On
March 5th the Croatian Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro
Tomislav Facini, (picture left, Miran Vaupotic, Davor Bobic, Tomislav
Facini) in the Concert Hall of the Croatian Music Institute in Zagreb
performed a program which included the premiere of the first accordion
concerto in the history of Croatian music - Eshaton Concerto’
for bayan and orchestra, by the composer Davor Bobic (picture right).
The soloist was Miran Vaupotic of Croatia.
The
concert was a great success, with standing ovations for both soloist
and composer, the latter being very satisfied with the performance
of his serious and demanding work.Virtuoso Miran Vaupotic (picture
left), born in Zagreb in 1982, has won the numerous competitions and
has toured extensively in East and Western Europe as a soloist, known
for his energetic and captivating performances.
‘Eshaton’
is a three-part work, with extensive development in the middle section,
designed to show to the maximum, the capabilities of the concert accordion.
The name ‘Eshaton’ has biblical origins, and the theme
of the concerto is John's ‘Revelation’. Composer Davor
Bobic, who has written over 100 works, graduated in composition, music
theory and the accordion with the State Conservatoire ‘P.I.
Tchaikowsky’ in Kiev, Ukraine.
The winner of the 2006 Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Coupe Mondiale Vladimir Vladimirovich Chernykh (picture right) from Russia performed three concerts in Portugal, from February 22nd to 27th. The concert tour was offered by the CIA member, The Conservatório Regional de Castelo Branco, as part of the prize package given to the winner of the 59th Coupe Mondiale held in Asker, Norway, and hosted by the Norsk Trekkspilleres Landsforbund (NTL).
Vladimir performed to sold out audiences at the Civil Governor's House in Castelo Branco (February 23rd), Vila Velha de Rodão Art Centre Hall (February 25th) and also gave a concert and lecture for the Music Students at the Arts Polytechnic School (February 26th).
Born in 1985 in Novomoskovsk, Vladimir graduated from his music school
accordion studies in 1998 while a student of Krasovskiy Alexander
Mihailovich. In 1998 he entered the Gnessin Institute, studying with
renowned accordionist, teacher and composer Vitatcheslav
Semionov, and in 2002 he entered Shmitke's Institute, where he
continues to study.
The
winner of other international competitions, in 2002 Vladimir won the
1st Prize at the International
Competition in Klingenthal (Germany) in the under 18 category,
and in 2005 he won 1st Prize at the International Competition in Arrasate
(Spain) sponsored by CIA member ‘Hauspoz’ Euskal Herriko
Akordeoi Elkartea.
Tour organizer Carlos Semedo is pleased to confirm that a concert tour with a minimum of three concerts in Portugal will also be offered to the winner of the 60th CIA Coupe Mondiale to be held in the USA from August 13th to 18th 2007.
Spanish performer, Ferran Martinez, a graduate of the Conservatory
of Music in Barcelona, has recorded a new CD, ‘Capricho’.
The pieces include ‘Recuerdos de la Alhambra’, ‘El
Sitio de Zaragoza’, ‘Suspiros de Espana’, ‘La
Revoltosa’, ‘Malaguena’, ‘Asturias’,
‘Granada’, ‘Bolero’, and others.
The Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood in Lancashire is again the host venue for this independent festival to be held on Easter Sunday 8th April.
This traditional Easter Accordion Festival which has been organised
now for over 20 years by Past NAO
Chairperson Gina Brannelli has always attracted many young accordionists
with categories for soloists, duets and ensembles.
Adjudicators for the festival include Raymond Bodell and Frederick Parnell. The festival will conclude with a Prize Presentation concert.
Jon Hammond writes: “The 19th annual Russian Festival took place in San Francisco from February 9th to 11th, including much really fantastic accordion music. I know that Limpopo played again and they have a fantastic accordionist, Yuri Fedorko (picture below), who dances the gopak while playing the accordion, it is amazing!”
The festival also featured Medovyi Spas, a vocal and instrumental ensemble directly from Moscow, who included a bayanist in their ensemble. Also appearing was Vladimir Riazantsev, a former principal dancer from the Moiseyev Dance Ensemble in Moscow, and a fine bayan player.
The Russian Festival presented 3 days of entertainment including Russian dancers, singers, and musicians in colorful and dynamic costumes. There was lots of Russian food and drink, and numerous vendors selling Russian arts and crafts, an incredible art exhibit and fun for the entire family.
It was like being in Russia without leaving the Bay Area.
Jean-Louis Noton Serenades Miss Beaujolais, Villefranche - France
The selection of Miss Beaujolais 2007 on March 3rd during a gala evening
in Villefranche on Saône took place to the sound of dynamic
accordionist Jean-Louis
Noton. The 800 guests were entertained by the amazing facilities
of the midi Cavagnolo
in the hands of a wonderful musician, all having a great time.
Last
week, the Monthly National magazine Accordéon
et Accordéonistes released their March issue. The review
is almost entirely focussed upon women. The teaching section by Frédéric
Deschamps presents to you innovations and different styles; for
example the last arrangement of Jerome
Richard especially arranged for the young New Zealand artist Grayson
Masefield.
The composition by Astor Paizzola is also very celebrated – Adios Nonino. Equally celebrated but in a different style (using free bass) is the recent composition of Viatcheslav Semionov, his Caprice N°3 - Polar Lights performed in france by the accordionist Jean Ribeiro.
Yet a different style is a composition by Jérôme Richard, Frédéric Deschamps and the winner of the Variety category at the Coupe Mondiale 2004 Phil Bouvier entitled “Violons espagnols”.
To receive this magazine and discover the information each issue contains, please contact Maurice Bruneau: abc.bruneau@wanadoo.fr
The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12 noon, and starts at Parnell Square in the centre of Dublin. This involves all kinds of musicians and bands, including many accordionists.
At 2pm, accordionist Sharon Shannon performs in a unique concert for children, joined by Irish dancer Colin Dunne in a performance that won’t leave anyone sitting in their seats for long! This takes place at The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, 11 A Eustace Street, Temple Bar.
At Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, the Kilfenora Ceili Band play for ceili dancing.
In the evening, Sharon Shannon performs in a special St Patrick’s Day concert at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.
On March 17th, legendary American accordionist Dick Contino joins with Tony-winning Broadway star singer, Melba Moore for two shows (4.30pm and 7.30pm) at the Sun City Sierra Ballroom, 38180 Del Webb Blvd, Palm Desert, California.
Dick Contino achieved nationwide stardom after performing ‘Lady of Spain’ on Horace Heidt's ‘Youth Opportunity Talent Show’ in 1946. Contino went on to make frequent TV appearances, including 48 on the Ed Sullivan Show alone. He still performs regularly throughout the US and remains one of the most famous accordionists in history.
8th International Accordion Festival, Vienna - Austria
The
8th International Accordion Festival is taking place in different
venues in Vienna from February 24th until March 25th. 200 accordion
artistes from around the world have been performing in a series of
concerts.
The
guest list has included Raúl Barboza, Renato Borghetti, Heinz
Ditsch, Krzysztof Dobrek, Richard Galliano, Otto Lechner, Martin
Lubenov (picture right), Madagascar All Stars, Motion Trio, Klaus
Paier, Stefan Sterzinger, Riccardo Tesi, Ulrich Kodjo Wendt, and Zamballarana,
and many others.
Seminars were held from February 18th to 2nd March in Chevannes, a small town of Loiret. There were two seminars, both directed by Frédéric Deschamps.
Senior students, children, beginners and professionals, accordionists with buttons or piano keyboards, as well as bandoneonists participated since there is no division of our instrument since we all share the same passion: music.
When Frédéric is the organiser - there are never any social barriers or limitations whatever your level – since all levels have a place. All involved in these seminars evolves and move in perfect harmony.
Adults listen to the performances of the young virtuosos preparing the world competitions, the young dream to imitate their elders of Gonzales, Chabod, Blanchard, Vinckier, Belleville, Nortier, Buirette, Durafour, Sauvain, Dehier, Teppaz, Sanfaute, Ballandier, Legrand, Théault, Blocher, Bonnot, and all improve from listening to each other.
All these young artistes duly qualified at the CIA Coupe Mondiale qualifying festival which followed these seminars.
The next seminars conducted by Frédéric are to be held from the 7th – 12th and 16th - 21st April. Information and applications - Frederic Deschamps +33 6 17 85 38 19 or frederic.deschamps@wanadoo.fr
On March 18th, at 2pm, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra perform at the Bayway Polish Club, 625 Pulaski St, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Accordionist Jimmy Sturr’s big band polka sound is popular across the USA, and has recorded with pop, rock, and country artistes such as Willie Nelson, Bobby Vinton and Delbert McClinton. One of polka's most popular artistes, 16-time Grammy winners Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra have recorded over 100 albums, play over 150 functions a year, and have a regular show on RFD-TV.
On
March 30th, at 12 noon, the London-based band She’koyokh perform
at the Royal Albert Hall, as part of the Ignite series of lunchtime
concerts.
She’koyokh is a group of young British musicians, including
an accordionist, who bring a fresh and infectious energy to Balkan
folk music from Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey, as well as an extensive
repertoire of Askenazi Jewish melodies once played in the streets
of Poland, Romania and the Ukraine.
Since premiering Kriwaczek’s ‘Concerto for Klezmer Ensemble’
at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2004, She’koyokh has toured the
UK and Europe.
Help Required
Jef De Haes, from Belgium, is looking for the ‘1st Concerto for Bayan and Orchestra in F’, by K. Myaskov.
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 5 new works for accordion available for purchase online. 'Angelina', 'Blue Lake (Lago Blu)', 'Don Miguel', 'Marching Parade', 'Russia by Night'. 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.
A new site selling a CD titled "The Last Supper" with sound samples. Music performed by Friedrich Lips. This cd has a strong Christian theme, featuring music that concerns the treachery of Judas at the Feast of the Last Supper. Purchase online.
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On
March 5th the Croatian Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro
Tomislav Facini, (picture left, Miran Vaupotic, Davor Bobic, Tomislav
Facini) in the Concert Hall of the Croatian Music Institute in Zagreb
performed a program which included the premiere of the first accordion
concerto in the history of Croatian music - Eshaton Concerto’
for bayan and orchestra, by the composer Davor Bobic (picture right).
The soloist was Miran Vaupotic of Croatia.
The
concert was a great success, with standing ovations for both soloist
and composer, the latter being very satisfied with the performance
of his serious and demanding work.Virtuoso Miran Vaupotic (picture
left), born in Zagreb in 1982, has won the numerous competitions and
has toured extensively in East and Western Europe as a soloist, known
for his energetic and captivating performances.
‘Eshaton’
is a three-part work, with extensive development in the middle section,
designed to show to the maximum, the capabilities of the concert accordion.
The name ‘Eshaton’ has biblical origins, and the theme
of the concerto is John's ‘Revelation’. Composer Davor
Bobic, who has written over 100 works, graduated in composition, music
theory and the accordion with the State Conservatoire ‘P.I.
Tchaikowsky’ in Kiev, Ukraine.
The winner of the 2006 
The
winner of other international competitions, in 2002 Vladimir won the
1st Prize at the 
Ferran Martinez New CD – Spain
The Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood in Lancashire is again the host venue for this independent festival to be held on Easter Sunday 8th April.
Jon Hammond
The Russian Festival presented 3 days of entertainment including Russian dancers, singers, and musicians in colorful and dynamic costumes. There was lots of Russian food and drink, and numerous vendors selling Russian arts and crafts, an incredible art exhibit and fun for the entire family.
It was like being in Russia without leaving the Bay Area.
The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12 noon, and starts at Parnell Square in the centre of Dublin. This involves all kinds of musicians and bands, including many accordionists.
On March 17th, legendary American accordionist Dick Contino joins with Tony-winning Broadway star singer, Melba Moore for two shows (4.30pm and 7.30pm) at the Sun City Sierra Ballroom, 38180 Del Webb Blvd, Palm Desert, California.
The
8th International Accordion Festival is taking place in different
venues in Vienna from February 24th until March 25th. 200 accordion
artistes from around the world have been performing in a series of
concerts. 
The
guest list has included Raúl Barboza, Renato Borghetti, Heinz
Ditsch, Krzysztof Dobrek, Richard Galliano, Otto Lechner, 
Seminars were held from February 18th to 2nd March in Chevannes, a small town of Loiret. There were two seminars, both directed by 
On March 18th, at 2pm, Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra perform at the Bayway Polish Club, 625 Pulaski St, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
On
March 30th, at 12 noon, the London-based band She’koyokh perform
at the Royal Albert Hall, as part of the Ignite series of lunchtime
concerts. 
