Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
CD Reviews |
New and Updated Sites |
Accordions TV |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
International Accordion Festival, Vienna – Austriaby Rob Howard |
![]() Artists at this month long major international festival include diatonic accordionist Riccardo Tesi (Italy), Renato Borghetti (Brazil), Otto Lechner (Austria), Lüül & Band (Germany), Sophie Cavez & Baltazar Montanaro (Belgium), Sterzinger Experience (Austria), Lepistö & Lehti (Finland), Walther Soyka (Austria), the Rosi Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys (USA), and many more. The full concert program can be downloaded: 2012Wien The festival program includes a silent movie matinee with live accordion background music in the Filmcasino and the Magic Afternoon for children. For further information email: friedl.preisl@aon.at |
New Roland FR-1X Release, NAMM 2012 Show - USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
The 2012 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Los Angeles runs from the 19th to 22nd January. More than 1,500 exhibitors are present including Roland Corporation. Roland have announced at NAMM 2012 the new Roland FR-1X which is the smallest model in the V-Accordion series. This compact, lightweight model adds new features including USB functionality and advanced bellows-pressure circuitry for enhanced sensitivity and precision. With new-generation speakers onboard and an expanded 7-segment/3-character display, the FR-1 (piano and button models available) are very light and have a long battery life. For further information, view the webpage: 2012fr-1x |
![]() |
49th International Accordion Competition, Klingenthal – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() Download the 2012 Rules and Regulations: 2012Kling Categories are: Category I Soloists up to the age of 12 Category II Soloists up to the age of 15 Category III Soloists up to the age of 18 Category IV Soloists of any age Category Va Accordion duos Category Vb Instrumental duos – with one accordion and another instrument Category VI Soloists of any age performing virtuosic light music Category VII Bandoneon soloists of any age Category VIII Instrumental groups with up to six musicians including at least one but no more than two bandoneons. Entry closing date is: 15 March 2012 The International Accordion Competition in Klingenthal every year features performances of the highest levels and for many, the Klingenthal competition is considered as a springboard to international success. For further information, view the Klingenthal International Accordion Competition website. |
National Accordion Association Convention, Dallas – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() ![]() The guest entertainers include Gordon Kohl, Dick Albreski, Murl Allen Sanders, and Molly B and the SqueezeBox Band. The concerts include Faltot's Famous ‘Circle of Champions’, an Awards Concert, and a National Polka Party and Dance. NAA Workshops include: Murl Allen Sanders – ‘The Versatile Accordionist Workshop’, ‘Instant Zydeco’, and ‘Orchestra Music’; Betty Jo Simon – ‘Musical Arrangements from Lead Sheets’, ‘Commercializing Your Musical Talents’, and ‘Master Workshop’; Jamie Maschler – ‘Tangos, Comping and Articulations’; Hank Thunander – ‘Polkas Workshop’; Hank Thunander and Nick Ballarini – ‘How to Read Your Audience’ and ‘What is more popular Polka or Jazz?’; Paul Betken – ‘Music Law’; Tatiana Semichasnaya and Chris Gorton – ‘Rolling Along With The Rolands’; Nick Bratkovich – ‘Macedonian folk dance Bitola’; Mario Pedone – ‘Technique Musical’ and ‘Composing and Writing Music using Your Computer’; Dr Ian Blair Fries – ‘Medical School 101 for Accordionists’; Jessica Faltot – ‘Business Relationships’; Gerald Cigler and Paul Betken – ‘Trading Chorus’; Nick Ballarini – ‘Bass Workshop’; Daniel Kott – ‘St Patrick's Day Celebration’; Debra Peters – ‘Swingin’ Blues Accordion Band’; Sheila Lee – ‘Musical Jeopardy Game’; Ian Blair Fries and Sheila Lee – ‘Roland FR7X Accordion Technicalities’; Arlyn Visentin – ‘Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame’. Special message from National Accordion Association (NAA) President and event organizer Norman Seaton (picture right): “Don’t want to fly with your accordion? Not a problem, we have accordions for rent this year”. For further information email: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Kepa Junkera’s New CD ‘Fandango’, Bilbao – Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() The CD tracks include ‘Fandango’, ‘Ataun’, ‘Madagaskar’, ‘Huriondo’, ‘Senora Moca’, ‘Santimamineko Fandangoa’, ‘Kokkola’, ‘Nondik Jo Maurizia?’, ‘Uluka’, ‘Bok Espok’, ‘Piti’, ‘Tatihou’, ‘Napoli’, and ‘Jainkoaren Poza’. Kepa Junkera (born 1965 in Bilbao, Euskadi, Spain) is a specialist in Basque folk music, composer, and Grammy Award winner. A master of the trikitixa, the diatonic accordion, he has recorded more than 10 albums. For further information email: support@allcelticmusic.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ – 2012 is the Titanic Centenary Yearby Rob Howard |
![]() The Accordions Worldwide news for January 16th 1998 included an item written by accordionist Phil Parlapiano, who informed us that he played in the 1997 movie ‘Titanic’, starring Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet. 2012 marks the centenary of the launch of the ill-fated Titanic, built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which sank in the Atlantic on its maiden voyage. ACCORDIONIST PERFORMS IN MOVIE "THE TITANIC" Contributed by Phil Parlapiano Phil Parlapiano performs in the hit movie ‘The Titanic’ as a Greek accordionist that jams with an Irish band. The scene comes about an hour into the film, taking place in the third class cabin at a big party where the two main characters fall in love. Phil has travelled the world playing his accordion with well-known stars including: Rod Stewart - played accordion and mandolin on Rod Stewart's 'Unplugged and Seated' CD as well as the MTV special and toured with him 94-95. John Prine - played accordion and B-3 organ on John Prine's newest release 'Live on Tour' and have played on his last 4 records. Bonnie Raitt - toured with Bonnie Raitt and John Prine Jon Bon Jovi - played on a track ‘Miracle’ from the 'Young Guns' record. |
Future events |
Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() ‘Celtic Connections’ takes place at various venues in Glasgow, Scotland, from January 19th to February 5th. This annual festival involves large numbers of musicians and about 300 concerts, dances, late night sessions, workshops, and other events. The event showcases Scottish and international folk music, roots and world music artistes. The Artistic Director is Donald Shaw (picture left), accordionist and keyboard player with the band Capercaillie. The festival involves numerous accordionists and accordion-based bands, including Cherish the Ladies, The Occasionals, Fergie MacDonald, Alan Shute, Le Vent du Nord, Mairtin O’Connor, Andy Cutting, Cullivoe Ceilidh Band, Four Men and a Dog, Black Rose Ceilidh Band, Alan Kelly, and more. The Celtic Connections website contains full itemized details of all performers and events. |
Sergej Tchirkov Concert, St Petersburg – Russiaby Rob Howard |
![]() The program will feature ‘Passacaglia’, by H.I.F. Biber, Concerto for keyboard (after A. Vivaldi) by J.S. Bach, Concerto for keyboard (after G.F. Telemann) by J.S. Bach, Two sonatas for viola da gamba and keyboard (?1 ,? 3) by J.S. Bach, and ‘Fratres’, by A. Pärt. A new work ‘Deystviya’ for accordion and string quartet by well known Italian composer Ivan Fedele was premiered by Sergej Tchirkov (accordion) and Studio for New Music string quartet at the Moscow Forum contemporary music festival on December 14th. Ivan Fedele (b. 1953), one of the most important names in the world of new music, is also engaged in an intense academic activity, which has involved his collaboration with important institutions, such as Harvard University, University of Barcelona, Sorbonne and IRCAM in Paris, Sibelius Academy of Helsinki, Chopin Academy of Warsaw, Centre Acanthes in Avignon, CNSM in Lyon, and CNR of Strasbourg, as well as Italian conservatories, namely Milan, Bologna and Turin. In 2000 he has been awarded the title of ‘Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ by the French Ministry of Culture. He is Accademico Effettivo and since 2007 he has been teacher of the specialization course in composition at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. For further information email: tchirkov@inkin.de |
Mie Miki in Concert, Trossingen – Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Japanese-born accordionist Mie Miki is in concert at the Kulturfabrik Kesselhaus, Trossingen, on Wednesday April 11th, 8pm until 11pm. Mie Miki made her first radio broadcast in Japan at the age of 8, and at 16 was studying classsical accordion at the Hohner Conservatory in Trossingen, Germany. Today she is a visiting Professor at several universities in Germany and China, and a concert artist of international renown. For further information email: info@hohner-Konservatorium.de |
Vincent Lhermet Concert, SibaFest 2012 Festival, Helsinki – Finlandby Rob Howard |
![]() Also featured will be Maria Hostikka (baroque dance), Lauri Kankkunen (cello), and Anssi Koskela (violin). The concert is organized by l'Institut Francais de Finlande and is part of the Festival SibaFest 2012. This concert will be broadcast live by the Finnish Broadcast National Radio (YLE) in memory of the centenary of Jean Francaix's birth (2012). For further information email: lhermet.vincent@gmail.com |
Victor Prieto Trio Concerts – USA, Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Accordionist Victor Prieto, Jorge Roeder (bass), Kenny Grohowski (drums) perform next week, as follows: January 19th, 9.30pm - Terraza 7 Live Music, Elmhurst, New York January 26th, 9.30pm - Terraza 7 Live Music, Elmhurst, NY January 27th – with Emilio Solla and NY Tango Jazz Project, Falcon Theater, Burbank, California The Victor Prieto Trio will also be on tour in Spain during February, visiting Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Oviedo, and more. With Victor Prieto in Spain will be Edward Perez (bass), and Eric Doob (drums). Performances announced to date include: February 22nd, 10pm - Café Berlín, Madrid February 23rd, 10.30pm - Dado Dadá, Santiago de Compostela February 24th, 12.30am – XancaraJazz, Vigo February 25th – Asturias For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Ian Watson performs in ‘Wolfgang Rihm at 60’ Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Wolfgang Rihm, born in Germany in 1952, Head of the Institute of Modern Music at the Karlsruhe Conservatory of Music and has been composer in residence at the Lucerne Festival and the Salzburg Festival. For further information email: i.watson99@googlemail.com |
Cory Pesaturo Concert, Missouri – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Cory Pesaturo won the 2009 CIA Coupe Mondiale Digital Accordion Competition and the acoustic TV International Primus Ikaalinen 2011 Accordion Competition. He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was the first musician to major and graduate in the accordion. For further information email: Accordionboy0815@aol.com |
NHAA Annual Kickoff Meeting, New Hampshire – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: regisdonna@yahoo.com |
CD Reviews |
Accordéon liturgique CD by Philippe Borecekby Alessandro Mugnoz |
![]() |
New and Updated Sites |
Friedrich Lips CD Website Updatesby Friedrich Lips |
![]() For those who want 3 Friedrich Lip CD's there is also an special. Your Choice of Any 3 Lips CD's (normal price €48), catalog: CD3Packs for a special price of only €39 plus special price for postage €4 within Europe, €6 rest of world. More excellent value. For those who want 6 Friedrich Lip CD's there is also a special. Your Choice of Any 6 Lips CD's (normal price €96) catalog: CD6Packs for a special price of only €75 plus special price for postage €7 within Europe, €15 rest of world. Don't miss these value specials. |
Franco Cambareri releases new compositionby Franco Cambareri |
![]() |
Drazan Kosoric - accordionist, composer, professor releases new worksby Drazan Kosoric |
![]() |
Orchestra Lad Updated Website - Belarusby Orchestra Lad (Belarus) |
![]() |
Orchestra Lad (Belarus) for talented youth with artistic director and conductor Galina Anikeeva, winner of the Belarus Special Presidential Fund has an updated website. |
Gary Dahl updated musicby Gary Dahl |
![]() |
Paul Chamberlain selling his new CDby Paul Chamberlain |
![]() |
Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer releases three new compositionsby Karen Fremar |
![]() |
Christine Johnson Updated Website - New Zealandby Christine Adams |
Christine Johnson (formerly Christine Adams), CIA Merit Award winner and former editor of the accordions.com Weekly News has an updated website. |
Updated eSheet Index Page on MusicForAccordion.com Siteby MusicForAccordion.com |
Updated eSheet Index Page http://www.musicforaccordion.com/search.aspx?t=1 with composers / arrangers being added: Philip Buttall, Alexander Dmitriev, Finnish Accordeon Institute, Karen Fremar, H S Productions, Amy Jennings, Drazan Kosoric, NAA Publications, Rebecca Oliver, Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni, Peter Wilk and Zevy Zions. |
Accordions TV |
Deschamps Channel Activitiesby Frédéric Deschamps |
![]() |
UPCOMING Deschamps Channel events: Friday 27th Of January 19.30 (Est) Web TV show International Accordion Master Class By Frédéric Deschamps (France) in collaboration with the French National Magazine Accordéon et Accordéonistes. - Live Lessons Students: Chris Gorton (USA) - Skype Lesson LIVE, Augustinas Rakauskas (Lithuania) – LIVE from France, Last Minute surprises. - Accordion Got Talent – vidéos from accordionists around the World who participate to the famous international TV show. - Interview – Pietro Adragna (Italy), winner of Coupe Mondiale, Trophée Mondial, Klingenthal, Roland Competition, etc… Présentation of his new CD – LIVE from France. - Kings of Diato : some of the Best diatonic accordion players Languages: English French Italian RECENT Video Library you can view includes: Sunday15th to Friday 20th January Video Library, masterclasses in three languages, French, English and Italian. Performers : Semen Kuzovchikov (Russia), Guillaume Fric (France), Elsa Gourdy (France), Antonio Simeone (Italy), Sebastien Innocenti (Monaco). December:19 to 23 and 26 to 30 Deschamps Video Library, Two weeks of Master Classes (Classical and Variete programs) with Frederic Deschamps with students from around the world, broadcast live. Artistic realisation: Mike Rossi, assisted by Samuel Leton Prods. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UAdd your video!TRY IT NOW |