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Highlights |
20ème Semaine Internationale de l’Accordéon "Alcobaça 2016" – Portugal
Amy Jo Sawyer se produit avec le St. Louis Symphony, Illinois – USA
Le Trio Fratres remonte sur scène et publie un nouveau CD - Finlande
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Accordions Finally Get The Respect They Deserve, CBC Radio - CanadaBill Black (1935-2016), Scotland - UKTV: Head of Administration of Rostov-on-Don Interviewed - RussiaColin Campbell CD ‘The Rockfield Polka’, Oban – UK14 Years Ago: "Accordion Dreams" Wins Rainbow Award – USA
Future events |
Brooklyn Accordion Club Meeting, New York – USAJimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra Concert, Renfew – UKAlex Meixner News and Performance Schedule, Texas, Florida - USARafal Luc Classical Recital, Manchester – UKPaul Chamberlain Upcoming Recitals, Drewsbury and Ripon - UKRoman Jbanov Concert, Vichy – France‘From Bach to Sevdah’ Concert, Zagreb – Croatia
New and Updated Sites |
New Arrangment by Renzo Ruggieri, Medley Disco Music - ItalySite Updated: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Site Updated - USAUpdated Site: Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) by Heather MasefieldUpdated Site: Campbell Bettridge Video and Sample Music Added - New Zealand
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich LipsHelp Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Inédit, des diatos « originaux » pour la suite orchestrale N° 2 de Tchaikovsky - Russieby Yulia Amerikova |
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 Grâce à l’initiative de Yulia Amerikova et Alexander Selivanov s’est tenu un évènement accordéon majeur, le 17 janvier dans la grande salle du Perm Philharmonic et le 20 janvier à la salle de concert Tchaikovsky de Moscou, le public a alors pu entendre la suite orchestrale N° 2 de Tchaikovsky avec des diatos « originaux ».La suite orchestrale N° 2 est unique car dans son troisième mouvement – ‘Scherzo Burlesque’ –le compositeur a utilisé pour la première fois de l’histoire des accordéons diatoniques (en Mi) à l’intérieur d’une partition symphonique. Suite à une demande spéciale d’Alexander Selivanov, l’usine Scandalli d’Italie a fabriqué un ensemble de quatre diatos correspondant exactement aux spécifications originales. Les 4 accordéons diatoniques étaient tenus par de célèbres accordéonistes moscovites vainqueurs de concours internationaux (photo ci-dessus) : Sergey Osokin, Yulia Amerikova, Maria Vlasova et Alexander Selivanov. Au centre, le chef d’orchestre Vladimir Jurowski qui est aussi le chef attitré du London Philharmonic. Ces deux concerts se tenaient dans le cadre des concerts sur abonnement "Hommage à P.I. Tchaikovsky" donnés par le légendaire State Academic Symphony Orchestra “Evgeny Svetlanov”. Le directeur artistique du Svetlanov Orchestra, le célèbre chef d’orchestre Vladimir Jurowski, a soutenu l’idée d’utiliser des instruments authentiques et fut à fait enchanté du résultat musical. C’est la première fois depuis Tchaikovsky qu’étaient utilisés des instruments tels que souhaités par le compositeur. Jusqu’à aujourd’hui, ce sont des accordéons modernes qui ont été utilisés et l’usage de diatos originaux a créé une différence fondamentale dans l’articulation et apporté également un timbre particulier. Les diatos originaux ont suscité un grand intérêt du public amateur comme professionnel et l’expérience a été reconnue comme très positive par l’ajout d’une couleur nouvelle et d’originalité au son de l’orchestre. Un des musiciens ayant assisté au concert de Moscou a déclaré qu’il avait finalement compris pourquoi Tchaikovsky avait utilisé des diatos dans la partition symphonique et qu’à son avis il s’agit d’une brillante inspiration divine du compositeur. |
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20ème Semaine Internationale de l’Accordéon "Alcobaça 2016" – Portugalby Rob Howard |
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 La 20ème Semaine Internationale de l’Accordéon "Alcobaça 2016" se tiendra du 7 au 15 mai à Alcobaça, Portugal.Le semaine internationale comprendra également le 21ème Trophée National et le 2ème concours international d’accordéon du 13 au 15 mai. Téléchargez formulaire d’inscription et règlement du concours à : 2016Alcobaca.pdf La date de clôture des inscriptions est le 6 mai 2016. L’objectif majeur du concours international est de donner à tous les jeunes accordéonistes l’opportunité d’accroître leurs connaissances/compétences. Cette année est proposé le prix Vitorino Matono. Il consiste en un concours sur des pièces imposées de Matono. Vitorino Matono, né en 1921, a fondé l"Instituto Musical Matono", la première école du Portugal centrée spécialement sur l’enseignement de l’accordéon. Il a également composé des centaines de pièces musicales et reçut une reconnaissance publique du gouvernement portugais en 2002. Alcobaça est une cité portugaise située à 12 km de l’océan atlantique avec des points de vue magnifiques (photos ci-dessous) comme le Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça (classé au patrimoine de l’humanité), Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, etc. Alcobaça est située à 70km de Lisbonne. Le programme complet (concerts et masterclasses) sera publié prochainement. Pour plus d”information email à Aníbal Freire, Président de l’Accordion Association of Alcobaça, Portugal: anibalfreire@hotmail.com |
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Amy Jo Sawyer se produit avec le St. Louis Symphony, Illinois – USAby Harley Jones |
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 L’accordéoniste Amy Jo Sawyer s’est produite avec le St. Louis Symphony Orchestra lors de la première américaine du film de Disney vainqueur de l’Academy Award ‘Ratatouille’. L’évènement se tenait au Powell Hall de Belleville, Illinois.Photo : le guitariste Steve Schenkel, Amy Jo Sawyer et le guitariste Kirk Hanser. Sara Hicks, vainqueur de plusieurs prix musicaux, dirigeait l’orchestre symphonique jouant en live la musique du film, projeté en haute définition sur grand écran. La musique nécessitait un son d’accordéon musette français comme joué par Frank Marocco sur le film original. Amy Jo Sawyer a déclaré qu’elle avait eu “le privilège” de connaître Frank Marocco. « C’était un ami merveilleux, décédé il y a trois ans de cela - dit-elle – il avait organisé le festival d’accordéon Frank Marocco à Mesa, Arizona, auquel j’assistais tous les ans depuis 5 ans. Il aimait ma musique pour orchestre d’accordéons et avait décidé de faire jouer mes pièces par l’orchestre de 50 membres à chaque concert annuel ». Marocco avait aussi choisi d’interpréter son tango ‘Juntos’ (Ensemble), lors d’un concert qu’il avait dirigé en 2011 à Castelfidardo, Italie. Amy Jo Sawyer a adoré jouer avec le St. Louis Symphony pour ce concert affichant complet. |
Le Trio Fratres remonte sur scène et publie un nouveau CD - Finlandeby Raimo Vertainen |
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 Après 10 ans de pause, le Trio Fratres retrouve la scène. Le trio d’accordéons de Raimo Vertainen, Heikki Jokiaho et Toni Hämäläinen commémorera son retour sur scène en publiant un nouveau CD.Le premier récital du trio Fratres sera le 17 février au conservatoire Pitkänsillankatu dans le cadre du Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival. Le trio Fratres s’était précédemment produit dans de grands festivals et concerts dans 16 pays et avait également donné nombres de premières d’œuvres spécialement composées pour lui. Le trio Fratres a séduit des publics variés à travers un répertoire divers et de superbes talents musicaux. Son répertoire comprend de grands classiques, des oeuvres russes virtuoses, des compositions folks comme modernes ainsi que des titres de Sting et Kraftwerk. Vous êtes invités à écouter le trio Fratres au prochain Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival qui court du 14 au 21 février 2016 à Kokkola, Finlande www.talviharmonikka.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
by Rita Davidson Barnea
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 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." |
by Rob Howard
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 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. |
by Alexander Poeluev
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| 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. |
by Rob Howard
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 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 |
by Rob Howard
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 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 |
by Rob Howard
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 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 |
by Rob Howard
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| 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. |
by Rob Howard
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 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. |
by Rob Howard
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 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. |
by Rob Howard
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 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 |
by Rob Howard
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 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. |
by Rob Howard
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| ‘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 |
by Harley Jones
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 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 |
by Mary Tokarski
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| 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. |
by Heather Masefield
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 The Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand (AEBNZ) has updated its website with the 2016 examination dates and 2016 entry fees and forms. |
by Harley Jones
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 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 |
by Joan C. Sommers
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 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lips. Review by Joan Cochran Sommers. |
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