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 |
Carrefour Mondial de l'Accordéon Festival, Quebec – Canadaby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() Download the program: 2015Carrefour.pdf Graphic left by Julien Simard. The Accordion Museum has various exhibits highlighting the history of the accordion and musicians, and conferences will be held each day. The museum houses a large collection of antique instruments, such as a very rare melophone, a harmoniflute, a unique type of bass, and Chinese instruments which show the use of the free reed, dating back 4,000 years. This year’s guest artists, including many international accordionists, are David Venitucci and Annick Cisaruk (France), Quartier Libre: Philippe Mallard, Aly Beziat, Max Robin and Pierre Jacquet (France), Robert Santiago (France), François Heim and Alexeï Birioukov (France/Russia), Viivi Maria Saarenkylä (Finland), Duo Bilika: Didier Ithursarry and Kristof Hiriart (France, Basque country), Mirco Patarini (Italy), Didier Laloy and Kathy Adam (Belgium), Niall and Cillian Vallely (Ireland), Duo Jbanov: Roman Jbanov and sister Anna (Russia), Étienne Grandjean and Soïg Siberil (Brittany, France), Erica Weigand and Elias Porter (Spain, Catalan country), Roger Dallaire (Canada), Steve Normandin (Quebec, Canada), Len Wallace (Canada), David and Eduardo Buerba Montull (Spain), Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy and Christian Nolet (Quebec, Canada), Duo McLane: Jeremiah and Annemieke McLane (USA/Netherlands), Trio Marin Nasturica: Marin Nasturica, Laurent Djintcharadze and Éric Lagacé (Romania/Georgia/Canada), Trio Martin Bellemare: Martin Bellemare, Christine Tassan and Greg Buckles (Quebec, Canada), John Lettieri (Canada), Serge Duchesne and Luciano Testani (Quebec, Canada), Marie-Jeanne Brousseau and Emily Flack (Quebec/Ontario, Canada). For further information email: accordeon@montmagny.com |
Theft of 20 Accordions from Musikhaus Acmuton, Ginshelm – Germanyby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() All accordions are in great condition - brand new or used. The brands are Hohner, Zupan, Bugari, Beltuna, Guerrini, Scandalli, Paolo Soprani, Weltmeister, Delicia (piano or chromatic, mostly B-system). Some have rather unusual decorations or designs. Many of the accordions have Limex-Midi or Blue Line MIDI and built-in microphone systems. The Hohners are with MIII. If someone tries to sell you such an accordion or you have information about this theft, please contact Anja Bröhl +49 6134 9541310. |
![]() |
Reminder: 2015 Coupe Mondiale Entries Closing, 31st August - Finlandby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() Picture left of the prestigious Logomo center, venue for all competitions and concerts. The entry system for competitors for the 68th Coupe Mondiale is online – so make your entries at: Coupe Mondiale Entries must be received by 31st August 2015. |
Novel and CD: 'Zuckerbrod und Peytsche’, London – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Zuckerbrod und Peytsche’ is a love story set in Paris, Moscow and Marseille. Olivka, a beautiful Russian girl, meets the musician Zuckerbrod and the author Peytsche in a French restaurant in Paris. Olivka and Zuckerbrod fall in love... Author Jean Caprice is a London-based accordionist, singer/songwriter, composer and writer. Born in Hamburg, Germany, his novel was written in the Alps and published last year. There is also a CD containing 12 original titles composed and played by Jean Caprice, inspired by the themes in the novel. The titles are: 01. Valse Musette ou Mazurka, 02. Ukrainian Dance No. 1, 03. Ukrainian Dance No. 2, 04. Ukrainian Dance No. 3, 05. Schlemingway-Tango, 06. Russian Melodies, 07. Les beaux yeux, 08. L’amour de ma vie, 09. Papillons-Musette, 10. Sea Shanty Waltz, 11. Valse séphardique 12. Valse sans Adieu. Picture below: CD cover and Jean Caprice For further information email: jens@los-octopussytos.com |
![]() |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Pietro Adragna Starts the Opening Concert - Chinaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Video Titles: 1. Cavaquinho - composed by E. Nazareth - arr. P. Adragna 2. Se Parigi Avesse - composed by P. Di Modugno - arr. P. Adragna 3. I' Te Vurria Vasá - Neapolitan folk song composed by E. di Capua Two videos from a program by Pietro Adragna that began the Opening Concert of the 2015 Asia Pacific Accordion Festival, 15th to 18th August, on the Costa-Victoria cruise ship. Pietro Adragna has won numerous national and international competitions, including the 2011 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment and Digital categories in Shanghai. In 2010 he gained a diploma in classical accordion at the Conservatorio di Musica “Luigi Cherubini” in Florence, tutor Ivano Battiston. The very popular Pietro Adragna has toured extensively in Europe, Russia, China and South America. Festival Picture Report is online at: 2015AsiaPacific |
World Handball champ Paul Brady takes up the accordion, Cavan – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Video: Jessica Shi Xuan at Closing Concert - Shanghaiby Harley Jones |
![]() |
The Closing Concert finished with a program by Jessica Shi Xuan. Here are two pieces from her program. Video 1: La Mer by Frank Marocco Video 2: Hana Bi arranged by Nova Wan. In 2013 Jessica Shi Xuan won 4th place at the Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category. In October last year, Jessica Shi Xuan performed her graduation concert (Masters Teaching) at the Shanghai Normal SHNU University to a packed hall. Report at: http://www.accordions.com/china/shanghai/2014/24oct.htm Tutor: Dean of Music SHNU, Prof. Li Cong. In 2015, Jessica Shi Xuan joined the Music College staff of SHNU. Festival Picture Report is online at: 2015AsiaPacific |
Viivi Maria Saarenkylä Carnevale CD on Internet - Finlandby Harley Jones |
![]() Viivi Maria Saarenkylä (born in 1993) is an award-winning Finnish accordion artist, in 2014, winning the PIF Castelfidardo Senior Variete category. Viivi was recently competing at the Shenzhen 1st China Shenzhen International Accordion Competition and won 2nd prize in the Senior Virtuoso Knock-out Competition. There are videos and pictures of her competing at: 2015 Shenzhen (19th July). Album tracks are: 01. Carnevale, Renzo Ruggieri 02. Säkkijärven Polkka, Traditional, arranged R Ruggieri 03. Spain, Chick Corea, arranged R Ruggieri 04. Polska 3Bertta4, Jukka Hannula, arranged Tolonen/Saarenkylä 05. Tango En Tres, Giorgio Albanese 06. Tarantella, R Ruggieri 07. The Jackson Medley, Michael Jackson arranged R Ruggieri 08. Tango Italiano, R Ruggieri 09. Waltz for Debby, Bill Evans arranged R Ruggieri 10. Basso Ostinato, Viktor Vlasov 11. Polkka Mollissa, Helmut Ritter CD and eTracks mp3 album (only €9) available online at: Viivi Maria Saarenkylä |
![]() |
Video: ATG 75th Anniversary Festival Orchestra, Chicago - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() Video 2: The Moldau by Smetana, arranged by Anthony Galla-Rini Many of the festival attendees joined forces under the direction of Joan Cochran Sommers for the ATG 75th Anniversary Festival Orchestra which featured the music of John Williams, the World Premiere of a concerto for accordion and orchestra by Stas Venglevski who was also featured as the soloist, and the magnificent arrangement by ATG Founder Anthony Galla-Rini of Smetana's The Moldau. Many thanks to Mike Roche (California) for the professional quality videos, Dan Grauman for the editing and to Bruce Lawrie (Texas), sound engineer and photographer. |
Video: Dantong Wang at 2015 Asia Pacific Accordion Festivalby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Dantong Wang is one of the young upcoming Chinese players who were performing at the 2015 Asia Pacific Accordion Festival. Dantong Wang is from Beijing, teacher Yansheng Li. 2015 Asia Pacific Accordion Festival Report is online at: 2015AsiaPacific |
Mike Middleton New CD Release and Upcoming Performances - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() Mike Middleton is a semi professional accordionist who performs mainly for local festivals and charity events, performing all styles of international accordion music. The other members of the group are Clayton Capps (tuba), Lance and Mitch Middleton (drums/percussion). Dr. Mike Middleton is a nuclear medicine physician and Professor of Radiology in Central Texas. He performs mainly on weekends; and a portion of his album sales goes to benefit local charities, including the Scott & White Hospital. The "Accordion To Mike & The Middletones: Back In Texas" CD tracks are: 01. San Antonio Rose (2:38) 02. Jambalaya (3:42) 03. The Blue Danube Waltz (6:11) 04. The Happy Wanderer (1:46) 05. Jonny Oslo Schottische (2:53) 06. Just Because (2:30) 07. L'Amour Est Bleu (Love is Blue) (3:47) 08. Rangers Waltz (2:35) 09. Peanuts Polka (2:16) 10. Somewhere My Love (3:32) 11. Julida Polka (3:39) 12. El Cumbanchero (3:57) Bonus Track 13. William Tell Overture - Excerpts (including the Lone Ranger Theme) (4:43) Upcoming Performances: 5th September, Westfest 2015, 6-8 pm, Fairgrounds of the town of West, Texas. 4th October, 1-4 pm Heritage House Museum Opening, Pflugerville, Texas. 7th - 8th November, Wurstfest 2015!, (7th - 11:30am, 2:10pm, 5:20pm & 8th- 11:30am, 2:30pm) New Braunfels, Texas. 15th November, Wurstfest 2015! (5:20-6:30pm, & 8:30-9:30pm) New Braunfels, Texas. Enjoy the Mike Middleton graphic below from FunGraphix.com For further information, view the website: Mike Middleton |
![]() |
Video: Trio Changxin Yao, Yu Sitong and Li Shuyu - Chinaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Video: The versatile trio of Changxin Yao, Yu Sitong and Li Shuyu from Shenyang Music College performing Fiesta Andalouse. 2015 Asia Pacific Accordion Festival Report is online at: 2015AsiaPacific |
‘14 Years Ago’: Argentinean Music at Tokyo Station – Japan, August 2001by Rob Howard |
![]() Argentinean Music at Tokyo Station – Japan Contributed by Toru Katou and Yoshiya Watanabe On August 26th the "Makita Yuki Chamame Trio", which features accordionist Yuki Makita, will perform Chamame tunes (Argentinean music) at the newly opened JR-Break Station Media Court, Tokyo Station. This free concert is one of many organised by "JR East", the largest railway company in Japan. The "Makita Yuki Chamame Trio" is one of 41 bands selected from over 1360 applicants from all over Japan. Future concerts will be held weekly. |
Future events |
Alan Kelly Gang Tour – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() The Alan Kelly Gang, led by Irish accordionist Alan Kelly and featuring Scottish singer Eddi Reader, have some tour dates in Ireland in August and September, as follows: August 28th – St Luke’s Church, Cork August 29th – Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge September 1st – Linehall Arts Centre, Castlebar September 2nd – Roscommon Arts Centre, September 3rd – Whelan’s Pub, Dublin September 4th – INEC Acoustic Club, Killarney September 8th – Draiocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown Alan Kelly, from Roscommon, is one of Ireland’s leading piano accordion players, and is widely credited with leading a revival of the instrument in traditional music circles. He has a background in traditional Irish music and dance, and his father, Frank Kelly was All-Ireland Champion on piano accordion in 1964. In his early music years, Alan won All-Ireland titles on piano accordion and piano, and has since pursued a career in music with much success. |
Zillertal Accordion Days, Mayrohefen – Austriaby Rob Howard |
![]() Thursday August 27th - Hubert Klausner presents young music talents (Styrian accordion and accordion) at 8.30pm. Friday August 28th, 8.30pm - workshop for Styrian accordion and accordion, furthermore exhibition and "Meet & Greet" with well-known folk musicians of the Zillertal valley. Saturday August 29th, daytime – 1st Zillertal Accordion Contest and exhibition, at 5 pm award ceremony and concert. For further information email: info@mayrhofen.at |
Declan Aungier Plays for Dancing – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday August 28th - Ardattin Inn, County Carlow Saturday August 29th - Middleton GAA Centre, County Cork Sunday August 30th - West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen 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 |
Ken and Mary Turbo Accordions Express Concert, Ohio – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() Ken has over 40 years of music experience, playing the diatonic button accordion and also the tenor banjo, guitar, mandolin, and mandola. Ken had his own rag/jazz band for many years, playing in and around Ohio as well as performing in the German Pavillon at Disney’s Epcot Center and at the Altstadt Fest in Goslar/Harz, Germany. Mary’s music career has spanned over 30 years, playing both the organ and the piano accordion. She has performed at numerous festivals, banquets, and for parties. For further information email: kenandmarymusik@yahoo.com |
Daniele Carabetta Concert, Zibello (PR) – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() Daniele Carabetta performs in concert on Thursday September 10th, 9.30pm, at the Teatro Pallavicino, Piazza Garibaldi, Zibello (PR), Italy. Special guests also performing are the accordionists Antonio Spaccarotella and Mauro Carra, and the event organizer is Giacomo Maini. |
Erika’s Radio Broadcast for New CD, Incourt – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
![]() On Sunday August 30th, 6pm, Erika and her regular keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie play for dancing at the Fête de la Sarthe, Auvelais, Belgium. For further information email: sptja@sptja.com |
‘Forum of Young Talents’ Concert, Bratislava – Slovakiaby Rob Howard |
The ‘Forum of Young Talents’ matinee concert takes place on Sunday September 13th, 10.30am, at The City Gallery, Bratislava, Slovakia. Performing will be Michal Ochodnický (accordion), Matej Vrábel (piano), Dominika Križalkovicová (flute), and Bibiana Miškolciová (piano). The music includes compositions by JS Bach, Scarlatti, Chaminade, Chopin, Bent Lorentzen, Henri Dutilleux, Alberto Ginastera, Jürgen Ganzer, and Aram Khachaturian. Advance Tickets: Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm Sunday 10 – 10:30 am Mirbach Palace Box Office, Františkánske Square 11, Bratislava Reservations: phone +421 2 5443 1556 – 8. For further information email: mirbach@hc.sk |
Midlands Accordion Festival, Dudley – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The festival workshops include: Elementary Orchestra – Rosemary Wright, Vintage Orchestra – Adrienne Griffiths, and Scottish Orchestra – Angie Lukins. There will also be a trade show featuring the Birmingham Accordion Centre, Rob Howard’s books, Accordion World magazine, and Alan Shute – accordinas and accordions. For further information email: accordions2010@hotmail.co.uk |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Caleidoscopio by Riccardo Centazzo - Italyby Alessandro Mugnoz |
![]() |
New and Updated Sites |
New Site: Claudio Azzaro 'Walking in My World' CD - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() Claudio performs a number of popular virtuoso entertainment pieces backed by drums, guitar and double bass. He has won a number of Italian competitions including Recanati, Morro D'Oro, Acquasparta, Ascoli Piceno, Piombino, Laina and has toured in Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany. Claudio Azzaro has been a jury member at important Italian competitions and was the founder and the artistic director with Renzo Ruggieri of the "Accordion Art Festival". Catalog: azzaro10eT Sound samples online. |
Updated Site: Gorka Hermosa Tangosophy CD - Spainby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Charnwood Publish New Douglas Ward Compositions - UKby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
![]() |
![]() ![]() Catalog No. DW931 Exaggeration Waltz Catalog No. DW932 Into the Spice Market The homepage of Douglas Ward is also updated. Order from Charnwood Music Publishing using the high security eCommerce site provided by Worldpay. |
Updated Site: Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni Additional Information - USAby Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni |
![]() Included is the interesting information that the owners of accordion publishing company O. Pagani, Frank and Mary Gaviani were her godparents and that her father, Robert S. Tiffany, Jr. was a student of Frank Gaviani Snr. and became a teacher of the Frank Gaviani Accordion School. View her arrangements at: Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni ec201 - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Chorale from Cantata 147) ec202 - Behold the Lamb of God (Chorus from “The Messiah”) ec203 - Hallelujah Chorus (from “The Messiah”) ec204 - Pastoral Symphony (from “The Messiah”) ec205 - He Shall Feed His Flock (Arioso from “The Messiah”) ec206 - God So Loved the World (Anthem from “The Crucifixion”) ec207 - Evening Prayer (Treble voice duet from “Hansel and Gretel) ec208 - Gehet in Alle Welt (Canon for two voices) ec209 - Cantate Domino (Canon for two voices) ec210 - If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments ec211 - The Duke of Kent Waltz ec212 - Corellian Gigue ec213 - After the Battle of Aughrim ec214 - Waltz from Norway ec215 - Tim the Thatcher ec216 - Connaught Man’s Rambles ec217 - Coleraine ec218 - Indian Point |
Updated Site: Peter Wilk Site Updated With Sound Files - Canadaby Peter Wilk |
![]() View at: wp501 - Salut d'Amour wp502 - Ave Verum wp503 - Nimrod wp504 - Valse Romantique wp505 - Happy Poppa Polka wp506 - Days Gone By wp507 - Clair de Lune All are available for online purchase. Shopping basket links to the high security eCommerce site run by WorldPay.com, one of the world's largest payment processing system. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UAdd your video!TRY IT NOW |