accordion in it. The concert will take place on Saturday, May 18, 8:00 PM, at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. For further information: grillmyr@gmail.com |
‘Cricket & Snail’ Charity Concert, Seattle – USAby Rob Howard |
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Both accordionist James Carlson (Snail) and violinist Lucile Carlson (Cricket) are composers and arrangers and are fond of great melodies that evoke street cafés, Celtic dances, Jewish weddings, opera scenes and sitting out on the porch in the summer. Combining sweetness, vivacity, humor and refined musicianship, their eclectic mix of music seeks to delight one & all! They perform together on Saturday May 18th, 6.30pm, at the OneLife Community Church, 3524 NE 95th St, Seattle, WA, at a dinner and concert event raising money for The Huntingdon’s Disease Society of America’ |
‘Accordéon Franco Belge’ Concert, Vlamertinge – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordionists performing include Marina Vanhee, Yves Laynaert, Albert Hennebel, and Anthony Basilico. |
Aleksandar Kolovski - Macedoniaby Harley Jones |
![]() The third and last concert will be on June 8th, at 8pm, in the Coppélia Theatre in the city of La Flèche. Before the last concert on June 8th, in the afternoon, Kolovski will give a master class about tango to the students of the music academy in La Flèche. Aleksandar Kolovski (born1990), from Skopje, Macedonia, started playing the accordion at the age of 7, and he is currently a student at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in the class of Professor Zlatko Madevski. Since 2009 he has attended master classes in France, where he is a student of one of Frederic Deschamps. Since 2010 Aleksandar has been a Hohner artist. In 2011 he won 4 prestigious world competitions C.M.A – Tropheé Mondial, Castelfidardo, Spoleto, and Montrond les Bains-Lyon, and since 2003 has won over 15 international competitions. Aleksandar has performed at festivals in Italy, France, Finland, Bulgaria, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Lithuania. For further information email: akolovski@yahoo.com |
Pascal Contet Concerts, Paris, Berlin – France, Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() May 22nd, 8.30pm – ‘L’Agité du Boca’ (Cavanna), with the Ensemble Ars Nova at the Théâtre Jean Vilar, Vitry-sur-Seine, Paris June 7th – as the Duo Iceberg, with sheng player Wu Wei, Jazz Festival, Berlin, Germany For further information email: pascalcontet@wanadoo.fr |
Helen Rich @ North Staffs Accordion Club, Staffordshire – UKby Rob Howard |
North Staffs AC meet at the Holditch Miners Welfare Club, London Rd, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire S75 7PT. For further information email: accordions@northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk |
‘Musea in Musica’, Castelfidardo – Italyby Rob Howard |
The 5th ‘Musea in Musica’ concert series takes place May 22nd, 23rd and 24th at the Teatro Astra, Castelfidardo, Ancona. The details are, as follows: May 22nd, 9pm – an evening dedicated to the Museum of Guitar ‘Oliviero Pigini’, Recanati May 23rd, 9pm – ‘History dedicated to the accordion in art’, concert featuring Francesco Palazzo (accordion) and Mauro Squillante (mandolincello); Sergio Scappini (accordion) and Mascia Foschi (singer and dancer); presentation of the Paolo Soprani Award by the Scandalli company May 24th, 9pm – an evening dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the founding of the accordion industry in Ancona with a concert featuring the Alain Musichini Quartet; twinning ceremony of the museums in Fabriano and Recoaro Terme |
1st International Contest of Classical Accordion "Città di Riccia" – Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() The contest jury members are Massimiliano Pitocco, Francesco Palazzo, Alessandro Sbordoni, Angelo Miele, and Michele Genneralli. For further information email: angelomiele1@hotmail.it |
CD Reviews |
Stories of Lucile CD by Murl Allen Sandersby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
John Raczka release 4 new musicby John Raczka |
![]() '12 German Dances No.9', catalog:raczka209, '12 German Dances No.10', catalog:raczka210, '12 German Dances No.11', catalog:raczka211, '12 German Dances No.12', catalog:raczka212 The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Franco Cambareri Releases Two New Compositionsby Franco Cambareri |
![]() 'Blue Belle Blues', catalog: cfranco168, 'Bolertango', catalog: cfranco169 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl Site Update for eBook Collection, Favorite Polkas and Waltzs - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() Catalog: DH04-eB Favorite Waltz and Polkas |
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special John GART solo accordion worksby | Modify | Delete |
could somebody help me in finding (buying) the sheets for those 2 rare accordion solo titles "Shadow Boxing" and "60 M.P.H." of the great John Gart? Thank you & best regards from Austria, Walter (ego.143y@yahoo.de) |
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