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Highlights |
AAA ‘The Seminars’, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
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![]() This year’s theme title is ‘The Everyday Accordion: Ordinary x Proper = Radiant’. The distinguished participants this year will include: Micki Goodman, Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Paul Stein, Godfrey Nelson, Lorraine Nelson Wolf, Rita Barnea, Will Holshouser, Ken Laufer, Lee Mc Clure, Kathleen Tipton, Mayumi Mayaoka, Doug Makofka, Bob Goldberg, Melissa Elledge, Mark Nathanson, Art Bailey, Mary Spencer Knapp, Erica Marie Mancini, Benjamin Ickies, Corn Mo, John Foti, Rachid Eladlouni, Rachel Swaner, Mark Nathanson, David First, David Stoler, Brian Dewan, Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig, Dr. Rocco Jerry, Dave Soldier, Milica Paranosic, Dan Cooper, Noah Creshevsky, Demitrius Spaneas, Peter Jarvis, Tomoka Sugawara, Yoichi Fukui, Michael Dames, Linda Reed, Dragica Banic-Curcic, Peter Flint, Ingrid Kvale, Marni Rice, Genevieve Leloup, Bjorn Skjelbred, Carl Riehl, Ralph Crispino and of course, Dr. William Schimmel. Download complete information including prices and applications at: 2014AA-Seminar Schimmel compositions and CD's at: William Schimmel |
Mirco Patarini Guest Artist, South Pacific Championships - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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![]() The South Pacific Accordion Championships, which includes the New Zealand Accordion Championships, is held at Epsom, Auckland, on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June. Competitors are entered from Russia, Australia and around New Zealand. The event is organised by the New Zealand Accordion Association and President Sonja Palinich writes: “The NZAA is delighted to have Mirco Patarini (picture left) from Italy as guest artist and Head of Jury and 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 the 2014 are online: 2014 NZ Prospectus History of the Accordion in New Zealand with 2011 addition, Cat. nzaa1081 Timetable of event and Daily Reports at: 2014SouthPac |
2014 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival – Australiaby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() The 2013 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival run by the AATA is being held on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June at the Club Marconi, 121-133 Prairie Vale Rd, Bossley Park, Sydney. Special Guest Artist Mirco Patarini (Italy) and Lionel Reekie (New Zealand) and featuring the AATA Festival Orchestra conducted by Lionel Reekie. The timetable and full information of the guest artists and concerts is available online at: www.aata.org.au Contestants from China, Croatia, New Zealand, Russia and Australia. Daily Reports including photographs, video and results will be online at: Australian International Championships The timetable and full information of the guest artists and concerts is available online at: www.aata.org.au and at Australian International Championships. |
Juha Silfverberg Performs on Unsuk Chin's Work with Kansas City Symphony - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() ![]() The concert was the final in this year’s popular series ‘Classics Uncorked’, with the focus of this particular concert celebrating great women of classical music. Unsuk Chin was born in Seoul, Korea. She studied composition with Sukhi Kang at Seoul National University and won several international prizes in her early 20s. She studied with György Ligeti at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg from 1985 to 1988. In 1988 Unsuk Chin moved to Berlin, where she worked as a freelance composer at the electronic music studio of the Technical University of Berlin, realizing seven works. Unsuk Chin's works have been performed by conductors such as Kent Nagano, Simon Rattle, Alan Gilbert, Gustavo Dudamel, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Neeme Järvi, Peter Eötvös, David Robertson and George Benjamin as well as by leading orchestras and ensembles. Commissioners include the Kronos Quartet, Radio France, the BBC, the London Sinfonietta, South Bank Centre, Los Angeles Opera, IRCAM and the Bavarian State Opera. Chin's music has been highlighted at major music festivals such as Festival Musica in Strasbourg or Settembre Musica in Italy. Since 2006 she has held the position of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's composer-in-residence and artistic director of its Contemporary Music Series. Born into a musical family in Helsinki, Finland, accordionist Juha Silfverberg began his accordion studies at the age of seven with Lasse Pihlajamaa, a pioneer in the accordion field. Playing the Finnish C System button accordion, he was both Finnish National Accordion Champion and Scandinavian Accordion Champion, earning the right to represent Finland when the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships were held in Helsinki. Later, he moved to the United States to study accordion performance at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. A sought after accordionist, Juha is regularly found entertaining professionally in the Kansas City area, where he free-lances in a wide variety of ensembles. He has toured Finland, Estonia, New Zealand, Japan and throughout the USA with diverse musical groups ranging from Zydeco to Klezmer, from Classical to Pop. 3 CD's online at: Juha Silfverberg |
Video: Jean-Baptiste Baudin 1st and Jia Cheng Xue 2nd, Klingenthal - Germanyby Nathalie Boucheix, Director CNIMA J.Mornet |
![]() ![]() Jean-Baptiste Baudin is now is a full time student for the second year at CNIMA. He won junior virtuoso Trophée Mondial last year and the next years will we see him competing in virtuoso entertainment and classical music categories, as he studies this year two programs at the same time. Jia Cheng Xue has already won the second place in Klingenthal last year. He lives with his family in Australia for the last two years and regularly attends CNIMA J.Mornet seminars in France or at "CNIMA J.Mornet in Beijing" director Jan sheng Li. |
Accordion Master Class by Angel Luis Castaño & Mika Väyrynen - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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![]() ![]() Attendees will combine a unique musical experience to spend 5 days with two world class musicians, while enjoying the spectacular atmosphere of the Finnish summer and nature. The Master Classes series will be held at Kauppilan Matkailutila, a historic and beautiful resort surrounded by nature, located near Lake Kyrösjärvi in Ikaalinen. (www.kauppila.net). The Master Class event will include private lessons, listening to other students’ lessons, evening concerts (including a concert presented by Mika Väyrynen) as well as lectures and workshops covering such topics as concert performances and teaching of accordion tuning and instrument construction. The all-inclusive price of 650 Euros includes the Master Classes as well as accommodation, meals, teaching and concerts. Interested attendees are invited to register as soon as possible, as the number of participants will be limited to 16 students. Interested students should contact the Director of the Finnish Accordion Institute Kimmo Mattila at: kimmo.mattila@harmonikkainstituutti.net for further information and to make applications. Recent CD: For Duo Works For Two Accordion CD by Mika Väyrynen and Angel Luis Castaño at: Finnish Accordeon Institute |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Coba and Naoko Terai Perform Libertango - Japanby Harley Jones |
![]() Yasuhiro "Coba" Kobayashi has won several international accordion competitions, he has released CDs in Europe and Japan, even reaching No.1 in the charts in Japan. Coba has come to be more than a name - as his music reaches across thematic boundaries and which has a world-wide influence. After Bjork saw Coba perform in London in the late 90's, she immediately asked coba to join her band for a world tour. Since then, he has become of the most renowned Japanese artists and he has spent 15 years regularly touring Europe. He has released 30 albums of his music to date. Over 1 million sold. |
Italian Selection for CIA Coupe Mondiale 2014, Spoleto - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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![]() The jury, chaired by Mirco Patarini, Artistic Director of IAC (Italian Accordion Culture Cultural Association), included Antonio Spaccarotella, Renzo Ruggieri and Ivan Sverko. They selected Antonio Simeone and Andrea Di Giacomo, as the two awarded the travel and accommodation to Austria. The other successful participants selected for the 2014 Coupe Mondiale were Ciraci Leonardo, Joseph Gallon, Simone Paolucci, Daniele Carabetta, Egidio Apuzzo and Michael Toppo. Some other contestants may be selected during the 39th Castelfidardo International Competitions. |
Warszawski Kwintet Akordeonowy (Warsaw Accordion Quintet) – Polandby Rob Howard |
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The Warsaw Accordion Quintet was formed in 1999 on the initiative of Professor Wlodzimierz Lech Puchnowski, reviving the former very famous quintet founded in 1961 but with new members. The newly created ensemble consisted of the students at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw: Maciej Kandefer, Jaroslaw Kutera, Magdalena Igras, Miroslaw Mozol and Tomasz Holizna. Since its inception, the ensemble has performed over one hundred concerts, participating in chamber music festivals in Poland and abroad (Chamber Music Festival in Marseille, France). The ensemble was also the prize-winner of the accordion competitions (International Accordion Festival in Sanok 2000, Mlawa Accordion Music Festival 2001), but to its biggest successes belong: 1st Place in the 9th International Competition of Contemporary Chamber Music in Cracow 2005, 1st Place in the Premio Citta di Castelfidardo, 3rd Place in the 5th Osaka Chamber Music Competition & Festa 2005, and participation in the final at the 4th Osaka Chamber Music Competition & Festa 2002. The quintet has already made numerous recordings for radio and television and has performed at concert halls such as the Izumi Hall, Lublin Philharmonic, College of Europe, Fryderyk Chopin University of Music, Warsaw University of Technology, Austrian Institute, and the Warsaw Music Society. Its repertoire contained the works of diverse periods and styles – from baroque to contemporary (including compositions written especially for them) as well as popular music – and quintet's artistic level arouses audience and critics interest. The first Warsaw Accordion Quintet's album ‘Classical’, released in 2004, received nomination to Fryderyk 2004 Polish Music Award in the category of the ‘Best Album - Chamber Music’. The current quintet's members are all graduates of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music: Maciej Kandefer, Jacek Malachowski, Adam Czerski, Miroslaw Mozol, and Mateusz Wachowiak. For further information email: adczerski@gmail.com |
Shannon Vale Céilí Band’s debut CD, Kerry – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
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![]() The band comprises an impressive line-up of musicians featuring Sheila Garry and Colm Kissane - fiddles, Danny O’Mahony – accordion, Marianne Browne - flute, Joe O’ Sullivan - flute and vocals, Mike Collins - banjo, John Collins – drums, Patsy Broderick - piano. The combined result is a powerful and dynamic overall sound, enriched by the spectrum of individual styles and a shared appreciation of the music and song of North Kerry. At the invitation of President Michael D. Higgins, The Shannon Vale Céilí Band performed for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin on March 17th 2014. |
Video: Barbara & C (Giorgio Cerioni - accordion) - Italyby Harley Jones |
Barbara & C (Giorgio Cerioni - accordion) - with Luca Sacchi. 1. Ballata d'amore 2. Eravamo in 19 a Nassirya The duo Barbara & C come from the wonderful region of Italy called Marche which is also the region where most of the accordion factories are situated. The specialise in live performances and dances. Listen and dance with us! |
Video: Jérôme Richard at Accordeon Festival Hoogezand-Sappemeer 2013 - Netherlandsby Harley Jones |
![]() Video 1: Medley: Les Triolets Video 2: Adios Sevilla |
Video: Ladislav Horák (accordion) and Petr Nouzovský (cello) - Czechby Harley Jones |
1. Ave Maria, Ástor Piazzolla 2. Vivat Tango The second video was published 23 April 2014 for the release of the new CD Vivat Tango, both video by duo Ladislav Horák (accordion, bandoneon) and Petr Nouzovský (cello). Record label Supraphon. Ladislav Horák is a graduate of the Prague Conservatory and the West Bohemia University in Plzen (Prof. Jaroslav Vlach). While still a student, he won the national competition in Horovice (1990) and garnered successes at international competitions in Andorra, Italy and Spain (1987–1990). He performs as a soloist, chamber player and accompanied by orchestras (the Prague Symphony Orchestra, Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc, North Bohemia Philharmonic Teplice, Prague Philharmonia, Suk Chamber Orchestra, Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, Fisorchestra Marchigiana) and has regularly appeared at prestigious festivals in North America, Asia and throughout Europe. He has given premieres of pieces by contemporary Czech and foreign composers, which he has recorded for Czech and international radio stations (Czech Radio, Klassikradio, Classical WQED). His label Edition Rondo Prague has released a dozen CDs. Ladislav Horak represents the Czech accordion school in international organizations (La Confederation Mondialede l’Accordeon, European Accordion Federation) and as a jury member of international competitions (Castelfidardo, Innsbruck, Pula). In Prague he is artistic director of the European Accordion Orchestras Festival and Accordion Days. Since the 1990's, he has taught at the Prague Conservatory, since 2005 he has been its director. For more than 15 years, he headed the accordion department at the largest South Bavaria private school, in Regen. He has been invited to lead accordion master classes in Andorra, Castelfidardo (Italy), at the Conservatorio Funchal (Madeira), the Music Academies in Lodz (Poland) and Budapest, the Royal Academies in Aarhus (Denmark) and Stockholm, and the Steinhardt University in New York. |
Contest Successes for Gorka Hermosa’s Students, Santander – Spainby Rob Howard |
![]() 1st prize for the sisters Marta and Cristina Cubas Hondal in the Under 14 category 2nd prize for Juan Matias and Cristina Cubas in the Under 19 category 3rd prize for Marta Cubas Hondal (from among the 36 participants of different instruments) in a category for individual soloists under 14 years |
Video: ContemporACCO - Festivalis Druskomanija, Kablys - Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
Published on May 24, 2014 LMTA Accordion Ensemble ContemporACCO Festivalis DRUSKOMANIJA - projektas TURBOŠAUKLYS http://www.lmta.lt „ContemporACCO" players are: Raimondas Sviackevicius, Tadas Motiecius, Agne Dukštaite, Martynas Vaicekauskas, Simona Šukyte, Regina Kardušaite, Janina Gecaite, Liucina Vlasenko, Kamile Cekauskaite, Raimonds Ungurs, Agne Rimgailaite. Composers: Rycio Mažulio, Šaruno Nako, Lino Paulauskio, Tado Dailydos, Mykolo Nataleviciaus, Lukrecijos Petkutes-Dailydienes, Raimondos Žiukaites, original music and arrangements. |
Video: Sofia Ros (11 years) Competing at Klingenthal - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Sofía Ros (11 years old) of Spain, performing the Prelude and Fugue No.2 in C minor, BWV 847 by J S Bach, competing at the Klingenthal International competitions. Sofía was competing in Category I for soloists up to the age of 12 years and she won 3rd prize. |
Future events |
Paul Chamberlain on BBC Radio 3 – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() Also on the show is American conductor Andrew Litton, who drops in to play live on the studio Steinway his tributes to jazz legend Oscar Peterson. For further information email: paul@theaccordionist.com |
Lelo Nika Concert in Support of Flood Victims - Swedenby Harley Jones |
![]() Entry: 150 kr The worst floods in Serbia and Bosnia for some 120 years, and one of the worst floods in Europe in centuries. The initiative for the concert comes from accordionist Lelo Nika, virtuoso and double world champion on his instrument. Lelo has put together a fiddler band with members from Sweden, Denmark, Serbia , Bosnia, Romania and Macedonia. Lelo says: "It is easy to feel powerless when you are far from their reality, therefore , we have agreed to do what we can with what we can do, namely play folk music with all our heart and let the revenue from concerts and record sales go in full to the relief work." The music presented will be genuinely traditional and come from several countries of the former Yugoslavia , the people's music. The concert is implemented with the support of, among others: Palladium, Cultural Office, Volkswagen, Arecords. |
Video: Irish Punk Group The Mahones - USAby Harley Jones |
Video recently released by the popular Irish Punk Group The Mahones. Song is titled: Drunken Lazy Bastard. The Mahones made a recent tour to Europe. Katie McConnell is the accordionist/vocals. Upcoming Shows: Jun 13, 2014, 4:00 PM Kansas City, MO (US) @ Kansas City Scottish Highland Games – Kansas City Scottish Highland Games Jun 28, 2014, 4:00 PM Atlanta, GA (US) @ Atlanta Canada Festival – The Mahones – Canada Festival – Atlanta, GA Jun 30, 2014, 10:30 PM Ottawa, ON (CA) @ Ottawa Jazz Festival – The Mahones – Ottawa Jazz Festival – Ottawa, ON |
Finbarr Denehy Dance Gigs – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
![]() Friday May 30th – Ballinspittle, Kinsale Sunday June 1st - Castlearms Hotel, Durrow (afternoon) Sunday June 1st - Fitzpatrick's Lounge, Clonmore, Co Tipperary (evening) Monday June 2nd – Ardigeen Hall, Clonakilty |
Paul Chamberlain Master Class @ ‘Border Gatherin’ festival, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
![]() For further information email: paul@theaccordionist.com |
Denys Gigot Dancing Gigs – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
![]() Sunday June 1st, 3pm - Salle l'Espérence, Pondrôme Saturday June 7th – with Le Grand Jojo et son orchestre, Tournai Sunday June 8th, 3pm – marquee, Libin-Bas Sunday June 15th, 2.30pm - Centre Culturel René Magritte, Lessines |
Stockport Accordion Band D-Day Anniversary Concert, Macclesfield – UKby Rob Howard |
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The Stockport Accordion Band (MD Derek Stubbs) perform in concert on Friday June 6th, 7.30pm, at the United Reform Church, Park Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 7NA. The concert commemorates D-Day June 6th 1944, and the programme includes music by Glenn Miller, The Dam Busters, and war songs, plus a variety of other music. There will also be solo spots from Helen Rich and SAC Vice President Walter Perrie. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Raimondas Sviackevičius Concert, Vilnius – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
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Breton Music Course by Alain Pennec for Diatonic and Chromatic Accordion - Franceby Nathalie Boucheix, Director CNIMA J.Mornet |
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This diatonic training course with Alain Pennec is also open to chromatic accordions. You play chromatic accordion and you want to perform Breton folklore (in Auvergne!) with a gender specialist, as sharp and as nice, and as good a musician / educator? Good news: Alain Pennec knows how to share that knowledge and color. Be quick! There are only two places left for this course: 04 73 22 27 45 (in full, from 340 to 375 euros pension). Visit CNIMA J.Mornet for further information. |
CD Reviews |
Live in Rostov-on-Don 2013 CD Review of Alexander Poeluevby Joan C. Sommers |
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New and Updated Sites |
Guardia Nueva release second CD with eTracks - Finlandby Guardia Nueva |
![]() 'Live in Concert Tango Finlandia', catalog: gnueva02 with sound samples. Music performed by Guardia Nueva. |
Francesco Palazzo release new CD with eTracks - Italyby Francesco Palazzo |
![]() Purchase online. |
New Website of Guardia Nueva release new CD with eTracks - Finlandby Guardia Nueva |
![]() 'Guardia Tango Finlandia', catalog: gnueva01 with sound samples. Music performed by Guardia Nueva. |
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