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Highlights |
Video: Karlssons Musik Celebrates their 50th Anniversary - Swedenby Christine Johnstone |
Picture above of Karlssons Team: Sven Karlsson, Siv Karlsson, Ingvar Karlsson, Lars Karlsson, Daniel Bengtsson, Sofi Blücher. Ingvar and Siv Karlsson started the company on March 3rd 1970 and now are one of the famous families of the accordion world. This year Karlssons Musik celebrates their 50th anniversary. Their planned celebration with a big charity concert at the Kungsbacka Teater has been postponed until next year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, however they held a small celebration of their jubilee with a free livestream concert on October 4th. The video above features folk rock, traditional, classical and other musical styles, performers in the following order: Lars Karlsson Band William Leijon Annika Andersson Bengan Janson. Their main 50th anniversary celebrations will now be held on October 9th, 2021. |
CMA 70th Birthday Celebrations & Trophée Mondial 2020 Onlineby Christine Johnstone |
The Trophée Mondial 2020 will be held online from November 16th to 29th and is the 70th anniversary of the Confederation Mondiale de l’Accordeon (CMA). The competition will include the Trophée Mondial and International Open Trophy. There is no limit to the number of candidates per country or per category and registrations are now open. There will be a variety of age group classes from under 10 to adult categories for “Variety/World Music/Jazz” and “Classic”. CMA President Frédéric Deschamps (picture left) has announced that the final results for each category will be published at the end of the competition. Registration deadline is October 15th, 2020. Full details at: cma-2020.com |
Stas Venglevski "Poetic Rhapsody" World Premiere at AWAM - USAby Rob Howard |
Stas Venglevski will perform a concert on December 6th at 3pm, organised by A World of Accordions Museum in Superior, Wisconsin, USA. The concert will feature works by Bach as well as the World Premiere of his new, major work "Poetic Rhapsody". Stas ascribes the commissioning and dedicatory credits of this work to the AWAM museum. The concert’s first half will present J. S. Bach’s music including: Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 582, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Prelude and Fugue VI from the Well-Tempered Clavier (Book Two), Invention in C Minor (three-part), Inventions in E Major and B Minor (two-parts), and Chorale Prelude in F Minor, BWV 565. The second half of the concert will premiere his Poetic Rhapsody, Bill Sussman’s Zydeco Madness and music by Hiromi Uehara. Covid-19 social distancing procedures will be in place between audience members. Masks are required. In addition the concert will be live streamed and live stream links will be sent out prior to the event. For details email: aworldofaccordions@gmail.com |
“Opera Bretelles” Performs in Estavayer-le-Lac - Switzerlandby Heather Masefield |
“Opera Bretelles” have been invited to perform at the new Classic’azimut Association “Opera for All” event at the Azimut Hall in Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland on October 11th at 5pm. See poster for details. The group includes a quartet of singers (soprano Joelle Delley Zhao, mezzo soprano Marie-France Baechler, tenor Michel Mulhauser and baritone Jean-Luc Waeber) accompanied by accordionist Christel Sautaux and directed by Jérôme Maradan. Picture below: CD cover and track information, full details at: Christel Sautaux |
Duo Madera Perform “From Gershwin to Carmen” Concert, Almere - Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
Duo Madera, consisting of Leo van Lierop (accordion) and Arjanne Bruggeman (flute), will perform an afternoon concert entitled “From Gershwin to Carmen” on October 23rd at 2pm in Almere, Netherlands. This is one of a series of afternoon concerts organised by Goede Rede. The duo strive to highlight the combination of flute and accordion, both with original compositions and arrangements by performing classical, jazz and folk music. Their program will include works by Gershwin, Doppler, Rutter, Poulenc, Reis as well as Fantaisie Brilliante sur themes de Bizet's Carmen (Borne). For details email: info@goederedeconcerten.nl |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Closing date: 2020 XIII International Accordion Composition Competition “Francisco Escudero” - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
The closing date for entries into the 2020 XIII International Accordion Composition Competition “Francisco Escudero” is October 16th, 2020. The contest will take place on October 23rd, 2020 organised by the Hauspoz Euskal Herriko Akordoei Elkartea. For further details email: info@hauspoz.org Download competition information and rules: 2020Escudero.pdf |
Video: Alessandro Mugnoz "Divertimento n.2" by Adamo Volpi - Italyby Alessandro Mugnoz |
Historical video. In 2010 Alessandro Mugnoz performs, with pianist Claudia Menghi, the "Divertimento No. 2" by Adamo Volpi (1911-1980); one of the first Italian pieces in the field of chamber music with accordion. Adam Volpi, great organist, composer and teacher, was one of the reference figures of the first, now historical, literature for accordion; having dedicated to the instrument various concert pieces, recreational/didactic and chamber music, in a rather academic style, but always balanced and refined. Recorded at the Ancona, Auditorium of the Higher Institute of Musical Studies "G.B. Pergolesi", 03 December 2010. |
“Die Hosenstricker” Duo Compete in Radio Kärnten Musiparade - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
“Die Hosenstricker” Duo from Lavant Valley in Austria are currently competing in the Radio Kärnten Musiparade. Listeners vote for the best soloist or group and each week the performers receiving the highest votes progress to the next round. The video above is their latest song entered in the competition. The duo includes Thomas Koller (Styrian harmonica) and Stephan Schriefl (guitar). They enjoy playing a mix of folk music and pop to entertain their audience. |
Guy Klucevsek Appointed to Faculty of New England Conservatory - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
Guy Klucevsek has been appointed to the part-time faculty of the New England Conservatory in the Contemporary Improvisation Department as Accordion Instructor. In this innovative program, students take one private lesson a week on their instrument to advance their performance skills, and another lesson specifically in improvisation with a faculty member who plays an instrument other than the student's. Guy said that he is honored to have been appointed and excited to begin working with students. Guy Klucevsek is a very versatile and highly respected accordionist / composer who has performed and/or recorded with many mainstream musicians such as: Laurie Anderson, Bang On a Can, Brave Combo, Anthony Braxton, Anthony Coleman, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Rahim al Haj, Robin Holcomb, Kepa Junkera, the Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Present Music, Relâche, Zeitgeist, and John Zorn. Klucevsek has just Released! “Vignettes, Short Pieces for Accordion” Delightful original compositions and you can read about them at: Guy Klucevsek |
Leonard Brown ‘Requested by You 2’ Double CD, England – UKby Rob Howard |
Video: from the Leonard Brown Show Live DVD - Abba Medley ‘Requested by You 2’ is a new and very entertaining double CD from the popular accordionist Leonard Brown from Newcastle, accompanied by the equally talented Liam Stewart (piano), Duncan Findlay (guitar and banjo), John Sinton (bass), and Malcolm Ross (drums). In my opinion, this is a superb 26 tracks album, with great playing throughout from Leonard, fine arrangements, excellent sound quality, and a diverse programme that should appeal to a wide audience. Leonard, like other pro accordionists, has been performing concerts on the internet during this year’s pandemic period, and all the tracks are requests from listeners. The first track on Disc 1 is the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, getting everything off to a swinging start with this old favourite (evoking memories for me of the much missed Dermot O’Brien, who recorded this tune in similar fashion in the 1960s). This is followed by Pistonette, a valse musette composed by the late, great Maurice Larcange. Track three is a lively Trip to Bavaria dance set, first of some Scottish selections on these discs. Disc 1 includes two old chestnuts beloved of accordionists through the decades - Lady of Spain, complete with impressive bellows shakes, and the Cuckoo Waltz. There are some catchy polkas on this album, namely The Paypal Polka, Box and Fiddle Rag, and The Beer Barrel Polka, plus a catchy novelty number Skippy, written by Bobby McLeod. By way of contrast there are some well-known classical pieces – The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel), Gold and Silver Waltz (Lehar), Carnival of Venice (with variations), Flight of the Bumble Bee (Rimsky-Korsakov), and a Classical Medley (Tritsch-Tratsch Polka/Rondo a La Turca/Can Can/William Tell Overture). Other tracks include a Beatles Medley, an Elton John Medley, Hits from the Blitz, the famous hymn How Great Thou Art, and the final track We’ll Meet Again – a tribute to the late, great Vera Lynn. This album works on different levels: there is varied entertainment that should please most listeners, and there is also a high level of technique to satisfy the more discerning ear. Leonard Brown became only the second Englishman to become All Scotland Accordion Champion in 2012 (Robert Whitehead was the first in 1978). He is one of the busiest and most prolific recording accordionists in the UK, with several CDs and DVDs to his credit. For further information email: leonardbrownaccordion@gmail.com |
Over 1.13 Million Views For Campbell Bettridge Bach Performanceby Harley Jones |
New Zealand performer and teacher Campbell Bettridge has had over 1,137,788 views of his arrangement of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BMV 565, by J S Bach. This is one of the most viewed Bach compositions online that is performed by an accordionist. Congratulations to Campbell Bettridge. On his website, you can read about the arrangement and see sample pages. Catalog: bettridge01 |
International Digital Electronic Accordion Society (IDEAS) Virtual Symposium 3.0 - USAby Joseph Natoli |
Digital accordionists will soon be enjoying 2020’s largest and most expansive virtual accordion event at the IDEAS Virtual Symposium 3.0. The event will be held from November 5th to 20th, 2020! That’s 15 days of wall-to-wall learning content and concerts from some of the world’s finest digital accordionists from around the globe. Registrations are still open on the IDEAS site. Because this year is a virtual event, pricing is half of our normal live event Symposium pricing. Yet you will get 40 classes to attend (any or all of them), and 4 concerts, all of which will be recorded and posted on our Members Only section of our web site only for Symposium attendees to view well into the future. For further information: thegr8.ideas@gmail.com |
Morand Cajun Band Album "Paradis Cajun" - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Video: "Paradis Cajun" by the Morand Cajun Band. This is their 4th album on Cajun-zydeco music featuring band members Roger Morand (melodeon & vocals), Jean-Marie Ferrat (guitar, bass, and sound), Patrick Plouchart (violin & vocals) and Michel Droz (board & snare drum). For details email: roger.morand@free.fr |
Video: Nonato Lima Virtual Performance - Brazilby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist, vocalist and composer Nonato Lima (Ceará, Brazil) had the pleasure of playing virtually with his friend Eduardo Taufic (keyboards). Enjoy. |
Dan Newton "Out of my Dreams" CD Release - USAby Christine Johnstone |
Dan Newton celebrated the release of his new CD "Out of my Dreams" with a live stream on Social Media on October 5th. The CD features Dan's own compositions. During October, Dan will be streaming live every Monday at noon. You are welcome to send requests to: daddysqueeze@yahoo.com |
Future events |
Raffaele Damen Performs at Museo del Novecento, Milan - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Raffaele Damen will give a concert with Roberta Pandolfi (piano) at the Museo del Novecento, Piazza Verdi in Milan Italy on October 13th at 5.30pm for the Amici della Musica Udine. Raffaele will perform the premiere of “Time Toccata” for accordion solo written by composer Sonia Bo. This work was completed during the full lock down period, and tries to examine the subject of time with suggestive sound. Their program will also include music by Danilo Comitini, Uroš Rojko, Martin Lohse and Igor Stravinsky. The duo will give a live preview of this concert on Italian Radio3 Rai, Piazza Verdi program on October 10th at 4pm. For details email: raffaeledamen@gmail.com |
“Scythian” Entertains at Steelstacks Outdoor Dining, Pennsylvania – USAby Christine Johnstone |
“Scythian” which includes accordionist Dan Fedoryka, are the guest performers at the Steelstacks Outdoor Dining event, Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square Arts Quest Center in Bethlehem Pennsylvania on October 11th from 4pm. The band play a variety of energetic rock with an Irish-Gypsy-American blend and clever storytelling to excite their audience. Seating at this event is limited and reservations are required. Please bring a mask. Maximum of 4 people per table. All Covid-19 guidelines will be adhered to. For details phone: 610-297-7100 |
24th Season of “Gnesin Represents…” Concert Series, Moscow - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
The 24th Season of “Gnesin Represents…” concert series will be held at the RAM Gnesin concert hall in Moscow on October 17th at 2pm. Performers include duo of accordionists Arslan Aliev and Aleksej Pankratov, duo Nikita Ukrainskiy and Ilona Savina, Kirill Rusinov, Aleksandr Komelkov, Olzhas Nurlanov and Vladimir Stupnikov. Please note: Masks must be worn at all times. Entrance without a mask is forbidden. Covid-19 social distancing regarding seating arrangements will be upheld, so the number of available seats will be limited. For details phone: +7 (495) 690-24-22 |
CNIMA Accordion Workshops with Jacques Mornet and Nathalie Boucheix - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
Dates for upcoming CNIMA Accordion Workshops with Jacques Mornet and Nathalie Boucheix in Auvergne, France are: October 19th to 23rd, 2020 (for adult beginners) October 26th to 31st, 2020 December 26th to 30th, 2020 These workshops are aimed to teach students the fundamentals of Jacques Mornet's teaching method. Mornet approaches the accordion as a wind instrument thus allowing a radical improvement in the student's playing. Subjects covered will include good holding of the instrument, good use of the bellows, the study of the 4 articulations (legato, tenuto, aggressive staccato and aspired staccato) and musicality to improve technique. The workshops will be available onsite in person, or online via Skype. All Covid 19 sanitary rules are strictly respected. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: NAA 34th Annual Accordion Convention, Texas - USAby Christine Johnstone |
The National Accordion Association (NAA) will hold their 34th annual National Accordion Convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Richardson, Texas from March 17th to 20th, 2021. President Norman Seaton has confirmed the event will retain the 2020 convention them “From Classic to Folk - the World of the Accordion”. Convention and Hotel Registrations will open November 1st, 2020. For details see: NAA |
AAA Historian Joan Grauman Contributes Articles on Accordion Personalitiesby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
AAA Historian Joan Grauman has placed more of her feature articles on the AAA website at: Archival Information This month, articles on the lives of Frank Marocco, Manny Bobenrieth and Lou Coppola were added, plus two other articles including videos on Lou Coppola, bringing the current total to 23 of Joan’s articles in the AAA website at: Archival Information |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Quodlibet CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Quodlibet CD by Friedrich Lips. Review by Joan Cochran Sommers in English and German languages. |
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