Sponsors
Books (Text)
eSheet (pdf file)
eTracks sound files
Sponsors
Free Services
Books (Text)
Statistics
Sponsors
Highlights |
Charles Camilleri Passes Away - Malta
Lars Hollmer Passes Away, Uppsala – Sweden
IXth International Accordion Competition ‘Ascoltate 2009’ – Lithuania
Lina Klimkaite, March 1965 to December 2008 - Lithuania
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
XVI Certamen Internacional “Arrasate Hira 2008”, Gipuzkoa - Spain
Mary Tokarski Releases New CD - USA
Tragic Death of Tom Bruno, Pennsylvania - USA
Salomon Canelo on New CD, San Miguel de Allende – Mexico
Future events |
NAO Area Festival Season - UK
Alex Meixner Concert, New York - USA
Saltarello Workshop, Accademia del Mantice, Rome - Italy
Bon Accords Concert, Stockport – UK
Victor Prieto at Latin Jazz Festival, Washington DC - USA
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publications New Accordion Compositions
Peter Piccini New Accordion Composition
MusicForAccordion.com new eSheet Pieces
Yehuda Oppenheimer Releases 2 Arrangements and 3 Compositions for Accordion.
H S Production New Music Releases
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
CIA Announces May 6th as World Accordion Dayby Kevin Friedrich |
 |
| The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) is pleased to announce the official launching of World Accordion Day. At the recent 120th CIA General Assembly of Delegates in Glasgow, Scotland, members representing almost 30 nations, unanimously voted to declare World Accordion Day as May 6th (the day the accordion was patented in 1829). On this day, the CIA will coordinate an annual world wide celebration, in a unified global crusade to promote the diversity of the accordion and the outstanding artists that play it. Already existing on a national basis, on various days, in many countries around the world, World Accordion Day is a unique global opportunity to promote public awareness of the accordion, an instrument without boundaries, one that spans all cultures and musical genres. The CIA’s first World Accordion Day will be held on 6th May 2009, the 180th birthday of the accordion. Accordionists from around the world are invited to join this inaugural celebration, while paying homage to the accordion. This International event will serve as an exciting means to bring everyone together in a unified effort to promote public awareness of the accordion and its many capabilities. Please visit the World Accordion Day website for more information, and an event registration form, which will be activated in mid January. We look forward celebrating this event with you! For information, please contact Harley Jones - CIA Public Relations Manager, e-mail: harleyaccordion@yahoo.com |
Share
Charles Camilleri Passes Away - Maltaby Tania Lukic-Marx |
 Long acknowledged Maltese composer Charles Camilleri died on Saturday morning, aged 77.Camilleri is today recognized as one of the major composers of his generation. He has over 300 compositions, half of which are recorded on some 36 CDs, sold all over the world. Charles Camilleri, composer of the 1964 CIA Coupe Mondiale Test Piece Danza Latina, organiser of the Coupe Mondiale event in 1965 in Valleta Malta and CIA Merit Award recipient in 1972. He leaves his wife Doris, son Charles, daughter Anya, 5 grandchildren in Malta and his only sister Yvonne Attard in Sydney Australia. A much fuller write up of the musical achievements of Charles Camilleri will be published shortly. Charles Camilleri Memorial |
Lars Hollmer Passes Away, Uppsala – Swedenby Guy Klucevsek |
 My dear friend and Accordion Tribe colleague, Lars Hollmer (1948-2008), passed away on December 25th 2008, at the age of 60.I first heard Lars's music in the early 1990s, through singer-songwriter and DJ extraordinaire, David Garland. I instantly recognized a kindred spirit and he was the first person I invited to be a part of what eventually became the Accordion Tribe. We began the group in 1996 and continue to this day, although there will be a gaping void on stage and in our hearts from now on. Lars was an auto-didact and multi-instrumentalist (accordion, keyboards, voice, melodica, etc.) who was completely fearless in his approach to music. He could be unabashedly sentimental (Boeves Psalm, Soon Song), write incredibly dense and complex counterpoint with the best of them (Pas de Valse, Utflykt med Damcyckle), and be mischievous and joyfully wacked-out (Circus I, II). And that's only the Accordion Tribe repertoire! He managed to record about 30 albums in all, mostly in his legendary home studio, the Chickenhouse, both solo (11), and with his many groups, including The Looping Home Orchestra and Samla Mammas Manna. What is the common element in all these? To quote Lars from the documentary film, ‘Accordion Tribe: Music Travels’ (Stefan Schwietert, Maximage Films, 2002), "It all begins here," (he says, pointing to his heart); "it may go through here eventually," (he points to his head), "but it all begins with the heart." |
IXth International Accordion Competition ‘Ascoltate 2009’ – Lithuaniaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 The 9th ‘Ascoltate 2009’ competition takers place in Prienai, Lithuania from June 3rd to 7th 2009. The Prienai region, the Veiveriai A.Kucingis School of Art and the Kaunas accordion society sponsor this unique event for young accordionists.An international jury will preside over the six categories, ranging from classical to jazz, for those born since 1990. Accordion groups as well as soloists are welcome. For further information email: mindaugas@akordeonas.lt |
Lina Klimkaite, March 1965 to December 2008 - Lithuaniaby Prof. Ulrich Schmülling of Karthause Schmülling |
 Excerpts from the German Intermusik Newspaper 2009 New Year editorial. The full Memorial text is in the Lina Klimkaite Memorials website.Dear Readers, The past Christmas and New Year holidays for us were not connected with joy or celebrations. We had to suddenly accept the death of a person who belonged to the inner circle of our publishing house: Lina Klimkaite. Her unusual personality is reason enough for us to dedicate the editorial of this edition to her alone. Nearly 20 years ago, as young Lithuanian, she found a connection to the Intermusik Schmülling music publishing company. Soon she began to develop the company division EDP notation and supervised it until the present time. Eighteen years ago she was co-founder of the Intermusik newspaper and during the last five years managed UAB Intermusic in Lithuania, the only music publishing company in that country. At the age of only 43 years, she succumbed to cancer disease, which came as a total surprise for everyone. She died in Panevezys, her place of birth, which she had left as a young girl in order at first to study in the Lithuania capitol Vilnius and later to travel to numerous countries of the world for our publishing company and to a great extent also for the accordion scene. Putting Lina’s actual loss and her importance into appropriate words is difficult for us despite all our journalistic dexterity, which we are now just beginning to realize. Intermusik, Redaktion und Verlag, Kamen • Deutschland UAB Intermusic, Musikverlag, Vilnius, Litauen Karthause Schmülling Musik-, Buch- und Medienverlage, Kamen • Deutschland. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Performance of Kusjakov's last Composition now on YouTube - Spainby Kevin Friedrich |
 The last composition of renowned Russian composer Anatoli Kusjakov, his Sonata No. 7 'Misterium' is now available for viewing on the popular YouTube site. The work is performed by Finnish concert accordionist Mika Väyrynen during a concert in Andoain, Spain on 16th November 2009, an event sponsored by the Unión de Acordeonistas de España (UNAC), organized by their President Angel Luis Castaño. This last composition of Kusjakov before his untimely passing on July 11th 2007, this work was commissioned by the Finnish Accordion Institute and dedicated to Mika Väyrynen. This new work has remained a relative mystery to the accordion world, with very few people having had the opportunity to hear it so far. The World Premiere was given by Mika at a concert at the Royal Academy of Music in London on 14 April 2008 and he has since recorded for his upcoming CD, due for release this year. To share this work with the accordion world and general public, Mika has granted permission to release this live performance on YouTube. The music will be published during this Spring, and will be available from the Finnish Accordion Institute. To watch the performance, please follow the links at http://www.accordions.com/mika/recordings.htm |
XVI Certamen Internacional “Arrasate Hira 2008”, Gipuzkoa - Spainby Rob Howard |
 |
| The Arrasate Hiria XVI competition took place in Gipuzkoa, in the Basque region of Northern Spain from December 5th to 9th. Sixteen Contestants from around the world competed in the renowned XVI Certamen Internacional “Arrasate Hira International Accordion Competition, representing 10 different countries. The International jury was made up of: Cao Xiao-Qing (China), Matti Rantanen (Finland), Claudio Jacomucci (Italy), Stefan Hussong (Germany) and Carlos Iturralde (Spain). Prizes were awarded as follows in each of the four categories: XVI Certamen Internacional Arrasate Hira 2008: 1st - Nikola Tanaskovic - Serbia (3,600 Euros and a series of concerts in 2009) 2nd -Terhi Sjöblom - Finland (1,800 euros) 3rd - Lulu Wang – China (900 Euros) Senior Category: 1st – Cristina Cortina Farràs 2nd – Nerea Pérez Beltrán 3rd – Blai Navarro Garcia Junior Category: 1st – Helena Sousa Estevez 2nd – Maria Mogas Gensana 3rd – Mikkel Cerrada Laurrauri Infant Category: 1st – Lore Amenabar Larrañaga 1st – Nestor Gascue Mateo 2nd – Asier de Miguel Anaut 3rd – Maite Miqueleiz Berrade |
Mary Tokarski Releases New CD - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
  Concert accordionist, Mary Tokarski, has recently released her second solo CD :”Music with Mary . . . with my friends!” Mary Tokarski, is an internationally renowned accordionist winning two U.S.Championship Titles and a 3rd place in the 1973 Coupe Mondiale. Mary is a Board of Directors member for the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) as well as the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG). As a member of the internationally reknowned K Trio, Mary performed in concert throughout the United States and internationally with her sister Julie and brother Walter. The K Trio included a wide variety of musical genres, and has been acclaimed as one of the finest accordion ensembles. Her 2 solo CDs have received international acclaim. Mary was chosen by New Zealand composer Gary Daverne to perform many of his compositions for accordion and symphony orchestra on his new CD release “Rhapsody”. For more information about booking a presentation, concert, or to order a CD, view the Mary Tokarski website. Order online from MusicForAccordion.com “Music with Mary . . . with my friends!” or “Music with Mary . . . for my friends!” |
Tragic Death of Tom Bruno, Pennsylvania - USAby Rob Howard |
 Tom Bruno, aged 36, accordionist, repair technician and expert tuner, who had a shop in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, died on December 30th as the result of an accident. Tom was cutting a tree down, which fell on him.Mr. Bruno began an accordion repair and restoration apprenticeship at the age of 12 under Mario Mosti, his teacher and mentor, eventually taking over the business upon Mosti’s retirement in 1997. Tom Bruno was also a fine concert accordionist, and had performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He was a great admirer of Charles Magnante, and specialized in performing Magnante's compositions and arrangements. Tom was the featured artiste when the Magnante Estate was donated to A World of Accordions Museum in Superior, Wisconsin, in 2000. He has also recorded a CD of Magnante's music. The funeral took place on January 5th at Mount Saint Peters church, and accordionist Henry Doktorski played ‘Ave Maria’ during the service. Our condolences to his family and friends. |
Salomon Canelo on New CD, San Miguel de Allende – Mexicoby Rob Howard |
 On January 4th 2009 the CD ‘Jump the Borde’, by the jazz and blues singer Scott Buck from New York, was broadcast on the San Miguel de Allende-based radio program World Accordion. The CD was recorded in San Miguel de Allende, and involved musicians Salomon Canelo (accordion), Julian Arcos (quarto), Pedro Cartas (violin), Luis Gasca (trumpet), Jorge Estrada (organ and piano), Gilberto Gonzalez (bass) and Cody Moffet (drums). For further information email: salomoncanelo@hotmail.com |
Future events |
NAMM Show 2009, Los Angeles – USAby Rob Howard |
 The NAMM Show 2009 takes place from January 15th to 18th at the Anaheim Convention Center, Los Angeles, California. This event features a variety of musical instruments and accessories. Leading jazz accordionist Eddie Monteiro will be demonstrating the Roland FR-7 along with 21 year old Cory Pesaturo from Rhode Island. For further information email: kevinj@namm.org |
NAO Area Festival Season - UKby Raymond Bodell, Charnwood Publications |
 The New Year sees three further NAO Area Festivals to be held in the next four weeks. The NAO NORTHERN IRELAND Area to be held on Saturday 24th January organised by Clyde Johnston in Larne, the NAO MIDLANDS Area on Sunday 25th January organised by Pauline Noon in Countesthorpe Hall Leicester and the NAO NORTH CENTRAL Area on Saturday 7th February organised by Harry Hinchcliffe in Victoria Hall, Saltaire Yorkshire. All these competitions are qualification festivals for the UK Championships 2009 in April and feature categories for all ages and levels including digital accordion. For full details of the NAO festival season visit the NAO website or Email: naouk@btinternet.com |
Alex Meixner Concert, New York - USAby Rob Howard |
| On January 12th, 7.30pm, accordionist Alex Meixner performs at The Bell House, 149 7th Street, Brooklyn, NY. Alex Meixner leads his band through an eclectic musical journey that includes Gypsy folk music, jazz, polkas, hoedowns, latin rhythms and more. Alex recently was nominated for a Grammy for his work with Bubba Hernandez on their album ‘Polka Freak Out’. |
Saltarello Workshop, Accademia del Mantice, Rome - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Gianni Donnini, of the group La Damigiana will be the teacher of the Saltarello workshop. Saltarello was previously many centuries before, an Italian dance improvisation practiced outdoors and in local work during breaks or at the end of farm work (harvesting, reaping, harvesting), in each season and at any time. Gianni Donnini, organettista / researcher born in Osimo and resident in Fabriano (AN), plays this music since he was twelve years of age. He had the good fortune of being able to learn the Saltarello Marches directly from older players in the local area between Osimo Jesi and Filottrano (province of Ancona) and, in turn, now, is trying to convey this important traditional cultural heritage to others. His passion for the Saltarello Marches would help to start research work in this field, going to find older players, with the aim to publish a detailed document about this particular dance. Currently Gianni holds regular courses in the provinces of Ancona and Macerata. For further information, email gianni.it@libero.it |
Bon Accords Concert, Stockport – UKby Rob Howard |
| Stockport Accordion Club’s first concert of 2009 takes place on Wednesday January 14th, with The Bon Accords, from Dumfries, Scotland, as our guest artistes. The Bon Accords are husband and wife Robin and Deryn Waitt, who play Shand Morino button accordion and piano accordion respectively. They are very experienced accordion entertainers, and well known around the Box & Fiddle clubs. The venue is Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel Street/A560 Hyde Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 1ND (J25/M60). Admission is £5, and we begin at 8pm, and all are welcome – especially support players. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Victor Prieto at Latin Jazz Festival, Washington DC - USAby Rob Howard |
| New York-based accordionist Victor Prieto has a busy time ahead, and his appearances include performing at the Latin Jazz Festival in Washington DC on January 13th, in which he will play two sets, 8pm and 10pm, at the Blues Alley Jazz Club. Future dates include; January 10th, 9pm – Bar Next Door, New York City January 11th, 8pm – Smalls, NYC January 13th, 8pm and 10pm - Latin Jazz Festival, Washington DC January 14th 8pm – Olea, Brooklyn, NY January 22nd, 8pm – Tea Lounge, Brooklyn, NY January 24th, 8pm – venue to be announced, NY February 8th, 8pm – Joe’s Pub, NYC February 12th, 8.30pm – K.B. Gallery, NYC February 17th, 18th and 19th, 11pm – Lincoln Center, NYC February 20th and 21st, 12 midnight - Lincoln Center, NYC February 26th, 8pm – La Lanterna, NYC March 1st, 8pm - venue to be announced, NY March 2nd – beginning of a tour of Europe For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Sergey Osokin new CDby Sergey Osokin |
| A new site selling a CD titled "Eternal Returning" with sound samples. Music performed by Sergey Osokin, graduate of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, class of Friedrich Lips, and winner of many international competitions including the prestigious Klingenthal international accordion competition. Purchase online. |
Charnwood Publications New Accordion Compositionsby Charnwood Publishing |
| Charnwood Publications releases 6 new pieces by ccomposer Douglas Ward titled, 'The Naughty Monkey', 'Morris Minor', 'Nuance', 'Blog 27', 'Subterfuge Two' and 'Boutique Overture'. Purchase with credit card. |
Peter Piccini New Accordion Compositionby Peter Piccini |
| Peter Piccini - accordionist, composer, arranger, performer, releases 1 new work composed for accordion, available for purchase online. 'Love Waltz'. A sample of this music is available on the site. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
MusicForAccordion.com new eSheet Piecesby MusicForAccordion.com |
| MusicForAccordion.com site releases 5 new pieces - 'Pavane', 'Souvenir D’ukraine', 'Portrait Of A Toy Soldier', 'Black Eyes Arrangement' and 'The Russian Pedlar'. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Yehuda Oppenheimer Releases 2 Arrangements and 3 Compositions for Accordion.by Yehuda Oppenheimer |
| Yehuda Oppenheimer releases 2 compositions for acccordion - 'Bingo Arrangement', 'Magic Accordion', and 2 arrangements - 'Jugoslavian Dance’, 'Gavotte and Rondo - Oppenheimer'. Samples of the music are available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. Also released, is a version of "Busy Fingers" with fingering for the piano accordion. This is the latest composition by Yehuda Oppenheimer, the well-known Israeli accordionist and educator. This is a Czerny-like Etude called "Busy Fingers"and is based on the famous Canon by Pachelbell. Yehuda Oppenheimer has warmly dedicated "Busy Fingers" to Accordions Worldwide Director busy Harley Jones. The piece will develop the ability to perform broken chords with ease. and this perpetum-like composition is very pleasant to execute and is suitable to be used as an encore. Yehuda Oppenheimer wishes all accordionists "Good Luck"with their "Busy Fingers". Samples of the music are available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
H S Production New Music Releasesby H S Productions |
| H S Production releases 6 new pieces, 'There Was A Maiden', 'The Sun Comes', 'Willow Arrangement', 'No Doubt Arrangement', 'Karolinka', and 'Vistula'. Samples of the music are available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
“Opera deLight” by Le belle voci (Sud Africa)by Alessandro Mugnoz |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of “Opera deLight”, performers: Le belle voci (Sud Africa). |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Generated in 6.5640635 / 0.0009995 / 0