On 16th July, Yuri Medianik and Jehanne Strepenne, known as the Symphorine Duet, performed a concert as part of the popular and one of the famous festivals in Belgium, known as The Festival de Wallone which takes place in Awenne.
Yuri wrote, “that I had a double pleasure when the organizers told me that it's the first time that a classical accordionist has taken part of this event!” Yuri played violin in a duo with Jehanne and in his solo-part of the concert, he performed transcriptions.
On June 26, the Symphorine Duet performed a charitable concert on the premises of the European Commission in Brussels which commerated the 20 year anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. These important profile concerts followed being awarded the Grand Prix (Duet Nomination) in the Open Europe Festival Competition held in Moscow in May 2005.
Friedrich Lips “Kulturlaub” Accordion Workshop - Austria
For the seventh time, the city of Imst (located in Tyrol, near Innsbruck) organized a workshop for musicians and artists of different styles from July 10th to 14th 2006. Participants had the opportunity to combine some relaxing days with artistic activity. Friedrich Lips, from the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow, gave solo lessons to participants giving his view of how to solve musical and technical problems, performance on stage, etc.
The dates of next year’s “Kulturlaub” have been already fixed: July 9th to 13th 2007. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.
The seventh Las Vegas International Accordion Convention held June 26 to
29, 2006 at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada was by all accounts a
sensational success. Event organizer Paul Pasquali says the formula is
simple, world class performances together with good friends, good food, and
good service, you just can't go wrong. Add to this over 50 workshops and
the largest list of accordion headliners and you have the Las Vegas
International Accordion Convention.
This years festival featured a diverse array of well known accordion
artists including the British Trio featuring brother and sister William and
Sara Jane Langton with Gina Brannelli, multiple world champion Peter Soave and his wife Mady Soave (France), Mario & Mary Mancini (New York), Joe
Domitrowich (San Jose, California), Sammy Thomas (Spokane, Washington),
former CIA World Champion Iona Reed (Canada), Jazz legend Art Van Damme and Dick
Contino, Bernadette Conlon (Australia) and Don Lipovac among
others.
During the festival, William Langton (UK) received the Guido Deiro Young
Entertainer Award. William was presented the award by our honorary guest
Count Roberto Guido Deiro (son of Guido Deiro). The Larry Pino
Inspirational Teacher Award was presented to Marjorie Konrad. The coveted
Frosini Award presented to the outstanding accordion club of the year was
awarded to the Northern California Accordion Society (NCAS). President
Vince Cukar accepted the award on behalf of his Club.
By all accounts the 2006 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention was a
success! Paul Pasquali, the event organizer, announced next years dates as
June 18 - June 21, 2007. Prices for hotel rooms and the convention will
remain the same as this year. Everyone is cordially invited to attend the
2007 Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, to celebrate 100 years
of the piano accordion in America!
To mark the 70th Anniversary of the BCA, a reunion of Teachers and Diploma holders is to be held on Sunday 24th September at Countesthorpe Village Centre, Countesthorpe, Leicester. The day will include a Question and Answer forum covering all aspects of the Examination Syllabus, a Question and Answer session with three eminent UK accordionists – Frederick Parnell, Eddie Moors and Gina Brannelli who have devoted their lives to music and the accordion in different manners.
Throughout the day there will be the opportunity to hear some talented youngsters covering various grades. There will be an exhibition of the History of the College dating back to 1936 in which thousands of accordionists have undertaken the College’s grade and diploma examinations. To mark this memorable occasion all present will receive a commemorative booklet.
French Qualifications (CNFA) for the Coupe Mondiale – France
The French national qualifications run by the CNFA (Confédération Nationale Française de l’Accordéon) for the 2006 Coupe Mondiale to be held in Norway during October were very successful, particularly for the students of Frederic Deschamps.
The national selections took place in Paris on 9 July, and 29 candidates were registered. Some 21 candidates were taught by Frederic Deschamps who was thrilled when his students gained first place in each category and all 21 students qualified.
Results:
Senior Variété: Mickael Vigneau and Julien Gonzales: 1st equal place
Junior Variété: Thibault Thépazz: 1st place
Senior Classique: Julien Gonzales: 1st place
Very extraordinary was the Junior Variété qualification of Benoit Nortier and Julie Blocher, exceptionally talented and both only 11 years old! They qualified with high marks and no-one can remember any contestants so young in this Coupe Mondiale category.
Photograph: Julien Gonzales, winner of the Coupe Mondiale Junior Virtuoso competition in 2005 and twice category winner at these qualifications.
Tradlab Perform at the Furness Tradition Music Festival - UK
Young Scottish group Tradlab, Young Scottish group Tradlab with Paul Chamberlain on accordion, took part in the Furness Tradition music festival held in Ulverston in the Lake District on 15th and 16th July. The festival takes place every year, and is a blend of traditional folk music and morris dancing. The band played at the open air market cross on Saturday afternoon, and then were the main feature of the grand concert and ceilidh held on Saturday evening in the Coronation Hall.
Tradlab are a trio of musicians from the south east of Scotland, - David Nisbet (accordion), Paul Chamberlain (accordion, piano) and Paul Murray (fiddle). For this event they were also joined by Mark Neal (drums). Formed in 2004, they combine to produce an exciting blend of contemporary Scottish music, be it for dancing or listening, and play regularly for events around Scotland and beyond. Paul Chamberlain also composes and has compositions available online.
Borut Zagoranski Completes Dip. RAM Diploma – UK
Borut Zagoranski concluded his Post Graduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London with the prestigious Dip. RAM Diploma. This is only awarded to students who graduate with a Distinction award. The award was presented by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, President of the Royal Academy of Music, at the graduation ceremony on 29 June. Picture shows Borut Zagoranski with Royal Academy accordion tutor Owen Murray.
Accordion Featured at "Skopje Summer Festival 2006" - Macedonia
Contributed by Anica Karakutovska
The evening concert of accordion students of Professor Zorica Karakutovska took place on July 12th at the Suli han - Skopje, as part of a "Skopje Summer Festival 2006". The concert was organized by the French Cultural Centre - Skopje and Directorate of Culture and Arts - Skopje.
The concert venue was in the wonderful environment Suli han - a medieval hotel built in the first half of the 15th century, currently the Faculty of Fine Arts -
Skopje, and also the Old bazaar museum.
The concert included a large variety of accordion music, with different styles, consisted of two conceptionally different parts, one classical with works from Mozart, Hendl, Rahmanjinov, Bizov,
Piazzolla, and the other entertaiment with French Musettes. Performers at the concert were accordion students from the class of Professor Zorica Karakutovska from the
Faculty of Music-Skopje, Zoran Kirjakovski, Filip Stamevski and Kosto Todorovski, and the Music High School "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj"-Skopje, Volcevski Bojan, Peric Boban, Aleksandar Kolovski and Martin Kolevski.
The fifteen minutes long applause with standing ovations from the large audience indicates this concert was spectacular and very very popular, enhancing the already great reputation of the accordion in Macedonia.
A big success attracting a large audience for the Dolci Romori Jazz Festival of which Ruggieri is the Artistic
Director.
- Closed successfully the Montreal Jazz Festival (30 June- 7 July) where Renzo Ruggieri performed with Lello Pareti e Stefano Cocco Cantini in the EGEA team.
- July 12 the Academy Musical "Voglia d'Arte" made examinations and
concert of students with M. Claudio Azzaro, Aldo Rampa and RR.
Next Events
- 16 (Atessa), 20 (Castelvetro), 23 (Pineto) July Renzo will be in concert with the famous singer Antonella Ruggiero.
- 19 July Renzo will play with Frank Marocco at the Val Tidone Festival.
- 21, 22, 23 July Renzo will be the Artistic Director of the Pineto Accordion Festival Jazz.
- from the 24 at 30 July, Renzo will be in Mexico (Durango) for an important accordion Festival.
- It's still open the registrations to the seminar (ita-eng) of Renzo Ruggieri for accordion jazz and variété, jazz for all instruments and for group music in the Val Tidone Festival from the 1 at 6 August.
Nikolai Ryskov Performs for the Romanovs - UK
On 1 July I performed at the 11th Russian Summer Ball 2006 which took place
at the Cavalry & Guards Club, 127 Piccadilly, London, W1 organised by Alexander Suscenko. Attending this prestigious event were the the Prince and the Princess Dimitri Romanov who were pictured with Nikolai Ryskov.
On July 1st and September 15th, Frederic Deschamps will have carried out a training course every two weeks with 15 pupils per session, a considerable increase compared to previous years. Only some places remain available for the week of 27 August to 02 September.
The trainees, primarily ranging between 12 and 25 years come mainly to prepare for the upcoming international contests of the: Trophée Mondial (CMA) from the 4 to 8 October, Serbia City of Castelfidardo International Competition from the 10 to 15 October Coupe Mondiale (CIA) Norway, from the 24 to 29 October.
The trainees have come from many different countries: France mainly but also Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, China, New Zealand, and others. Some privileged adults and some beginners mix with the young concert performers in order to also benefit from the new teaching techniques developed by Frederic Deschamps. "I do not make any segregation with regard to the styles and the levels of the trainees" declares Frederic Deschamps.
Full details are available on the website for this event of which Renzo Ruggieri is the Artistic Director and Peppino Principe is the Honorary President.
Program
21 July, 22:00 Pineto (Villa Filiani)
Germano Mazzocchetti Ensemble
22 July, 22:00 Pineto (Villa Filiani)
Frank Marocco Quartet
23 July, 22:00 Pineto (Villa Filiani)
Antonella Ruggiero meets Renzo Ruggieri Group
Karen Tweed Trio Tours - Norway
Karen Tweed, former all-Ireland champion Karen Tweed and accordionist in the group the Poozies is joining Sturla Eide (Hardangerfele / fiddle) and Andreas Aase (guitar) for a trio tour in Norway at the end of August. The tour dates are as follows:
28. August: Bergen
29. August: Rauland
31. August: "Kafe Filter" in Trondheim
01. September: Lunchtime concert at the county centre in Trondheim
01. September: Beitstad at Yttervik Gard
03. September: Røros in "Bergstaden Zir"
For further information, contact: Sturla Eide Mob: 413 01 778
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2006: 6th – 28th August
Contributed by Amber Masefield
As the world’s largest celebration of the arts, there is a large amount of cultural and artistic expression centered around the official festival. Traditional Scottish events are being held every night with many thousands of performances, both as solos and in groups. The main music venue, The Acoustic Music Center is proud to host a wide selection of music, including talented accordionists.
David Vernon and Dick Lee(pictured left), an Accordion and Clarinet duo performing an eclectic musical mix will be performing on the 10th, 11th, 18th, 21st, 24th, 25th of August.
Brechin, Wilkinson & Smith, a creation of beautiful melodies by accordionist Sandy Brechin, vocalist Ewan Wilkinson and fiddler Alison Smith, they will be performing on the 16th August.
Simon Thoumire & David Milligan(pictured right) dazzling displays of technical skills and invention on the concertina and the piano, performing on the 17th, 18th, 19th of August.
Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham return to the Queens Hall as the unmatched masters of accordion and fiddle, performing on the 26th, 27th of August.
New Composition for Accordion - Bratislava
The composer Peter Machajdik in 1997 wrote a piece of contemporary tonal music titled 'Five Mirrors', of approximately ten minutes duration. He is looking for an accordionist who would be interested in performing this composition. 'Five Mirrors' is published by Musica Slovaca, in Bratislava.
A new site selling a CD titled ‘Concert d'ouverture’, with sound samples. Music recorded from the La Coupe Mondiale 2004 by Marianne Melodie, of France. Purchase online.
A new site selling a CD titled ‘Variété Senior’, with sound samples. Music recorded from the La Coupe Mondiale 2004 by Marianne Melodie, of France. Purchase online.
A new site selling a CD titled ‘Variété Junior’, with sound samples. Music recorded from the La Coupe Mondiale 2004 by Marianne Melodie, of France. Purchase online.
A new site selling a CD titled ‘Classique Junior’, with sound samples. Music recorded from the La Coupe Mondiale 2004 by Marianne Melodie, of France. Purchase online.
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 6 new works for accordion available for purchase online. 'Fiesta A Siviglia', 'Capricciosa', 'Euro Polca', 'Brasilia', 'Grecian Holiday', 'Dizzy Polka'. Samples of this music are available on the site. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card.
Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) site has been updated to include a review of their 2006 festival and basic information on the upcoming 2007 Coupe Mondiale to be held in Washington DC in conjunction with the American Accordionists Association (AAA).
Gary Dahl site has been updated to include pdf samples of many of his outstanding arrangements available from the website.
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) site has been updated to include full festival schedule and basic information on the upcoming 2007 Coupe Mondiale to be held in Washington DC in conjunction with the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG).
Site updated to include information on the 'Accordion Gems by Kevin Friedrich - A Master Collection of Accordions Through Time' exhibition that is being established at the Dargaville Museum, New Zealand and offically opened on December 3rd 2006. Information includes contact information for those who might be interested in donating an instrument to this display, the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
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On 16th July, 
Yuri wrote, “that I had a double pleasure when the organizers told me that it's the first time that a classical accordionist has taken part of this event!” Yuri played violin in a duo with Jehanne and in his solo-part of the concert, he performed transcriptions.
Friedrich Lips
The seventh 
To mark the 70th Anniversary of the BCA, a reunion of Teachers and Diploma holders is to be held on Sunday 24th September at Countesthorpe Village Centre, Countesthorpe, Leicester. The day will include a Question and Answer forum covering all aspects of the Examination Syllabus, a Question and Answer session with three eminent UK accordionists – Frederick Parnell, Eddie Moors and Gina Brannelli who have devoted their lives to music and the accordion in different manners.
The French national qualifications run by the 
Results:
Young Scottish group Tradlab, Young Scottish group Tradlab with 
Borut Zagoranski Completes Dip. RAM Diploma – UK
The evening concert of accordion students of Professor Zorica Karakutovska took place on July 12th at the Suli han - Skopje, as part of a "Skopje Summer Festival 2006". The concert was organized by the French Cultural Centre - Skopje and Directorate of Culture and Arts - Skopje.
The concert included a large variety of accordion music, with different styles, consisted of two conceptionally different parts, one classical with works from Mozart, Hendl, Rahmanjinov, Bizov,
Piazzolla, and the other entertaiment with French Musettes. Performers at the concert were accordion students from the class of Professor Zorica Karakutovska from the
Faculty of Music-Skopje, Zoran Kirjakovski, Filip Stamevski and Kosto Todorovski, and the Music High School "Ilija Nikolovski-Luj"-Skopje, Volcevski Bojan, Peric Boban, Aleksandar Kolovski and Martin Kolevski.
A big success attracting a large audience for the 
Nikolai Ryskov Performs for the Romanovs - UK
On July 1st and September 15th, 
As the world’s largest celebration of the arts, there is a large amount of cultural and artistic expression centered around the official festival. Traditional Scottish events are being held every night with many thousands of performances, both as solos and in groups. The main music venue, The Acoustic Music Center is proud to host a wide selection of music, including talented accordionists.
Simon Thoumire & David Milligan(pictured right) dazzling displays of technical skills and invention on the concertina and the piano, performing on the 17th, 18th, 19th of August.
New Composition for Accordion - Bratislava