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 |
2015 China Shenzhen International Accordion Art Festival - Chinaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() This new major international accordion event has invited jury and guests from: (alphabetical order) France, Finland, Great Britain, Italy, Lithuania, New Zealand, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Ukraine and USA. The event will also feature four wonderful concerts. Prof. Li Cong (picture left), President of the China Accordion Association (CAA) "welcomes competitors from around the world to enter the international competitions which have very good prize money." Competition rules and full information including hotel information at: 2015 Shenzhen The entry closing date is: 15 June 2015 Prof. Li Cong also "welcomes all accordion enthusiasts and visitors from around the world to enjoy the superb concerts and competitions in a modern international level concert hall with excellent acoustics. The concert hall is directly across the street from a quality hotel with very reasonable accommodation prices." Organizers and Sponsors are: - Publicity Department of Communist Party of China of Bao’an, Shenzhen - Shenzhen Bao’an Federation of Literary and Art Circles - China Accordion Association - Shenzhen Accordion Association - Xixiang Music Valley - People’s Art Center of Bao’an Shenzhen - Xixiang Center of Art and Sports, Bao’an, Shenzhen - Chinese Musicians Association The city of Shenzhen is a most attractive destination. Shenzhen is a major modern city with a pleasant climate, close to Hong Kong and Guangzhou International Airports giving excellent price airfare choices from almost every country with convenient inexpensive domestic transport to Shenzhen. |
![]() |
9th Accordion Art Festival ‘Italia Award’, Roseto degli Abruzzi (TE) - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
![]() |
![]() The Artistic Director (event) is Renzo Ruggieri (picture right), and the Artistic Director for the Orpheus Award is Gerlando Gatto. This festival also includes the Italian qualification for the CMA Trophée Mondial, to be held this year from October 20th to 25th in Martigny, Switzerland. The contest categories include: - Students - categories for age for classical, virtuoso and diatonic. - Concert artists categories junior & senior, for classical, virtuoso and diatonic. - Groups, classical, jazz and world categories. Download rules, regulations and entry forms at: 2015AArt.pdf |
Alexander Selivanov and Yulia Amerikova wedding in Castelfidardo - Italyby Elisa Lanari |
![]() They had decided to spend this most important day of their life, in the motherland of the accordion, because of their love and passion for this instrument. Castelfidardo Mayor Mirco Soprani celebrated the ceremony at the City Hall (picture above), during which he said that they should be honored and proud of such an impressive wedding that will remain part of the accordion history of Castelfidardo. Friends and family from Russian and Italy were present, especially the team of Scandalli Accordion Company, who all conveyed their best wishes to Yulia and Alexander for their new life together. After the ceremony, the couple and their guests visited the International Accordion Museum Castelfidardo, where Mrs Yulia Amerikova donated her first accordion to the museum, as thanks for the hospitality of the President of the Museum, Vincenzo Canali. Alexander and Yulia then celebrated their wedding with all the guests, enjoying a wonderful dinner at the nearby Hotel Monteconero. |
![]() |
Gala Concert for World Accordion Day, Macedonian National Theatre Skopje - Macedoniaby Anica Karakutovska |
![]() |
![]() The World Accordion Day Gala Concert was a celebration of the International holiday and birthday of the instrument accordion organized by the Macedonian Association of Accordionists “Ljubiteli na klasicna muzika” Skopje. The concert which was held at Macedonian National Theatre Skopje on May 16th was promoted as one of the most prestigious events during month May in Skopje. Photo Report at: 2015 Macedonia The new theater building has been constructed on the foundation of the old theater which was destroyed in 1963 Skopje earthquake. The large auditorium (parterre, ground level and two galleries-balconies with a capacity of 724 seats) was fully occupied with large and very enthusiastic audience. The new building offers possibility for nourishing the art, culture and realizing high-quality performances which Macedonian artists confirmed and maximally used them during the evening of Gala Concert. The prolonged standing ovations were merited and deserving. On the concert performed accordion students from the class of Prof. Zorica Karakutovska and renowned artists from Macedonia. The program includes works by Mozart, Derbenko, Bete Ilin, Semjonov, Piazzolla and others. The international project "May 6th World Accordion Day" is supported by the Macedonian Association of Accordionists with successful realization of concerts at home and abroad. This year for the seventh time the association organized a solemn concert marking the occasion. The project is supported by the national program of the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Macedonia. An article with the information about the seventh World Accordion Day, being held on the 186th birthday of the accordion, was published in all main newspapers in Macedonia. President of MAA, Professor Zorica Karakutovska, appeared live on the National TV programs. The culmination of the concert was the premiere performance of the composition “Macedonian Paraphrase No.3” from composer Bete Ilin performed by Trio AkordioM, consisted of Zorica Karakutovska, Bojan Volcevski and Filip Stamevski. Photo Report at: 2015 Macedonia Picture below of AkordioM Trio: Filip Stamevski, Zorica Karakutovska and Bojan Volchevski |
![]() |
Daily Reports: 2015 South Pacific and New Zealand Championships and Festival - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
![]() |
![]() The South Pacific Accordion Championships, which includes the New Zealand Accordion Championships, is held at Epsom, Auckland, on Saturday 30th May and Sunday 31st May. Competitors are entered from China, Australia and New Zealand. The event is organised by the New Zealand Accordion Association and President Sonja Palinich writes: “The NZAA is delighted to once again have the use of the Raye Feedman Arts Centre, a venue which is ideally suited with excellent facilities all under one roof” The Prospectus (Rules and Regulations) for 2015 are online: 2015 NZ Prospectus History of the Accordion in New Zealand with 2011 addition, Cat. nzaa1081 Timetable of event and Daily Reports at: 2015SouthPac |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
New eBook Released, Italian Spectacular Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
![]() ![]() Gary Dahl writes: "The Italian contribution to music over the centuries is an artistic treasure we all can enjoy. The accordion, because of its orchestral capabilities, brings this joy to all accordionists and their listeners. The Italian Spectacular book of arrangements will enable every accordionist to enhance this great heritage of musical history." You can see samples of each piece at Catalog: DH08-eB eBook means that the book is emailed to you. Purchase online for USD$35.50 or Euro equivalent at: DH08-eB This eBook Italian Spectacular is Collection #8 in a series of eBooks by Gary Dahl that have proved to be very popular: DH01-eB - Latin Spectacular! Collection #1- eBook DH02-eB - Favourite French Standards Collection #2 - eBook DH03-eB - The American Songbook Collection #3- eBook DH04-eB - Favourite Waltzes and Polkas Collection #4 - eBook DH05-eB - Easy Listening Variety Collection #5 - eBook DH06-eB - Easy Listening Variety Collection #6 - eBook DH07-eB - Traditional Polish Carols Collection #7 - eBook DH08-eB - Italian Spectacular Collection #8 - eBook There is a special for clients wanting to purchase all 8 eBooks at: DH01-08eB Gary Dahl is widely known as a virtuoso accordionist as well as a composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator. |
Video: Concertino Accordion Band on ‘Romania’s Got Talent’ - Romaniaby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Last week we reported that the Concertino Accordion Band would perform live on ‘Romania’s Got Talent’ TV show (ProTV channel) on Friday May 22nd, 8.30pm, Bucharest, Romania. Above is the video of their successful performance. |
CIA Coupe Mondiale Candidates Selection, Nocera Terinese – Italyby Eleonora Ienaro |
![]() |
The selection of Italian competitors for the 68th CIA Coupe Mondiale took place on Sunday May 17th at the Conservatorio di PI Tchaikovsky, Nocera Terinese (CZ), Italy. The successful candidates (picture above) to represent Italy include: Junior virtuoso - Daniele Carabetta, Egidio Apuzzo Junior classical - Raffaele Gareri Senior virtuoso - Mario Pilusso Master - Antonio Sapia Senior classical - Giancarlo Palena The senior classical candidate will be sponsored by the cultural Italian Accordion Cultural Association, Italian member of the CIA, and IMF-UNESCO, and promoter of this event, who will sponsor the costs of the hotel for the finalists chosen by the international jury (picture below): Marco Gemelli, Grayson Masefield, Antonio Spaccarotella, Ivano Biscardi, and Mirco Patarini. The 68th Coupe Mondiale takes place in Torku in Finland from October 6th to 11th 2015. |
![]() |
Video: Buttons & Bellows Official Promo Video - Serbiaby Harley Jones |
![]() Petar Maric (accordion) World Champion in Classical, Virtuoso and Electronic Music & Aleksandar Nikolic (bandoneon), Astor Piazzolla Music Award Winner, leader of Beltango Quintet. After 15 years of collaboration like professor and student they finally met each other at concert stage in special project called Tango Reaction. The Duo Tango Reaction of Aleksandar Nikolic and Petar Maric recently toured in Austria and Germany and recently released a CD titled Tango Reaction, Catalog: beltango5 |
David Ross to receive top NAAFC award, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Picture above: David Ross at a recent NAAFC meeting. Accordionist David Ross, aged 80, who was introduced to the instrument 70 years ago by his father, will receive this year’s top award “for invaluable contribution to Scottish music” by the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs. The ceremony takes place on Sunday June 28th in the Huntingtower Hotel, Perth, during the NAAFC Annual General Meeting and Celebrity Luncheon. David said: “I’ve had so many highlights but this award must be the biggest honour that I’ve had. I’m a founder member of the association and the only founding member left”. Others to be similarly honoured on June 28th include Kenny Wilson, Iain Wilson and Gordon Young. Still an active accordionist, David Ross has traveled the world with his beloved Shand Morino, and has played across the UK, Norway, Germany, and the USA. He even played a private concert for Christopher Lee and friends in a bedroom at a luxury hotel after a personal request from the Hammer Horror movie actor. As well as his skills as a musician and composer, David Ross is also a prominent dance band leader, and plays a supporting role with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. He is also well-known for his dedication to training and encouragement of young musicians. Also a concert organiser, it was David Ross who persuaded the late, great Dermot O’Brien to make his first of many tours of Scotland in 1973. As for his June 28th date in Perth, David said, “I’ve hardly missed a single AGM since the association started. There’s around 70 or so societies and there’s usually about 150 people there - you always get a wee tune.” Picture below: David Ross Band circa 1980. |
![]() |
Recent Performances of Volodymyr Runchak Works - Ukraineby Volodymyr Runchak |
![]() Video 1: Published on May 11, 2015, Borys Talko (accordion) playing Portraits of composers, suite No. 1 for accordion in 3 mov. (2. Imitation to D. Shostakovich, 3. Near the portrait of N. Paganini, 4. Devoted to I. Stravinsky) Video 2: Published on May 11, 2015, Three folk pieces, Suite No. 2 (Ukrainian) for accordion in 3 mov. Borys Talko (accordion, Odessa\Ukraine) |
Sushama Satav Hits the High Notes, Maharashtra – Indiaby Rob Howard |
![]() Sushama Satav has been playing and teaching five different instruments for over two decades. She plays five different musical instruments, and has been teaching music enthusiasts for over 20 years. And now, Sushama Satav's school, Kasturi Music Academy, is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a concert. The 54-year-old will be organising a four-hour concert on the theme of women's empowerment, which has been chosen not just for its relevance but also to laud unsung women and encourage women to understand what liberation really stands for. Satav, who plays and teaches the accordion, synthesiser, piano, guitar, and mandolin at her academy on Law College Road, started teaching in 1990. In order to encourage students to learn with the objective to perform in front of an audience and to give them the feel of stage, she resolved to organise a concert annually and has been doing it for the last 24 years. |
Fandango - the Winner of Klingenthal competition - 6 05 2015by Harley Jones |
The video above is by Fandango, their winning performance at the 2015 Klingenthal Accordion Competition Category V competition, held on the 6th May 2015. Fandango ensemble members are: Maksim Fedorov (accordion, leader), Semen Denisov (violin), Ivan Muratidi (violin), Artem Valentinov (viola), Vasily Ratkin (cello). Maksim Fedorov has released several CD's of chamber music with accordion which we will feature in future articles. |
International Masterclass by Grayson Masefield, Nocera Terinese - Italyby Eleonora Ienaro |
![]() |
![]() Grayson Masefield focused on the mastery of improvement in aspects of technical and musical interpretation, and shared his considerable knowledge with the many students who participated in this master class. The objectives included offering new musical scenarios and dealing with new repertoire, looking at issues involved from different perspectives. This master class is part of a series organised by Antonio Spaccarotella, tutor at the Conservatorio di PI Tchaikovsky, intended to develop technique and aid research, and also to give the students a concrete foundation for performing in the artistic world of today and the future. eTracks album only 10 Euro at: Grayson Masefield |
![]() |
Video: Paraibano Paraibano - Clã Brasil, Lucy Alves (Accordion) - Brazilby Harley Jones |
Music from Brazil. The talented family group Clã Brasil (Clan Brazil) lead by very popular singer Lucy Alves. In this video, Lucy feature her accordion playing performing "Milonga para missões" composed by another accordionist Gilberto Monteiro. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Castelfidardo Museum’s 20th Anniversary in May 2001 - Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() This magnificent educational resource continues to the present day to interest and amaze visitors from around the world, who are invariably fascinated by the diverse range of accordions and memorabilia that tell the story of our favourite instrument. Anniversary Celebrations at Castelfidardo Accordion Museum - Italy Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl The 20th anniversary of the International Accordion Museum Castelfidardo, was celebrated in style on May 9th at the Astra Theatre in Castelfidardo. Beniamino Bugiolacchi (picture left) took part both as the host and guest of honour. Nothing could have marked this event better than the decision to use the huge accordion built by Giancarlo Francenella as a backdrop for this special evening. When the curtain was raised, the audience was amazed at the sight of the instrument - the largest in the world. As this accordion can actually be played, it could not have been used solely as a prop, so Mirco Patarini assisted by Roberto Lucanero at the bellows end, played Astor Piazzolla's "Oblivion", accompanied by the Milonga Quintet. After this opening piece, the evening unfolded with alternating performances and prize-giving sessions. Musical guests included the Milonga Quintet with Cesare Chiacchiaretta (who played ‘Romance’ by Paolo Picchio and works by Piazzolla), Roberto Lucanero (whose performance was acclaimed by the audience), Albertino Bastianoni (one of the most accomplished professional musicians of the Italian dance hall scene), Pino Di Modugno (who performed a series of pieces on the MIDI accordion), Giuliano Cameli (with his traditional hurdy-gurdy), Sergio Castelli and Giuliano Leoni (two accordionists who in the past have donated accordions to the Museum), Pasquale Coviello and Mirco Patarini. Patarini gave a tribute to Luciano Fancelli with his arrangement of ‘La Cumparsita’. At the event finale all the artists appeared together on stage for a performance of Gianni Morandi's song ‘La Fisarmonica’ (the accordion), sung by surprise guest Mina Grossi. The Castelfidardo City Council thanked all those who contributed to this special evening with a copy of a splendid lithography by Tonino Guerra. |
Future events |
Daniel Mille Concerts – France, Colombia, Moroccoby Rob Howard |
![]() May 29th – concert with the singer Dorsaf Hamdani, Saint-Marcellin, France May 30th - concert with the singer Dorsaf Hamdani, Soissons, France June 1st - master class, Bogotá, Colombia June 2nd – Piazzolla concert, Jorge Eliécer Gaitan Theatre, Bogota, Colombia June 5th - Festival Mawazine, Rabat, Morocco June 7th – solo concert, Chaumont, France June 12th - Piazzolla concert, Maison-Lafitte Jazz Festival, France |
Stanislav Angelov in ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert, Port Elizabeth - South Africaby Rob Howard |
![]() Stanislav Angelov is part of the orchestra’s program of popular classics. The concert also includes soloists, Bovim Ballet, Can-Can Girls, Pipers, Irish Dancers, and Massed Choir, conducted by Maestro Richard Cock. |
Yuri Shishkin Master Class, Nocera Terinese (CZ) - Italyby Eleonora Ienaro |
![]() Interpretations of music for concert performance are characterized by the perfect combination of technique and passion for music, and also by continuous development in the art of bayan and new transcripts. This master class is an important and significant opportunity for participating students who wish to learn new techniques and new methods of musical refinement through the guidance provided by the master. Entries can be made up to June 1st, and the maximum number of active students is 10. For further information email: segreteria@tchaickovsky.it Available online CD's and eTracks albums from only 8 Euro at: Yuri Shishkin |
Video: Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic New CD, Next Performances - Austriaby Rob Howard |
![]() Accordion/cello duo perform next week, as follows: Wednesday June 3rd, 8pm – ‘Silk Road’ concert, Treibhaus, Innsbruck, Austria Thursday June 4th, 8pm - ‘Silk Road’ concert, Alte Gerberei, St. Johann, Tirol Austria Klaus Paier, Austrian accordionist and composer, studied accordion, jazz and composition at Klagenfurt conservatory. He became interested in other genres, from tango to jazz and world music, in order to fuse them into his own personal style. He works with various ensembles, including as a duo with the Croatian cellist Asja Valcic. |
Julien and Dimitri Bouclier Dinner-Concert, Montrond-les-Bains – Franceby Rob Howard |
![]() |
The violin/accordion duo Julien and Dimitri Bouclier perform in concert on Thursday June 4th, 7.30pm, in the restaurant at the Casino JOA, Montrond-les-Bains. The concert, which includes tango music from Argentina and classics from Russia, is held in conjunction with a dinner. Brothers Julien and Dimitri Bouclier began playing as a duo in 2005, and have performed all over France, and at festivals in Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, and Serbia. |
Video: June Performances Milos Milivojevic - UKby Milos Milivojevic |
This video above has been just released. Milos writes: This was recorded in March 2005 in Kragujevac, my home town. I gave a solo concert during the Festival and competition called "Zvezdane Staze". Performed is: Jeux D'anches by Magnus Lindberg. Some June Performances: 5th June, Swaledale Festival, In Accord (with Harriet Mackenzie violin) 6th June, 2015, time tbc with Kosmos Ensemble, Music in Quiet Places, Cambridge Summer Music 12th June, 2015, 7.30pm, Push Hands Charity Concert, Matthews Church, St Mary's Road, Harlesden,London NW10 4AU. 20th June, 2015, time tbc with William Sleath (flute),The Exchange Art Gallery, Princes Street, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2NL 22nd June, 2015, 7.30pm, With London Tango Quintet, Bedford Park Festival 24th June, With Paprika, Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, London N16 8AZ |
San Francisco Accordion Club’s 25th & 100th Anniversaries, California - USAby Rob Howard |
![]() |
The long established San Francisco Accordion Club is to celebrate their 25th anniversary of their reforming in 1990, and the 100th anniversary of the forming of the original San Francisco Accordion Club in 1915. The SFAC is celebrating these two milestones with an Evening Gala on Saturday June 6th, 6pm until 10 pm, at the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 E Santa Inez Ave, San Mateo, CA. The evening includes refreshments, entertainment and dancing. Performing will be The Accordion Orchestra Project (MD Richard Yaus), strolling accordionist Reno Di Bono, Jana Maas, Mike Zampiceni, and music for dancing by Steve Albini. The cost is $25 per person. For further information email: ewinglynn@gmail.com |
Leonard Brown Concert, Perth – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() |
Accordionist Leonard Brown and his band perform in concert on Sunday afternoon June 7th, 2pm until 5pm, at The Salutation Hotel in Perth, Scotland. Accompanying Leonard in the band are Maggie Adamson – fiddle, Davie Stewart – accordion, Liam Stewart – piano, John Sinton – double bass, and Malcolm Ross – drums. Leonard Brown, from Newcastle in the North East of England, an All Scotland and NAAFC champion amongst many competition successes, has to date recorded 4 CDs and a DVD. For further information email: leonardbrownaccordion@gmail.com |
Craven Accordion Orchestra Club Night, North Yorkshire – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() The Craven Accordion Orchestra will be performing at the Club Night with a varied programme of music, featuring Christina Longbottom on vocals. The guest artist will be Scottish accordionist Roy Hendrie. Roy Hendrie started learning the accordion at age 11 and won the NAO UK Junior championship at age 15. Roy runs his own ceilidh band ‘Oran Mor’, and has recorded numerous radio broadcasts for BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’ and a live TV broadcast for BBC TV's ‘Mod’ show. For further information email: cravenschoolofmusic@hotmail.co.uk |
Karen Tweed’s News, Roscommon – Republic of Ireland, UK, USA, Portugalby Rob Howard |
![]() |
![]() Friday June 12th, 8pm – solo concert at Bishop's Castle Town Hall, Shropshire SY9 5BG, England. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door. Saturday June 13th - Piano Accordion Irish Music workshop with Karen Tweed at Bishop's Castle Methodist Church Hall, Shropshire SY9 5AQ; 9.30am (for a 10am start) – until approximately 4.30pm. Tickets: £45 (includes free entry to the Friday evening concert). Information and tickets from: keith@woodmail.co.uk June 29th to July 3rd - teaching accordion and Irish music at the Acadia Trad School, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA, in a week-long Celtic Music event with classes, workshops, sessions and concerts. Thursday August 13th - Karen Tweed solo concert at the Gandara Festival, Portugal. |
Accordion Master Class with Stefan Hussong, Sicily – Italyby Rob Howard |
![]() Stefan Hussong was born in Koellerbach, the Saar, Germany. In 1983 he won first prize at the International Hugo Hermann and in 1987 at the International Gaudeamus Interpreters Competition. In 1999 he was awarded the Echo Classic Prize of the German Phonoacademy in the Best Performer. The same year his solo CD, ‘Denon’, with works by John Cage earned him the ‘Best Record of the Year Award’. Hussong has brought on stage more than 150 works dedicated to him and has recorded more than 40 CDs, some of which have won several awards. He has performed throughout Europe, the USA, Russia, and Japan. He has collaborated with many composers including S. Gubaidulina, K. Harada, A. Hölszky, T. Ichiyanagi Hosowaka T., U. Rojko and K. Huber, who have dedicated more than 150 works. In 1989 he was visiting Professor at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Today he teaches accordion and chamber music at the Conservatory of Wurzburg, Germany. Since 1993 he is Professor at the International Summer Academy of the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Austria. For further information email: info@pagemus.it |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: L'armonica a mantice di Giuseppe Greggiatiby Alessandro Mugnoz |
![]() |
New and Updated Sites |
New Music eSheet Säkkijärven Polka Arrangement by Zevy Zions - USAby Zevy Zions |
![]() |
Available: Awakening Album by Stas Venglevski and Joan Sommers - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() Awakening is a compilation of recent original compositions written for two accordions / ensemble by Stas Venglevski. Joining Stas on the recording is Joan Sommers (accordion), John Babbitt (string bass), John Simkus (bass accordion) and Michael Lorenz (drums). |
Updated Site: Marco Lo Russo New CD, Biography and Pictures Updates - Italyby Harley Jones |
![]() Cinematic Piano Accordion: Best Movie Masterpieces Rearranged with an Italian Twist by Marco Lo Russo and Gino Marcelli. The new CD by Marco Lo Russo and Gino Marcelli is available online in eTracks mp3 file download format for only 9 Euro or US$ equivalent. Individual tracks are also available. Catalog: marco101eT |
Update Site: Gary Dahl, Arranger, Composer, Teacher - USAby Harley Jones |
![]() |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentNEW FEATURE! TRY IT NOW |
Random video 4UAdd your video!TRY IT NOW |