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Highlights |
2014 Harbin China Summer International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
![]() From August 7th to 11th 2014, some of the finest accordionists around the world will be competing and performing at the Concert Hall of Harbin Normal University. There will be concerts, workshops and a major international accordion competition. The competitions are divided into 9 categories of solo and group sections for all ages. The Harbin 2014 chief organizer is Prof. Wang Hongyu (picture left), Vice-President of Media College of Harbin Normal University. Wang Hongyu is a master tutor who has been invited to Russia, France, Italy, South Pacific and other international accordion competitions as a jury member some 10 times in recent years. Wang Hongyu ran the very successful Harbin 2010 and Harbin 2012 Summer International Accordion Art Week and Competitions which attracted over 500 entrants with many competitors from outside China, from Russia, America, Serbia, England, France, etc. A website about this event will be online soon. Download the 2014 Rules and the competition entry form in Chinese and English: 2014Harbin |
Mika Väyrynen Presents Two World Premieres, Helsinki - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
![]() ![]() The new works to be premiered are ‘Peer Gynt Fantasy’, by Paavo Korpijaakko, and ‘The Sound of Ice’, by Pasi Lyytikäinen. The concert program will bring romantic music and virtuosic transcriptions together with new original music. Mika Väyrynen has worked with the composers to write their new works, and requested pieces to be in romantic style, or at least having romantic ideals such as tonality, virtuosity, a large scale of interpretational elements with freedom in tempi and dynamics. Mika even suggested the possibility of using some famous romantic themes and Paavo Korpijaakko used some famous melodies from Edvard Grieg's ‘Peer Gynt’ suite in his new work. Mika is sure these accordion pieces will generate tremendous interest among accordionists. Mika Väyrynen has been very proactive in working with composers to secure new works for the accordion, and has presented numerous world premieres by composers including Bogdan Prez, Matti Murto, Jouni Kaipainen, Leif Segerstam, Juhani Nuovala, Tuomas Kantelinen, Olli Kortekangas, Aulis Sallinen, Kimmo Lintinen, Paavo Korpijaakko, Pehr Henrik Nordgren, Jaakko Kuusisto, Erkki-Sven Tüür, Matti Murto, Anatoli Kusjakov, Paavo Korpijaakko, and Kari Rydman. In addition to the world premiere performances, Mika will present works by Bach, Grieg, Galinin, Rachmaninov and Saint-Saens/Horowitz. For more information, please visit" Mika Väyrynen |
Excerpts of the Opening Concert, V International Festival ‘Accordion Plus’ – Russiaby Harley Jones |
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23rd Accordion Cruise For 2,100 Lovers of Accordion - Finlandby Minna Plihtari |
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![]() Lower: According to Rhythm (orchestra of young musicians from town Nivala), conductor Henna-Maija Vannemaa. The worlds most popular annual accordion cruise with 2,100 guests and performers took place on the 23rd to 24th March on the ship M/S Silja Europa, the largest cruiser in the Baltic Sea, going from Helsinki to Tallinn. This is the 23rd annual Accordion Cruise and features music all over the cruise ship. There was a new venue "Open Stage" for young musician groups where over 70 young players performed. Picture left Netta Skog The semifinals of the Golden Accordion and Silver Accordion competition categories were held to select the finalists. The Golden Accordion 2014 finalists are: Essi Elomäki, Pori Pekka Jolkkonen, Polvijärvi Aleksi Laukkonen, Kauhava Iida Rajala, Viitasaari Sami Salonen, Lohja Jussi Valkama, Teuva The Silver Accordion 2014 finalists are: Emilia Jurvelin, Nivala Iida Paakala, Valkeala Heidi Rintamäki, Pori Ilmari Tiainen, Lappeenranta Eemil Ullgrén, Kontiolahti Paju Uutela, Helsinki Vilma Wiren, Kokkola The Finals will be held at Sata-Häme Soi Festival on 2nd July 2014. For further information email: minna.plihtari@harmonikkaliitto.net |
2014 Afternoon of Music with Kevin Friedrich and Friends - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
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![]() The annual fundraising concert for the Dargaville Museum, featured a variety of artists and musical genres including classical, popular favorites and jazz, through to the world premiere of 'Margarita', a new work for accordion and flute by well known New Zealand composer Gary Daverne. Picture above of Kevin Friedrich and Pippa Howes performing. After the opening of the 'Accordion Gems, A Master Collection of Accordions Through Time' exhibition at the Dargaville Museum, the concert has become an annual event, with funds being donated to the Dargaville Museum to supplement their work in preserving the heritage of the community for future generations to enjoy. Over the course of the annual concerts, many of the historical accordions from the Museum have been featured, highlighting the variety and diverse types of accordions on display. This year, in addition to Kevin, the concert featured accordionists Lionel Reekie and Maurice Jones (picture below) and the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (picture below) conducted by David Thorne, as well as other instrumentalists and vocalists. Founding conductor of the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra, Meg Fidler traveled with the orchestra to guest conduct one piece, and was presented the Kauri Award (picture right), for her services to Music. Please visit the concert review page: Dargaville2014 |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Gorka Hermosa World Premieres, Teaching, Beijing Central Conservatory of Music - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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![]() These superb students have enjoyed many successes at international competitions and some played compositions of Gorka Hermosa in their masterclasses. Gorka Hermosa also made a class for the students of composition who this year, must all compose one work for accordion. Gorka explained the great possibilities of our instrument, and played examples of different composers so they might appreciate all the many possibilities of the accordion. The 12th March, Gorka played a concert in the Concert Hall of the Conservatory playing his own compositions, including two World Premieres: Oda (dedicated to Christine Rossi) and Saudade Ártica (dedicated to Paulo Jorge Ferreira). The same day, Dr. Pr. Helmut C. Jacobs also gave a concert playing some Spanish baroque fandangos and original works by Regondi, Roeseling, Brehme and Hermosa`s “Ekigrama”. The 13th March was a very interesting meeting between Gorka Hermosa, Helmut Jacobs and the Professor of Cheng, the first free reed instrument. Of great interest was the different ways of playing the Cheng and the performance of various Cheng students. On the 15th March, Gorka and Helmut each gave a seminar about the history of the accordion to the students of accordion which included a lot of new information from recent historical research. Thanks to Cao Xiao-Qing. For further information email: gorkahermosa@yahoo.es |
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Ivano Battiston ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award, San Miniato – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() On Saturday March 22nd at the Rotary Club of San Miniato, accordionist and teacher Ivano Battiston was awarded a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ in recognition for his concert performances and his long term educational activity, which includes leading many master classes. This latter aspect has been emphasized by the further award of a prize, ‘Spring’, to one of his former students, Pietro Adragna, not only for his great talent, but for his humanity and humility. Ivano Battiston studied accordion with Salvatore di Gesualdo, graduating with a first-class honours degree with honours from the Castelfranco Veneto Conservatory. In 1978 he was awarded first prize at the CMA Trophée Mondiale, and subsequently he achieved a Diploma in Choral Music and Bassoon; he also studied composition with Bruno Coltro. He has performed as a soloist and with orchestras all around Italy, and in France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Croazia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Finland, Holland, UK, Malta, USA, Russia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil. In November 2012, the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini, Villa Favard (Rovezzano), Florence celebrated the 20th anniversary of the accordion being 'upgraded' to degree level on the 13th April 1992. This established a Chair of Accordion and a degree course similar to the other instruments at the important Florentine institution. Florence and Pesaro were the two cities to obtain the first accordion chairs in Italy. Ivano Battiston (picture above) was the founder and is still holder of the academic chair. Impressions of the 20th Anniversary in Florence: www.accordions.com/cherubini |
Mie Miki is awarded the ‘Music Pen Club Award’, Tokyo - Japanby Rob Howard |
![]() Her lifework recital series ‘Mie Miki Accordion Works’ began in 1989, and she has always aimed for the expansion of the possibilities of this instrument. She has performed not only solo works but also works with combinations of different instruments. To date, there have been 18 instrumentations, and 30 new works premiered. |
Baillies Mills Accordion Band’s 75th Anniversary, Northern Ireland - UKby Rob Howard |
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The Baillies Mills Accordion Band celebrated their 75th anniversary recently with a concert at the Lagan Valley Island Centre, in Lisburn, County Down, on March 13th. The theatre was packed to capacity for a memorable night of music and entertainment. During the course of the evening, Stephen Dickson, the band secretary, recounted the history of the band, and particularly referred to the recent events which had seen the band take their music beyond these shores. The show included projected photographs relating to the band’s history and its various activities. Also performing were the folk group Bakerloo Junction, and Rodd Hogg, a brilliant young magician from Coleraine, who thrilled the audience with his magic illusions and witty banter. The audience included Robert Mackin, the last surviving founding member of the band. Recently the band lost a friend through motor neurone disease and a donation of £500 from the proceeds of the concert was presented by Arthur Gibson of the band to Stephen Thompson of Motor Neurone Association NI. One other recent important engagement of the band was the celebration of the 80th birthday of Bobby Mitchell, now fondly regarded as the father of the band. A cake with the band’s crest was presented in his honour and the band made their own musical tribute to him. The Baillies Mills Accordion Band, formed in 1939, have performed in Bergen for Norway’s Day of Independence Celebrations, in the Irish Republic, at the Battle of Flowers Parade in Jersey, and the Lord Mayor’s Parade in London. The band takes on engagements including their own Annual Concert, both church and public concerts, open air performances, residential homes, and fetes. Their next performances are local concerts on April 4th, 7.45pm, at Keady Presbyterian Church Hall, and April 9th, 7.45pm, at Lylehill Presbyterian Church Hall. |
Video: Viktor Sultanbeev Performs, Nur Dautov, Bashkir Elegy - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Sultanbeev Viktor (accordion) Performs Nur Dautov - Bashkir Elegy at the Kharkiv National Kotlyarevsky University of Arts, released 25 March 2014. |
Stolen Black Roland FR7X, Portland, Oregon - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() In the second leather case, the contents were two black medal foot controllers Roland FBC-7 with 5 foot switches with black power cord, a Roland FC-7 with 6 foot switches with black power cord. Also, a black 19 pin heavy duty cord, 2 sets of black dual l/r audio cables, a grey midi cable cord, and white household extension cord. For further information email: bjghw-4388487738@sale.craigslist.org |
Video: Excerpts by "Retro Accordion" From Recent Concert - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Video of concert ensemble "Retro Accordion" with Elena Zybo (accordion) performing in Moscow. This video shows excerpts of there recent concert and was released 26th March 2014. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Successful Accordion Festival in Blackpool, UKby Rob Howard |
![]() International Accordion Festival - England Contributed by Tom Duncan and David Batty The International Accordion Festival Millennium "All Star" Show was held in Pontins Holiday Camp at Blackpool, Lancashire, England from March 15th to 20th. Intermediate, Elementary and Advanced bands as well as buskers held practice sessions each morning before performing on stage. Buskers also entertained diners on the Sunday, raising money for charity. A free and easy session was held each afternoon with a Songs of Praise session on the Sunday. Each night comprised of four acts followed by Scottish dancing with Roy Hendrie and his band. Entertainers included popular overseas guests Frederic Baldo (France), Oleg Sharov (Russia), The Vilnius Duo (Lithuania), and Barbara Anne Martindale (Canada). UK accordionists Steve Roxton, David Lukins, Janusz Zukowski, Gordon Glenn, Ken Hartley, Johnny Coleclough, Nina Suscenko, Larysa Bodell, Stefan Andrusyschyn, Liam Stewart, Johnny-Lee Leslie, The Promenade Accordion Orchestra, the Thistle Accordion Band, Starlets Accordion Orchestra, The Vintage and the Silver Sands also received great response from their audiences. Harry Hussey provided music in the bar every night until 2am and was joined by some of the performers for an impromptu session. Steve Roxton, David Lukins and Oleg Sharov held an "after hours impromptu session" until the early hours and accordion music could be heard from various chalets all over the camp. The trade stall was attended by 8 companies selling everything from metronomes to accordions and a local radio station broadcast live from the event on Friday March 17th. Master classes were held by Barbara Ann Martindale, Oleg Sharov and John Leslie. The Wyre Accordion Festival was embodied in the festival activities with competitors playing to a capacity audience. |
Future events |
Joey Miskulin @ The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() The band ‘Riders in the Sky’, featuring accordionist Joey Miskulin, perform at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tennessee on March 28th and 29th, 7pm both evenings. Joey Miskulin has played the accordion since he was 4 years old. When he was 13 he met and started traveling with "America's Polka King”, Frank Yankovic, with whom he made several recordings. Eventually, Miskulin became Nashville based and worked as a studio musician and record producer with the likes of Andy Williams, Doc Severenson, Alison Krause, and Charlie Daniels. He also worked with many polka bands throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe. In 1985, Joey produced the first polka recording to win a Grammy: ‘70 Years of Hits’ with Frank Yankovic. In 1990 he recorded the best-selling tuition video/DVD ‘Accordion Styles and Techniques’. Current projects include writing, producing, and performing music for Disney's ‘The Wild’ and Disney/Pixar's ‘Cars’. Since 1987 Miskulin has been a member of ‘Riders in the Sky’, performing an average of 185 shows each year including the ‘Grand Ole Opry’. |
Young Accordionists Concert, Panevėžio – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
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Ludovic Beier CNIMA Jazz Course – Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() For further information email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
‘Ad Libitum’ Recital, Glasgow - UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Djordje Gajic, from Serbia, graduated from the Russian Academy of Music in 1993 gaining a ‘Master of Music’ degree and Honorary Title, ‘Solo Performer’. He has won many International Competitions, amongst them Trophee Mondiale CMA in 1988 and the Grand Prix, France, in 1987. He has performed with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, and has performed in Russia, Serbia, Andorra, Holland, France, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway, and Britain. Now resident in Scotland, he has given solo recitals in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Blackpool, Birmingham, etc. He has also performed at international music festivals in Dartington, Norwich, Salisbury and Birmingham. Andrea Gajic received her early musical training at St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh. When she was 12, she performed the Bruch Scottish Fantasy at St James’ Palace, London for Yehudi Menuhin’s 60th Birthday celebration. She subsequently studied in the USA, Russia, and London. She has performed as soloist in Britain, USA, Russia, Lithuania, Finland, Germany, France, and has been invited for three successive years to give recitals and master classes in Serbia. She teaches violin at the RCS, Douglas Academy of Music and St Mary’s Music School, and plays on a violin made by Nicolaus Gagliano in 1766. |
Patrick Sullivan Concert, Cork - Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: brierygapbo@eircom.net |
10th Festival Dell’Adriatico, Acquaviva – Italyby Harley Jones |
The 10th Festival Dell’Adriatico takes place on Sunday April 6th, from 10am, and includes a competition for diatonic accordions. The festival is organised by L’Associazione “Pro Chiesa San Francesco” of Acquaviva Picena (AP), with the support of the Comune di Acquaviva Picena (AP) in collaboration with l'Associazione Musicale Italiana Strumenti. The accordion competition takes place in the Council Chamber of the City of Acquaviva (AP), Via San Rocco no. 9, and is open to diatonic accordions of any type and brand. The competition is divided into age categories: under 12 years, under 15, under 18, and open age. Monetary prizes are awarded to the first three in the various categories. For further information email: roncogia@libero.it |
Veronique and Jean-Marc Marroni Accordion Course, Les Hautes Alpes - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
![]() An accordion course in the beautiful holiday setting of the French Alps, led by Veronique and Jean-Marc Marroni, takes place from July 6th to 12th. The venue is the Centre de Vacances Le Mélézin, Hameau de Serre-Eyraud, Chabottes. Jean-Marc Marroni won the 1985 Coupe Mondiale plus other international competitions and has performed in many different countries during his career. He is the Prof. of Accordion at Conservatoire a Rayonnement departemental d'Aix-en-Provence. Full details are available on request. The closing date for applications is June 5th. For further information email: veronique.marroni@wanadoo.fr |
Stéphane Chapuis, Accordion Masterclass, 52ème Académie de Musique Tibor Varga - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
Founded by Tibor Varga, the 52nd Academy of Music Tibor Varga in Sion (Valais, Switzerland) will take place from 11 July to 15 August 2014 at which 40 masterclasses will be taught by great masters. Tutors are from Asia, Russia, South America, East and West Europe. Prof. Stéphane Chapuis of heMU-Lausanne and EJMA-VS, Switzerland will host the accordion masterclass, starting 9am July 14th to 6 pm July 18th. Video above: ‘Tango Sensations’ features Stéphane Chapuis (bandoneon, accordion), Johanna Hernandez (violin), Tomas Hernandez (violin), Jorman Torres Hernandez (alto sax), Janaina de Aquino Salles (cello), and Leo & Eugenia (tango dancers). The Académie Tibor Varga attracts every summer, nearly 300 students from around the world. Quality internationally recognized faculty, a wide range of instruments represented in the program, the friendly character of the organization, coupled with the opportunity to perform in public at concerts, homestay, offer participants a memorable event. For further information, contact tutor: Stéphane Chapuis |
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 |
Amy Jo Sawyer Updates Site - USAby Amy Jo Sawyer |
![]() New accordion orchestra compositions are available online and can be sent by email. |
Douglas Mews New Website on MusicForAccordion.comby Harley Jones |
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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 |
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