Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
CD Reviews |
New and Updated Sites |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
Castelfidardo, a Region of Quality, Ancona - Italyby Paolo Picchio, President Consortium Music Marche Accordions |
![]() |
![]() Documents prove that accordions have been produced by craftsmen in the region of Castelfidardo during the years 1840 - 1850 and in the years of 1860-1870, led to factories being built for the manufacture of accordions. Because the accordion is a very sophisticated instrument in which very few production phases can be mechanized and large number of materials are used for production (wood, aluminium, steel, iron, brass, cardboard, fabrics, leather, celluloid, etc.), this developed skills within this Music Marche 'area' and fostered continuous progress in solving construction problems and the continuous innovation of the instrument. Even today, after one and a half centuries, the Music Marche region still strives to produce accordions and constantly improve them, to meet all requirements of musicians and to guarantee high quality instruments. The accordion industry in Castelfidardo was and has always been very dynamic. Today there are 25 companies producing accordions and other musical instruments, and a further 70 companies or factories manufacturing accordion related products with over one thousand employees. Castelfidardo city is not only the birth of production of high quality accordions, but also the cradle of culture with the Castelfidardo International Festival and Competition (next edition from the 6-10 October 2010), the exceptional accordion museum, study center (thematic courses , meetings and seminars) and the Consortium Music Marche Accordions, an organization that unites accordion manufacturers. Today, to buy an instrument with the trademark 'Made in Castelfidardo' means "guarantee" based upon experience and tradition of 150 years. Not every Italian name stands for the trademark 'Made in Castelfidardo' with all the historical tradition and quality - hence we suggest the highest attention to this detail before buying! For further information, consult the Music Marche website where you can find a list of approved manufacturers and their contact details. |
All-Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica – Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
![]() Finally the folk musicians received their training on the same level as pianists and violinists. Afterwards similar chairs and faculties were opened in all conservatoires of the country (except Moscow). Bayanists and accordionists were taking a leading position all over the world, being victorious at all respected international competitions. Today the most famous composers of Russia write for us: S. Gubaidulina, A. Cholminov, R. Ledenyov, J. Podgaiz, M. Bronner, A. Shurbin, and others. Our instruments are performed solo, in ensembles and with orchestra in the most important concert halls of the world. Nowadays, however, we lose our position in many respects. Less pupils and students are attending the children’s schools of music, the high schools and universities, and our profession loses its prestige. Certainly, this loss can be explained by the complicated general economic situation in the country, problems in the cultural field, and in particular in the music art. But perhaps we ourselves can contribute something in order to improve the situation? Friedrich Lips, the Chair for bayan and accordion of the Gnessin music academy invites all Russian colleagues to organize a special day dedicated to the bayan, accordion and harmonica on March 20th. In all corners of Russia our instruments are to be played for the general public. It would be desirable that the mass media give us their full attention on this day. This day dedicated to the bayan, accordion and harmonica is to be held on the third Saturday in March annually. Prof. Friedrich Lips, Gnessin Music Academy, Moscow. |
World Music Festival, Innsbruck – Austriaby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() The international competition includes different categories such as accordion orchestras and ensembles, chamber music-accordion, chamber music-classic with at least one accordion, diatonic accordion ensembles, harp orchestras and ensembles, folk ensembles and possibly mixed instrumentation with at least one accordion and senior hobby accordion (orchestras and ensembles). The participating groups are adults, youth (max. age 21), children (max. age 16), ensemble amateurs and professionals, all of them contesting on different levels such as concert, elementary, advanced and intermediate. The non-competitive performances will concern hobby orchestras. Apart of the various competitions during day time, there will be fantastic concerts in the evenings, filling the halls of Congress Innsbruck with tuneful clouds never heard before. On Sunday May 16th the final award ceremony will take place at Innsbruck’s Olympic Hall – an incomparable mood, a rousing mixture of joy and music is guaranteed. Since 1983 the German Harmonica Association DHV are organizing the World Music Festival triennially at Innsbruck, the capital of one of the world’s most beautiful touristic destinations, the Tyrol. For further information email: m.kostner@come-innsbruck.at |
Vivant! and World Champion Grayson Masefield Concert, Kansas – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() The highly anticipated concert will have something for everyone who appreciates great musical artistry and virtuosic and entertaining accordion at its best. Vivant! will be releasing its second CD, ‘Whatever You Do’, and Grayson Masefield will be releasing his new solo album. A CD signing event will immediately follow the concert. Both Vivant! (MD Karen Fremar) and Grayson Masefield have distinguished themselves as crossover artists, playing the classics, as well as original, tango and popular works in their stunning performances. 22-year-old Grayson Masefield, who studies in France, recently burst forth upon the international accordion scene taking top honors at the 2009 Coupe Mondiale in both classical and entertainment categories. Vivant! members are: Karen Fremar (accordion/keyboard), Julie Silfverberg (accordion/keyboard), Gail Overly (accordion), Dee Sligar (bass keys). Sarrah Cantrell (percussion/mallets/keyboard) and Janne Silfverberg trombone/percussion). Vivant! musicians have individually performed and toured throughout the United States and around the world. For further information visit the Vivant! website. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Flaco Jimenez’s 'Live' Hohner Accordion Clinic, Texas - USAby Gilbert Reyes, Hohner Accordion Product Manager, USA |
![]() |
Hohner sponsored an online clinic with Flaco Jimenez at VideoRanch3D on Saturday March 20th. VideoRanch3D is owned by Michael Nesmith, once with The Monkees, and the intention was to do something different online besides concerts. Flaco Jimenez talked about the Hohner Signature Series Accordion, his music, and the history of Tex-Mex music, attracting viewers from all over the world. Flaco Jimenez (born 1939) is to Tex-Mex music what Clifton Chenier was to Zydeco or Jimmy Shand to Scottish dance music. Tex-Mex is the accordion-driven folk music of the working class Americans of Mexican origin living in Texas, and Flaco Jimenez has consistently been the genre’s best-known and most commercially successful exponent worldwide. |
Claudio Jacomucci’s Travels – Germany, UK, Romaniaby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() Photo left: Claudio Jacomucci at the Royal Academy with Rafal Luc, Ksenija Sidorova, Amedej Herzog, Martynas Levickis, Trang Nguyen and Prof. Owen Murray Italian accordionist Claudio Jacomucci has just returned from a festival that began on March 7th in Nurenberg, Germany, where he performed together with the American clarinetist Joel Rubin in one of the biggest klezmer festivals in Europe, the ‘Furth Klezmer Festival. On March 12th Claudio was a guest of the Royal Academy of Music in London. Here he gave a master class to the students of Professor Owen Murray. He also performed a solo concert with works by Bach, Gismonti and Jacomucci. This concert was also an excellent showcase for the talents of the students Ksenija Sidorova, Martynas Levickis, Rafal Luc, Trang Nguyen and Amedej Herzog, performing works by Bach, Scarlatti, Gubaidulina, Berio, and Berinsky. At the ‘Accordion and Bandoneon Festival’ in Bucharest, Romania, March 19th and 20th, Claudio presented the premiere of the concerto for accordion and orchestra, ‘Auf der Suche’, written for him in 1995 by the Italian composer Boris Porena. The concert was held at the National Romanian Radio with the National Radio Orchestra, conducted by Gerd Schaller. Other guests at the festival were Richard Galliano, Hector Ulises Passarella, Peter Soave and Madeleine Soave. Claudio also gave a recital at the Romanian Radio Hall, presenting, amongst others, his own compositions ‘Wonderlands’ (solo) and ‘Infernal Circles’ (solo and electronics). All concerts will be broadcast by the National Romanian Television and the National Radio. For further information email: info@claudiojacomucci.com |
Mary Tokarski on TV, Connecticut - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Mary played ‘The Fox And The Hound’, and spoke about the accordion, her career as an accordionist and teacher, the Connecticut Accordion Association, and the recently published book, ‘An Accordion! What Is That?’, written by Karen Malan-Uribe and illustrated by Joan Geller Grauman. Mary narrates the book and plays on the book's accompanying CD. Mary Tokarski performs both nationally and internationally, as a soloist, with Symphony Orchestra and String Quartet, and as a member of both ‘Buttons & Keys (accordion and piano duo) and The 'K' Trio. She also currently teaches accordion and piano at her home in Northford, Connecticut. Mary Tokarski CD's |
Over 100 Works Published by Yehuda Oppenheimer - Israelby Harley Jones |
![]() This repertoire is in three main categories: 1. Original Compositions 2. Arrangements of Famous Classical Favourites 3. Folk Music These items feature music that is really suited to be played by the accordion and most of the music has not been published elsewhere. These arrangements of famous classical favourites will be especially appreciated by serious accordion teachers, especially: OY598 – ‘Air’ (‘Suite No. 3’) - J S Bach OY589 – ‘Badinerie’ - J S Bach OY587 – ‘Gavotte and Rondo’ - Bach OY555 – ‘Aria’ - Bach OY573 – ‘Rondeau’ - Purcell OY590 – ‘Symphony No. 40’ - Mozart OY592 – ‘Allegro’ - Fiocco OY594 – ‘Ave Verum’ - Mozart OY601 - ‘Allegro Spirituoso’ - Senaille OY603 - ‘Toccata’ - Boellmann: Yehuda Oppenheimer would be grateful for feedback from fellow accordion teachers. Email: adinaya@netvision.net.il |
Future events |
‘Les Inepties Volantes’, Paris – Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() |
Bert Santilly @ Chester AC, Ellesmere Port – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Well known as a workshop leader at the Seacroft and Caister festivals, Bert Santilly is a versatile accordionist and teacher based in Cambridge. For further information email: limccallum@dsl.pipex.com |
Slavic Soul Party Gigs, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Based in New York, the nine-strong Slavic Soul Party, featuring accordionist Peter Stan, performs a combination of fiery Gypsy brass, soulful Balkan anthems, and hip-grinding American funk. The SSP have produced 4 CDs: ‘Taketron’, ‘Teknochek Collision’, ‘Remixed’, and ‘Bigger’, available from Barbès Records. For further information email: ryan@pressjunkiepr.com |
Branko Dzinovic to lead Master Class, Belgrade - Serbiaby Rob Howard |
![]() In collaboration with the Belgrade Cultural Center and Austrian Cultural Forum, Branko Dzinovic will give 3 days of master class tuition for accordion students and performers in Serbia. Each participant will have 3 individual lessons with Dzinovic. The master class is open for both soloists and chamber ensembles, and inquiries should be made to Mrs Ljubica Babec at the Belgrade Cultural Center. For further information email: ljubica.babec@kcb.org.rs |
East Antrim Accordion Orchestra Concert, Larne – Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() |
The East Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra is hosting a concert in aid of Cancer Research UK on Friday April 16th, 8pm, in Head of the Town Church Hall, Meeting House Street, Larne, Northern Ireland. For further information email: asrz33@dsl.pipex.com |
Chelsea Music Academy New Courses, London - UKby Milos Milivojevic |
![]() An innovative new partnership for 2010 sees the Chelsea Music Academy, in partnership with Leighton House Museum, working with school groups and the general public offering tuition in music from the Middle-East. Courses and Group Sessions - The following courses are being offered: All courses are £99 for six weeks, and start from Monday April 26th 2010. Mondays 3.30 – 4.30pm: World Music Choir including Middle-Eastern Songs. Families welcome. 4.30 – 5.30pm: From Andalusian to Modern Times. All ages. Fridays 4.00 – 5.30pm: Introduction to Oud (Group sessions) All ages. Saturdays 11am – 12.30pm: Introduction to Arabic Percussion – Darbuka (Group Sessions) One-to-One Tuition (All Ages) Chelsea Music Academy also offers private individual tuition. For further information email: info@chelseamusicacademy.org |
CD Reviews |
Misteriumby Joan C. Sommers |
![]() |
New and Updated Sites |
Larry Malmberg New Music Releasesby Larry Malmberg |
Larry Malmberg releases 5 new pieces, 'Gershwin Medley', catalog:larrym011', 'I Get Ideas, catalog:larrym012', 'If You Knew Suzie, catalog:larrym013', 'It Had To Be You, catalog:larrym014', and 'Just You, Just Me, catalog:larrym015'. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Yehuda Oppenheimer releases 2 new arrangementsby Yehuda Oppenheimer |
Yehuda Oppenheimer releases 4 arrangements for acccordion - 'Symphony No. 40, catalog:OY590', 'Ave Verum, catalog:OY594', 'Allegro Spirituoso, catalog:OY601' and 'Toccata, catalog:OY603'. Samples of the music is available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl releases 5 updated worksby Gary Dahl |
Gary Dahl - Mel Bay Publishing Author, composer, arranger, Mel Bay recording artist and music educator announces the following titles for purchase on-line. 'Come Back To Sorrento, catalog:DH0224', 'Crazy, catalog:DH0225', 'Cuando Calienta El Sol, catalog:DH0226', 'Yesterday, catalog:DH0227' and 'Achtung Los, catalog:DH0228'. Samples for this music are 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. |
Glubochenko Vassily selling a new CDby Glubochenko Vassily |
![]() |
Larry Malmberg New Music Releasesby Larry Malmberg |
Larry Malmberg releases 6 new pieces, 'Avalon', catalog:larrym005', 'Darktown Strutters Ball, catalog:larrym006', 'Fascination, catalog:larrym007', 'Red Wing, catalog:larrym008', 'St. Paul Waltz, catalog:larrym009' and 'Yellow Rose of Texas, catalog:larrym010'. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UAdd your video!TRY IT NOW |