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Highlights |
2019 XXI Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, Kokkola - Finland
Friedrich Lips Performs 2nd December in Smolensk - Russia
Museum of Making Music, Special Accordion Exhibition - USA
Maugein 100th Anniversary TV Film, Tulle – France
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Push the Buttons, London Accordion Orchestra Concert - UK
Dalmation Celebration at Dargaville Museum – New Zealand
‘Meet John, 84, the ‘accordion man’ of Harpurhey’, Manchester – UK
Marie Jones 90th Birthday, Takapuna - New Zealand
Future events |
CT Tango Ensemble @ Tango Marathon, Cape Town - South Africa
Goran Stevanovic Concert, Liverpool – UK
‘Tango a Natale’ Concert, Agropoli – Italy
Erika’s Sunday Afternoon Dance Date, Montheban Gouvy – Belgium
Paolo Bertoli Orchestra Dance Gig, Borgo Val Di Taro - Italy
Ezequiel Tatich Concerts, Buenos Aires, Tigre – Argentina
Harlow Accordion Club Christmas Concert, Essex - UK
TOEAC Concert, The Hague - Netherlands
Brandon McPhee Christmas Concert, Wick - UK
Edinburgh Competition Festival Accordion Classes, Scotland – UK
33rd Woodford Folk Festival - Australia
New and Updated Sites |
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Highlights |
Editor’s Noteby Rob Howard |
  Christmas draws ever closer, and if you are on the lookout for presents for accordion enthusiasts, Accordions Worldwide can be just the place to look at this stage. On this website there are lots of CDs, DVDs, books, music books, sheet music, instruments, accessories, etc, for sale. The reviews section may prove useful.Please support our many loyal advertisers, whose quality products should meet the needs of most accordion enthusiasts. In the news there are accordion events happening in many places, and also many we at Accordions Worldwide don’t know about. Please support whatever is happening near you – keep accordion music live! Rob Howard |
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2019 XXI Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, Kokkola - Finlandby Harley Jones |
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  Video 1: Guardia Nueva;Video 2: BayanTonic duo of Lars Karlsson (diatonic) and Öivind Farmen (bayan) perform Annas Visa composed by Leif Göras. The XXI 2019 Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival runs from 14th to 17th February featuring an array of accordion performers. Artiistic Director since the inception of the festival is the highly regarded Raimo Vertainen. Festival Director Raimo Vertainen reported that over 5,000 people from children to elders attended the 2018 Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival and the 2019 festival is expected to have even larger audiences. The XX Winter Accordion Festival plans to feature the extraordinary versatility of the accordion as a musical instrument in a classical, modern, light music, plus dance, community singing and outdoor events. Sunday 10 February: Esse Quintet from St Petersburg, Russia Monday 11 February: Young students concert at the Konservatorio klo Tuesday 12 February: Children's Concerts by Mimmit Duo Wednesday 13 February: Students lunch music, Central Hospital Evening: Giorgio Dellarole (accordion - Italy), Kreeta-Maria Kentala (violin), Jani Sunnarborg (dancing, bass). Late: Minja Survonen group at Corner´s Pub Thursday 14 February: 3 daytime concerts for seniors by Seppo Lankinen Lunchtime Student Concert Evening: BayanTonic duo of Lars Karlsson (diatonic) and Öivind Farmen (bayan) and Ostrobothnia Group (12 players) performing Balkan music. Friday 15 February: School concert by BayanTonic duo - not for public. 4 daytime concerts for seniors by Seppo Lankinen Sauna in the Street with music by Seppo Lankinen Evening: Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra conducted by Tomas Djupsjöbacka with soloist, Petteri Waris (accordion). Late: Corners Pub, BayanTonic duo and duo Keke Lammassaari and Antti Janka-Murroso. Saturday 16 February: 10-13 hours, , vocalist Torikööri, Kokkolanseudun harmonikkakerho, Seppo Lankinen entertain. Evening: Guardia Nueva concert, soloist Mika Pohjonen and Jennie Storbacka, conductor Raimo Vertainen Late: Tango del Norte, Sami Pirttilahti (bandoneon), Ville Westergård (piano) Sunday 17 February: Festival ski event. |
Friedrich Lips Performs 2nd December in Smolensk - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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 For the very first time, together with Friedrich Lips (bayan) and his son Svyatoslav Lips (piano), the Chamber Orchestra of the Smolensk Philharmonic under the direction of Honored Artist of Russia Mikhail Arkadev performed works by Efrem Podgaits - Concerto # 2 Viva Voce for bayan and chamber orchestra. Picture above: Friedrich Lips, Mikhail Arkadev and Svyatoslav Lips. The program of the concert also included also works by Bach, Piazzolla and Rodriguez. Thanks to the excellent work of the Foundation for Presidential Grants, the Educational Center of Yuri Bashmet, all teachers of the Center, teachers and students of the School of Arts in Smolensk and the Smolensk region, were able to attend the masterclass of Friedrich Lips, People's Artist of Russia and Professor at RAM in Moscow. The masterclass was held at the Smolensk Philharmony. |
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Museum of Making Music, Special Accordion Exhibition - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The Museum of Making Music, Namm Building, 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, San Diego, CA, presents an accordion exhibition ‘Accordions - Expanding Voices in the USA’, which will run from December 13th to August 31st 2019. The museum is open from Tuesday-Sunday, 10am – 5pm.The exhibition includes a small historical display to demonstrate the early development of the instrument, and includes a 19th Century Busson flutina, 20th Century diatonic and “false piano” instruments from Galleazzi & Sons, a Hohner piano with curved keyboard, and a concertina and bandoneon as relatives of the accordion. There is an ‘exploded’ piano accordion, deconstructed and arranged to expose the internal mechanisms. The centerpiece of the exhibition is an array of accordions and contemporary accordionists. Instruments have been provided by Martin, Titano, Petosa, Bugari Armando, Hohner, and Maestro. On display will be personal instruments from C.J. Chenier, Renée de la Prade, Matt Hensley, and Jamie Maschler. Other players in the display include Guy Klucevsek, Alex Meixner, Cory Pesaturo (picture right), Michael Bridge, Los Tigres del Norte, and more. There will be two touchscreen displays that allow visitors to learn more about the players, the accordions, and the makers, and watch video clips of the players in action. There’s also a piece about what will drive the future of the accordion, including stories from educators, builders, retailers, and repairers. There will also be three accordions, provided by Hohner, for visitors to play. A short instructional video will guide them in putting the instrument on, making some music, and taking it back off safely and securely. There will special concerts in conjunction by accordionists at the exhibition with Cory Pesaturo (13 December, 7 pm) and later concerts by Jamie Maschler, Gabriel Hall-Rodrigues to be announced. For further information email: museum@museumofmakingmusic.org |
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Maugein 100th Anniversary TV Film, Tulle – Franceby Rob Howard |
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 The Maugein accordion company, based in Tulle, was founded in 1919, and is soon to celebrate its centenary of manufacturing accordions. Maugein is now the oldest manufacturer of accordions in France, and is run by brothers Jean, Antoine and Robert Maugein. The company is planning to produce a TV movie, directed by Mehdi Lallaoui, which will become available on DVD With his camera, Mehdi follows the accordion in all its adventures, and its use in all sorts of venues, large and small, and in orchestras. For further information email: maugein.accueil@orange.fr |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
‘Accordion Babes’ 2019 Calendar, California – USAby Rob Howard |
 The 2019 ‘Accordion Babes’ calendar, produced by Renee de la Prade, is now available. As usual, all the ladies featured are accordionists, not models, and the calendar includes a CD featuring each of them.The accordionists featured for 2019 are: Erica Mancini (cover) Onah Indigo, USA Sapo, Canada Guro von Germeten, Norway Charlotte Bessard, France Molly Kennedy, Canada Ann Savoy, USA Susan Hwang, USA Squeezebox Rosie, UK Anitta, Finland Renée de la Prade, USA Sarah Savoy, France and USA Adriana Sanchez, Brazil The calendar costs $20 (US) + postage For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Push the Buttons, London Accordion Orchestra Concert - UKby Alison Worthington |
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 Dillie Keane (picture right) requested 40 tap dancers on stage during her performance, but there was not enough room with 32 accordionist already on stage! With a little audience participation, they were not needed! Dillie Keane, who is a founding member of Fascinating Aida, joined the London Accordion Orchestra on stage for an afternoon to showcase the variety of the accordion. Singing a number of her songs, including This Ain't the Hocky Cokey Anymore, and Pudding in the Ritz it was a delightful end to the concert. The London Accordion Orchestra is fortunate to be made up of many professionals, teachers and graduated students of the Royal Academy of Music. During the concert we were able to feature Bartek Glowacki who played a transcription of Adaio from Marcellos Oboe Concerto. Illoan Sumalainen and Inio Mikeleiz Berrade who performed original works for solo accordion by contemporary composers. Aine Mcloughlin performed her own composition titled New Beginnings which featured effects and loop pedals. The first section of the concert featured the London Accordion Orchestra performing three original pieces for accordion orchestra, including World Premiere 'Just One More Dance' in memory of James Mullally. This piece draws upon the music of James' Irish heritage and brilliantly mixes this with a soulful tango influence. The program showed the huge versatility of the orchestra, the power but also the beautiful and fragile side of the instrument. Next Concert: 2 March 2019, 4pm at St Peters Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL. With special guests Slovenian Percussion Project. Tickets £12. For more information, please contact Ian Watson at: mail@londonao.co.uk Photo Credit: Paul Hudson |
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Dalmation Celebration at Dargaville Museum – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
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| On November 10th, the Northern Wairoa Maori, Maritime and Pioneer Museum in Dargaville hosted an event in their Lighthouse Function Centre to celebrate 160 years of Dalmation Settlement in New Zealand. Hundreds of people from all over the North Island of NZ attended the event, which included entertainment by accordionist and vocalist Diana Letica, the Dargaville Cultural Kolo Club & Tamburica band, the Kaitaia Cultural Club Tamburica band and the Dalmation Cultural Society Choir. In addition, the Dargaville Museum held gum washing displays throughout the afternoon. This museum features a permanent display 'Accordion Gems' by Kevin Friedrich which is an accordion collection of over 200 historic accordions and history of accordion in New Zealand. The accordion was a pominent part of the musical history of the Dalmation people in New Zealand and Kevin Friedrich was able to attend this celebration. |
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‘Meet John, 84, the ‘accordion man’ of Harpurhey’, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
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| The Manchester Evening News last month published an article about John Baxter, a local character well–known for playing the accordion in the city centre. John was once Head of Mathematics at St Gregory’s RC Grammar School (the school attended by Rob Howard in the 1960s), and in his youth was an outstanding footballer, playing for Manchester Boys whilst a pupil at St Gregory’s in the late 1940s. The article says: It's hard to get a word in edgeways talking to John Baxter. He might be 84-years-old but he still fizzes with energy, especially when it comes to the topic of music. It is one of the two great loves of his life - the other being maths. For years, John taught the subject to high school students, first at De La Salle and later St Gregory's and Xaverian College. But he always had the musical bug, and after being forced to retire early due to ill health, took up the piano and accordion with a passion. Now John 'the accordion man' is a well-known figure in many a town centre around Greater Manchester. From his home town Harpurhey to Bury or Market Street in Manchester city centre, John is a regular fixture entertaining the crowds. He says hauling his accordion around the region for days on end helps keep him young, both physically and mentally. We caught up with John to find out more about the man behind the legend: "I was born in 1934 in Ancoats. When I was 18 there was no jukeboxes in pubs, the piano would be playing," said John. "There was no computer games, no telly. I remember going to pubs like The Alliance Inn in Blackley and everybody would be singing around the piano. Songs like 'I Pass Your House with Misty Eyes' and 'Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major'. I was always into music because my sister Louise played piano, she was a brilliant musician. She used to play in the house - and my uncle could sing like Crosby. So there was music in the family. "I played football for Manchester Boys with Dennis Viollet (the Manchester United striker who scored 179 goals in 293 games between 1953-62) we were great rivals during the war years. So when I became I teacher they put me in charge of the football team. Saturday morning I would be taking the lads to matches so music had to take a back seat. As a Maths teacher, it was hard going but there was never a dull moment. You don't get time to be bored. Both my sons, Stephen and Michael have Maths degrees. "I took the accordion up originally in 1960, I had a teacher in Bolton called George Harris," said John. "But then I got back into it again after I retired - about ten years ago when I was 75. I got a new teacher, a lad called Craig Bradley, he was only 25! The first place I started busking was outside ASDA in Harpurhey. I do it for charity - I don't need the money I've got a pension. I've been asked a few times to move on by shopkeepers. Then I spoke to a policeman and they said as long as I'm doing it for charity, they can't move me on. So I got that in writing and now I can show it if anybody asks. I've had a bit of an adventure with that accordion - a lot of people know me! "People take pictures and videos of me and put them on Facebook. One time my ex-wife saw something about me on the internet and thought I had died! I'm out in Queen's Park in Harpurhey at 6 in the morning - everybody knows me as the accordion man. I've been going in and out of Manchester for about nine years, at least once a week, sometimes two or three times," said John. Sometimes some of the lads who like a drink come and ask me for a song! But mostly I try and play songs for the boys and girls - like 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. The children come along and try and press the buttons because they like the sounds... then I say 'you're going to be on X-Factor!' They like it because it's a very difficult instrument to play the accordion, and they think they're really playing. It gives me great joy to see the kids having a go. You see, we were taught music very well at school. You had to have your voice in tune with the piano. "My wife Patricia listens to me playing - many a time when I'm playing she gets so relaxed she falls asleep! I love music - it gets people out of their shell. I will keep playing as long as I can - of course!" |
Marie Jones 90th Birthday, Takapuna - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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 Some 35 family and guests enjoyed the 90th birthday of Marie Jones, long time Secretary to the New Zealand Accordion Association from its formation in 1971 to 2008. In October 2003, Marie Jones was the first person awarded the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award at the CIA Congress in Hungary for her many years of contribution to the accordion in New Zealand in her role as Secretary of the NZAA since 1971 as well as for her work towards national and international events held in New Zealand over many years. Since 2008, Marie Jones has remained active in the Accordion House Importer/Retailer managed by her son Maurice Jones. Marie Jones married into an accordion family when she married Allan Jones as you can see from the family tree above. The picture of the family above was taken two days earlier at an accordion concert where many of the family were performing. Picture above was taken by the father of Grayson Masefield, Ian Masefield, who is also an accordionist! As a celebration of this 90th, you can email: musicforaccordion@yahoo.com and receive free any album of your choice from recordings by Maurice Jones, Harley Jones. |
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Future events |
Darren Breslin Concert, Northern Ireland – UKby Rob Howard |
 On Saturday December 8th, 9.30pm, 2-row diatonic accordionist Darren Breslin performs in concert at Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, 38 Drumnakilly Rd, Omagh, BT79 0JP, Northern Ireland. Admission is free.Darren Breslin is an Irish traditional musician hailing from County Fermanagh. He is a former All Ireland Champion, which he won in 2008. Darren sparked up an interest in Irish traditional music at the tender age of 8, when he started playing with his late grandfather, Brian Breslin, who was a talented fiddle player. Darren's father Tommy also plays the fiddle and banjo, so music was an integral part of his upbringing and character. For further information email: ei.hdalunud@saloe |
CT Tango Ensemble @ Tango Marathon, Cape Town - South Africaby Rob Howard |
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| On Sunday December 9th, 9pm until 3am, the CT Tango Ensemble performs at the Tango Marathon Cape Town, St Martin Lutheran Church Hall, Long St, Cape Town, South Africa. The event itself runs from Friday December 7th to 9th. CT Tango Ensemble are Stanislav Angelov – accordion, Petrus de Beer – violin, and Charles Lazar – double bass, and Albert Combrink - piano. For further information email: music@goodmusic.co.za |
Goran Stevanovic Concert, Liverpool – UKby Rob Howard |
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| Accordionist Goran Stevanovic, from Bosnia-Herzegovina, performs at the magnificent St George’s Hall in Liverpool on Sunday afternoon December 9th, 3pm-5pm. Goran will be joining St George’s Hall own orchestra, conducted by Edward Peak, in a performance of the stirring ‘Concerto for Accordion’ by the Ukrainian composer Igor Shamo. Publicity for the concert states: “This will be a ravishing half hour with glorious melodies and dazzling brilliance from the soloist – prepare to be amazed at this astonishing level of technical and musical ability”. This concert is the latest in the Orchestra dell’Arte’s ground-breaking series of UNESCO exchange concerts. The concert also includes the stirring overture ‘The Thieving Magpie’, by Rossini, and the rollicking ‘London Symphony’ by Vaughan Williams, perhaps the jolliest depiction of that great city in music. Born in 1986, Goran Stevanovic was drawn to the accordion from an early age. In 2005 he began studying the accordion with Professor Vojin Vasovic in Bijeljina, Bosnia-Herzegovina. He developed the essential technical foundations and the accordion quickly became an integral part of his life. In 2009, Stevanovic began studying in the class of Professor Elsbeth Moser at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Hannover, Germany. Further musical influences include the teaching of Professor Walter Nussbaum, with whom he developed his understanding of interpretation and approach to contemporary music. In 2018, Stevanovic finished his studies, completing the ‘Solo Class’ degree and giving the first ever accordion concert in the series ‘Meisterstück’ at the HMTMH. |
‘Tango a Natale’ Concert, Agropoli – Italyby Rob Howard |
 A concert of tango music and songs for Christmas - ‘Tango a Natale’ - featuring accordionist Armando Rizzo and vocalist Kameliya Naydenova takes place at the Chiesa Madonna di Constantinopoli, Agropoli, on Sunday December 9th, 7.30pm.Armando Rizzo performs with many bands and orchestras in Italy, Croatia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Germany. He is active within the world of theatres, films and recording studios. |
Erika’s Sunday Afternoon Dance Date, Montheban Gouvy – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
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| On Sunday December 9th, 3pm, the popular musette accordionist Erika, known as ‘The Princess of the Accordion’, and her keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie, play for a tea dance at the ‘Au Grand Courty’, Montheban Gouvy, Belgium. Erika will be interviewed on Saturday December 8th, 2pm, on Radio Music Sambre. Erika Honorez is from Tilly, a village close to Villers La Ville in Belgium. She comes from a musical family, and received her first accordion at the age of 5 years. Erika's teacher was Mr Franz Lebrun from the Brussels Conservatory, and she studied the theory of music and classical music, and then specialized in the musette genre. Since 1981 Erika has been performing, composing, and recording. She has appeared on radio and TV in Belgium and France. Erika has recorded many CDs and DVDs, which are available through her website. For further information email: erika@erika.be |
Paolo Bertoli Orchestra Dance Gig, Borgo Val Di Taro - Italyby Rob Howard |
 On Sunday December 9th, 9.30pm, accordionist Paolo Bertoli and his orchestra perform for dancing at Borgo Val Di Taro (PR). Borgo Val di Taro is a town and comune in Emilia, Italy, in the Province of Parma, 63 kilometres from the city of Parma. Paolo Bertoli, was born in Wales, UK, of Italian parents, in 1974. He began playing the accordion at the age of seven, and later moved to Italy, where he formed a dance orchestra that performs in dance halls throughout of northern Italy. His orchestra has also played at a function in Paris, France, for many years. For further information email: info@orchestraballolischio.com |
Ezequiel Tatich Concerts, Buenos Aires, Tigre – Argentinaby Rob Howard |
 The popular accordion entertainer Ezequiel Tatich, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and known as ‘El Gringo del Acordeon’, performs during December, as follows:December 9th - Entre Rios December 12th – Federal Capital, Buenos Aires December 12th – Moreno, Buenos Aires December 15th – Plaza De Pacheco, Tigre December 17th – Ricardo Roja, Tigre December 21st – Club Rincon, Tigre December 29th - Plaza De Pacheco, Tigre |
Harlow Accordion Club Christmas Concert, Essex - UKby Rob Howard |
 Harlow Accordion Club present their Christmas concert evening on Thursday December 13th, 7pm to 10pm. The Harlow Accordion Band (MD Jean Hanger) and various soloists and duets will entertain. Admission is £4, with proceeds going to charity. All are welcome. Harlow Accordion Club meets at Sherards Hatch, Ployters Rd, Harlow, Essex CM18 7PS. For further information email: jeanhanger@icloud.com |
TOEAC Concert, The Hague - Netherlandsby Rob Howard |
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| Video: De Klassieken Thuis bij Jeroen van Veen The classical accordion duo TOEAC perform in concert at Lourdeskerk Scheveningen, Berkenbosch Blokstraat 9a, 2586 HD, The Hague, on Thursday December 13th, sharing the concert with Niek Takens (magic act). The TOEAC duo are Renée Bekkers and Pieternel Berkers. Both began accordion classes at the age of nine at the school of music in Gemert, Netherlands Their accomplishments include many competition successes, including 1st prize at the 'Premio Internazionale di Fisarmonica' in Castelfidardo, Italy in 2007. They have studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen with Geir Draugsvoll and James Crabb, and have performed in Germany, France, Belgium, England, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Turkey, China, and South Africa. For further information email: info@toeac.nl |
Brandon McPhee Christmas Concert, Wick - UKby Rob Howard |
 Shand Morino accordionist Brandon McPhee performs in concert on Friday December 14th, 7.30pm, at St Fergus Church, Wick, in the north of Scotland.Brandon McPhee, winner of many competitions including the All Scotland Championship, has forged a very successful career performing all around Scotland and Ireland. He also sings and plays the guitar, performing mainly country songs. Every Saturday he presents ‘The Brandon McPhee Hour’ music show on Caithness TV – Sky 289, Freesat 516, and Freeview 87 channels. This year he has been busy performing in ‘The Jimmy Shand Story’ at theatres in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and a CD ‘Brandon McPhee plays Jimmy Shand’ has recently been released. To date Brandon McPhee has made numerous CDs and DVDs for Pan Records. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Edinburgh Competition Festival Accordion Classes, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
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| The Edinburgh Competition Festival has introduced new accordion classes for the 2019 Festival, which takes place from 5th to 17th March. There are four levels for solo accordion players under 18 years and an Open Class for any age, including adults. The syllabus for 2019 is available at www.ecfest.org.uk Roger Robertson, chairman of the Festival, said: "We have had several excellent accordion and bandoneon players in the festival in recent years, some of whom reached the final of our Concerto Class, and we are keen to encourage more entries at all levels. "We are delighted that award-winning accordionist and teacher Paul Chamberlain has accepted the invitation to be our first specialist accordion adjudicator. Traditional or classical pieces are welcome - all at the performer's own choice. "We also run a Concerto Class competition, open to all instrumentalists (with a preliminary round on February 1st and 2nd), and a Traditional Music Class for solos and ensembles of all ages and stages which is not adjudicated." For further information email: rogercrobertson@gmail.com |
33rd Woodford Folk Festival - Australiaby Diatonic News |
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| The Woodford Folk Festival is held annually over six days and six nights, from Dec 27th through to January 1st. More than 2,000 local, national and international, artists, musicians and presenters put on over 438 acts to an audience of an estimated 132,000 people. The festival begins each year with the iconic Opening Ceremony and closes with the spectacular showcase, the Fire Event on New Year’s Day. This year will be the 33rd Woodford Folk Festival and the 24th held at Woodfordia. It is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia. The Woodford festival experience is deep, rich and colourful. It is based on a vision of inclusive and creative community, culture and tradition passed through generations, expressed through story and ceremony. The site, a former barren dairy farm, has been lovingly regenerated with over 120,000 subtropical rain forest trees, orchids, ferns and sedges, planted to create a habitat for butterflies and wildlife. Woodfordia is transformed into a village that hosts over 25,000 daily patrons, performers, stallholders, volunteers and organisers. As many as 2,680 volunteers across 162 departments are at the heart of the organisation and contribute to the setup and day-to-day running of the festival. During the event, the festival is actually the 67th largest town in Australia. Each year construction begins in early December and continues up until Christmas Day. Over 450 contractors and volunteers build the village. Many come from around the world to be part of the festival build and then stay for a week after to pull the event down. |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: SqueezinArt Holiday Special - USAby Harley Jones |
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| SqueezinArt, Unique Gifts for Accordionists and Accordion Lovers, is offering 25% off all items sitewide. This special sale is available from December 1 to December 12 only! No holiday orders will be accepted after December 12. Please contact SqueezinArt to be sure that all items you order are available. |
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