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Highlights |
'Elaiza' Win National German Eurovision Song Contest - Germanyby Harley Jones |
![]() Elaiza were a wildcard addition to Thursday's German Eurovision nationals. Elaiza along with over 2,100 other performers submitted applications via Youtube, from which 10 acts were selected for a filmed competition on the 27th February. Elaiza won that public vote and a place in the German Eurovision finals. The other artists for the German Eurovision finals were selected by industry insiders. The German finals were broadcast live from Lanxess Arena in Cologne on the 13th April and of all the acts, German TV audience gave the biggest support to the group 'Elaiza' to represent Germany at the Eurovision finals in Copenhagen. Eurovision Semi-Finals are set to take place on Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th May, the Final is scheduled for Saturday 10th May. Some 170 million people from over 40 countries are expected to view the televised event. Elaiza consists of German-Ukrainan singer-songwriter Elzbieta (Ela) Steinmetz (21). Her fellow band member Yvonne Grunwald (29) plays the accordion (she apparently has 15 accordions!) and Natalie Plöger (28) the string bass. They first performed together in 2013 and their home city is Berlin. |
V International Festival ‘Accordion Plus’, Rostov-on-Don – Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() The opening of the 2014 V International Festival ‘Accordion Plus’ organized by the International Musical Center 'Harmony' is a gala concert, ‘Stars of the 21st Century’, which takes place on Thursday March 27th, 7pm, at the Tatra Drama (Drama Theatre), Gorky, Rostov-on-Don. Accordionists performing include Alexander Sklyarov, Yuri Shishkin, bandoneon player Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi and guitarist Luca Lucini (Italy), Enver Seit-Abdulov, Stanislav Malishev, Alexander Poeluev, Nikita Vlasov, Joseph Purits, and the Folk instruments Orchestra ‘Don’ (conductor Krikor Khurdayan), Ensemble ‘Divo’, Children’s Jazz big band (conductor Andrey Machnev) and the laureates of the ‘Accordion Plus’ competition. March 28th and 31st will be competition, meetings, and master classes days. There is also an international competition. On March 29th, 6pm, the concert ‘Accordion Plus’ in the Grand Philharmonic Hall is in honour of Maestro Yuri Shishkin (poster left). Performing are the Rostov philharmonic symphony orchestra, conductor Alexander Polyanichko, and soloists Ekatherina Mechetina (piano), Rodion Zamuruyev (violin), Daniil Kramer (jazz piano), Gayane Dzhanikyan (soprano), Mikhail Savchenko & Alyona Savtchenko (domra), and Yuri Shishkin (bayan). There is a final festival gala concert on March 30th, 6pm, in the Congress Hall Dstu, featuring the Folk instruments Orchestra ‘Don’ (MD Krikor Khurdayan), Kim Nazaretov Jazz-band (MD Andrey Machnev), and soloists Alexander Poeluev (accordion), Eugeny Derbenko (harmonica), Vasily Pianov (baritone), Pavel Ukhanov (harmonica), and Vladimir Murza (bayan). The 27th, 29th and 30th March concerts will be on the Deschamps Channel Livestream (time zone UTC+4, Moscow). View the colorful concert posters at: 2014RostovPlus |
Beltuna Accordion Factory Fire, Production Continues - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() Fortunately, the prompt arrival of the Fire Department greatly reduced spoilage and prevented any building structure damage. The fire lasted about 2 hours and according to initial investigations, was accidental. Beltuna founder Arnaldo Mengascini (picture right) says, that they are already working to guarantee full production as soon as possible. |
Arrasate Hiria XXII International Accordion Competition, Arrasate - Spainby Harley Jones |
![]() The competition is open to soloists of any age and nationality. Rules and entry forms (in English, Spanish and Basque) and test music is now available at: 2014Arrasate The prizes include: 1st - €3.600 and a concert tour, 2nd - €1.800 3rd - €900. The closing date for entries is September 30th 2014. All entry information at: 2014Arrasate |
Angel Luis Castaño Premieres Two New Works for Accordion, Madrid - Spainby Raquel Ruiz |
![]() Spanish concert accordionist Angel Luis Castaño will premiere two new works for solo accordion by Spanish composers David del Puerto and César Camarero. The concert will be on Saturday March 22nd at Fundación Juan March´s Concert Hall in Madrid. David del Puerto (National Music Award for composers in 2005) has dedicated his ‘Second Fantasie for solo accordion’ to Angel Luis Castaño. This work is based on ‘Carmen Replay’ (a ballet that was premiered in 2010 by Rejoice! Ensemble (accordion, electric guitar and soprano) in Teatro Real de Madrid. César Camarero (National Music Award for composers in 2004) has written a new piece for solo accordion, ‘Entreacto’, specially for this solo concert. This work is also dedicated to Castaño and reflects the minimalistic vision of the music by the author. Both composers have written other works for solo accordion dedicated to Castaño, who recorded them in his CD ‘Spanish music for solo accordion’ (‘Fantasia for solo accordion’ (2005) by Del Puerto and ‘Luz Azul’ (1998) by Camarero’). Those pieces are published by Acco-Music Edition. Angel Luis Castaño will play also music by J.S. Bach, G. Rossini, W. Zolotariev, M. de Falla, A. Borodin and Vladimir Zubitzky. 7 CD's are available online at: Angel Luis Castaño |
Alessandro Mugnoz Free Reed Instruments History Seminar, Pesaro – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() There were several antique instruments on display, including a harmoniflute (from the Accordion Museum Castelfidardo), an early diatonic accordion, and a harmonium. The event was a great success and - in addition to the screening of several movies and images - were performed several songs of various European countries from the 19th Century performed on harmoniflute and diatonic accordion. For further information email: amugnoz@wooowfast.it CD available online at: MugnozCD |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Accordion Trio 'Brides' - Russiaby Harley Jones |
![]() The trio, which was created in 2009, all previously studied accordion in Moscow and are all university graduates, who were selected after a national search in 2009 by the creator of the group, famous accordionist Sergey Voytenko. Voytenko who had created the very successful duo 'Bayan Mix' decided to create a new project, this time featuring lady accordionists. Sergey Voytenko writes many of the arrangements and these three talented accordionists, unusually bright charming girls who could all be models, enjoy making their living performing with the accordion. The group has toured to cities in India, Germany, Italy and France and have taken part in popular Russian TV shows and major concerts. |
Karen Street to compose piece for AYM Project, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordionist and saxophonist Karen Street has written extensively for both instruments, and has studied and performed widely in both classical and jazz traditions. She has performed with Ute Lemper, Grace Jones, Martha Wainwright, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Willard White, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, The Nash Ensemble, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera North, English Touring Opera, London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, and Opera North. AYM aims to assist young people with exceptional musical potential from lower income families, to overcome the barriers they face and having their potential identified and supported. The AYM project, led by Ksenija Sidorova, at the Royal Academy of Music involves young accordionists up to the age of 18 years. The master class, led by Ksenija Sidorova, is from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm at the RAM, followed by an afternoon public performance (of approximately 30 minutes duration) in a central London location, possibly at Kings Cross Railway Station. For further information email: enquiries@a-y-m.org.uk |
Video: Alexander Poeluev Soloist and Roberto Molinelli (Conductor) - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Video 1: Dark Eyes Gypsy Folk Melody Video 2: Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla Solo accordionist Alexander Poeluev with the Rostov Academic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Roberto Molinelli (Italy), arrangements by Molinelli. Published on Feb 15, 2014. CD and eTrack album available online at: Alexander Poeluev |
‘Johnny Meijer, Master on the Accordeon’ DVD, Amsterdam – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() Unlike his great Dutch contemporary, jazz accordionist Mat Mathews (1924-2009), who spent the years 1952 to 1997 performing in the USA, Johnny Meijer declined lucrative offers to perform internationally, and only occasionally left Amsterdam. His few foreign trips abroad were to Denmark, England, France and Switzerland in the late 1940s/50s. In Paris he accompanied Maurice Chevalier, and in early 1950 he performed in a series of sell out concert dates at the London Palladium with a Dutch All Star Sextet. Meijer performed on TV in the Netherlands for many years, and some of these appearances plus other filmed performances are gathered together on the DVD ‘Johnny Meijer, Master on the Accordeon’. Most of the 40 clips are from the 1980s, with others dating all the way back to 1934. The music includes ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Take the A Train’, ‘Body and Soul’, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, ‘Lullaby of Birdland’, ‘Dark Eyes’, ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Un Gamin de Paris’, ‘Pietro’s Return, ‘My Florence’, and many more. The picture and sound quality is generally good, but varies according to the age and source of the material. The DVD will appeal particularly to jazz enthusiasts. DVD ‘Johnny Meijer, Master on the Accordeon’ can be obtained via Amazon France and other internet sources. |
14th Doremika Show Success by Orquesta Sinfónica de Acordeones de Bilbao - Spainby Harley Jones |
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![]() In February 2014, thousands of school childeren across Biscay lived the excitement of attending a live show by the Bilbao Symphonic Orchestra of Accordions, with its 14th edition of the show 'Doremika' which has captivated more than 60,000 children throughout its history. Video above: Performance of the Blue Danube by the Orquesta Sinfónica de Acordeones de Bilbao published in 2010. |
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Video: Marc Berthoumieux and Regis Gizavo, Opus Pocus Festival - Reunionby Harley Jones |
This video of Marc Berthoumieux and Regis Gizavo at the Opus Pocus Festival, Reunion Island. Video released: 31 January 2013. Realisation: Eric Esnault & Matthieu Bastin, Co-ordinators: Yann Vallé & Nathalie Quipandedié. |
Video: Dan Newton's Café Accordion Orchestra PBC TV Performance and 20th Anniversary - USAby Harley Jones |
TV show "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor (PBC) last week broadcast on 15th March a live TV performance of Dan Newton's Café Accordion Orchestra performing L'Indifference. The concert was filmed at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul, MN. Video 1: Who's Cryin Sweet Papa Now? performed by Dan Newton's Café Accordion Orchestra, filmed at their 20th Anniversary Dance at the Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis Minnesota, 12 January 2014. Video 2: Cafe Accordion Orchestra performs L'Indifference from their album Le Disque Francais, video released Feb 22, 2014. Upcoming Performances are: Tuesday, March 25, Loring Pasta Bar Tuesdays 6-9pm Thursday, March 27, Orchestra Hall Lobby, Mpls, MN 9:45-10:30am Tuesday, April 1, Loring Pasta Bar Tuesdays 6-9pm Saturday, April 5, General Store, Oak Center, MN 8pm Tuesday, April 8, Loring Pasta Bar Tuesdays 6-9pm Wednesday, April 9, Robert Trail Library, Rosemount, MN 7pm Tuesday, April 15, Loring Pasta Bar Tuesdays 6-9pm Tuesday, April 22, Loring Pasta Bar Tuesdays 6-9pm |
Video: Rozmaringszal by Zoltan Migovics and Akos Toth - Netherlandsby Harley Jones |
Published on Mar 18, 2014, Rozmaringszal is a Hungarian folk song performed by Zoltan Migovics (accordion) and Akos Toth (guitar). Zoltan Migovics is an accordionist, composer and arranger. Zoltan plays and composes music for theater, movie and concert programs for festivals. Zoltan Migovics was born in Western Ukraine and now lives in Rotterdam. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Malcolm Gee’s ARC legacyby Rob Howard |
![]() ‘The Malcolm Gee Collection’ – UK Early in 1999 Helen & David Kemp were bequeathed the remaining stock of ‘The Accordion Record Catalogue’, run by the founder and former president of Club Accord, Malcolm Gee, so they have become the custodians of a unique collection of accordion recordings. Helen and David have been asked by the executors of Malcolm's will to administer this collection, known as "The Malcolm Gee Collection" with the following aims:- 1. To create a reference library of accordion recordings available to members of UK accordion clubs, (not available until Late 2000). 2. To sell off the surplus stock, the proceeds of which are to be used to fund the setting up of the library, and to promote further the accordion and its music. Exact details are yet to be decided, but initial thoughts are to use the funds raised to provide a series of master classes for different levels of ability, from promising youngsters through to virtuosi contestants. In the short term Helen and David are hoping to visit festivals & clubs commencing with Caister 1999, where stock will be available. A catalogue of remaining stock will soon be released. |
Future events |
Video: Tori Trio Performing at the Snow Jazz Festival in Bad Gastein - Austriaby Harley Jones |
Tori Trio goes to Snow Jazz Festival in Bad Gastein! Snow Jazz Gastein under the motto "goes East" Bad Gastein, Jungerstube, 21 March 2014, Start: 12:00 hours Bad Hofgastein, Weitmoser Schlossalm, 22 March 2014, Start: 12:00 hours Bad Hofgastein, Skirestaurant Angertal 1180, 23 March 2014, Start: 12:00 hours Video above: Published on Mar 4, 2014, Reflection of Memory composed by Jure Tori filmed by RTV Slovenia, at a concert in Aritmija. |
Jorgen Sundeqvist Concert, San Diego – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert is a look back at the Swedish music of yesteryear, and the poster photograph taken in 1935 indicates some of the musicians whose lives will be celebrated. Jorgen Sundeqvist is well known to USA accordionists from his studies as a young man with the legendary accordionist Anthony Galla-Rini with whom he then performed several tours and many concerts. Jorgen Sundeqvist has retained his contacts with the USA and returns regularly to perform. |
Katerina Lekka Concert, Athens – Greeceby Rob Howard |
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Giuseppe Spinelli to perform on Italian 7 Gold Music TV Channel - Italyby Rob Howard |
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On Sunday March 23rd, 10.30pm, accordionist Giuseppe Spinlelli will perform numbers from his second CD, ‘Pazzo Liscio’, on live TV, on the 7 Gold Music channel. |
Ksenija Sidorova guests with the Eric Whitacre Singers, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert, titled ‘Reimagine’, explores the boundaries of genre and form with music from chant to pop and rock and beyond. For further information email: events@unionchapel.org.uk |
Jim Vandelly Honoured at 26th AAMS Festival, New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Jim Vandelly began playing the accordion in1948, and has long been associated with the AAMS. His lengthy professional playing career includes performing at the Inaugural Ball for President George W. Bush in January of 2001. Accordionists Bruce Gassman and Lou Persic will provide music during the banquet, after which there will be a concert featuring Jim Vandelly, Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra and Westmont Accordion Club, Potomac Accordion Ensemble conducted by Joan Grauman, Mary Tokarski, Lenn Feldmann, Dr. Robert McMahan, Bernie Gardzalla, and Suzy Andrew. For further information email: acmeaccordionschoolmusikgarten@verizon.net |
‘Day of Bayan and Accordion’, Kiev - Ukraineby Rob Howard |
![]() There will be a concerts organized by the National All-Ukrainian Music Union, the Association of Bayanists and Accordionists of Ukraine, and the Concert series ‘New Music in Ukraine’. The Artistic Director of the festival is the composer Volodymyr Runchak. For further information email: duokyivclass@ukr.net |
‘Shakey Breaks the Ice’ Concert, Cambridge – UKby Rob Howard |
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The jazz and swing trio ‘Shakey Breaks the Ice’, featuring accordionist Bert Santilly, perform on Saturday March 29th, 8pm, at The Plough and Fleece, Horningsea, Cambridge. For further information email: bert@santilly.co.uk |
Accordeon Melancolique Concerts, Lautawei – Netherlandsby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() March 30th, 11am - Kerkje, Plein 1945, Petten (NH) April 4th, 8pm - Het Pluspunt, Pleijendal 89, 7721 DW, Dalfsen (Ov) April 12th, 8.15pm – French programme with a South American flavour, Kloosterkerk, Kerkpad 3, Ten Boer (Gr) April 13th, 3,30pm - Rotondekerk, Pastorielaan 12, 8449 BE, Terband (Frl) April 20th, 11.30am – coffee morning concert, Raadhuiszaal van het Belfort, Groote Markt 1, Sluis (ZL) April 27th, 3pm - Lutherse kerk, Witte Herenstraat 22, 2011NV, HHHhh Haarlem in concert on Sunday September 1st, 3pm, at the Ioannis Theater Tsjerke, Lautawei 5, a church that holds cultural events, . There will also be an exhibition of oil paintings by Cherie de Boer in the church, August 10th until September 29th, on Saturdays between 1pm and 5pm. For further information email: info@acmel.nl |
CD Reviews |
Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Airby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl Updated Site - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() Sample for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl Updated eBooks - USAby Gary Dahl |
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Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated eBooks music from Volume 1 - 6 with new prices for purchase on-line. Easy purchase with credit card. |
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MusicForAccordion.com eSheets Advertising Pageby Harley Jones |
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New eSheets advertising page http://www.musicforaccordion.com/about_eSheetbanner.aspx |
New Douglas Ward Site, Charnwood Publishing - UKby Douglas Ward |
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MusicForAccordion.com Recordings Advertising Pageby Harley Jones |
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New recordings advertising page http://www.musicforaccordion.com/about_recbanner.aspx |
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