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Highlights |
2011 Coupe Mondiale Series Concert – Night of Parrot Accordion Ltd - China
48th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal 2011
Beltango Spring Concert Tour - Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, Croatia
Motion Trio in Concert in Tokyo - Japan
Bruno Maurice’s Concert Debut in Taiwan and China
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
All-Ireland Accordion Festival, Meath – Republic of Ireland
Friedrich Lips Performing and Teaching in Trossingen, Baden-Württemberg – Germany
Matthiew Ha Performs in his Ancestral Homeland, Hanoi – Vietnam
NZAA 40th Birthday Dinner, President John Statham to Retire – New Zealand
Future events |
Jacques Pellarin Trio Concerts – Switzerland
30th Tejano Conjunto Festival, May 11-13 in San Antonio - USA
Mazaika’s ‘Victory Day’ Concert, London – UK
Marco Lo Russo Concerts, Bergamo, Rome – Italy
South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Philadelphia - USA
Amor Quintet’s ‘Piazzolla Hour’, London - UK
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl updates 1 of his music
May Accordion USA News Online 1st May
May 2011 Diatonic News Online 1st May
May Accordion Russia News Online 1st May
Charnwood Publications releases 4 new pieces
Sebastiano Cali updated all his sites
Finland Recordings updated site
Renzo Ruggieri updated sites
Zevy Zions updated his site
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rob Howard |
 In Vienna, Austria, on May 6th 1829, Cyrill Demian (1772–1847) an Armenian-born organ builder, patented an instrument in Vienna that he called an ‘aeoline’. However, a clerk at the patents office – for reasons unknown – coined a new word by writing ‘Accordion’ on the patent. Whatever the reason, the name accordion certainly stuck!The accordion, in its various forms, quickly became popular internationally, largely due to its unrivaled ability to adapt to the national music traditions of almost every country around the world. May 6th 2009 was designated by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) as the first World Accordion Day, and Accordions Worldwide has annually published a list of registered accordion events taking place to celebrate our favourite instrument. Let us all rejoice! Perhaps the last word here should be with Cyrill Demian, whose patent application (original in German) said that his instrument would be useful “to men and women on their travels”, adding that “marches and arias and melodies” could be played on it, and that it could be mastered “after very little practice, even by someone who knows nothing of music”. Rob Howard |
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2011 Coupe Mondiale Series Concert – Night of Parrot Accordion Ltd - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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 A concert titled ‘Night of Parrot Accordion Ltd’, hosted by the Chinese Accordion Association, supported by Beijing Accordion Association and Tianjin Parrot Musical Instrument Co Ltd was held in the prestigious Capital Music Hall of the People’s Liberation Army on April 16th.Additional photos and information: 2011 Parrot Concert This concert is one of a series of activities building interest for the 2011 Coupe Mondiale, to be held in Shanghai, October 1st to 6th. This concert, also in honor of World Accordion Day, aroused broad interest from the accordion lovers, conservatories and universities across China. Additional photos: 2011 Parrot Concert This concert was designed to demonstrate the diversity of the accordion today, showing a perfect fusion of classical and popular music and different performing forms that featured accordion with other instruments such as the Chinese fiddle, saxophone, piano, etc. Apart from the 100-person player accordion team, famous accordion performers including Ziqiang Zhang and Wang Biyun (photo above) and Shirong Ren, were invited to perform. The concert concluded with the song ‘I Love You China’ with the audience, who couldn’t help singing together with great passion to the excellent accordion music. Additional photos and information: 2011 Parrot Concert |
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48th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal 2011by Harley Jones |
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| 2011 Klingenthal Results and photos of accordionists, enthusiasts and friends attending the 48th International Accordion Competition 2011 Klingenthal |
Beltango Spring Concert Tour - Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, Croatiaby Rob Howard |
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| The tango quintet Beltango, from Serbia, are Aleksandar Nikolic (bandoneon/accordion), Ivana Nikolic (piano/vocal), Jovan Bogosavljevic (violin), Bogdan Pejic (electric guitar) and Ljubinko Lazic (double bass). Beltango’s spectacular shows, involving music, song and dance, evoke the spirit of tango and Astor Piazzolla in particular and have been very popular wherever in the world they have toured. Forthcoming tour dates include: May 12th, 7pm - Jászai Mari Színház, Népház utca 5, Tatabánya, Hungary May 13th, 7.30pm - Millenáris Teátrum, II. Fény utca 20-22, Budapest May 15th, 3pm and 7pm – Nemzeti Táncszínház, I. Színház utca 1-3, Budapest May 18th, 8pm – Kulturwerkstatt, Sonthofen, Germany May 19th, 7.30pm - Pfarrkirche St. Georg, Wasserburg am Bodensee May 20th, 8pm - Theatersaal Marianum Buxheim, Memmingen May 21st, 9pm – El Social, Zurich, Switzerland May 22nd, 4pm – Konzertkirche, Neubrandenburg, Germany June 11th, 9pm – Kvamer Hotel Summer Terrace, Opatija, Croatia “I am proud that the band such as Beltango exists in the world, and plays the music of my father the way it should be played. I was sincerely surprised when I saw and heard Astor Piazzolla’s music performed with the same sensation as ours. Obviously, my father’s music is completely universal, and Beltango proves it by their marvelous interpretations.” Daniel Piazzolla, Buenos Aires, Argentina. For further information email: info@beltango.com Beltango Trilogia three CD Pack available on the Beltango website. |
Motion Trio in Concert in Tokyo - Japanby Francesca Pigini, Pigini Accordion Factory |
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 Motion Trio is an accordion trio founded in 1996 by Janusz Wojtarowicz (picture right) - leader and author of most of the compositions. Marcin G are the other two players in this trio. They have excited audiences wherever they have traveled, winning many prestigious awards. They are currently in Tokyo performing in the visually stunning La Folle Jornee Hall. They have been performing there nightly from the 30th April to 5th May after which they return to homeland Poland for further concerts. For further information Email: annawojtarowicz@akordeonus.com |
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Bruno Maurice’s Concert Debut in Taiwan and Chinaby Rob Howard |
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 French accordionist Bruno Maurice recently journeyed east to make his concert debut in Taiwan and China.Bruno writes: “First of all, the National Symphonic Orchestra of Taiwan (NSO) invited me to play at the prestigious Tchang Kai Check Hall of Taipei on April 15th, 16th and 17th. My program included personal compositions and improvisations, my ‘Light Suite’ for accordion, 2 violin and piano, my concerto ‘Cri de Lame’, for accordion and string orchestra, solo pieces and some symphonic tangos of Astor Piazzolla (‘Tres Tangos’, ‘Invierno Porteño’, ‘Adios Nonino’). http://www.accordion-space4u.com/user.aspx?user=6&item=6&id=215 ----------------------------------------------- Program notes for “Cri de Lame”: Command of the “Aquitaine Symphonists orchestra”, 2007, composition “Cri de Lame” is the convergence of Bruno Maurice different musical influences in his accordionist way: Russian modern music of the XXe century, French and tango touch, free jazz and contemporary improvisation. The particularly great affect by the composer about the extreme urgency situation of the humanity and of the planet gave him the inspiration of this music. Madness, immoderation, inescapable power of nature, life’s fragility, emergency… In the first movement, dominated by a rebellion atmosphere, the wild and chaotic spiral will vanish to leave the audience with deep breath and silence… Sidereal time. A light, a call to life. Like a silent scream in pain, the theme “Cri de Lame” becomes more and more invading and triumphs in full force. The second movement “Caresse” is a hymn to love and to tenderness. Light bath, rest, nonchalance, peace and serenity. Mitango (Tango on E) : In the third part, an introduction of the accordion on the E (MI) musical note, a free jazz rhythmic sits in the melody, giving birth to the Mitango. In the central cadence, the theme dilutes dribs and drabs into the initial “Cri de Lame” melody and then will come back in a furious dance, taken into a wild whirl. “I want To call, to scream with my accordion, to deliver a message in this extreme musical transparency. Moment of share and of sincerity, where each sound is my scream: this is the “Cri de Lame”, the scream of my soul, dedicated to my lost father.” ----------------------------------------------- Those 3 concerts, in Taipei, I-Lan and Taichung were a great success. In fact, Chinese people don’t usually to listen to the accordion played in this way, and it was a revelation for them. The National Symphonic Orchestra now will prepare a new project with me in chamber music with a special Taiwan tour for next year. For that goal, I will write new scores. The following week, I was in Beijing, by the invitation of Cao Xiao-Qing (accordion professor in that conservatory). On April 20th and 21st I played solo concerts and gave master classes at the Beijing Central Superior Conservatory. I am privileged to be one of the first French accordionists to have played there. I played a program of contemporary music and of personal compositions. I want to underline how the standard in Beijing’s Conservatory is high! I never met so many good students, without any technical problems, with a thirst of knowledge, and a lot of courage. The meeting with Chinese students and Cao Xiao-Qing was so fruitful, that we will prepare a collaboration in the future, between, Bordeaux and Beijing’s Conservatory! For further information email: brunomaurice@neuf.fr |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Kimmo Pohjonen CD ‘UNIKO’ at No 2 in World Music Charts for May 2011by Phillip Page |
 ‘UNIKO’, recorded by Finnish accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen percussionist Samuli Kosminen and the Kronos Quartet, released worldwide by Ondine, entered the WMCE (World Music) chart in April at number 6, and in May has now risen to number 2. The CD has received high praises and critical acclaim since its release, including a 5 star review and Top of the World pick from Songlines Magazine:The Kronos Quartet team up with the 'Hendrix of accordion' Pohjonen and a percussionist/electrickery specialist to produce a compelling, majestic, hypnotic work. Scored for electric accordion, string quartet and devices, it began life as a performance piece with visuals, but but works magnificently without them. ***** "UNIKO stretches out a huge canvas for a wide palette of musical and emotional experiences. The sounds are finely crafted with immaculate detail; the energy is raw and uncompromising, warm and lyrical…. an aural journey that takes the listener on a rare adventure both poignant and chilling.” (Fiona Talkington, Songlines) “The art-bandits of the Kronos Quartet team up with the 'Hendrix of accordion' Pohjonen and a percussionist/electrickery specialist to produce a compelling, majestic, hypnotic work.“ (WMCE Top 10, April 2011). “….could be soundtrack for a thriller set during a blizzard in Lapland. The soundscapes build to giant avalanches of strings and electronics, aided by the Finns' tricked out accordions and sampling. Then poof! We've just fallen off the cliff, floating downward in silence.” (Tom Huizenga, NPR). “You have to hear Uniko to believe it but imagine that Phil Spector exploded over the North Atlantic and sent a 90-foot wall of sound hurtling toward Brooklyn.” (Jerry Boyles, Sequenza 21). For further information email: pap@hoedown.com |
All-Ireland Accordion Festival, Meath – Republic of Irelandby Yvonne Chilton, Secretary Irish Acc. Assoc. |
 This open festival was held to mark the 40th anniversary of the All-Ireland Accordion Festival. It took place in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, Co. Meath (about 45 minutes from Dublin) on Saturday and Sunday 16th/17th April 2011. We had many entries from abroad including Gary Blair and his orchestra from Scotland, Ian Watson with the Morley College Orchestra from London, together with entries from France and the Ukraine, and not forgetting our friends from Northern Ireland – Clyde Johnston and his Orchestra. On Saturday morning, competitions started at 8.30am with two rooms running consecutively. We were very lucky to have Renzo Ruggieri (right), from Italy, and Ian Watson and Julie North, from London, adjudicating. We needed two rooms on Saturday morning to cater for the large entries in the younger age group/graded sections. There were up to 30 in some of these sections. 2011 All-Ireland additional report and results. 8 CD's available at Renzo Ruggieri. |
Friedrich Lips Performing and Teaching in Trossingen, Baden-Württemberg – Germanyby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
 Thanks to the cooperation of the German Harmonica Association DHV and the Hohner Conservatory it was possible to invite famous Russian artist Friedrich Lips to Trossingen. Friedrich Lips performed a well-acclaimed solo concert during the so-called ‘Easter-week’. His program included works by L. Boellmann, S. Gubaidulina, A. Cholminov, ?. Khatchaturian, R. Schuman, F. Schubert, L. Boccherini, ?. Piazzolla, J. Strauss and G. Shenderyov. The next day Friedrich Lips gave a well-attended master class at the conservatory where he focused not only on the transcription of classical works but also on the interpretation of modern accordion literature. 23 CD's available at Friedrich Lips |
Matthiew Ha Performs in his Ancestral Homeland, Hanoi – Vietnamby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Matthiew Ha, Belgian-based but of Vietnamese origin, performed in an evening concert at the ‘Factory’ Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, on April 29th. Matthieu Ha has long been established as a musician in Brussels, Belgium, where he is known both for his tenor voice and as a skilled accordionist. He has an unusual non-verbal style of vocals and his musical style does not follow any trends. Matthieu Ha has played with artists such as Yan Tiersen, Fantazio, Vialka, and leads a band called Maybreast – the name changes name according to the month! In the past 10 years, Matthieu Ha has toured in Germany, Portugal, Lithuania, Russia, China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, performing in his unique style. This concert in Hanoi was his first in Vietnam! |
NZAA 40th Birthday Dinner, President John Statham to Retire – New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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 The New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) has many plans to celebrate the 40th Anniversary year of the founding of their association. On Sunday 18th April, a dinner was held to celebrate the date that the NZAA was established exactly 40 years ago.2011 NZAA Birthday Dinner Photographs and Text This 40th birthday dinner was held at the Brigham Restaurant in Hobsonville, Auckland attended by most of the current NZAA committee and some past committee members. The NZAA, 40 years ago, grew out of the Auckland branch of the NZFOA and the minutes of the last meetings of that Auckland Branch deciding to form the new association were read. These minutes set out the reasons why the NZAA was being established and a 40th birthday celebration cake was cut by the 3 people present, who were also at the NZAA formation meeting. Marie Jones, John Statham and Dorothy Taylor (picture below). This year, NZAA President John Statham is retiring after 27 years as President. John Statham was a committee member for the 1980 Coupe Mondiale held in Auckland, was the announcer for that superbly run event, was instrumental in leading the NZAA through the start of the South Pacific Accordion Championships competitions and making the NZAA competitions an international event, inviting the Coupe Mondiale Piano Accordion winners to NZ for the last 9 years, development program for players culminating in highly placed New Zealand 2009 Coupe Mondiale competitors, led the huge success of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale in Takapuna, New Zealand and now, the NZAA 40th Anniversary Celebrations. A formal dinner to honor retiring President John Statham will be held at the end of the South Pacific Accordion Championships on the 5th June 2011. 2011 NZAA Birthday Dinner Photographs and Text |
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Future events |
Maria Kalaniemi Trio Concert, Vienna - Austriaby Harley Jones |
 The Maria Kalaniemi Trio? perform at the Theater Akzent: Theresianumgasse 18, Vienna, on May 6 th, 7.30pm. The trio, from Finland, are Maria Kalaniemi (accordion), Olli Varis (guitar), and Arto Järvelä (violin). |
Jacques Pellarin Trio Concerts – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
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| French accordionist Jacques Pellarin performs in the Geneva region of Switzerland, as follows: May 6th, 8.15pm – Hotel du Chasseron, Lake Geneva region May 7th, 8.15pm – Silverclub, Route de Berne, Lake Geneva region For further information email: jacques.pellarin@wanadoo.fr |
30th Tejano Conjunto Festival, May 11-13 in San Antonio - USAby Steven Albini, Roland Corporation U.S. |
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 As part of the 30thTejano Conjunto Festival, FR-18 Diatonic V-Accordion product specialist Lucky Joe Paredes, along with keyboard and synth product specialist Ed Diaz, will give a Roland demo and workshop on Wednesday May 11 at the Guadalupe Theater, San Antonio. On Thursday May 12 the Festival is going to induct Benny Layton (picture right), who tragically passed away in March, into the Conjunto Hall of Fame. Benny was a Roland U.S. FR-18 Diatonic V-Accordion product specialist. On Friday May 13 Roland will have a booth and display at Rosedale Park. For more information phone: (210) 271 3151 |
Mazaika’s ‘Victory Day’ Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
 The duo Mazaika, Igor Outkine (accordion, vocals) and Sarah Harrison (violin, vocals) perform a concert of favourite Russian songs from World War Two, dedicated to Victory Day in Europe, at Pushkin House, 5A Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2TA, on Monday May 9th, 7.30pm.For further information email: igor.outkine@ntlworld.com |
Marco Lo Russo Concerts, Bergamo, Rome – Italyby Rob Howard |
| Italian accordionist Marco Lo Russo performs this week, as follows: May 6th, 9pm - Teatro Lottagono, Bergamo May 7th, 8.30pm - Teatro Sacricuori, Rome For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Philadelphia - USAby Rob Howard |
 On May 14, Roland-USA V-Accordion Product Manager Steve Albini will be performing at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia, PA. Performing with Steve will be Roland-USA V-Drum Product Manager Tim Root and singer Susan Minarich. Steve's performance is co-sponsored by Roland V_Accordion dealer Liberty Bellows of Philadelphia. Liberty Bellows’ retail store is located right in the center of the festival. On both May 14 and 15 Steve will be at Liberty Bellows promoting and demonstrating all V-Accordion models. For further information: Phone: 267-815-4407 or Email: web@libertybellows.com |
Amor Quintet’s ‘Piazzolla Hour’, London - UKby Rob Howard |
 The Amor Quintet perform a concert, titled ‘Piazzolla Hour’, in honour of Astor Piazzolla’s 90th birthday at St Stephen’s Church, Gloucester Rd, London SW7 2AL, on Saturday May 7th, 7 pm. The Amor Quintet are Nikolai Ryskov – bayan, Anne-Marie Curran – violin, Firat Altay – piano, Milton Merkides – electric guitar, and Sam Ryan – double bass. For further information email: nryskov@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publications releases 4 new piecesby Charnwood Publishing |
 Charnwood Publications releases 4 new pieces by composer Coppard Sue titled, 'A Celtic Legend', catalog:M661, 'Christmas Bells', catalog:M662, 'Heathcliff', catalog:M663 and 'Once Long Ago', catalog:M664. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl updates 1 of his musicby Gary Dahl |
 Gary Dahl - author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated music titles for purchase on-line. 'Sentimental Journey ', catalog:DH0033. Samples for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
May Accordion Russia News Online 1st Mayby Alexander Selivanov |
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| May Accordion Russia News Online 1st May |
Charnwood Publications releases 4 new piecesby Charnwood Publishing |
 Charnwood Publications releases 2 new pieces by composer Brannelli Gina titled, 'Computer Talk', catalog:M654, 'The Highland Lament', catalog:M656, 1 new piece by composer Benton Henri titled, 'Banana Split', catalog:M657 and 1 new piece by composer Broadhead Karolyn titled, 'Belle Sourire', catalog:M658. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Sebastiano Cali updated all his sitesby Sebastiano Cali |
 Sebastiano Cali - accordionist, performer, maintenance, updated all his sites online. |
Finland Recordings updated siteby Finnish Accordion Institute |
| Finland Recordings updated its index page online |
CD Reviews |
Accordeon Classique CD by Camille Privatby Alessandro Mugnoz |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of “Accordeon Classique" CD, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. Performer is Camille Privat. |
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