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Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rob Howard |
![]() On Accordions Worldwide and MusicForAccordion there really is something for everybody, and ordering is simple and can save a lot of time otherwise spent visiting shops. The old Yellow Pages telephone advertisement slogan “let your fingers do the walking” springs to mind! |
NAO Area Festivals, UK Championships, 2015 - UKby Anna Bodell, Past NAO Chairperson |
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![]() ![]() Dates are: - 8th February, the NAO Thames Area (London) festival; - 28th February, NAO Area Festivals will be held in Glasgow, Scotland and Larne, Northern Ireland; - 1st March, NAO Area Festivals will be held in North West (Manchester) and East Anglia (Colchester). - 17th to 19th April. The 2015 NAO UK Championships attracts large entries and will be held again at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool. As well as the National Finals, the NAO UK Championships will host International Solo categories in both classical and variety and an International Orchestral Category. Download rules and regulations: 2015NAO-UK.pdf Entry closing date: 28th February 2015 NAO Chairperson and CIA President Raymond Bodell (picture right) states “That the NAO Area Festivals continue to attract a good number of entries and I am sure the UK Championships will attract great support from all over the UK as well as international participation” For full details of the Area Festival season and the UK Championships, see the website: National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO) or the Email: naouk@btinternet.com |
Free Postage, Super Value Christmas Gifts Booksby MusicForAccordion.com |
![]() Free Postage until 20th December ONLY make the following books SUPER value for a Christmas Gift. Free Postage Special: The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog benetouxen00). A quality book about accordion repairs, tuning etc. that is very popular indeed. In English and French. Comprendre et Reparer Votre Accordeon (catalog benetouxfr00). Free Postage Special: Sounding Out The Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog bthierryen). A very quality book that cares of the sounding and tuning up your accordion. In English and French. L’Accordeon & SA Diversite Sonore (catalog bthierryfr). Free Postage Special: SPECIAL: FREE POSTAGE Robaccord Publications: A Pictorial History by Rob Howard fully illustrated throughout with over 300 colour photographs, each with information, plus interesting articles. Only Euro 12.00 (or the US$ equivalent) plus postage. Vintage Accordions - Vintage Accordions is a unique and very popular book - a beautifully illustrated all-colour history of the accordion, in its various forms, with over 300 pictures of instruments. An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments by Rob Howard, an unique books that suits new learner of the accordion instrument. It also have An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 2, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 3, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 4 These Christmas gift ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers. Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,248 eSheet pieces, 300 CD/DVD’s, 1,702 eTracks recordings, 833 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2014Christmas Ideas |
Akordeon Art 6. International Accordion Festival - Bosnia & Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
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![]() The event features competitions and concerts and is organised by the Academy of Music, University of East Sarajevo (Dean Zoran Rakic, picture left) and the Association for Fostering Academic Music "New Sound". The event consists of competitions, concerts, lectures and composers presentation and an exhibition of accordions and accessories. Competition categories include 9 age groups from under 10 years through to no age limit. Download Rules and Regulations in three languages and entry form: 2015Art Entry closing date is 27th March 2015. For further information email: makss@spinter.net |
XVII Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, Kokkola - Finlandby Harley Jones |
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![]() ![]() The 17th Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival takes place from February 15th to 22nd, presenting a diverse offering of daily performances and events. Artistic Director is Raimo Vertainen (picture right). Program download at: 2015Kokkola This year’s lineup will feature both the old and the new. A wintry program with wide appeal and accordion music will be heard everywhere – in the villages, markets and street-corners. At the conservatory, we’ll hear Wagner’s compositions arranged for accordion. Then there’s Young Virtuosos, concerts for children and seniors, music at the market, accordion orchestras and even opera singers! In other words, something for everyone. And for the second year in a row, we have worked in cooperation with our beloved neighboring city of Pietarsaari to present a spectacular festival Thursday. The eventful week will be crowned the traditional way – but with a whole new twist in the form of a Grand Entertainment Concert by Guardia Nueva, conducted by Raimo Vertainen on Saturday, February 21. Soloists include Tango King Teemu Roivainen, Satamakadun Seiroeenit and Oona Airola Come and enjoy the festival! For further information, download the program at: 2015Kokkola or email: talviharmonikka@gmail.com Picture below of Guardia Nueva |
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‘Tresors De Lames’ Book Launch, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() ‘Tresors De Lames’ is a beautiful coffee-table book, presenting 200 accordions and bandoneons selected for their beauty, the richness of the materials and fabrics they are made of, their diversity, and the originality of the craftsmanship they display. Some of these instruments are rare and unique. This carefully crafted book is enhanced by documents and archives, and includes a variety of texts and quotations from art world personalities, describing their views about these instruments. The text is in French. For this project, Laurent Jarry has worked with photographer Olivier Eumont for the illustrations, and with graphic designer Cendrine Bonami-Redler. Publication is in early December 2014 For further information email: contact@laboitedaccordeon.fr |
Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi & Luca Lucini Concert in Rostov-on-Don - Russiaby Yuri Shishkin |
![]() On 23rd December, Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi (bandoneon) and Luca Luccini (guitar) return again to the Philharmonic Hall in Rostov-on-Don to perform and evening of music accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra of Rostov. Charismatic and inimitable Mario in a duet with Luca will introduce a new program, the history of tango "Dolce Tango". These musicians have performed in concerts with Andrea Bocelli, Anna Netrebko and Jose Carreras. This concert is organised by the International Music Center "Harmony" which is the CIA member and host organiser of the 2016 Coupe Mondiale which will be held in Rostov-on-Don. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Müller Harmonikas "Flying High",Martin Oberrauner , Carinthia - Austriaby Harley Jones |
The Carinthian Paragliders published a really different video. Alexander Klünsner says: "I was just the pilot. Martin Oberrauner the musician. Paragliding is our mutual hobby that we started together almost 5 years ago. At this time, we also started the "Carinthian Paragliders" to share our activities with others." Lucky it was not me on the paraglider - with my bad head for heights, you would have heard only the "bellows shakin" and the knees knockin!!! |
Graham Geddes Receives Loyalty Award, Bangkok – Thailandby Rob Howard |
![]() Graham Geddes was “very proud” to receive a ‘team loyalty award for continued support over many years in Bangkok' from the Bangkok St Andrew’s Society. |
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Video: Beltango Quintet Accompany Fabian and Michaela, Munich - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Published on Nov 5, 2014. An improvisation by dancers Fabian and Michaela with the Beltango Quintet, ""A Evaristo Carriego" at the 2014 Einstein Kultur, München, Germany. Triple CD Pack available online at: Beltango |
Rae de Lisle Research of 'Musicians Cramp', Auckland - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
![]() A neurological disease that causes involuntary muscle contractions, focal dystonia is estimated to affect one in a hundred professional musicians or approximately 10,000 performers worldwide. The condition occurs when the brain sends incorrect information to the muscles and is thought to be due to a blurring of the areas in the brain responsible for individual finger movement. The disorder is believed to result from repetition of specific tasks and usually occurs in musicians of a high level, who have intensively practiced their instruments over a number of years. Rae de Lisle investigated whether it was possible to recover from focal dystonia through retraining at the instrument. The study, conducted with the guidance of renowned sports physician Dr Ben Speedy, clearly showed, with scientific method, that retraining a person’s neural pathways can improve the symptoms of the devastating condition in musicians. Music performance at a professional level is one of the most demanding tasks for the human central nervous system as it involves the precise execution of fast and, in many instances, extremely complex physical movements at the same time as engaging the ears and the emotions. For concert pianists, who have continually practiced the fine motor skills professional level playing involves, the stress on the body can be enormous. In such a competitive environment, musicians are required to practice long hours to try and achieve the level of perfection the public are accustomed to hearing on CDs, which increases the risk of developing focal dystonia. The consequences of the condition have traditionally been dire for professional musicians, often ending their performing careers. A personal interest initially drew Rae, a celebrated pianist, to the area following an overuse injury that she was unable to recover from. It was while searching for her own answers to what ailed her that she learnt about other musicians’ injuries, and became intrigued with focal dystonia. Rae’s research showed that it was possible to improve the symptoms following a case study of six musicians afflicted with focal dystonia. Under her guidance they painstakingly reprogrammed their finger, hand and arm movements to activate new neurological pathways. “For recovery from focal dystonia the brain needs to be reorganised through learning to play in a different way. With concentrated and focused repetition of the biomechanically most natural movements, gradually these pathways could become the default channel of communication, resulting in the return of playing ability,” says Rae. New Zealand’s most revered concert pianist Michael Houstoun was helped by her retraining. The findings suggest rehabilitation from ‘musician’s cramp’ is achievable and the condition is possibly preventable. For her next project Rae de Lisle is researching and writing a book on piano technique and injury prevention. |
Video: Motion Trio Perform "Carrousel" - Polandby Harley Jones |
Motion Trio perform "Carrousel". Published on Oct 8, 2014. Formed in 1996, the highly successful Motion Trio are Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek, and Marcin Galazyn. They continually explore the new possibilities of the accordion in their performances and recordings, changing the way that it is perceived. Their concerts are musical performances that contain action and drama. The group has worked with such artists as Bobby McFerrin and Michal Urbaniak, and won such prizes as the grand prix 4th Edition of the Krzysztof Penderecki International Contemporary Chamber Music Competition. Its members consist of accordionists Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek, and Marcin Galazyn. |
Video: International Mozart Accordion Competition, Salzburg - Austriaby Harley Jones |
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Coupe Mondiale Video Archive and Education Project is sponsored by Pigini srl, with the assistance of Accordions Worldwide and the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA). |
Video: Roman Onyskiv Performs 'Devoted to I. Stravinsky' by Runchak - Ukraineby Harley Jones |
Roman Onyskiv Performs 'Devoted to I. Stravinsky' by Volodymyr Runchak. This was recorded in the Ukraine and published May 2014. |
Accordion List, Higher Level Education in Europe, Paris - Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() This project was undertaken as part of his doctoral research by Vincent LHermet with the support of the Paris Conservatoire, the Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC), the Pigini manufacturing company, and carried out through the collaboration of 122 teachers, heads of institutions and students. Download the list at: AHLE |
‘14 Years Ago’: Award made to Gary Daverne in November 2000by Rob Howard |
![]() Orchestra Conductor Awarded Scroll of Honor – New Zealand Contributed by Heather Masefield Well known New Zealand accordion composer and orchestra conductor Gary Daverne was presented with the prestigious Scroll of Honor by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand on November 19th by Auckland magician, Jon Zealando. The Event was held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland during a performance by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Gary) before an audience of nearly 2,000 people. The scroll read: “for his dedication and skill in his craft and for bringing the joy of orchestral music to the people. We acknowledge his achievements and salute his professionalism”. Gary has composed and arranged many pieces for solo and group accordion Including ‘Sonatina in G’, ‘Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra’, and ‘A Pocket Overture’. |
Future events |
Septimo Encuentro Nacional de Acordeonistas, Rosario – Argentinaby Rob Howard |
The Septimo Encuentro Nacional de Acordeonistas takes place on Saturday November 28th, 9pm, at the Auditorio AMR (España y Tucumán), Rosario, Argentina. This is a concert featuring Morais Do Acordeon (Brazil), Jose Benavidez (Entre Rios), Guillermo Codino (Entre Rios), and Luis Farias (Entre Rios). |
Folkwang Accordion Week, Essen – Germanyby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() Monday December 1st, 7.30pm - Chamber Music Hall, Norwegian bayan virtuoso Geir Draugsvoll, now based in Copenhagen, performs a recital Wednesday December 3rd, 7.30pm - Chamber Music Hall, Yuri Shishkin performs Viatcheslav Semionov – ‘Sonata No.3’, Franz Liszt – ‘Etude S. 484 Nr.16, Op.20’, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov – ‘The story of the Calendar Prince’, Vladimir Shishin - Suite ‘Im Zoo’, and George Gershwin – ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ The Folkwang Accordion Week includes a public master class with Professor Geir Draugsvoll on December 2nd, the first Folkwang Accordion Competition on December 3rd, and a lecture by Professor Mie Miki on December 4th. The week ends with a final concert featuring the students in the classes of Professors Mie Miki and Heidi Luosujärvi on December 5th. |
Zoltan Orosz CD Launch Concert, Budapest – Hungaryby Rob Howard |
![]() Zoltan Orosz studied the accordion and the organ in Budapest. He has become a highly regarded professional accordionist, with an international repertoire and appeal, and with many recordings to his credit. These are available online at: Zoltan Orosz For further information email: info@harmonika.hu |
Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra Christmas Concert, Paisley – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra, originally formed by Jimmy Blair in the early 1970s, won many championship titles in NAO All Britain competitions until it was disbanded in the late 1980s. The orchestra was revived in 2009 by Gary Blair, and has since won several competition honours, and often performs. For further information email: gazzapt@yahoo.co.uk |
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Tres Movimentos (or Sinfonia opus 15: Buenos Aires) Swiss Premiere - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
![]() ![]() The Swiss premiere of this work will be on December 6th by two bandoneonists (William Sabatier and Stéphane Chapuis) and the Orchestra of l’HEMU led by Leonardo García Alarcón. Venue on poster left. Prof. Stéphane Chapuis (picture right) is the accordion head of department at l’HEMU-Lausanne and EJMA-VS in Switzerland. This work, a symphony composed in 1953 for a contest to try to win $250 and a scholarship to study in Paris with Nadia Boulanger. Piazzolla wins, sailed for Europe with the score and recording, which he presented in his first meeting with the illustrious educator. The meeting did not overflow with enthusiasm, far from it, that "the work is well written but lacks emotion." It was not until nearly sixty years and the "flair" of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra for it to resurface in 2010 with a Naxos recording creating a new birth for this masterpiece. After this first American, the partition is experiencing a triumphant re-creation in Belgium and northern France two years later, thanks to the leadership of the chief Leonardo García Alarcón and work of "Sherlock Holmes" directed by guitarist Daniel Romagnoli, project manager "Greater Region" from the Royal Conservatory of Liege. It is thanks largely to them that we can now perform this music. |
Accordion Orchestra Concert, New Jersey - USAby Rob Howard |
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The Westmont Philadelphia Accordion Orchestra (MD Stanley Darrow) performs in concert on Saturday December 6th, 3pm, at the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library, 15 MacArthur Boulevard, Westmont, New Jersey. |
Christmas Music @ The Lowry, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
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Musiques Hispaniques’ Concert, Sierre – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
![]() Performing are Stephanie Chapuis – bandoneon, Alain Metrailler – saxophone, and George Vassilev – guitar and the Orchestre du Conservatoire Cantonal conducted by Elie Fumeaux. The program includes music by C. Chavez, H. Villa-Lobos, A. Piazzolla, J. Rodrigo, and A. Marquez. |
Mario Pedone/Nick Ballarini Accordion Clinic, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
![]() ![]() The Accordion Clinic includes concerts, solo performances daily, study groups/bands of 4-6 players, ballroom dancing, group lessons, workshops, jam sessions, and the guest appearance of Tony Lovello. Topics will include: Embellishments, Technique, Computer Music/Writing, Bellows Technique ‘A la Tony Lovello’, Delivering Your Message, Fake Books, and Harmonizing. For further information email: Ballarini@sbcglobal.net |
CNIMA - Christmas Accordion Course - Franceby Nathalie Boucheix, Director CNIMA J.Mornet |
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CNIMA J.Mornet Christmas Accordion Course. For further information contact: Nathalie Boucheix, directrice, Téléphone : +33473222745, Email : cnima@wanadoo.fr Website: CNIMA J.Mornet |
VAMÖ-Akkordeonwettbewerb, 22nd February 2015 - Austriaby Harley Jones |
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The Annual VAMÖ-Akkordeonwettbewerb for accordion soloists will be held on the 22nd February 2015 in Vienna. There are categories from 10 years through to adults. Download rules and entry information in German and English at: 2015VAMÖ Entry closing date is 15th January 2015 For further information email: kaleta.hermi@aon.at |
CD Reviews |
Accordion Sensations CD by Paul Chamberlainby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
New eBook Released, Traditional Polish Carols Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() ![]() eBook means that the book is emailed to you. Purchase online for only USD$16.50 or Euro equivalent at: DH07-eB This eBook Traditional Polish Carols is Collection #7 in a series of eBooks by Gary Dahl that have proved to be very popular. There is a special for clients wanting to purchase all 7 eBooks at: DH01-07eB |
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