Accordions Worldwide "The Squeeze"
7th April 2000
This weeks news Articles
Past news Send us news
Future Events  
Deutsch Español
Français Chinese
Italiano Russian
 
Strasser Harmonikas
EDITORS NOTE

Win a CD! Over the next few weeks we will be giving away free CD's to our readers. This week, the 30th person to submit details of a future concert or festival performance to the Future Events section of the Yellow Pages will receive a great new CD of Italian music by popular New Zealand accordionist Silvio De Pra.

Wayne Knights Webmaster

 
USA National Accordion News
THIS WEEKS NEWS
Music with a Smile Productions
Accordionist Performs with "The Corrs" - England

British accordionist David Farmer will play in two of London's most famous concert halls in April. On the 9th he will play in the Royal Albert Hall with the popular Irish band "The Corrs" performing some of their best known songs, and from the 25th David will take part in six performances of Martinu's "Greek Passion" at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

David has just given the world premier of "Delusions of Grandeur" for 2 tubas, 2 piccolos and accordion by American composer Jeremy Woodruff in the Dukes Hall of the Royal Academy of Music, London.

David is also resident accordionist with the "Icebreaker Ensemble" who this year have a busy schedule of international concert tours which include performances in Belgium, Holland, Czech Republic and New York. For details of these concerts email: admin@icebreaker.org.uk

 
Duo 2000 on Crocodile River Cruise - South Africa

Duo 2000 have just completed a tour of South Africa, performing in Phalaborwa, Dullstroom, Tzaneen and a river cruise on the Crocodile River. The duo took their music to small settlements such as Dullstroom (which has only 300 inhabitants) and mining towns like Phalaborwa, where they played on a game farm in the Kruger National Park. The "Phalaborwa Post" included a positive review in their April edition: "Zampolli really exploited the possibilities available to him exhibiting complete control of all the technical and musical challenges of the instrument. The enthusiasm of the audience was so great that there was a standing ovation for the duo at the end of the evening!"

The next day the duo played at the "Coach House Guest Lodge" in the Agatha forests of Tzaneen, which is famous for its inhouse manufacturing of Nougat.

 
Strasser Harmonikas
International Accordion Gala - Portugal

Contributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

Sylvia PagniThe 9th annual "International Accordion Gala" was held on March 25th in Algarve, Portugal, organized by Francisco Saboia. Guest artists included Staminir Usunevo (Bulgaria), Frederic Langais (France) and Sylvia Pagni (Italy). Sylvia performed an Italian repertoire of classical and symphonic pieces as well as music by Piazzolla, Principe, W. Beltrami and G. Kramer.

Following the Gala, the next few days were dedicated to the celebration of the accordion, which was featured on national television and local radio channels. Sylvia Pagni was invited by the organizers to perform during next year's Gala.

 
Matinee Concert - Germany

Contributed by Constanze Krause

The Akkordeonclub Hirschau will perform a matinee concert on May 21st in the Gemeindehaus in Hirschau/Tübingen. The main orchestra (conducted by Sabine Flaig) and the youth orchestra (conducted by Christel Bäuerle) will play a classical music program. Entrance to this concert is free. For further details email: ckrause@integrata.de

 
USA National Accordion News
Klucevsek Performs a Music/Theatre Piece in Avant-Garde Setting - USA

Contributed by Verne Leven, Ernest Deffner Publications

Guy Klucevsek premiered his own score, "Squeezeplay," at the Kitchen in New York City from March 22nd to April 1st. In "Squeezeplay", composer/accordionist Klucevsek joined forces with six artists to explore the boundaries between music and choreography, theatre and performance art. Each performance unfolded in five vignettes, featuring a solo accordion score composed and performed by Guy. Collaborators included choreographers Claire Porter and David Dorfman, performance artist Dan Froot, miniature theater exponent Dan Hurlin, composer Mary Ellen Childs, and choreographer/video artist Victoria Marks.

Guy will perform music from "Squeezeplay" at a Balkan Cabaret at "The Den under 2 Boots" in New York on April 8th.

 
Accordion Master Class - Italy

Contributed by Dr Herbert Scheibenreif, Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions

An "Accordion Master class" will be held by the Orchestra da camera di Belluno (Belluno Chamber Orchestra) in the Auditorium Comunale, Belluno, Italy from July 31st to August 6th, with tutor Ivano Battiston. This master class is organized annually by the orchestra for musicians from all over the world with the collaboration of internationally known teachers. During the course, students can take part in Orchestra da camera di Belluno concerts both in small groups or as a soloist.

A certificate of attendance will be given to all participants. For further information email: orchbl@tin.it

 
Music With a Smile
AATA International Accordion Championships - Australia

Contributed by Tania Lukic-Marx

The Australian Accordion Teachers Association (AATA) International Accordion Championships will be held in Ashfield, Sydney from May 26th to 28th. The event will include contestants from China, New Zealand and Australia competing in a variety of classes and age groups. This year's Testimonial Dinner will honor Ossi Mazzei for his enormous contribution to the accordion over many years.

Guest Performers include Lian Jones (New Zealand), Tania Lukic-Marx (Australia), Elizabeth Jones (Australia), ACE Ensemble and Chen Gong (China). The closing date for competition entries is April 30th. For further details email: tlukic@jigsaw.net.au

 
Concert and Lecture in Espoo - Finland

Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen will give a concert and lecture at the Alberga-kartano Hall in Espoo, Finland entitled "Once upon the Time - Accordion" on April 27th. He will play a repertoire from Baroque transcriptions to contemporary works, then speak about the history and development of the accordion. This event is organized by the Music Institute Juvenalia. For further details email: mika.vayrynen@pp.inet.fi

 
Strasser Harmonikas
All-Kansai Accordion Association Party - Japan

Contributed by Toru Katou

The All-Kansai Accordion Association (AAA) held their annual meeting and party on April 2nd at Asahi-Super-Dry Umeda, Osaka City. Members and guests enjoyed great entertainment at the event.

 
Afternoon of Dance - France

Contributed by Gregory Frenard

French accordionist Marlène Blouin will entertain at a dance afternoon in St Langis-les-mortagne, France on April 9th. For further details see Future Events

 
USA National Accordion News
Frank Ziccarelli at the Francis Winspear Center for Music - Canada

Contributed by Alice Leung

Accordionist Frank Ziccarelli (well-known for his Sunday Serenade series) performed on March 19th at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music in Edmonton, Alberta, for the 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert of the Edmonton Chinese Lions Club. The theme of the concert was "Roman Holiday". Several of Frank's own compositions were showcased, including the "Tarantella Di Armonia" performed by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and danced by the Italian Appennini Dancers. Frank performed many accordion favorites on both acoustic and MIDI accordion.

This event was attended by former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Joe Clark. The Guests of Honor were the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Lois Hole and her husband, His Honor, Mr Ted Hole. The event was also a benefit concert for the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

 
Honourable Conductor - Germany

Contributed by Uli Ebner, Director of Creativ-Shop

Along with a new millennium, a new chapter has also begun in the club history of the "First Cologne Accordion Orchestra". Orchestra founder, Heinz Gengler recently retired in the 65th year of the club's existence. At the Annual General Meeting on March 24th, Winfried Haushalter was unanimously voted in as Chairman. His first task in this new position was to name Heinz Gengler the "Honourable conductor" of the First Cologne Accordion Orchestra.

They claim they are the only orchestra in over 3000 in Germany, that have had the same conductor from the pioneering days of the accordion - over 65 years!

 
Music With a Smile
Perth Accordion Club Guest Bernadette Conlon - Australia

Bernadette ConlonContributed by John Dickson

Perth Accordion ClubOn March 19th the Perth Accordion Club held a special concert featuring Bernadette Conlon, the Perth Accordion Orchestra and two well known local professional accordionists, Peter Piccini and Mario Messineo. The concert was very well supported with over 230 people in attendance. Bernadette thrilled the crowd with a performance of classical, popular, and well known accordion pieces, and played two brackets with Peter and Mario.

 
Concertina Workshops at New England Folk Festival - USA

The NEFFA Festival (New England Folk Festival) will be held from April 14th to 16th in Natick, Massachusetts and will feature workshops, dancing, entertainment and concerts, including English concertina workshops by Ken Sweeney and Ellen Blanchly.

 
Strasser Harmonikas
"Rajasoitto" Accordion Festival - Finland and Sweden

Contributed by Sune Olsson

The "Rajasoitto" Accordion Festival will be held from July 3rd to 9th in Tornio (Finland) and Haparanda (Sweden). These two towns are situated on both sides of the border river - Torneon River. The festival will include a folk dance event, folk performances and a competition (on July 8th). Competition categories include 12 years and under, 13 to 16 years and open sections. For further details see Future Events.

 
Folk Dance in the Country - New Zealand

Jews Brothers BandContributed by Christine Adams

The Jews Brothers band (featuring accordionist Hershal) will perform at a country folk dance in Matakana, Auckland on April 7th. This event will include a variety of klezmer music and a "high-energy performance combining vaudevillian antics and costuming, wild impromptu forays into the audience, near acrobatics and great showmanship".

The concert is part of a New Zealand tour by the band until April 30th. For further information see Future Events.

 
USA National Accordion News
Accordions, Concertinas and Melodeons - Japan

Contributed by Toru Katou

On April 8th, accordionist Eiichi Yoneyama will hold the "Traditional Live Session Party" at Nakano Middle-House, Nakano Ward, Tokyo. Entertainment will be provided free of charge on accordions, concertinas and melodeons. For further details email: pfg01301@nifty.ne.jp

 
"Centzontle" at the Austin Fine Arts Festival - USA

USA band "Centzontle" (featuring accordionist Mike Maddux) will play at the Austin Fine Arts Festival on April 8th in Austin, Texas. The event will raise funds for charity and feature a variety of entertainment. For further details email: mike_maddux@rocketmail.com

 
Music with a Smile Productions
Workshop with Danish Accordionist - Belgium

Contributed by Joeri De Jongh, Accordo Magazine

On July 1st, a workshop tutored by Danish accordionist Carl Jensen will be held in Brussels, Belgium organized by the Belgian accordion magazine "Accordo" and the Danish Cultural Institute. The workshop will be divided into two groups for diatonic and chromatic accordionists. Participants will learn about Danish folkmusic, history and performance techniques. For more information email:
accordo@my-deja.com

 
Annual Meeting - Puerto Rico

Contributed by Jane Berkovitz

The Accordion Association of Puerto Rico will hold their annual meeting on April 9th. On the agenda will be plans for future activities. Entertainment will be provided by the Association's children's orchestra.

 
Strasser Harmonikas
Annual "Swamp Romp" - USA

Accordionist Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones performed at the annual two day "Swamp Romp" in Waterloo Park, Austin, Texas on April 1st and 2nd. The group returned to the event this year to entertain visitors on the Ponty "Bon Temps" Stage.

 
Emanuele Rastelli Tours Switzerland

Emanuele RastelliContributed by Holda Paoletti-Kampl

From March 23rd to 27th Emanuele Rastelli held a series of very successful concerts in Switzerland. The tour took him to Dietlikon, Winterthur, Näfels and Wädenswil, where the audience included many well-known personalities of the accordion world. Emanuele's program included musette, jazz, tango, swing and his own arrangements of famous accordion pieces.

 
USA National Accordion News
George Richardo Passes Away - England

George RichardoContributed by Heather Smith

Much loved accordionist George Richardo (Hicks) passed away on April 3rd aged 81 years. George was a Dubliner, and came to England, living in Liverpool for many years. He joined the Wyre Accordion Club upon its inception in 1987, and later was to become President. Before becoming ill, he was a regular visitor to Clubs in the North West of England, and on occasions directed the 'Buskers' Band' at the annual International Accordion Festival, Blackpool, also regularly attending the accordion weekend at Prestatyn, North Wales. He played his accordion at every opportunity and deemed it to be an inspiration when he was in poor health. George will be missed by his countless friends in the accordion movement and the heartfelt sympathy of us all goes to his family at this very sad time.

For details on others who have recently passed away see Memorials.

 
New Edition of Accordion USA

A new edition of the "Accordion USA", US National accordion news is now online and can be seen at: http://www.accordionusa.com

 
Music with a Smile Productions
New Sites

http://www.accordions.com/bernadette Updated information on Australian concert artist and music teacher, Bernadette Conlon

 
Antique Accordion Information

Mark Swabley would like some information on a "Fidel Locin Bozen" button accordion. Please email: swableym@accnorwalk.com

Gordon Thomas is looking for an accordion named "Maloughan" possible of Irish origin. Please email: gordon12345@excite.com

Dieter Mattner would like some information on an old English Concertina with a beautiful octagonal wooden case, decorated with dark red velvet. The concertina has a small white sticker with the word "London". Dieter would like to know when these instruments were built, possible value etc. Please email: dr.mattner@t-online.de


Home | Yellow Pages | Sites Hosted | Services | General Info | Search AWW | Contact

to comment on these pages, e-mail the webmaster
© Copyright 2000 Accordions Worldwide. All rights reserved