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19 March 2004 This weeks news | Past News | Send news
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Editors Note

Click the link below to take part in our "Technology and the Accordion" survey. We have already had many responses and we urge you to also give us your opinions. Thank you for your input.

Harley Jones
Acccordions Worldwide Director
 


This Weeks News
Charnwood


Professor Joan Cochran Sommers Recordings Reviewer - USA

Accordions Worldwide would like to welcome Professor Joan Cochran Sommers as a Recordings Reviewer. Our accordion community is very lucky to have access to the experience and ability of Prof. Sommers working with our other reviewer, highly esteemed Dr Paolo Picchio of Italy to provide this important service for our accordion artists and enthusiasts.

Prof. Sommers has a long history of assisting the development of the accordion in her professional capacity and also in different executive positions of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild Int. We thank Prof. Sommers for all she has done over many years for our beloved bellows instrument.
 


"Star Tracks" According Competition - Kraguievac, Serbia

The Inaugural International Accordion Competition "Accordion Star Tracks" is to be held in Kragujevac from 30th April to 2nd May.

There are 12 competition categories with some junior classes for piano accordion only, some for button accordion only, and some senior classes including both.

Prizes include sheet music, accordion CD's, ruksak for the accordion, sponsored attendance to the Kragujevac International Accordion Summer School, sponsored travel and accomodation to the Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition - a prize sponsored by the Pigini Factory.

The director of "Accordion Star Tracks" is eminent Serbian accordion teacher Radomir Tomic.

Guest Artists at the "Star Track" Accordion Competition include winners of the most prestigious accordion competitions :
- Milan Lazic, 3rd place at the Coupe Mondiale 2003
- Rade Mijatovic, the winer of the Klingenthal, Coupe Mondiale juniors 2002 and Trophée Mondial de l'Accordéon 2002
- Jelena Zivic, the winner of the Trophée Mondial de l'Accordéon, senior 2003.

The teachers course will be organized during the competation and the lecturers will be the eminent tutors: Nikolai Davidov, PhD Accordion - Kiev, Tibor Racz - Bratisalva.

For further information email: tomic@ia.kg.ac.yu
 

Charnwood


Dr William Schimmel with Odeon and the Augusta Ballet - USA

Contributed by Kevin Friedrich

Dr. William Schimmel will be the featured accordionist with the jazz group, Odeon, in a new work choreographed by Peter Powlus for the Augusta Ballet in Augusta, Georgia.

The work is entitled: Night Under the Cajun Moon and will premiere in D. Timms Jazz Cafe, then move to the Imperial Theatre, both in Augusta.

"Cajun Moon" is set in post Civil War Louisiana and tells the story of a young woman's attempt to escape capture after witnessing a forbidden and deadly voodoo ritual. Musical styles range from West African drums to zydeco, Cajun and jazz.

Dancers from CutnoDance will perform along with the dancers of the Augusta Ballet in this remarkable collaboration. The performances are from March 24th to 27th.

Odeon is founded and led by Jazz at Lincoln Center musician Ted Nash, a reed player and also features Wycliffe Gordon on trombone and tuba, Natalie Bonin on violin, Matt Wilson on drums and accordionist Dr. William Schimmel.

Odeon's first CD, Sidewalk Meeting on Arabesque Records was voted best new CD of 2002 by the New York Times, the Village Voice, New York Newsday and the Boston Globe. It was also voted best new CD of 2002 by the Downbeat critics poll.

After the Augusta event, Odeon will record their new CD on Palmetto Records and then will appear at the Jazz Standard in New York on April 13, 2004.

 

Fisitalia

The Rock Accordion Summit, Philadelphia - USA

The Rock Accordion Summit - a concert series showcasing real rock bands playing loud, high-energy music with accordion - is making its next stop in Philadelphia with more bands and more balls!

Check it out on Friday, March 26 at the North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA. The event is featuring: Movers & Shakers, Corn Mo, Stupid, Threat Murderizer.

The Rock Accordion Summit (a.k.a. the Punk Accordion Summit) descended upon New York City last August. Playing a sold-out show in the East Village, four acts rocked and screamed until the early morning.

The Summit brought together an audience of hipsters, punks, accordion enthusiasts, and the accordion-curious. They drank, cheered, sang along (pretty much in that order) and left knowing this: the accordion rocks. With every show a different lineup, the only thing you're sure to hear is loud, raucous accordions!

For further information email: benjamin@ickies.com
 

First Spring Accordion Camp in Ehyl - Wales

Accordion Festivals look forward to meeting friends old and new at their First Spring Accordion Camp, Robin Holiday Park, Ehyl, from Thursday 18th March to Sunday 21st March.

Guests are Mickael Vigneau (France), David Vernon, (Scotland), Harry Hussey, George Syrett & Rodney McNamarra (Alias ME & IM) Amaryllis and many more.

There will be workshops to cater for all different needs and an extensive trade show with Rolston Accordions, Geoff Holter Accordions, Electronic Accordions and Accordion Exchange & Music World.

For more information phone George Syrett 0113 267 1916 or Loretta Rolston 01501 820910
 
Fisitalia

Joe Martino new site and CD - USA

Joe Martino is a singer and accordionist performing Italian and American standards for audiences around the globe.

He has also released a CD entitled "Accordion to Sinatra", an accordion and vocal tribute to Frank Sinatra.

On his new website, you can read Joe's biography, listen to soundclips from the CD, and keep up-to-date on his upcoming shows and appearances.
 


New CD by Freeland Barbour - Scotland

Accordionist Freeland Barbour has just released a new CD titled 'An Linne Dhubh/The Black Water.'


A really nice collection of music from an accordionist who was a founder member of the great band Silly Wizard.
The tunes have an easy familiarity and pace which is rather beguiling.
For further information about the new CD, email: info@footstompin.com

Freeland Barbour comes from Glen Fincastle near Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, and has been a very well known figure in the Scottish music scene for many years. He joined folk group Silly Wizard in 1975 before moving on to form the highly influental Wallochmor Ceilidh Band.

Freeland is also noted as a soloist, record producer, composer, and BBC Radio Scotland producer.He has 4 solo recordings including his latest An Linne Dhubh/The Black Water, and has appeared on many other group recordings.
Not content with standard accordions, Freeland designed his own accordion, the Pigini Alba, which is used on all Occasionals recordings. He also teaches accordion at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Freeland currently runs one of the UK's leading recording studios, Castlesound in East Lothian.

 

Lips_book

International "Akkordeon Fest" Competition - Serbia

The international "Akkordeon Fest" competition was held on the 6th and 7th of March in Belgrade, Serbia's capitol and was organized by Aleksandar Nikolic, an eminent Serbian accordion teacher. The competition was well attended with 150 accordionists competing in 7 different categories of soloists and ensembles. The winner of every class was performing on a Pigini accordion - see winners pictures.

Results:
Skita Aner
Avramovic Milos
Pekovic Nikola
Maric Petar
Antonic Ivan
Mijatovic Rade
Duo Beograd
Kvartet Zemun
10 years and under
12 years and under
14 years and under
16 years and under
18 years and under
18 years and over
junior ensembles
senior ensembles
Ada
Kraljevo
Kraljevo
Beograd
Kragujevac
Kragujevac
Beograd
Zemun
 


Rony Verbiest 3rd Album "Nouvelles" - Belgium

Rony Verbiest featuring the group Cattleya will release his 3rd album in April 2004. This time, Belgian accordion player Rony Verbiest combines with the German band Cattleya in the new album titled "Nouvelles" to be released by Rent-a-Dog Records.


"Nouvelles" will be Rony Verbiest's most personal album, making a musical bridge between tasteful jazz influenced music, Belgian styles that will appeal to a large public.

Verbiest represents the typical Belgian musette using music inspired by jazz, tango and other folk elements.
  
 

Fisitalia


Nelson Conceição records Bordeira-Algarve music - Portugal

Nelson Conceição from Portugal recorded a new CD of Bordeira-Algarve music.

The CD title is "Mitos" and the CD is a homage to the players of the region Nelson was born. The three composers of all the music on this CD are all fine players (José Ferreiro Pai, Antonio Madeirinha and João Bexiga) and they are from Bordeira - Faro, a very little place that live with the accordion with some intensity.

Several of the tracks are Corridinhos, a traditional music of Algarve, southern part of Portugal. Nelson. Conceição shows the typical style of this music in the arrangements and demonstrates well his virtuosity.
This new CD also includes valse, a vira and a fado too where Nelson collaborates with other instruments such as the bandolim, accoustic guitar and ferrinhos.
For further information email: n.c.@sapo.pt
 

Lips_book


Jérôme Richard concerts - France

Very popular accordionist Jérôme Richard continues his busy schedule of concerts.

20 March Roanne. The Orchestra Jérôme Richard evening dance.
20 March Roanne. Concert of Stravinsky
22 March Châteauponsac,
22 March Le Grand Bourg,
25 March Eymoutiers
26 March Ayen,
29 March St Benoît,
30 March Le neubourg,
01 April Lencloître,
02 April Nozay.

For further information, please contact: JERORICH@aol.com
 


Aranykapu Tábor 2004 Dance and Music Camp - USA

The 3rd Annual Aranykapu Tabor will be held from the 4th to 10th July at Camp Cazadero, near Guerneville in the Russian River Valley, California.

This year's camp occurs after Mendocino Balkan Camp. Téka Ensemble will again provide music instruction and evening dance music. Tamás Szappanos & Erika Fejer will teach the Mezõkölpény dance cycle.

The beginner dance sessions will be taught by István "Kovács" Szabó & Deanne Hendricks. The camp program is now available.

For further information email: info@aranykapu-tabor.org
 

Fisitalia

Simone Zanchini concerts in April and May - Italy, Austria, Russia, Switzerland

Another accordionist in international demand is Simone Zanchini. His concert schedule for the next two months includes concerts in a number of countries outside of homeland Italy.

April 4 Castel S.Pietro (BO) Cassero Jazz ZANCHINI - RABBIA
April 7 Cremona BOGHES AND VOICES (Favata-Zanchini e i Concordu di Castelsardo)
April 13 Termoli TAMARA OBROVAC transhistria ensemble
April 14 Termoli TAMARA OBROVAC transhistria ensemble
April 15 Fiumicino Acquafono Club SOLO
April 18 Ravenna QUARTETTO MAGRITTE
April 22 Brescia QUARTETTO SAX (Zanchini-Ros-Dellantonio-Menato-Beberi)
April 23 Termoli Teatro Comunale CIARLA QUARTETTO
April 24 Campobasso Blue Note CIARLA QUARTETTO
April 25 Vasto CIARLA QUARTETTO
April 26 Roma Apollo 11 CIARLA QUARTETTO
April 27 Bologna BarWolf ZANCHINI-RABBIA
April 28 Bologna Teatro Comunale ENSEMBLE STRUMENTALE SCALIGERO
April 29 Russi (RA) ZANCHINI-RABBIA

May 2 Imola TERRE DI MEZZO- QUINTETTO
May 3 Piacenza ENSEMBLE STRUMENTALE SCALIGERO
May 7 SVIZZERA/Zurigo ZANCHINI-CIARLA
May 8 AUSTRIA/Graz ZANCHINI-SALIS
May 10 Ravenna TERRE DI MEZZO- QUINTETTO
May 14 Lovoleto (BO) SIMONE ZANCHINI TRIO:ENTROPIA
May 20 Tirana ENSEMBLE STRUMENTALE SCALIGERO
May 20 Tirana ENSEMBLE STRUMENTALE SCALIGERO
May 29 Mantova TERRE DI MEZZO

 

Jazz Performance Major Course- USA

Victor Prieto is making efforts to establish a Jazz Performance Major course for accordion, the same as other instruments. Accordionists interested in a Jazz Performance Major with accordion should contact Victor Prieto.

Email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com
 

The Hand Harmonika-Club Nufringen concert - Germany

On Saturday, 20 March the HHC Nufringen Accordion Orchestra are having a large concert of melodies from all around the world.

The varied program includes many hits, evergreens, movie themes and even a special arrangement by Gary Daverne of "Everything I Do" by Brian Adams. The concert includes young children (on stage for the first time) through to the most experienced HHC Nufringen Accordion Orchestra, under the directorship of well known conductor Günther Stoll.

For more information: Guenther.Stoll@t-online.de
 
Charnwood


Bulgarian Accordionist Martin Lubenov and ORFEJ - Austria

A new star shining on the Viennese accordion scene is Martin Lubenov, the Bulgarian master accordionist. Well known in Bulgaria, Martin Lubenov drops his accompanying image and shows himself as a superb soloist, arranger and composer of Balkan accordion. With breathtaking virtuosity, rich harmonies, singing of beauty, complex rhythms, he pays tribute to his Balkan music roots. Some predict, that Martin Lubenov will promote Bulgarian music like Astor Piazzolla did the Tango and Richard Galliano musette music.

Future Concert dates
24 April Tunnel, Wien, ORFEJ im Rahmen des Balkanfestivals
25 April Heuriger Müllner, Krems, ORFEJ im Rahmen des Donaufestivals
29 April Treibhaus, Innsbruck, Martin Lubenov Orkestar
1st May Bühnenwirtshaus Juster, Gutenbrunn, Martin Lubenov Orkestar
2nd May Tunnel, Wien, Martin Lubenov Orkestar im Rahmen des Balkanfestivals
4th May Cinema Paradiso, St. Pölten Martin Lubenov Orkestar
7th May Stadtsaal, Wieselburg, ORFEJ
13 May Sargfabrik, Wien, ORFEJ

For further information email Sabina Schebrak cultureworks@aon.at

 

 
Charnwood


Quote of the Week

Did You Know? by Willoughby Walshe

Yellow Pine, a city with a population of 40 in the state of Idaho (USA), is transformed from a sleepy mountain hamlet as hundreds of harmonica players and thousands of spectators gather each year in August to play and listen to every form of music conceivable.

Find out more….. "Walshe Essential Guide to Accordion and Harmonica Events"
 

 
Lips_book


CD Review

New CD "The Moon is Blue" by Kenny and Mary Kotwitz
 

Charnwood

New Sites

http://www.joemartinoaccordion.com New site about performer Joe Martino

www.accordions.com/fabiano Jean Marc Fabiano - French solo performer, conductor, conservatory professor

Updated Sites

www.beltuna.com with information about Beltuna artists.

www.accordions.com/italcinte new site with new products and information

  
Fisitalia

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