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Was planen Sie zum Weltakkordeontag? - Internationalby Harley Jones |
Was planen Sie für den Weltakkordeon-Tag, um das Akkordeon in Ihrem Land zu fördern? Der Weltakkordeon-Tag ist am 6. Mai, dem Tag, an dem das Akkordeon 1829 patentiert wurde. Der Weltakkordeon-Tag wurde 2009 von der CIA ins Leben gerufen und bisher sehr erfolgreich, was für das Akkordeon viel positive Resonanz brachte. Ein wichtiger Teil dieser Veranstaltung ist die Website des World Accordion Day. Jeder Verein, jede Gruppe, jedes Orchester, Performer und Lehrer wird gebeten, diese Veranstaltung aktiv zu unterstützen, indem er nationale und lokale Akkordeonaktivitäten an diesem Tag oder am Wochenende, vor oder nach demAkkordeon-Tages, falls dies besser in ein Programm passen sollte. Jeder kann seine Aktivitäten zum Weltakkordeon-Tag auf der Website registrieren und danach einen Bericht über seine Veranstaltung verfassen. Keine Veranstaltung ist zu groß oder zu klein. ALLE Akkordeonveranstaltungen zum Weltakkordeontag sind herzlich willkommen. Dies ist eine CIA-Promotion für das Akkordeon, an der jeder Akkordeonliebhaber teilnehmen und helfen kann, unsere Akkordeonwelt zusammenzubringen und das Akkordeon entsprechend zu fördern. |
V. Bezirkswettbewerb & Festival "Jamal-Cup", Nowosibirsk - Russlandby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
Der 5. Bezirkswettbewerb & Festival für Interpreten auf Bajan und Akkordeon, der "Yamal Cup" wird vom 11. bis 15. April 2021 in Novosibirsk, Russland auf der Basis von V.A. Koch DMSH N2 stattfinden. In diesem Jahr werden 50 junge Musiker aus verschiedenen Teilen von Jamal an dem Wettbewerb und dem Festival teilnehmen. Die Veranstaltung findet im Rahmen der regionalen Komponente des föderalen Projekts "Kreative Menschen" und des nationalen Projekts "Kultur" statt. Zusätzlich zu den Wettbewerbsklassen umfasst das Festival große Eröffnungs- und Abschlusskonzerte, an denen Jurymitglieder und Gewinner des Wettbewerbs teilnehmen, sowie Meisterklassen von Jurymitgliedern. Zu den Interpreten/Juroren gehören Yuri Shishkin, Sergey Osokin, Maria Vlasova, Edward Akhanov und viele andere. Die Wettbewerbskategorien werden wie folgt durchgeführt: Ensembles - 1. bis zu 12 Jahren 2. bis zu 15 Jahren 3. Lehrer/Schüler Solo-Klassik - 1. bis zu 9 Jahren 2. 10 bis 12 Jahre 3. 13 bis 15 Jahre Siehe Poster für Details. |
Online: Absolute Premiere Streaming 9. Mai 18:30 - Italienby Harley Jones |
Die Associazione Promotion Arte unter der Leitung von Renzo Ruggieri organisiert "Absolute Premiere", eine Neuheit im Bereich der Konzertorganisation, als Rahmenkonzert, bei dem Künstler aus der Welt des Akkordeons ihre Produktionen in der Vorschau präsentieren. Mini-Konzerte mit erstmals gespieltem Repertoire, die einen Vorgeschmack auf die bevorstehenden Konzerte/Produktionen darstellen. Die Veranstaltung wird am 9. Mai 2021 um 18:30 Uhr auf accordions.com sowie auf Facebook und Youtube gestreamt. Künstler - Vincenzo Abbracciante "Orizzonte" - Andrea Di Giacomo "Suite Abruzzen" - Marco Gemelli "Resíliens" - Roberto Palermo Ensemble "Mediterranima" - Renzo Ruggieri Mauro De Federicis "Ciak" Details zu jeder neuen Komposition auf Italienisch und Englisch: AbsolutePremiere.pdf |
Online: 11. Akordeon Art Plus 2021 Festival - Bosnien und Herzegowinaby Christine Johnstone |
Der 11. internationale Wettbewerb und das Festival Akordeon Art Plus 2021 finden dieses Jahr vom 31. Mai bis zum 3. Juni online statt. Veranstalter sind die Musikakademie der Universität Ost-Sarajevo, (Bosnien und Herzegowina). Der Wettbewerb bietet zahlreiche Kategorien für die jüngsten Wettbewerbsteilnehmer bis hin zu College- und Universitätsstudenten sowie Erwachsenen. Es gibt Kategorien für Akkordeon-Solo und Orchester. Der Einsendeschluss für elektronische Bewerbungen ist der 21. Mai 2021. Zur Wettbewerbsjury gehören Marija Vlasova (Russland), Mie Miki (Deutschland), Neža Torkar (Slowenien), Vladimir Blagojevic (Serbien), Vladimir Mandic (Serbien) und Katja Pupovac (Serbien) sowie aus Bosnien und Herzegowina - Melita Cicic, Darko Ružicic, Danijela Simovic, Vanja Albijanic, Dražan Kosoric, Rade Radovic, Danijela Gazdic, Marko Stojanovic, Miradet Zulic, Ljubo Škiljevic, Violeta Popadic, Nedim Suljic und Danijela Luketa Stanic. Download der Wettbewerbsregeln und des Anmeldeformulars in Englisch und Serbisch hier: 2021AkordeonArtRules&Entry.pdf Weitere Informationen per E-Mail: akordeonart@mak.ues.rs.ba |
Online: Internationaler Akkordeon-Wettbewerb "Konkordanz der Klänge 2021" - Lettlandby Christine Johnstone |
Der Internationale Akkordeonwettbewerb "Konkordanz der Klänge", der vom 16. bis 20. Mai 2021 stattfindet, wird von der Musik- und Kunstschule Marupe in Zusammenarbeit mit der Akkordeonklasse der lettischen Musikakademie Jazeps Vitols und dem Verband der internationalen Musikschulen "Con Anima" organisiert. Der Wettbewerb gliedert sich in zwei Phasen: Am Anfang steht ein Verfahren zur Auswahl der Teilnehmer, dann bewertet die Jury des Wettbewerbs die Leistungen der Teilnehmer anhand der vorgelegten Videoaufnahmen. Der Wettbewerb bietet verschiedene Solokategorien für Teilnehmer von Musikschulen, Teilnehmer von Musikgymnasien, Teilnehmer von Hochschulen und Teilnehmer von Musikgymnasien. Außerdem gibt es Kategorien für kleine Ensembles (2 bis 5 Teilnehmer), große Ensembles (6 bis 12 Teilnehmer) und Orchester. Einsendeschluss ist der 6. Mai 2021. Download der Wettbewerbsregeln und des Anmeldeformulars hier: 2021ConcordRules&EntryForm.pdf |
Online: William Schimmel konzertiert mit dem Orchestra of St. Luke's - USAby Christine Johnstone |
Dr. William Schimmel (Bild links) wird am 14. April 2021 mit dem Orchestra of St. Luke's (New York) eine einstündige Sinfonie in einer kammermusikalischen Version aufführen, bei der das Akkordeon durchgehend mitwirkt. Die Veranstaltung trägt den Titel "The Lark and the Titan" und beinhaltet "The Lark Ascending" von Ralph Vaughan Williams (arr. Gerigk) und die Symphonie Nr. 1 in D-Dur, "Titan" von Gustav Mahler (arr. Simon). Tito Muñoz wird das Konzert dirigieren. Live-Stream - OSLmusic.org Für Details rufen Sie bitte an: 212.594.6100 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Janne Valkeajoki, Accordion Artist of the Year - Finlandby Kimmo Mattila President, Finnish Accordion Association |
The Finnish Accordion Association has awarded Janne Valkeajoki “The Accordion Artist of the Year”. This annual award was evaluated by over 300 members who sent their decisions to the Executive Board. Janne (picture above) was born in 1992 in Helsinki and studied first in the Lappeenranta Music School, then in the Youth Department of the Sibelius Academy, where he studied accordion and conducting with teachers Matti Rantanen and Jorma Panula. Following this, Janne completed his studies at the University of Music in Würzburg, Germany, where he was trained by Stefan Hussong and Ari Rasilainen. Janne Valkeajoki is considered one of the most talented and merited musicians of his generation in Finland. A few weeks ago his first CD was released by the German publisher NEOS (picture below). This new CD is very unique and includes full complete accordion works by Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg (picture right). The CD includes well known works “Metal Work” for accordion and percussion as well as the solo work “Jeux d’anches”. Two recent works, the “Accordion Jubilees” and “Dos Coyotes” were adapted for the accordion by the composer together with Janne. In the near future, Janne will perform the world premiere of the “Sonata Concertante” by Finnish composer Kalevi Aho at the St. Michel’s Music Festival. The new concerto by Ville Raasakka will be premiered in Bamberg in Germany. The next contemporary CD will be released together with the German ensemble “Der/gelbe/klang”. Photos: © Pietari Purovaara |
Passed Away 5th April: Vincenzo Borsini - A Life for the Accordion - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Picture above: Brothers Vincenzo and Giancarlo Borsini of the family Borsini who manufactured Borsini Accordions for decades from 02 January 1922 until the company ceased operation in 2015. Giancarlo Borsini passed away on July 22, 2019. Vincenzo passed away 5th April 2021. Information about Vincenzo from the Borsini Accordion Site. Vincenzo Borsini. Born in 1934 in a flat above the Borsini accordion factory in Castelfidardo, son of Elio Borsini who had founded the Borsini factory in 1922. He finished technical school in 1944 and at the age of 10 began to study the accordion with Giovanni Marcosignori, father of the world famous, Gervasio Marcosignori. In 1946 Vincenzo began working in the mechanical department of the Borsini factory making bass mechanisms. As Vincenzo had the gift of "perfect pitch" he also studied the acoustics of the accordion, which led to him making improvements to the sound quality of the Borsini range, and by 1949 he was employed full-time in the preparation of reeds and tuning. In 1950 Vincenzo went to the U.S.A. to work as a repairman for one of the biggest accordion importers on the American West Coast and after 8 months, he moved to New York to work in the Excelsior factory, owned by his uncle Egisto Pancotti. During his time in New York Vincenzo was acquainted with many world famous accordionists of the time (Antony, Gallarini, Russ Messina, Carmen Carozza, John Molinari, Dick Contino and Frank Gaviani) and became a personal friend of none other than Pietro Deiro. Having acquired a great wealth of knowledge and experience in the U.S.A., Vincenzo returned to Italy in 1957 to work with his family and contributed to the "Borsini boom" when the factory was exporting 6000 accordions annually. The good times continued for Borsini until 1963 when the popularity of the guitar caused a worldwide slump in accordion sales. Vincenzo, however, was undaunted by this and suggested to his brothers that they should specialise in producing only quality instruments and, after adopting this policy, Vincenzo introduced major manufacturing improvements resulting in top quality professional accordions, one of the first being a Cassotto model with 2 sets of reeds and weighing only 8 kilos (as played by Nick Ariondo). During this time, Vincenzo, wishing to improve his accordion technique, was studying with the famous Adamo Volpi. In 1964, Vincenzo returned to the U.S.A. to work with Joseph Romagnoli, owner of the Italo-American Accordion Co. of Chicago where he was servicing and tuning accordions for the chain store Montgomery Ward. It was during this time that Vincenzo became a personal friend of Leon Sachs and Tony Dannon, whose influence led Vincenzo to develop a real jazz sound in the accordion. Tony Dannon was the founder and director of the Modern Accordion School of Champions and he personally taught the great Peter Soave using accordions produced and tuned by Vincenzo Borsini. In 1981, in a joint project with Lars EK of Sweden, the nostalgic accordion was produced. This was a lightweight 4-voice accordion suited to the music of Frosini and Deiro. Hohner Trossingen approached Vincenzo in 1985 to create a top quality free bass convertor line and it was during this time that he became friends with Franz Lindemeir, the quality control manager at Hohner. It was at the suggestion of Franz that Vincenzo produced an accordion for Hugo Noth, the musical director of the accordion department at the Trossingen Conservatory of Music. When Hugo played Vincenzo's accordion, he was so impressed by it that he embraced Vincenzo and refused to play any other accordion. When Hohner heard of Hugo Noth's accolade, they offered Vincenzo the job of senior technical manager with a fabulous salary, but Vincenzo declined, preferring his talent to benefit only Borsini. Further advances were made in the bass mechanism of the free bass convertor models during 1988 when Vincenzo instructed the Gamma factory in Castelfidardo on the making of what became the system for the free bass convertor. Vincenzo must surely be one of the most experienced technicians in Castelfidardo, he is also an amiable man who is now endeavouring to pass on his vast knowledge to younger employees of Borsini to encourage further developments and improvements in the accordion. He will readily co-operate with his competitors by giving them the benefit of his advice, playing their accordions and giving his opinion on possible improvements. This is Vincenzo Borsini, musician, accordion player, teacher, tuner, technician - in his spare time: a tennis player and an undoubted legend in the accordion world. |
Results: XXII All-Russian Young Performers Competition Anatoly Kusyakov, Rostov-on-Don - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
The XXII All-Russian Competition of Young Performers named after Anatoly Kusyakov was held from April 2nd to 6th at the RGC base of S.V. Rachmaninoff in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. This year, 66 performers from Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Belgorod, Tambov, Voronezh, Kazan, Simferopol, Taganrog, Shakht, Korolev, Uyar and Krylova came to compete for prizes of a prestigious music competition with a rich history. Competition results as follows: • "Accordion" Category 1A: 1st - Nikolai Korolev • "Bayan" Category 1A: 1st - Sestrakov Timur & Ivan Shishkanov • "Accordion" Category 1B: 1st - Nalivaiko Svetlana Krasnodar • "Bayan" Category 1B: 1st - Kamyansky Maxim & Yakunin Ivan • "Accordion" Category 2: 1st Vovk Maxim • "Bayan" Category 2: 1st - Alexey Chukaev • "Accordion" Category 3: Grand Prix - Egor Shapovalov • "Bayan" Category 3: 1st - Lysyakov Fedor & Horobey Denis |
3rd GAPO “Lockdown Trilogy” Underway - UKby Alison Worthington |
The 3rd and final Global Accordion Project Orchestra (GAPO) “Lockdown Trilogy” commission was launched this week. The new piece will be called “Towards the Light”. Over the past year Ian Watson has written "Horizon" and "The Challenge of Time" for the GAPO with over 200 players from 23 countries taking part. The virtual performance videos have had over 50,000 views. We hope the projects have been fun and there's always a sense of anticipation about the premiere day that we've lost with live performances not being possible. Returning to international performances is still some way off so Ian is very happy to have the time to write the last commission in the lockdown trilogy. For details email: projectorchestraglobal@gmail.com |
Prague Conservatory Accordionists at Concert Art Show – Czech Republicby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Jindrich Feld: Concerto (I, II, excerpt) - Filip Kratochvíl (accordion) and Jirí Kollert (piano). Prague Conservatory students of Ladislav Horák took part in the recent filming of the Concert Art Show held in the Martin u Hall Hamu. Martin Šulc, Martin Kot and Filip Kratochvíl played a program of Piazzolla, Angelis, Hermosa, Ganzer and Kukal. On April 10th, Filip Kratochvíl will be recording a concerto with the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra together with colleagues from the Prague Conservatory. The concerto for accordion and orchestra (1975) by Jindrich Feld (1925-2007 - picture left) was written for Danish accordionist Mogens Ellegard and premiered in 1976 in Glasgow. Vladimir Cuchran recorded it in Pilsen, Czech Republic. |
Karolyn Broadhead NAO 2021 Merit Award Recipient – UKby Christine Johnstone |
On March 28th, the NAO was proud to announce that Karolyn Broadhead (picture left) was the recipient of the 2021 NAO Merit Award. Karolyn is a well- known composer, adjudicator, teacher and BCA Examiner who began playing the accordion at the age of 9, studying at the Leicester School of Music and gaining her LBCA Performers Diploma. Karolyn has been a member of the British College of Accordionists Orchestra, including making numerous successful recordings and has arranged music for a variety of musical productions. |
Results: BCA International and National Graded Anniversary Festival 2021 - UKby Harley Jones |
The British College of Accordionists (BCA) held their International and National Graded Anniversary Festival 2021 online recently. BCA Principal, Raymond Bodell congratulated all the contestants who participated thanked the international Jury members for their efforts. Results: Senior Classical Solo: 1st Roman Puneiko (Ukraine) Junior Classical Solo: 1st Sofia Ros Gonzalas (Spain) Senior Traditional/variety Solo: 1st Dantong Wang (China) Junior Traditional/variety Solo: 1st Egor Shapovalov (Russia) Senior Ensemble: 1st Double Expression (Russia) Junior Ensemble: 1st Leonardo Rojnic & Chiara Moscarda (Croatia) All other placings are online at: British College of Accordionists |
Video: A. Mirković: Sonata No. 1 for Bayan ''Almaz'', Premiere by Vladimir Stupnikov - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Video of premiere performance of Sonata No.1 ''Almaz'' in Moscow (Russia) during Russian day of bayan, accordion and garmonica at RAM ''Gnesin'' Concert hall. The Sonata is "dedicated to my friend, Russian performer and World champion Vladimir Stupnikov" who made this premiere performance. Almaz is Russian word for brilliant. Sonata is composed after Mirkovic's visit to Almaz fund in Moscow Kremlin and programmatically describes the museum. |
Video: St Patrick's Day Mini Concert by The Irish Rovers, Nanaimo - Canadaby Harley Jones |
St Patrick's Day Mini Concert, The Irish Rovers Saturday 17 April "The Irish Rovers Celebrate St. Patrick" |
Online: 2021 Vilnius Konkursas International Accordion Competition - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
The 2021 online Vilnius Konkursas International Accordion Competition is currently underway, beginning on April 1st and will run until April 10th, 2021. The Artistic director of the competition is President of the Lithuanian Accordionists Association, Raimondas Sviackevicius (picture right). Competitor entries were viewed by 47 Jury members and results of all categories will be announced during a live online awards ceremony from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater on April 10th, 2021. |
Video: Orchestra Paolo Bertoli - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Performance of “Padre Vagabondo” by the Orchestra Paolo Bertoli in Piacenza, Italy with vocalists ELisa Pisotti and Joel. |
Cancelled: NAO UK Championships 2021 - UKby Christine Johnstone |
The NAO Executive Committee believe that all members will appreciate that the holding of the UK Championships in April 2021 is currently not viable due to the Covid-19 pandemic and have taken the decision that we will not meet in Liverpool at that time. Having considered various options including a potential online festival, the decision is that hopefully things will improve in the 1st half of the year enabling the NAO to host an “Accordion Day” event in the later part of 2021 (perhaps October or November). Of course, only time will tell if such plans can be brought into fruition and we will keep you updated. |
Video: Online Concert by Albanian Balkan Ensemble - USAby Christine Johnstone |
The Albanian Balkan Ensemble performed an online concert which included an array of Albanian folk songs and an instrumental piece displaying styles from different parts of Albania and Kosova such as the middle of Albania, Luma Province, Gjakova, and Gjilan. Performing with this ensemble is the Albanian singer, Merita Halili. The concert was recorded at the Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall at the Cali School of Music, Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey, USA |
Future events |
Online: 59th Annual New England Music Festival – USAby Peggy Falcetti |
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues across the world, the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM) is working hard once again to virtually host their 59th Annual New England Music Festival this month. This event usually draws 2,000 to 3,000 people over the competition weekend. With categories for accordion, drums, guitar, piano, voice, and violin players, there is a wide variety of musicians represented. Also, just two years ago, the ATAM added categories for adult musicians as well: accordion, drums, guitar, piano, and voice are open to all musicians age 23 and older. Entries for video submissions are now open. The judging will be undertaken from April 26th to May 2nd and the final results and awarding of trophies will be completed the week of May 9th, 2021. For details email: peggyf1944@gmail.com |
"Jammalong" in Canberra - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
“Jammalong” in Canberra is hosted by Michael and Dianne Porter and is a free, fun jam session held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Questacon Building, under the Pergola on the lake side of the building in Canberra, Australia. Their next jam session will be held on April 10th from 2pm to 6pm. All are welcome to bring a song to share and a portable chair. |
CNIMA April Workshops - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
The CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix, will run two accordion workshops this month. Dates as follows: • 19th to 24th April 2021 • 26th to 30th April 2021 The workshops are for all ages, levels and styles and will give attendees the opportunity to learn and develop their technique, how to hold the instrument correctly, balance of the bellows, the various musical touches, musicality etc. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
Online: Skerryvore “Onboard” Concert - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
Skerryvore (which includes brothers Daniel on accordion and Martin Gillespie on pipes, whistles and accordion) will hold an online concert entitled “Onboard” from the luxury floating hotel Fingal Edinburgh on April 24th, 2021. The Fingal is permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront. This historic ship, which started life as a lighthouse tender, has now been transformed into an exquisite 23 cabin boutique hotel. Skerryvore will perform live from the grand ballroom located in the former hold of the ship as well as hosting interviews inside the luxury Skerryvore Suite. Attendees will have the chance of winning an overnight stay on board this unique ship in the Skerryvore Suite, as part of the prize package for the event. As well as the live performance, Skerryvore will also take attendees on a virtual tour of Fingal’s sister ship The Royal Yacht Britannia, Her Majesty The Queen’s former floating palace, located just a few minutes’ walk away. For details email: info@skerryvore.com |
Online: "Colombian Squeezebox 101" Workshop - USAby Rob Howard |
The Brooklyn Accordion Club will run an online accordion workshop entitled "Colombian Squeezebox 101" on April 25th at 2pm (NYC time). Guest Sadys R. Espitia (picture right) from WKCR 89.9FM NY Columbia University talks about Columbian music, his radio show Sonidos Columbianos, and the diatonic button accordion. For details email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Rose City Accordion Camp in Eagle Creek - USAby Rob Howard |
The Rose City Accordion Camp will be held at the Collins Retreat Center in Eagle Creek, Oregon, USA from August 29th through to September 3rd, 2021. The event will include workshops led by Courtney von Drehle and Toby Hanson, solos, small group playing and large group jamming in the evening as well as an orchestra conducted by Beverley Fess and Gabe Hall-Rodrigues. All attendees must have had the COVID vaccination unless there is a medical condition certified by a doctor. Masks are required. For details email: bevo925@comcast.net |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: About "Play the Accordion Without Pain" by John Bonica - USAby Harley Jones |
Updated Site: John Bonica , PT CMP NZRP (New Zealand and USA), author of the book "Play the Accordion Without Pain" site updated to include new information. The book was written just prior to his unexpected passing in March 2018. |
Updated Site: Heather Gladstone QSM, Christchurch - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
An updated site for known performer Heather Gladstone QSM, honored by the New Zealand Government for her services to music. Pictures of her investiture and also being admitted as a Bard of the Gorsedh in Cornwall, UK. |
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