Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
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Highlights |
51st International Accordion Competition Klingenthal - Germanyby Harley Jones |
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![]() ![]() Results and photos at: 2014 Klingenthal The winner of the Category IV, soloists no age limit, was Nikola Tanaskovic (picture below, Serbia), 2nd Maria Zubimendi (Spain), 3rd Grigorii Seredin (Russia). This category is unique in the accordion world requiring the four finalists to perform a concerto. For 2014, this was "Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra" by Polish composer Krzysztof Olczak with the Vogtland Philharmonie Greiz/ Reichenbach directed by Stefan Fraas (picture below). You can download the program at: 2014KProgram The Category VI virtuoso entertainment category was held in concert format for the first time and the results were: 1st Jean-Baptiste Baudin (picture right, France), 2nd Jiacheng Xue (China) and 3rd Sergei Lobkov (Russia). Above is a video of Maria Zubimende performing Iduna by the Spanish composer Carlos Duque. Winner of the 1st International Composition Competition Francisco Escudero, Spain. Results and photos at: 2014 Klingenthal |
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Cotati Accordion Festival, California - USAby Harley Jones |
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![]() The 24th Annual Cotati Accordion Festival is scheduled for August 16th and 17th, 2014 in Cotati, California. Not only will you enjoy a few days of fabulous music but you will also be contributing to a worthwhile cause. The Cotati Accordion Festival is a non-profit organization established in 1991 to promote the love of the accordion and to support local youth service organizations. To date they have contributed in excess of $320,000 to the youth of the community. International guests from Russia: Trio Vornezh, Miroslav Lelyukh, from Brazil: Lulinha Alencar, Matuto, From China: Jianan Tian and many popular and well known names from the USA. The event has a terrific line up, all performers listed in alphabetical order: Alicia Baker, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Big Lou's Dance Party, Bruce Gassman, Dick Contino, Due Zighi Baci, Future Accordion Stars, Jet Black Pearl, Jianan Tian, Jim Gilman, Lulinha Alencar, Mark St. Mary, Matuto, Miroslav Lelyukh, MotorDude Zydeco, Paul Betken, Polkacide, Rory McNamara & The Ring of Truth Trio, Sourdough Slim & Robert Armstrong, Tara Linda & The Tortilla Western Posse, The Golden State, Accordion Club Band, The Great Morgani, The Mad Maggies, The Rob Reich Trio, The Steve Balich Sr. Polka Band, The Wild Catahoulas, Trio Voronezh. |
Miloš Milivojević Royal Academy of Music Award, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() London-based accordionist Milos Milivojevic has recently been appointed an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music. The highly accomplished Milos Milivojevic, born in Serbia, has won first prizes at international competitions in Germany, France, Italy, and Denmark. After completing his studies in Kragujevac Music School with Vojin Vasovic, in 2002 he moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music with Owen Murray where he obtained the Postgraduate Diploma in July 2009 and was awarded with Dip RAM. In July 2007 he became the first accordionist ever to win the RAM Club Prize at the Royal Academy of Music. Miloš has performed at many famous UK venues and has performed at the Foundation Day awards ceremony in front of HRH The Princess Royal. He has also appeared at many prestigious festivals and has premiered several new works. Miloš is also a keen chamber musician. He is a member of the London Tango quintet, Kosmos Ensemble, and AccordDuo. Internationally, he has performed in Russia, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Serbia and Montenegro, Spain, the Canary Islands, Malta, Australia and New Zealand. He has also done live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, Classic FM, ABC and Serbian National Radio and television network. For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
‘Accordions at the Castle’ Festival, Blackpool – UKby Rob Howard |
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![]() The festival organizer Heather Smith writes, as follows: “Phew.................well I'm back home in one piece after all the accordionising and fun at the Blackpool Accordion Festival. My thanks go to everyone at the event..........artists, team, trade and you, the audience. What a lovely atmosphere. Special thanks go to our two Italian friends Giancarlo Caporilli and Gennaro Ruffolo (sponsored by Vignoni Accordions and MusicTech), who always join in with what's going on during the day, especially in the trade area where Caroline Hunt displayed her wonderful collection of old accordions etc., and their fantastic evening performances. I'm so pleased they enjoyed the time spent with us. Ian Watson two orchestral workshops for the more advanced players and also played in the evening concert. Wonderful musician and a pleasure to meet him. Harry Hussey......need I say more......................amazing!! David Vernon..........our Scottish treasure, Rosemary Wright, Bert Santilly......... always a pleasure to meet up with them. Lovely players, lovely people. Adrienne Sharpe, who runs the daily 'free & easy' sessions so successfully. A fabulous performance from Denise and Stefan Andrusyschyn was appreciated by all. Geoff (saxophone), Bryan (drums) and Jon (guitar) did a great job in Harry's jazz sessions and in Bert's jazz workshops. Rob Beecroft, who had a trade stand, did a great job when one of Caroline's special accordions developed a fault, fixed it and the antique show went on!! I could go on and on, but I'll just say.......hope to see you all next year at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. In the meantime.........Happy Squeezin”. For further information email: heather@accordions.karoo.co.uk |
Video: Andre Rieu & Carlos Buono Perform Libertangoby Harley Jones |
Published on Feb 1, 2014. Andre Rieu & Carlos Buono perform Libertango by Astor Piazzolla. |
Holly Chilton’s Accordion Scholarship, County Meath – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
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Video: Recent Concert, Gorka Hermosa Trío performing Brehmekoa - Spainby Harley Jones |
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Guy Klucevsek in Concert in Brooklyn, New York - USAby Rita Barnea |
![]() The venue was a packed standing room only program attended by almost 50 people. Guy's musical creativity is so very expressive and enjoyable revealing many emotions and his sensitive nature. I also loved his fun side .... titles of the pieces and use of percussive capabilities on the accordion. Guy Klucevsek is one of the world’s most versatile and highly-respected accordionists. He has premiered over 50 solo accordion pieces, including his own, as well as those he has commissioned. His program included: • Altered Landscapes (1993), commissioned by David Dorfman Dance Company. • Three Microids (1991), in memory of Béla Bartok. 1. My Right Foot, on the Other Hand 2. Eleven Large Lobsters Loose in the Lobby 3. Bustin' Broncos in the Balkans • And Then There Were None (1987), commissioned by Karen Bamonte Dance Company. • Samba D Hiccup (1986), in honor of Dominguinhos, Brazilian composer, accordionist and singer. • Return of the Microids (2001), in memory of Béla Bartok. (This suite is a sequel to "Three Microids") 1. Ala Béla 2. The Tortoise Knows How to Make Love to his Wife 3. The Aerialist Somnambulates 4. Many Happy Returns • Shimmer (2013), commissioned by Keith LoBue for his video piece, "Poetry in Motion/Music for Mobiles, and dedicated to the memory of composer William Duckworth. • The Return of Lasse (2005), written for a dance by Sandy Silva, and dedicated to Lars Hollmer. • Larsong (2009), in memory of Guy's dear friend and Accordion Tribe colleague, Lars Hollmer, who passed away on Christmas Day, 2008. • Burt Bacharach: One Less Bell to Answer, arranged by Guy Klucevsek. Guy and violinist Todd Reynolds will be featured performers at the AAA 2014 Festival and Competition to be held in Tarrytown, New York from July 9-13th. For further information on Guy: gklucevsek@mac.com For further information on the AAA Festival is at: American Accordionists' Association |
Photos by Luu Quang Minh - France and Vietnamby Luu Quang Minh |
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Photos by Luu Quang Minh, Professor at Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM). The above picture is at the rehearsal 'Red River Suite' by Christophe Hache at Theatre Lille, France, at the Wazemmes Festival on 21st May 2014. Below is a picture of the Accordion Ensemble of VNAM and Duo Accordeons, Quang Huy- Viet Hung, at the 16 May concert at VNAM. |
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Video: Jérôme Richard at Accordeon Festival Hoogezand-Sappemeer 2013 - Netherlandsby Harley Jones |
![]() Video 1: Medley: Besamo Mucho - O Sole Mio Video 2: Tango medley Adri Kruijer, Accordeon Festival Hoogezand-Sappemeer organiser announces, that because of the reconstruction of the House of Culture and Management (Theater Wake), the 21st edition of the International Accordion Festival Hoogezand-Sappemeer is postponed to October 4, 2015. |
Video: Tequila & Montepulciano Band Viva, Oili' Oilà - Italyby Harley Jones |
Video of popular Tequila & Montepulciano Band Viva, Oili' Oilà, Carnival Teramo, part of their Cicirinella Live Tour 2014. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Iona Reed tours Canada with Piaf tribute showby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordionist Iona Reed in ‘Edith Piaf Show’ – USA Contributed by Verne Leven of Titano Accordion Co., International Canada's Coupe Mondiale Accordion Champion, Iona Reed Pukara has been performing with ensembles and symphony orchestras throughout the Sudbury, Ontario area. During March, she did 12 concert appearances and is currently performing in the sold-out ‘Edith Piaf Show’ for which she also wrote the orchestration. The show, which stars lyricist Pandora Topp, features Iona on accordion with other instrumentalists. |
Future events |
Terraza Forró Project Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
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On Friday May 23rd, 10pm, the Terraza Forró Project, led by accordionist and composer Victor Prieto, brings the intoxicating and infinitely rich Forró music from the Northeast of Brazil to the stage at Terraza 7 Live Music, 40-19 Gleane Street, Elmhurst, New York. With accordionist Victor Prieto for this gig are Liliana Araujo (vocals) Eduardo Belo (bass) and Adriano Santos (drums). The Victor Prieto Trio continue their long-term residency at the same venue on Wednesday May 28th, 9pm. For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Declan Aungier Plays for Dancing – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday May 23rd - Napper Tandys, Stradbally, County Laois Saturday May 24th - Douglas GAA Centre, Cork City Sunday May 25th - Roundhill Bar, Birdhill, County Tipperary Monday May 26th – Ballykealy Manor, Balton, County Carlow Wednesday May 28th – Castle Arms, Durrow, County Laois Born in 1970, Declan Aungier began studying the piano accordion at the age of 9, became interested in Irish/Scottish traditional music at age 13, and became All-Ireland Under 18 Piano Accordion Champion in 1987. He switched to the 5-row Continental button accordion, and works exclusively as a solo entertainer, with many albums to his credit, providing music ranging from Country and Irish, some Irish traditional music, and music from the present day, including some jazz. Equally skilled on keyboards, piano and guitar, Declan is also church organist in his home village of Rathangen, County Kildare. For further information email: declan@declanaungier.com |
Paris Moscou Duo Concert, St-Julien-Puy-Laveze - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() For further information email: duopm@sfr.fr |
John Kirkpatrick Gigs, Surrey, Yorkshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() May 24th, 7.30pm – ‘Victorian Farmer’s Year In Song’ show, The Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DL May 25th - Festival on the Moor, Botton, Near Danby, North Yorkshire John Kirkpatrick (born 1947), originally from London but now Shropshire-based, plays the 3-row diatonic button accordion, one and two row melodeons, and the Anglo concertina. Mainly a solo artist, he also is a member of Brass Monkey, an occasional duo with accordionist Chris Parkinson, and in the 1970s was a member of Steeleye Span. Kirkpatrick has many solo albums to his credit, and has appeared on recordings by many other artists. |
Zoltan Orosz Concert, Ovari Ferenc - Hungaryby Rob Howard |
![]() Zoltan Orosz studied the accordion and the organ in Budapest, and at the age of 13, entered the International Accordion Competition in Klingental, Germany. He has since become a well-known professional accordionist, with an international repertoire and appeal, and with several recordings to his credit. For further information email: info@harmonika.hu |
Dino Kocic Concert, Melbourne – Australiaby Harley Jones |
![]() After a very well accepted performance by audience and adjudicators in the Top Class concert on 29 February at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Dino has been selected to perform in the Top Acts Grand Finale Concert, pinnacle of the VCE Season of Excellence 2014. Dino Kocic performs in concert on Thursday May 29th, 7.30 pm, at the Melbourne Recital Centre, corner Southbank Blvd and Sturt St, Southbank, Melbourne. |
Joâo Gentil Concerts, Évora, Estremoz - Portugalby Rob Howard |
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Portuguese accordionist Joâo Gentil performs in concert next week, as follows: May 30th, 10pm - Espaço Cultural, Casa da Zorra, Rua de Serpa Pinto 78, Évora May 31st, 11pm - Até Jazz Café, Estremoz For further information email: joaogentil1@gmail.com |
‘El Truco’ Tango Concert, Champagne-Ardenne – Franceby Rob Howard |
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The quintet El Truco perform a programme of tango music by Astor Piazzolla on Saturday May 31st, 8.30pm, at the Ecole de musique Diapason, 26 rue Alain Colas, 51450 Bétheny, Champagne-Ardenne, France. El Truco are Pierre Laval (accordion), Alice Rahola (piano), Emilie Jeanson (flute), Gerrard Tappa (guitar), and Lucie Legroux. |
Elisa van Kesteran Concert, The Hague – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
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Accordionist Elisa van Kesteran performs in concert on Tuesday June 3rd, 6.30pm, at the Koninklijk Conservatorium (Royal Conservatory), Juliana van Stolberglaan 1, 2595 CA The Hague, Netherlands. Her programme includes ‘Pastorale Op 19’ – Cesar Franck, ‘Like swans leaving the lake’ – Yuji Takahashi, ‘Cantos Firmus’ – Costas Tsougras, ‘Partita’ – Wladislaw Zolatariev. |
Euphonia Accordion Orchestra Concert ‘Soléa’, Berlin – Germanyby Rob Howard |
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![]() This summer concert, titled ‘Soléa’, includes: ‘La Réjouissance’ – GF Handel, ‘Danse Macabre’ – C. Saint- Saëns, ‘Nordic Sonata’ - Gerhard Mohr Euphonia, ‘Danzon No. 2’ - Arturo Márquez, ‘Malambo’ – A. Ginastera, ‘Invierno Porteño’ and ‘Oblivion’ - Astor Piazzolla, ‘Tango pour Claude’ - Richard Galliano, ‘La Cumparsita’ – GM Rodriguez, and ‘Aromas de los Andes’. Sonja Merz studied accordion, piano and organ at the Hohner Conservatory in Trossingen with Fritz Dobler. For further information email: info@auris-berlin.de |
Ettickbridge Accordion Weekend, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Ian Lowthian writes: “If you've been to one of our workshops before you'll know the routine, if not we kick off around 9.30 – 10am with some tea and coffee, then do some note bashing for a while! Janey will provide some lunch, then more music until 5pm-ish. We'll take breaks as required and there's usually plenty time for discussion too! I will provide music for all the tunes but we will try to learn them first by ear, which I know can be a bit daunting if you're new to that, but there may be some who don't read music at all. We'll get up to some kind of mischief on the Saturday night depending on the weather. We may have a barbecue and some tunes in the garden and invite some local musicians, or we may invade the pub with our instruments and frighten the locals! Whatever kind of session we end up having don't feel you have to stick to the accordion! If you have any kind of party piece we'd love to hear it! The course will finish about 4pm on the Sunday afternoon. This first weekend will be pitched at an intermediate level but later workshops may include advanced, improvers and even beginner levels. We may also do some themed weekends (Scottish music, Eastern European, chords and accompaniment etc.) too and possibly some mixed instruments workshops. If you have any ideas please let us know. The cost of the weekend will be £100 which will include all tuition and resources, tea and coffee and an invitation to join us for lunch and Saturday's evening barbecue or meal. You'll need to organise your own accommodation for the Saturday night but there are plenty B&Bs in Selkirk (about 7 miles away), and The Cross Keys in Ettrickbridge also has some rooms. If you want though you can bring a caravan or there's plenty of space if you want to pitch a tent! I'll try to post some more info about accommodation soon. Perhaps we're being optimistic but we're going to limit this first workshop to 10 - 12 participants, so if you would like to come please contact me by email to confirm your place or if you want any more information”. For further information email: ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
CD Reviews |
Live in Rostov-on-Don 2013 CD Review of Alexander Poeluevby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
New Website of Guardia Nueva release new CD with eTracks - Finlandby Guardia Nueva |
![]() 'Guardia Tango Finlandia', catalog: gnueva01 with sound samples. Music performed by Guardia Nueva. |
Francesco Palazzo release new CD with eTracks - Italyby Francesco Palazzo |
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Updated Site for CD and eTracks album by Mingyuan Ruan - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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New Website for John G. Micallef, Sliema - Maltaby Harley Jones |
![]() Performer, Music Teacher & Composer Sliema, Malta has a new website promoting his compositions for accordion that are published by Charnwood Publishing. |
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