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Unique, 'Original Harmonika' für Tschaikowskys Orchestersuite Nr 2 - Russlandby Yulia Amerikova |
Dank der Initiative von Julia Amerikova und Alexander Selivanov, gab es ein bedeutendes Ereignis für Akkordeon mit Orchester am 17. Januar im großen Saal der Perm Philharmonic und am 20. Januar in der Konzerthalle Tschaikowsky in Moskau zu hören, und zwar die Suite No. 2 von Tschaikowsky mit 'Original Harmonikas'. Die "Orchestersuite Nr 2 'ist einzigartig, da im dritten Teil -' Scherzo Burlesque" - der Komponist zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte innerhalb eines Symphonie-Score diatonische Harmonikas in E einbaute. Auf besonderen Wunsch von Alexander Selivanov, hat der Akkordeonhersteller Scandalli in Italien vier passenden diatonische Harmonikas mit authentischen Spezifikation hergestellt. Die vier diatonischen Akkordeons/Harmonikas wurden von den bekannten Moskauer Akkordeonisten und internationalen Wettbewerbs Gewinnern (Bild oben) Sergey Osokin, Julia Amerikova, Maria Vlasova und Alexander Selivanov gespielt. In der Mitte des Bildes der Dirigent Vladimir Jurowski, der auch Chefdirigent des London Philharmonic ist. Diese beiden Aufführungen fanden im philharmonischen Abonnementkonzerte "Tribute to P. I. Tschaikowsky" vom legendären State Academic Symphony Orchestra "Evgeny Svetlanov"statt. Der künstlerische Leiter des Svetlanov Orchesters, der renommierte Dirigent Vladimir Jurowski, unterstützte die Idee, authentische Instrumente zu nutzen, und war sehr zufrieden mit dem musikalischen Ergebnis. Dies war das erste Mal seit der Tschaikowsky Ära, dass Instrumente, wie im Original vom Komponisten konzipiert, verwendet wurden. Bis jetzt haben wurden moderne Konzert Akkordeons verwendet worden. Die originalen diatonischen Akkordeons haben einen fundamentalen Unterschied in der Artikulation und auch eine besondere Klangfarbe erstellt. Die ursprünglichen diatonischen Akkordeons stießen auf großes Interesse sowohl bei den herkömmlichen und professionelle Mitgliedern des Publikums und dieser Versuch wurde als sehr erfolgreich erkannt, weil die Aufnahme neuer Farbklänge und Originalität den Orchesterklang bereichert. Einer der Musiker sagte, dass er durch dieses Konzert in Moskau endlich verstanden, warum Tschaikowsky diatonische Akkordeons in der Symphonie Score verwendete und seiner Meinung nach, es ein brillante Idee des großen Komponisten war! |
20. Internationale Woche des Akkordeon "Alcobaça 2016" – Portugalby Rob Howard |
Die 20. Internationale Woche für Akkordeon "Alcobaça 2015" findet 2015 vom 7. bis zum 15. Mai in Alcobaça, Portugal statt. Während der Internationalen Woche, wird auch der 21. Nationale Trophy und die 2. Akkordeon Internationalen Wettbewerbe von 13 bis 15 Mai abgehalten. Anmeldeformulare und Wettbewerbsregeln in Englisch unter: 2016 Alcobaca.pdf Der Einsendeschluss für Anmeldungen ist der 6. Mai 2016 Das Hauptziel des internationalen Wettbewerbe ist die Gelegenheit für alle jungen Akkordeonisten ihre Kenntnisse / Fähigkeiten zu zeigen und sich beurteilen zu lassen. In diesem Jahr gibt es den Vitorino Matono Preis, sowie einige seiner Werke im Wettbewerb. Vitorino Matono, im Jahre 1921 geboren, gründete das "Instituto Musical Matono", die erste Schule in Portugal, die sich konzentriert auf den Akkordeonunterricht spezifizierte. Er hat auch Hunderte von Musikwerken zusammengesetzt und wurde im Jahr 2002 mit einer öffentlichen Anerkennung der portugiesischen Regierung ausgezeichnet. Alcobaça, eine portugiesische Stadt, die sich nur 12 km vom Atlantik entfernt befindet hat beeindruckende Sehenswürdigkeiten (Bilder unten) wie Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça (Welterbe der Menschheit), Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, usw. Von Lissabon liegt Alcobaça liegt 70 km weit. Das komplette Programm (Konzerte und Meisterklassen) wird in Kürze veröffentlicht. Für weitere Informationen E-Mail Aníbal Freire, Präsident der Akkordeon Assoziation von Alcobaça, Portugal: anibalfreire@hotmail.com |
Amy Jo Sawyer spielt mit dem St. Louis Symphony, Illinois - USAby Harley Jones |
Die Akkordeonistin Amy Jo Sawyer spielte zusammen mit dem St. Louis Symphony Orchester in Powell Hall, Belleville, Illinois zur USA Premiere des Disneys Oscar-prämierten Film "Ratatouille". Foto: Gitarrist Steve Schenkel, Amy Jo Sawyer und Gitarrist Kirk Hanser mit dem St. Louis Symphony. Sara Hicks, Gewinner vieler Musikpreise, war die Dirigentin des Sinfonieorchesters mit Live-Musik zu dem Film, welche auf einem High-Definition-großen Bildschirm angezeigt wurde. Französischer Musette Akkordeon-Sound wie von Frank Marocco in der Original-Film. Amy Jo Sawyer sagte, dass sie sich "privilegiert" fühlt, Frank Marocco persönlich kennengelernt zu haben. "Er war ein wundervoller Freund, der vor drei Jahren verstarb," sagte sie. Er organisiert den Frank Marocco Akkordeon Event in Mesa, Arizona, bei dem ich fünf Jahre lang besuchte. Er mochte meine Originalmusik für Akkordeon-Orchester und entschied sich mit einem 50-köpfigen Orchester, meine Musik beim jährlichen Konzert aufzuführen. " Marocco wählte auch ihren originalen Tango "Juntos" (gemeinsam), welchen er einem Konzert im Jahr 2011 in Castelfidardo, Italien aufführte. Ein schönes und ausverkauftes Konzert für Amy Jo Sawyer zusammen mit dem St. Louis Symphony. |
Trio Fratres sind zurück auf die Bühne und präsentieren neue CD - Finnlandby Raimo Vertainen |
Nach 10 Jahren Pause kehrt das Trio Fratres auf die Konzertbühne zurück. Das Akkordeon-Trio mit Raimo Vertainen, Heikki Jokiaho und Toni Hämäläinen präsentieren indem auch eine neue CD. Trio Fratres Uraufführung ist am 17. Februar am Konservatorium Pitkänsillankatu als Teil des Kokkola Winter-Akkordeon Festivals. Trio Fratres spielte in Vergangenheit in vielen Festivals mit Konzerten in 16 verschiedenen Ländern, wo sie eine Reihe neuer Werke uraufgeführt haben, die speziell für sie komponiert wurden. Trio Fratres begeisterte das Publikum durch ihr breites und vielfältiges Repertoire und ihren musikalischen Fähigkeiten. Ihr Repertoire umfasst klassische Größen, Russische Virtuose Werke, lokale und moderne Kompositionen sowie Interpretationen der Musik von Sting und Kraftwerk. Merken SIE vor: Kokkola Winter-Akkordeon-Festival mit dem Trio Fratres vom 14. bis 21. Februar 2016 in Kokkola, Finnland. www.talviharmonikka.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordions Finally Get The Respect They Deserve, CBC Radio - Canadaby Rita Davidson Barnea |
The CBC Radio - Canada website ran an article with the heading, "Accordions Finally Get The Respect They Deserve" which was about a radio documentary by Frank Faulk titled "New Squeeze" that was broadcast on The Sunday Edition with Michael Enright. This is an excellent radio documentary which I highly recommend that you take the time to listen to. Click "Listen" above. Some excerpts and comments: There's a new breed of accordion aficionados, who make beautiful music with an instrument they have to "wear", while they play it. You will hear Michael Bridge, Alicia Baker and Alex Meixner speak about the beauty and relevance of the accordion today, the different styles of accordion music, and how it is now accepted into the halls of academia as a bona fide classical instrument, one worthy of study right up to the doctoral level. Picture left: Frank Faulk, Michael Bridge, Alicia Baker. First Michael Bridge speaks about his accordion studies and experiences. Alicia comments on her career as an accordionist, and Alex Meixner talks about his musical travels. All of them also perform for this radio program. There is now a growing wave of youthful enthusiasts, like Michael Bridge, Alex Meixner, and Alicia Baker who are embracing the old squeeze box with a new gusto, pumping out all styles of music and turning on a whole generation of young listeners to its unique sound. But it's not just among the young, that it's getting respect. "The accordion is here to stay and young people are totally accepting of the accordion. It is hip and part of our culture, world culture." |
Bill Black (1935-2016), Scotland - UKby Rob Howard |
Bill Black, born on February 7th 1935 in Perth, became one of Scotland’s most highly regarded, accomplished, and popular dance band accordionists. Bill played the Shand Morino button accordion and also the fiddle, and was self-taught. His stylish playing had a ‘lift’ and unerring sense of tempo that was always danceable. He also composed many tunes. In 1962 Bill formed his first dance band, and in 1971 became an All Scotland Accordion Champion in Perth. He also won an All Scotland fiddle championship, and is to date the only one to win to win these titles on both accordion and fiddle. The Bill Black Scottish Dance Band played for strict tempo Scottish country dancing, old time dancing and for ceilidh dancing. They played as guests in the ‘box & fiddle’ clubs, for weddings, dances, concerts and theatre shows, performed in Ireland, Denmark and Nigeria, did many BBC radio broadcasts, and made several CDs and DVDs. The typical band line-up for many years was was Bill Black – 1st accordion, Colin Johnstone – 2nd accordion, Ian Adamson - fiddle, Mabel Gray - piano, and Robert MacFadyen - drums. Over years Bill became well known for introducing younger players into his band, and there are many musicians who gained experience through playing in Bill Black’s band. Bill was also well known as the organiser, from 1979 to 2004, of the annual Stanley Ceilidh, based at the Tayside Hotel, Stanley, a festival for musicians and enthusiasts. This popular event attracted many star performers, and the proceeds went to charities. Bill’s sons Robert and Duncan Black are well known and highly accomplished piano accordion players, with musical careers of their own. Bill and his sons on accordions, plus wife Anne on piano, recorded two family CDs – ‘The Black Family Favourites’ and ‘Black Magic’. In October 2006 Bill lost the index finger of his right hand in a freak agricultural accident, but through sheer determination taught himself to play again minus his index finger. In recent times he commented: “I did my first dance in a village hall in March 1949, and I’ve played every weekend since then. If I had my life to live over I’d do it again”. Bill Black passed away peacefully on January 31st. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday February 9th, at 1pm, in Dunkeld Cathedral. Family flowers only but donations may be made at the church in aid of Bill’s favourite charity, Rachel House. |
TV: Head of Administration of Rostov-on-Don Interviewed - Russiaby Alexander Poeluev |
Published on Jan 31, 2016. This is a TV interview in Russian and includes music. Head of Administration of Rostov-on-Don, Sergei Gorban, live with a famous TV presenter Dmitry Dibrova discuss the topic of culture in the city. This includes the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships which will be held 11-17 September 2016 in Rostov-on-Don. |
Colin Campbell CD ‘The Rockfield Polka’, Oban – UKby Rob Howard |
This new CD began as a single called ‘The Rockfield Polka’ composed and played by the late accordionist Colin Campbell in support of the successful campaign to save the old Rockfield building (pictured on the CD cover) for the community. The single then evolved into an album with various types of music, from traditional Scottish tunes to classics such as ‘The Blue Danube’. The CD was finished shortly before Colin Campbell passed away in September 2015. Colin Campbell plays lead accordion, harmony accordion and midi bass, and is supported on all the tracks by his nephew Colin Forgrieve on drums, piano and accordion, and by his granddaughter Lisa Moyes on fiddle. The CD is available on the internet. Tracks: The Rockfield Polka, 6/8 Marches, The Blue Danube, The Highland Wedding, Turkey in the Straw, La Mer, MacLean of Pennycross, An Island Sheiling Song, The Can Can, March and Reel, Moon River, Marches, The Argyllshire Gathering, Spanish Gypsy Dance, Archie Menzies/High Level Hornpipe, Stack O’ Barley/Trumpet Hornpipe, Scottish Waltzes, The Black Lynn |
14 Years Ago: "Accordion Dreams" Wins Rainbow Award – USAby Rob Howard |
14 Years Ago: The Accordions Worldwide News for February 1st featured an item concerning a documentary film about the accordion-led music of the conjunto genre from Texas. Films about the accordion do not happen very often, but are reported on Accordions Worldwide when we get to know about them. This video remains available on the internet. "Accordion Dreams" Wins Rainbow Award – USA Contributed by Evy Ledesma "Accordion Dreams" (a journey into the accordion world of conjunto) was honoured recently with the "Rainbow Award" by the Great Plains Film Festival of Lincoln, Nebraska. This documentary, which was broadcast nationally in the U.S. on PBS's core schedule, is an introduction into the accordion-based conjunto music genre born in Texas. |
Future events |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Meeting, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
Brooklyn Accordion Club’s first meeting of 2016 takes place on Sunday February 7th, 3pm until 5pm, 3rd, at 61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York. All are welcome. Admission: $5 Open mic performers: Interested in performing? Please email to sign up! For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra Concert, Renfew – UKby Rob Howard |
On Tuesday February 9th, 7.30pm, the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra Concert (MD Gary Blair) performs as guests at the Renfew Accordion & Fiddle Club, Moorpark Masonic Halls, Broadloan, Renfrew PA4 0SA, Scotland. The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra has a history dating back to the early 1970s. During the 1970s, the orchestra was a dominant force in the All Britain Accordion Championships, winning competitions in all orchestra sections and many of the band members won group, duet and solo sections. The band also played many concerts, including visits France, Belgium and Canada. With the untimely death of Jimmy Blair in 1981, the band was taken over by his wife Lola, until she also died a few years later. In 2009 their son Gary Blair revived the JBAO, which has won first prizes at NAO local and UK Championships. |
Alex Meixner News and Performance Schedule, Texas, Florida - USAby Rob Howard |
US accordionist Alex Meixner has several dates in his diary for this month, one of which is his first live recording for CD and DVD. Also this month he can be seen on national TV in a commercial for Hormel pepperoni - video above. Dates include: February 5th - Mardi Gras – Ennis Style, 1216 South Paris Street, Ennis, Texas February 6th – Liederkranz Hall, 5100 Ella Boulevard, Houston, Texas February 7th – Polka Bowl 2016, video recording and performance during half time, Rifle Hall, Round Top, Texas February 9th, 7.30pm – concert (recorded live for CD and DVD), Brauntex Theater, 290 West San Antonio St, New Braunfels, Texas February 20th - German American Society Trachtenfest, 381 Orange Lane, Casselberry, Florida Alex Meixner’s high energy performances of everything from old time polkas and waltzes to more jazz and pop influenced repertoire is popular with audiences throughout North America and continues to attract new fans. Equally at home with traditional and contemporary styles, performances on several instruments, and vocals in English, German, Slovenian, Croatian, Czech, and more - his band’s reputation continues to grow. From dynamic polkas and waltzes to Gypsy folk songs to Rocktoberfest parodies, Swing, Latin and Country dance music - the dizzying array of music is perfect for everything from World Music Concerts and family friendly folk festivals to a frenetic non-stop dance party. |
Rafal Luc Classical Recital, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
Polish accordionist Rafal Luc performs in a Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society recital on Wednesday February 10th, 1.10pm, at The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS. His program will include Nicholas Martin Kollaps (2013) | Gavin Higgins Kathedrale (2013) | Peter Maxwell Davies Farewell to Stromness | Mendelssohn Chorale and Variations (Organ Sonata in D minor, Op.65, No.6) | Rameau L’Egyptienne. Rafal Luc, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, works as a chamber musician and as a soloist in the UK and Poland, and in 2011 made his USA debut at the Carnegie Hall in New York. Tickets cost £11.50, £9.50 concession, £7 student (all ticket prices include £2 booking fee); the box office telephone number is 0844 907 9000. |
Paul Chamberlain Upcoming Recitals, Drewsbury and Ripon - UKby Rob Howard |
On Wednesday 10th February, Paul Chamberlain will be making a return appearance at Dewsbury Town Hall, WF12 8DG, to perform a lunchtime concert at 12.30 pm. The last appearance in Dewsbury by Paul Chamberlain was one of the highlights of their season and many who have previously attended asked to have him back. Paul returns with a program including virtuoso music from Russia, Argentina and France. On Thursday 11th February, Paul Chamberlain will give a concert in Ripon Cathedral, Ripon HG4 1QS at 1.15pm Sheet music and two CD's available online at: Paul Chamberlain |
Roman Jbanov Concert, Vichy – Franceby Rob Howard |
Russian accordionist Roman Jbanov performs in concert on Sunday February 14th, 3.30pm, at Au Salon de la Residence le Nice et Bristol, 10 rue Georges Clemenceau, 03200 Vichy. Roman Jbanov has won numerous competitions and awards including the International Competition in Klingenthal, Germany twice, in 1995 and 1997, and the CMA Trophee Mondial in 1997. Since 1998 he has performed and recorded with Domi Emorine as the Paris Moscou Duo. |
‘From Bach to Sevdah’ Concert, Zagreb – Croatiaby Rob Howard |
‘From Bach to Sevdah’ is a concert on Sunday February 18th, 8pm, at MD Vatroslav Lisinski, Zagreb, Croatia, featuring Semir Sammy Hasic (accordion), Helena Ivezic (violin), Nataly Stanisavljevic (violin), Marijan Refko Pavletic (vocals) and Branko Glavan (keyboard). |
New and Updated Sites |
New Arrangment by Renzo Ruggieri, Medley Disco Music - Italyby Harley Jones |
Just released arrangement titled Medley Disco, catalog rrenzo508. This virutoso performance arrangement by famed Italian performer and teacher Renzo Ruggieri is ideal for international competitions. Renzo Ruggieri arranged Medley Disco for Grayson Masefield to perform and the work was premiered in Belgium last November and is now available online. Medley Disco also fits well for concerts where the performer wants to display brilliant melodic repertoire. Other Virtuoso arrangements by Renzo Ruggieri (only €10 each) rrenzo501 - Song For S.B (Solo) rrenzo502 - Volo Degli Angeli (Solo) rrenzo503 - Tango Italiano (Solo) rrenzo504 - Carnevale (Solo) rrenzo505 - Roma Tango Solo rrenzo506 - Cinema (for 4 parts and drums, electronic accordion) rrenzo507 - Variations on Säkkijärven Polka rrenzo508 - Medley Disco |
Site Updated: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Site Updated - USAby Mary Tokarski |
Site Updated: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) have updated their site to have more information about their annual July festival including the forms for the festival. |
Updated Site: Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) by Heather Masefieldby Heather Masefield |
The Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) has updated its website with the 2016 examination dates and 2016 entry fees and forms. |
Updated Site: Campbell Bettridge Video and Sample Music Added - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Updated Site: The site of Campbell Bettridge has been updated to include the video of him performing the famous and popular Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BMV 565 by J S Bach. This video has received over 1 million views and is one of them most popular classical recordings of accordion on the internet. The arrangement by Campbell Bettridge of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BMV 565 is available online at Catalog: bettridge01 and sample pages of the arrangement have now been added to the site. |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lips. Review by Joan Cochran Sommers. |
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