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Highlights |
‘The Man, the Accordion, and the Legend’, Jerusalem – Israelby Rob Howard |
![]() Yehuda Oppenheimer (born in Germany in 1925), rose to prominence as a concert accordionist in the post-war years to become Israel’s most accomplished accordionist and composer. His life story is remarkable, involving evading the Nazis in occupied Amsterdam during the war years by hiding in an attic. His story was quite similar to that of Anne Frank, but with a happy ending. From the age of 6 he had played the accordion, and was completely self-taught, though when he arrived in Palestine after the war he studied the violin at the Conservatory in Jerusalem. He then found out that he could earn a living by playing the accordion at convalescence homes and hotels. He toured the country doing this and also earned money busking. During the 1948 War of Independence, 23 year old Yehuda was in the army entertaining his fellow troops. Later Yehuda Oppenheimer went on to become a leading concert artist, composer, and teacher of the accordion, and also founded an accordion orchestra with which he worked for thirty years. Equally at home playing light music and classics, Yehuda has made many recordings. His compositions have been published in sheet music form, and now are available all together in this beautifully presented book. Yehuda Oppenheimer wrote: "There was a wonderful reunion in October 2011 attended by 42 of my pupils and their families (pictures below), two of whom came especially from the USA to attend. We enjoyed five wonderful hours of music, stories and much love. The focus of the event was the release of a book about my life. It includes my original compositions and arrangements and is more than 250 pages. This project came to life through the generosity of one of my students, who had a dream, to publish a book about his teacher. He organised and assisted the publishing of the book and it came out stunning." For further information, email Yehuda Oppenheimer. Available online at Yehuda Oppenheimer are two CD's, sound samples, original compositions, arrangements of folk music and famous classics. |
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Peter Soave Review of Accordion Concerto Premiere, California – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Slovenian-born, Stockton-based Max Simoncic has had compositions commissioned, performed, and recorded by orchestras and ensembles around the globe. A review for recordnet.com by Glenn Pillsbury said: “Max Simoncic's new ‘Accordion Concerto’ occupied the central part of Thursday's performance by the Stockton Symphony at Atherton Auditorium ….. Performed by Peter Soave, an accordionist every bit as unassuming as he is virtuosic, Simoncic's concerto explores the artistic range of the accordion ….... Soave's reading of the work captured its moments of charm and elegance while never succumbing to artificiality. Indeed, his fingers flew across the accordion's rows of buttons...” US-born Peter Soave is one of the world’s leading concert accordion and bandoneon soloists. For further information email: info@petersoave.com |
Highly Successful XIV International Accordion Festival, Vilnius - Lithuaniaby Raimondas Sviackevičius |
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![]() This annual accordion festival began with an unusual type of music. A music band “Gurzuf” (picture above), with accordionist Egor Zabelov and drummer Artem Zalessky, from Belarus, gave a stunning concert. A hall full of listeners were impressed by the band’s energy and had a new look to the rock, experimental, fusion music performed on accordion. The second day of the festival was devoted to professional classical and modern accordion music. During the International Accordion Competition Vilnius 2011 in April the Premier category’s winner was awarded by a special Prize-Invitation to perform a solo concert during the festival in Vilnius in November. This year’s first prize winner, Tomasz Ostaszewski, one of the most distinguished Polish artists of his generation, performed a successful solo recital. Pietro Adragna (picture left), from Italy, recent winner of several 1st prizes at the Coupe Mondiale 2011 in Shanghai, China, represented the variety accordion music during the festival. His especially artistic and virtuoso performance made a great impression on his audience. The Lithuanian Accordionists Association awarded a special prize to Variety category winner at the Klingenthal accordion competition (Germany) - a solo concert during festival. Pietro Adragna was the winner. Lithuanian musicians band 4Tango performed a new program of Piazzolla music with Lithuanian violinist, Dzeraldas Bidva, for a sell out audience. The festival’s climax came with a fine concert given by Frank Marocco, from the USA, with local jazz musicians Arturas Chalikovas (guitar), Eugenijus Kanevicius (bass), and Darius Rudis (drums). Two standing ovations from the capacity audience and non-stopping applause for the highly developed musicality, technically brilliant and musically superb performance – that was the end of the XIV International Accordion Festival Vilnius 2011. A segment of the Frank Marocco performance can be viewed: http://www.accordion-space4u.com/user.aspx?user=6&item=6&id=242 For further information email: info@akordeonofestivalis.lt |
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Gubaidulina Festival in Moscow – Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
![]() Four concerts - in the Chamber Hall of Moscow’s Philharmonic Hall, the Tchaikovsky-Concert Hall, the House of Composers, and the Big Hall of the Conservatory, were organised to show the enormous input of the composer to the contemporary music. Besides works for piano, cello, guitar, wind instruments, percussion, and others, the bayan is very much present in the extraordinary programme of this festival. On November 24th Iosif Puritz will perform ‘De Profundis’ for bayan solo. On the following days Friedrich Lips will perform two concerts, (‘Under the Sign of Scorpio’ for bayan and big symphony orchestra, ‘Fachwerk’ for bayan, percussion and string orchestra) and the ‘Tatarian Dance’ for bayan and two double bass. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at Friedrich Lips 23 CD's available online. Special priced, your selection CD3Packs or CD6Packs. |
2012 Trophée Mondial Website, Spokane, Washington State – USAby Frédéric Deschamps |
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![]() This is the first time the Trophée Mondial has been to the North American continent thanks to the talent and determination of our friend and CMA delegate for the USA, Patricia Bartell (picture right) and her dedicated team. The CMA website has now been updated to include all the 2012 information, such as rules and regulations, procedure for registration, proposed timetable, visa application form, information on hotels, transportation to/from Spokane and all the necessary contacts of the CMA Executive. For further information visit the CMA website. See the live interview information below in TV Accordions. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Nils Fläcke Appears at Nils Lundin’s 90th Birthday Party – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Despite an impending freak blizzard, many intrepid audience members ventured to Accordion Connection LLC in Gilmanton, NH, on October 29th for a special concert, featuring a ‘mystery’ guest. The special ‘mystery’ guest was Nils Fläcke, who flew in specially from Sweden, and whose performance and personality proved to be a big hit with all present. Nils Fläcke’s program included stylized arrangements of Nils Lundin's ‘American Wooden Shoe Polka’ and ‘Lilla Carols Vals’, and his technical prowess, including a great left hand technique, was most impressive. All present were thoroughly entertained and hope to hear him again. |
International Masterclass by Antonio Spaccarotella Calabria – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
On the 18th and 19th of November 2011, Antonio Spaccarotella held a masterclass for 'Classical Accordion and Modern Art' at the Center for New Harmonies Musical Studies in Paola (CS). During the different classes, major themes were: the study of touch, preparation for international competitions, mnemonic studies, and how to customize your program, which was greatly appreciated by the students. One participant was Brazilian student Mahatma Cote who came to Calabria to participate in this international masterclass and take a new path of musical development. The Center of Musical Studies (New Harmonies), is currently one of the most accomplished and modern educational centers of Southern Italy for activities related to the accordion. The many students who daily attend the courses, enjoy a multitude of services, from the smallest with the first class of introductory diatonic accordion, the accordion class for digital Roland V-Accordion, the various facets of style with classical, modern and jazz accordion lessons. This year great results were achieved during the recent international competitions: Alessandro Guglielmi 1st Place Trophee Mondial (Junior Varietè Diatonic), Simon Sciammarella 1st Place International Competition of Spoleto (Junior Classic) and 1st Place Championship International UK (Blackpool-England ) 2011 (Int.Classical). For further information, email: antonio.accordion@alice.it |
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Jacques Pellarin’s New CD ‘Sup Dude’, Savoie – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() Jacques Pellarin, originally a classical musician, has embraced many styles and performed in many parts of the world. He has branched out to produce more jazz influenced music, linking up his accordion with guitar, saxophone, violins and other instruments. For further information email: jacques.pellarin@wanadoo.fr |
14 Years Ago’ – Caister Enters A New Eraby Rob Howard |
![]() Fortunately, Caister was rescued when Robert and Loreta Rolston took over as organizers, and the report below by Gary Blair appeared in the Accordions Worldwide news for November 28th 1997. The present day version of this festival took place last week at Seacroft, just two miles from its original home at Caister, organized by Heather Smith. CAISTER ACCORDION FESTIVAL - ENGLAND Contributed by Gary Blair The Caister Accordion Festival was held from November 13th to 16th and organised by the Accordion Times & News, England. The Opening Night concert (Thursday 13th) was an accordion club type night with the accordionists performing if they so wished. Pino di Modugno from Italy was asked to play as a taster for Saturday night. He was absolutely dynamite!!! His programme started off with ‘Dizzy Fingers’ (at a tempo I would have thought impossible!) followed by a couple of other well known tunes. Friday's concert started with The Weaver Valley Band, followed by a great duo called Amarylis and Gary Blair's band. After an Interval, we were privileged to hear Julie Best and Ron Hodgson, followed by Pat Gray from Aberdeen playing a variety of music. Then the Star of Friday's concert, Magnus Johnnsson (only 19 years old and won the Frosini Grand Prix which had 6,000 competitors!!) performed. His programme included a lot of Frosini's works, and he played brilliantly. Saturday's concert was also superb with the Ronmar Accordion Orchestra, Harry Hussey and his brilliant Jazz Band, and a solo spot from Julie Best. Then it was the star of the show again, Pino di Modugno who was now playing on MIDI accordion. He started off with a Strauss medley then played 'Uridium’,' by Astor Piazzola (this was unbelievable!). He then totally blew my mind by performing ‘Bumble Bee Boogie’ as good as anyone I have heard. My Band then finished off with a ceilidh and the highlight for me was playing 'The Flying Scotsman' with TWO drummers! |
Future events |
Nick Ariondo Film Release and PBS LA Opera with Placido Domingo – USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() On Friday November 25th, 9pm, Nick Ariondo performs with opera legend Placido Domingo on PBS Telecast, ‘Great Performances’. Nick performs onstage in the wedding scene (end of Act 2) with opera legend Placido Domingo in the world premiere of L.A. Opera’s ‘IL Postino’, by Daniel Catan. For further information email: accomusic@nickariondo.com |
Renato Borghetti and Arthur Bonilla - European Tourby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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The highly accomplished duo Renato Borghetti (diatonic accordion) and Arthur Bonilla (guitar), from Brazil, are presently on a tour of Europe. Their dates include: November 25th - Le Phénix, Valenciennes, France November 26 th – Bozar, Brussels, Belgium November 27 th - Amsterdam, Tropentheater, Netherlands November 28 th - Ferme du Biéreau, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium December 2nd – Klausenbauernhof, Wolfach, Germany December 3rd – Folk Club, Turin, Italy December 4th – Teatro Miotto, Spilimbergo, Italy For further information email: sabina@cultureworks.at |
Accordion Painting Exposition by Carlo Aguzzi, Stradella - Italiaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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From the 27th of November until 11th of December, an exposition of the "painter of accordions" Carlo Aguzzi can be visited at the "Ugo Magnani Hall" of the Palazzo Isimbardi in the City Hall, Stradella. The opening will take place on Sunday 27th at 5 pm in presence of the well known art critic Siro Brondoni. For further information visit the Museum Stradella |
‘Arctic Accents’ to display Finnish Accordion Masters - Beneluxby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() ![]() Accordionist Maria Kalaniemi is on tour with her trio, which includes Olli Varis and Eero Grundström. The Maria Kalaniemi Trio were on stage on November 17th at deSingel (Antwerp, BE), November 18th at Muziekpublique (Brussels, BE), and on November 19th at RASA (Utrecht, NL). Accordion super group The Samuraï has roots all around Europe. Besides Finland’s Markku Lepistö, the quintet features Bruno Le Tron (France), Didier Laloy (Belgium), Riccardo Tesi (Italy) and David Munnelly (Ireland). Samuraï will do an extensive tour of Belgium from November 17th to 26th. Accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen and sample wizard Samuli Kosminen join forces with the Proton String Quartet in the astonishing contemporary project Uniko, built around accordion and sampling. Uniko is on stage at Ancienne Belgique (Brussels) on December 5th. But it’s not only accordions: Värttinä take their new line-up of three singers and three acoustic musicians as well as their brisk tunes to Belgium just before the holidays. This vanguard of the Finnish folk music export takes the stage in Antwerp on December 15th and at AB in Brussels on December 17th. For further information email: henna.salo(at)fimic.fi |
Accordion Orchestra Concert, Munich – Germanyby Rob Howard |
The Akkordeonorchester Münchner Volksmusikverein e.V. perform an annual concert at the Herkulessaal der Residenz, Munich on Saturday November 26th, 3pm. For further information email: muenchner@volksmusikverein.de |
Twellose Accordion Association Concert, Twello – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
The Twellose Accordion Association (MD Henny Huigen-Davelaar) hold their annual concert on Saturday November 26th, 8pm, at the Sports Hall, Jachtlust, Jachtlustplein 7, Twello, Netherlands. Admission is free. For further information email: t_a_v29@hotmail.com |
Victor Prieto Concerts, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Victor Prieto plays accordion with the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, November 22nd to 27th, 7.30pm, 9.30pm, and 11.30pm (26th/27th) at Jazz Standard, 116 East 27th St, NY. The Victor Prieto Trio continue their residency on the third Thursday of the month on December 15th at Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St, Elmhurst 11373, NY. For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Miloš Milivojević Concert, Cornwall – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The Tate St Ives is at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1TG. For further information email: jan.evans@tate.org.uk |
Accordion Orchestra with Gospel Choir Concert, Wilp – Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: info:bettydooper@kpnplanet.nl |
Lácides Romero Concert, Antigua – Guatemalaby Rob Howard |
![]() The concert program includes: Malvaloca, Chatica Linda, Contrastes, Escorregando, Canadian Capers, El Grato Momento, Ave María Gallo, La Kalunga, Brejeiro, Catalina, La Kalunga, Brejeiro, Catalina. Lácides Romero, born in Lorica, Colombia in 1948, studied piano, accordion and organ with his father, Professor Tiburcio Romero. Later he studied piano in the Instituto de Bellas Artes in Medellín. His accordion arrangements encompass music from the Baroque period through to the 20th Century. For further information email: lacidesromero@gmail.com |
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Accordion Day at the Landesmusikakademie Hessen, Schlitz - Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() This takes place on Saturday December 10th, 10am, followed by a concert at 5pm, featuring accordion students from the Music Academy at Wiesbaden. For further information email: info@Imah.de |
CD Reviews |
“Russian Favourites” CD by Alexander Sevastianby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
New Book, ‘The Man The Accordion And The Legend’ Available from MusicForAccordion.comby Yehuda Oppenheimer |
![]() Catalog No: oybook ‘The Man The Accordion And The Legend’ |
New Book, ‘Vintage Accordions’ Available from MusicForAccordion.comby Rob Howard |
![]() Catalog No: robaccord05 ‘Vintage Accordions’ The new book, ‘Vintage Accordions’ is an all-colour pictorial history of the accordion, in its various forms, from the early 19th Century onwards up to the present time. There are 300 pictures plus information and some interesting historical articles. This book is a limited edition, A4 sized, 60 pages, and in hardback. |
Jeff Lisenby - accordionist, composer, arranger, releases 7 new compositionby Jeff Lisenby |
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Zevy Zions - accordionist,arranger, solo musician, release 1 new musicby Zevy Zions |
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Accordions TV |
Patricia Bartell Interview, Organisor of 2012 Trophée Mondial, Spokane - USAby Frédéric Deschamps |
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![]() Various details concerning the organization of the Next Trophée Mondial will be announced live in the Channel. You can participate actively, asking questions about CMA 'live' on the chat of the CMA Channel. |
Deschamps Channel, Master Classes and Lessons for New Week - Franceby Frédéric Deschamps |
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The Deschamps Channel is an exciting new combination of reality TV and accordion tuition where you can follow the Master Classes of Frédéric Deschamps. Watch the next Master Classes and International Lessons "LIVE" this Week with Petr Vacek (Czech Republic), Guillaume Fric (France), Aurore Touchard (France), Wei Bijun (China), etc. You can even ask questions during the master class on the "Chat" of the Channel. Frédéric Deschamps will answer you live. |
Updated Channel CMA, Indexing of 2011 Trophee Mondial, Pineto - Italyby Frédéric Deschamps |
Updated on CMA Channel are all the videos in the video library from this year’s CMA competition held in Pineto, Italy. These are now been labelled with the category, artist, country and round for easier accessibility. CMA Channel - Video Library Program of the library : Contestants of the seven categories (classical, variete, diatonic), CMA Familly Concert with Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), Sylvia Pagni (Italy), Alexander Selivanov (Russia), Yulia Amerikova (Russia), Viatcheslav Semionov (Russia), Pietro Adragna (Italy), the World Hohner Accordion Orchestra - director: Andreas Nebl (Germany), etc., The concert of Laureats with Xu Xiaonan (China) - 1st Place Senior Classic; Dorin Grama (Moldavia) - 1st Place Senior Variété; Alexander Kolovski (Macedonia) - 1st place National Trophy; Nikolay Bolotin (Russia) - 1st place Junior Classic; Yohann Lopes (Portugal) - 1st place Senior Variété Diatonic; Alessandro Guglielmi (Italy) - 1st Place Junior Variété Diatonic; Lorenzo Bosica (Italy) - 1st place Variété Junior; Renzo Ruggieri (Italy) - Jazz Concert Artist and Organisor of the CMA 2011 in Pineto; Interviews with Frédéric Deschamps (France) - Président of the CMA; Harley Jones (New Zealand) - Director of Accordions Worldwide; Viatcheslav Semionov (Russia) - Professor in Gnessin Academy (Russia); Antonella Toccaceli of Master MIDI Production (Italy) etc. |
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