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Highlights |
SMAAC Developed Online Accordion Examination Syllabus, Shanghai - China
2020 PIF Castelfidardo International Finalists - Italy
2020 PIF Castelfidardo Program - Italy
Veli Kujala Awarded “Composer of the Year” - Finland
Accordion Concert Osimo / Castelfidardo - Italy
Kevin Friedrich Features in Northland Newspaper – New Zealand
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
India Smith Records her UK Championships Programme During Lockdown – Scotland
Accordionist Luka Esteves, CNIMA Alumni - France
ATAM 58th New England Virtual Music Competition – USA
Future events |
4th World Music Brunch with Veronika Todorova Band, Limburg - Germany
Ghenadie Rotari at “Classic for Teens” Concert - Romania
“Rusty Creek” Entertains at MacLean Park - Canada
Ian Lowthian Online Music Weekends - UK
Good Habits Duo Perform in Hamilton – New Zealand
Ladom Ensemble Royal Conservatory of Music Concert, Toronto - Canada
18th Irish Folk Music Course in Fürsteneck – Germany
Zydeco and Blues Workshop & Concert with Bruce Sunpie Barnes - USA
20th National Accordion Festival – France
New and Updated Sites |
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Daily Reports: 2020 PIF Castelfidardo International - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| Daily Reports by Accordions Worldwide including results, pictures and video is online at: 2020Castelfidardo See the rules, list of Finalists, program and results etc. at 2020Castelfidardo Video Opening concert at: http://www.accordions.com/pifcastelfidardo/2020/16.htm Video Premio Round 1 at: http://www.accordions.com/pifcastelfidardo/2020/17.htm Video Jazz and Virtuoso at: http://www.accordions.com/pifcastelfidardo/2020/18.htm |
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SMAAC Developed Online Accordion Examination Syllabus, Shanghai - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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  Due to the COVID-19 epidemic this year the Shanghai Musicians Association's accordion teaching and examination activities have been affected. In the first half of this year, the Shanghai Musicians Association Accordion Committee led by well known teacher Crystal Wang has developed an online grading app in accordance with educational requirements.Since this examination is the first time that the Accordion Professional Committee has tried online operations, those sitting examinations and the parents are requested to pay attention for relevant announcements: The 2020 Shanghai Music Association Accordion Committee has developed an online examination Syllabus for all accordion enthusiasts across China. Everyone is welcome to register and several thousand applicants are expected. The 2020 Shanghai Music Association accordion examinations will be held during the last quarter of 2020. The 2020 Shanghai Music Association accordion examination repertoire will use the "Accordion Examination Collection" (set 6) published by Shanghai Music Publishing House. Examination entry information and dates will be announced in the near future. Contact SMAAC Deputy Secretary Nova Wan Tel: 13764223060. |
2020 PIF Castelfidardo International Finalists - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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Finalists |
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Premio CategoryAugustinas Rakauskas (Lithuania)Zhang Zhiyuan (China) Alberto Vernarelli (Italy) Artem Malkhasyan (Russia) Flemming Vioar Valmundsson (Denmark) Luigi Gordano (Italy) Artem Trtiakov (Russia) Ryan Corbett (United Kingdom) Beautemps Julien (France) Alexey Mykitenko (Russia) |
Astor Piazzolla Award CategoryGuido Gavazza (Argentina)Cuarteto Rotterdam (Germany) Remolino Ensemble (Russia) Astoria (Russia) Tango Quinteto Liu Shanshan (China) Octetology (France) Trio Voronezh (USA) I.A.Q. (Italy) Carlos Corrales (Argentina) Pinakkolada Duo (Russia) |
Virtuoso CategoryPavlo Gilchenko (Russia)Hongting Liu (China) Marco Leonetti (Italy) Gianmarco Alcini (Italy) Alexander Matveychuk (Russia) Evgeniia Buryakova (Russia) Manuel Marchegiani (Italy) Artem Tretiakov (Russia) Augustinas Rakauskas (Lithuania) Matteo Tortora (Italy) |
World CategoryFrancesco Scarselli (Italy)Evgeniia Buryakova (Russia) Cono D’elia (Italy) Trio (Kazkhstan) Angelo Lucarelli (Italy) Meguree (Japan) Matteo Tortora (Italy) Maria And Sergei Teleshev (Russia) Koharuxtomaru (Japan) Duo Irena And Dimitar Rogachevi (USA) |
Jazz CategoryValerio Chiovarelli & Fulvio Chiara (Italy)Sergei Teleshev & Friends (USA) Duo Astra (Belgium) Anne-Mari Kanniainen & Heikki Ruokangas (Finland) Zhong Kai (China) |
Gervasio Marcosignori Award CategoryLorenzo Dalla Rosa (Italy)Gianmarco Alcini (Italy) Leonardo Rondolone (Italy) Giuseppe Di Falco (Italy) Manuel Marchegiani (Italy)> |
 PIF competitors sent a video before 31 August and the jury expressed their preference (not points) and the most voted make up the list of 50 finalists (in registration order). Every finalist will stay at home streaming. There will be a technical test a few days before to organise light, position, computer and internet connection. On the day of the audition, the Finalist is contacted to begin with Name, country and program information and then the performance will start and be filmed. This must be a live performance for the video camera. Artistic Director Renzo Ruggieri writes: "With a limitation of accommodating 50 competitors, the PIF created a category for young people up to 18 years. Not a real Competition, this category allows the public to listen to the many young competitors videos (over 50) that have arrived from all over the world. Public can vote if they have Facebook and vote from 12 to 16 September." View the young players videos at: https://www.pifcastelfidardo.it/categoria-young-pif2020/ |
2020 PIF Castelfidardo Program - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| PROGRAM 2020 | ||
| 16th September Wednesday | ||
| 21:30 |
OPENING Concert Roberto LORI (direction, choreography) |
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| 17th September Thursday | ||
| 14:00 | Auditions CLASSICAL I (first part) | 5 candidates |
| 16:30 | Pause | // |
| 17:00 | Auditions CLASSICAL I (second part) | 5 candidates |
| 19:30 | End auditions | // |
| 21:30 | Concert DANILO REA (piano) LUCIANO BIONDINI (accordion) |
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| 18th September Friday | ||
| 14:00 | Auditions JAZZ | 5 candidates/groups |
| 16:00 | JAZZ web seminar: THE WORLD ACCORDION TO GIL Gil Goldstein live streaming from the USA |
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| 17:00 | Auditions VIRTUOSO | 10 candidates |
| 19:00 | End auditions | // |
| 21:30 | Concert MEMORIES: LUCIANO FANCELLI Virtuosity Duo Andrea Di Giacomo, Valerio Russo Italian Accordion Quintet Romano Benetello, Gianfranco De Lazzari, Omar Francescato, Roberto Rusalen, Roberto Salvalaio |
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| 19th september saturday | ||
| 14:00 | Auditions GERVASIO MARCOSIGNORI AWARD | 5 candidates |
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15:00 |
WORLD seminar: UN’ANCIA A SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Fabio Turchetti with videos and live contributions |
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| 16:00 | Auditions WORLD | 10 candidates/groups |
| 19:00 | End auditions (with videos) | // |
| 21:30 | Concert RAPHAEL GUALAZZI (piano, singer) feat. Renzo Ruggieri (accordion) |
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| 20th september sunday | ||
| 14:00 | Auditions ASTOR PIAZZOLLA AWARD | 10 candidates/groups |
| 17:00 | CLASSICAL seminar: LIFE THROUGH COMPOSITIONS Viatcheslav Semionov with video and final streaming |
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| 18:00 | Auditions CLASSICAL II (mandatory piece) | 3 candidates |
| 19:00 | End auditions | // |
| 21:30 | FINAL GALA & AWARD CEREMONY |
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| 2020 PIF Program above. Online Jury, List in Country Order: Elton Balla (Albania), Carlos Adrian Fioramonti (Argentina), Juanjo Mosalini (Argentina), Aldo Taborda (Argentina), Herbert Scheibenreif (Austria), Ivo De Greef (Belgium), Anatoli Taran (Bielorussia), Chico Chagas (Brazil), Veronika Todorova (Bulgaria), Ignacio Hernandez (Chile), Antonio Rivas (Colombia), Ladislav Horak (Czech Republic), Petri Makkonen (Finland), Cyril Garac (France), Frederic Deschamps (France), Jean-Louis Noton (France), Elsbeth Moser (Germany), Prakash MB (India), Cesare Chiacchiaretta (Italy), Paolo Di Sabatino (Italy), Gerlando Gatto (Italy), Alain Pagani (Italy), Massimiliano Pitocco (Italy), Antonio Spaccarotella (Italy), Simone Zanchini (Italy), Coba (Japan), Galimzhan Narymbetov (Kazakhstan), Raimondas Sviackevicius (Lithuania), Zorica Karakutovska (Macedonia), Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), Zbigniew Ignaczewski (Poland), Anibal Freire (Portugal), Alexander Dmitriev (Russia), Roman Jbanov (Russia), Friedrich Lips (Russia), Djordje Gajic (Scotland), Gary Blair (Scotland), Vojin Vasovic (Serbia), Jure Tori (Slovenia), Sergio Zampolli (South Africa), Haein Yujeong Jeon (South Korea), Gorka Hermosa (Spain), Volodymyr Runchak (Ukraine), Joseph Natoli (USA), Cory Pesaturo (USA), Nguyen Tai Hung (Vietnam). Picture below: Online Jury meeting. |
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Veli Kujala Awarded “Composer of the Year” - Finlandby Christine Johnstone |
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| Veli Kujala, concert accordionist and composer, received the “Composer of The Year” award at the Finnish Music Publishers' Association Award Ceremony on September 7th. The jury, which comprised of Kare Eskola, Jaani Länsiö, Eriikka Maalismaa and Minna Pensola said “In Veli Kujala, uncompromising art view, versatility, entertainment, experimentalism and virtuosity are combined in a way that represents both the best traditions of art music and its glorious future." Due to Covid-19, the award ceremony was held without invited guests. |
Accordion Concert Osimo / Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| A wonderful evening concert was held on Tuesday, September 8th in a very special atmosphere of the "Chiostro San Franceso" in Osimo. This was organized as part of a concert series by the Association Gervasio Marcosignori and once again wanted to show the audience how versatile the instrument “accordion” is and can be used. 4 exceptional artists, Massimo Marconi / Organetto, Antonio De Luca / Jazz, Mirco Patarini / Classical, Valentino Lorenzetti / Worldmusic, gave the numerous audience, in compliance with the Covid-19 safety distances and mouth masks, the most diverse genres of music to hear, from classical to jazz , traditional to tango and light music. See our pdf picture report, program: 2020OsimoConcert.pdf |
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Kevin Friedrich Features in Northland Newspaper – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
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| Weekend Lifestyler newspaper reporter Andy Bryenton featured accordionist Kevin Friedrich in a 2 page article last weekend. Kevin travels twice yearly from his home in New York to Dargaville New Zealand where he lived the early years of his life, to organise concerts for the local community in support of the Dargaville Museum. This year, however, Covid-19 meant that the concert had to be cancelled. Since then, Kevin has stayed in New Zealand and was even able to put on a smaller free mini-concert to thank the local community and essential workers for their help and support during the virus lockdown. The Dargaville Museum is also home to Accordion Gems by Kevin Friedrich - A Master Collection of Accordions through Time. This is the only exhibition of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. From ancient Flutinas, of nearly the original accordion patent date 1829, to electronic instruments, small children’s to full size concert models, button and piano accordions and many others, the display profiles the fascinating evolution of the accordion. See picture below of some of the exhibits. Kevin is hopeful that the Covid 19 NZ Government regulations will allow his Christmas Extravaganza concert to go ahead at the Museum Lighthouse Function Centre on November 22nd, 2020 before his return to the USA. Newspaper Article pdf at: WeekendLifestyler.pdf |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Aydar Gaynullin Performs Two Concerts at Engadin Festival - Switzerlandby Christine Johnstone |
| Aydar Gaynullin (accordion) and Avi Avital (mandolin) performed 2 concerts at the 2020 Engadin Festival in St. Moritz, Switzerland last month. The video above is a live performance of Galizyn Dance filmed at one of the St. Moritz Festival concerts Enjoy! |
India Smith Records her UK Championships Programme During Lockdown – Scotlandby Keith Dickson |
 Video 3b – 17 Years & Under Solo – Own Choice Programme Piece 1: A March of Graduated Students – Petri MakkonenVideo 3c – 17 Years & Under Solo – Own Choice Programme Piece 2: Song for S.B. – Renzo Ruggieri Catalog: rrenzo501 Video 3d – 17 Years & Under Solo – Own Choice Programme Piece 3: Carnival of Venice – Arr. P Frosini Three videos from Scottish accordionist India Smith, who recently qualified at the NAO (Scotland Area) Festival held in Grangemouth in March, to perform at the NAO UK Accordion Championships 2020 in Liverpool. As the UK event, organised by the National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom, was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, India from Milton Bridge near Edinburgh, Scotland decided to record several videos, featuring the pieces she planned to perform in three different categories, and share them with Accordions Worldwide. This week we are publishing India’s own choice program in the 17 Years & Under Solo category. |
Accordionist Luka Esteves, CNIMA Alumni - Franceby Nathalie Boucheix, Director CNIMA J.Mornet |
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| Video: Luka Esteves, CNIMA alumni and winner at Trophée Mondial 2018 Luka Esteves, a CNIMA student alumni, studied as a full time student at the CNIMA, from 2016 to 2020. He obtained the French national Diplome D'Études Musicales in accordion variety. In 2018 he won the Trophée Mondial (junior) and in 2019 and 2020 the Claude Thomain prize. The CNIMA welcomes accordion players from all levels and all ages, from potential world class players to beginners. The CNIMA full year program begins on September 21st and students are given the opportunity to study for National French conservatory diplomas. Registrations are still open Upcoming accordion workshops; October 19th to 23rd (for adults) October 26th to 31st 2020 (for all) December 27th to 31st 2020 (for all) A la carte custom sized studies are also available. Both workshops and a la carte studies are available online and on location. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
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ATAM 58th New England Virtual Music Competition – USAby Christine Johnstone |
 The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM) held their 2020 New England Virtual Music Competition recently with over 800 entries competing virtually.Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the association was unable to hold this event at the Boston Marriott Newton in March this year, and had to transition to a virtual competition. This event usually draws 2,000-3,000 people over the competition weekend. With this transition to a virtual competition, the students who had worked so hard to prepare their competition pieces were still able to perform. The competition included categories for accordion, bass, drums, guitar, piano, voice, and violin players for students and adults. The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM), which sponsors this event, also distributes cash awards and scholarships. This year’s annual music scholarship was awarded to Miriam Felzenstein (a student of Carol Adamski-Maggi’s at Falcetti Music). Download results: 2020ATAM.pdf |
Future events |
Oxford Folk Weekend Online Concerts – UKby Christine Johnstone |
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 Video: Peter Knight & John Spiers - Folk East 2016Karen Tweed (picture left) will perform at the Oxford Folk Weekend Online event on September 12th from 8pm to 9.45pm. Karen will be joined by her special guests, Iain Tait and Freddie Pretorius from Orkney. Knight and Spiers will entertain on September 22nd from 8pm to 9.45pm. This duo comprises of John Spiers (melodeon) and Peter Knight (violin). For details email: info@folkweekendoxford.co.uk |
4th World Music Brunch with Veronika Todorova Band, Limburg - Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| The Veronika Todorova Band will entertain in the new Limburg music venue "Pastorale Kultursalon & Sommergarten" on September 13th from 11am to 2pm. This event includes a brunch with fine food from the gourmet cuisine of the Pastorale Restaurant and Beer Garden. The concert with food costs 39 Euro and Covid-19 regulations will be in place for all bookings. For more information phone: +49 6431 2178850 |
Ghenadie Rotari at “Classic for Teens” Concert - Romaniaby Christine Johnstone |
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| Duo Aspera - Ghenadie Rotari (accordion) and Valentina Vargiu (piano) will perform a concert at the “Classic for Teens” festival on September 15th at the Municipal Theatre "Major Gheorghe Pastia" in Focsani Romania. The duo enjoy performing a variety of Astor Piazzolla’s Tango Nuevo works among others The event will run from September 14th to 20th and include a variety of concerts and masterclasses. For details email: g.rotari@yahoo.com |
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“Rusty Creek” Entertains at MacLean Park - Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
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 “Rusty Creek” will entertain at an outdoor event in MacLean Park, Vancouver, BC Canada on September 19th from 2pm to 4pm.The band, which features Sue Baines (accordion and vocals - picture right) are pleased to present their new member Mavis Vaugeois (vocals & percussion). They have been busy writing new songs and rehearsing for their new song 'The Curve of Time' which will be released this month. Their repertoire includes folkrock, bluegrass, country blues and cajun fusion along with songs by Johnny Cash, Elton John, J.J. Cale, Rolling Stones and much more. For details email: info@rustycreek.ca |
Ian Lowthian Online Music Weekends - UKby Rob Howard |
 Ian Lowthian has announced that the remainder of his 2020 music weekends will all be online due to Covid-19 restrictions.Dates of upcoming 2020 online weekends are: September 19th & 20th: Advanced Accordion Weekend October 10th & 11th: Scottish Dance Weekend for mixed instruments December 5th & 6th: Christmas Weekend for accordionists For details email: ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
Good Habits Duo Perform in Hamilton – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
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| “Good Habits” will perform at the Te Pahu Sound Lounge in Te Pahu, Hamilton on September 26th from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. This eclectic indie-folk duo (from Manchester, UK) includes Pete Shaw (accordion) and singer-cellist and songwriter Bonnie Schwarz. The duo play a mix of folk and jazz along with original songs. Pete is an experienced performer who bases his style around many different folk influences from Irish to Klezmer. Covid-19 has left them stranded in New Zealand, but thanks to the warmth and support of new friends, they have made the most of their time there by capturing a collection of songs from their travels. “Going For Broke” represents their leap of faith as they pursue their musical dreams on the other side of the world! For concert details email: aunteapea@gmail.com |
Ladom Ensemble Royal Conservatory of Music Concert, Toronto - Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Ladom Ensemble will perform a chamber and world music concert at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 27th, 2020 at 1pm. The concert is part of the Royal Conservatory “Sunday Interludes” series. The Ladom Ensemble consists of Michael Bridge (accordion), (Beth Silver (cello), Adam Campbell (percussion) and Pouya Hamidi (piano). Due to Covid-19 the number of seats available has been reduced to ensure safe physical distancing at all concerts. For details email: ladomensemble@gmail.com |
18th Irish Folk Music Course in Fürsteneck – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
 The 18th Irish Folk Music Course, held from October 2nd to 6th 2020 at the Fürsteneck Castle in Fürsteneck, Germany will feature diatonic accordionist Damian McKee (Northern Ireland - picture left). The course is for diatonic B/C tuning instruments as well as piano accordions and diatonic instruments in C/D tuning.The course will include tuition on typical phrasing, rhythmic playing and ornamentation techniques on the basis of the newly learned pieces. The course will be held in English language. The event will also include evening concerts where participants can perform and try out their newly learned techniques. Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to during the course. For details email: bildung@burg-fuersteneck.de |
Zydeco and Blues Workshop & Concert with Bruce Sunpie Barnes - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Video: Bruce Sunpie Barnes at the 2016 Bloomington Blues & Boogie Woogie Piano FestivalA Zydeco & Blues workshop and concert with Bruce Sunpie Barnes (from New Orleans) will be held online on October 5th, 6th, 11th & 12th organised by Not Just Oompah! The concert (October 5th) is free, but Virtual Tips are appreciated, and go to support the artist. The cost for the workshop (October 6th, 11th & 12th) is US$65 per person which includes all materials delivered by email. The workshops will include: Melody and Bass Rhythmic Elements Creole Two-Steps, One-Step, Blues Shuffles and Waltz How to create a Syncopated Dance-able Sound Bass Button Patterns Technique for playing Zydeco in Any Key Sing at least One Song in Louisiana Creole All workshops and Meet and Greet will be recorded for later viewing by participants who miss the presentation due to conflicts in scheduling. Sunpie learned to play the accordion from some of the best Zydeco pioneers in Louisiana, including Gernest Arceneaux, John Delafose, and Clayton Sampy. Along with his musical group "Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots" he performed at festivals and concerts across the US and around the globe. He has 7 critically acclaimed CDs with his compositions currently featured in 16 Hollywood film productions. For further information email: shirleyJ@Vjeverica.com |
20th National Accordion Festival – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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| The 20th National Accordion Festival will be held in Haute Maurienne Vanoise from January 23rd to 29th, 2021. The festival “combines winter, the mountains and the warmth of a festive atmosphere with the sound of the accordion” along with concerts, masterclasses and a parade. For details phone: 0033 479 205 167 |
New and Updated Sites |
New Products from AccordionGifts: SUNbuster Car Shade & Accordion Masks – USAby Dan Grauman, AccordionGifts.com |
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 Dan Grauman of AccordionGifts announces the introduction of its newest products. The SUNbuster car shade. Keep your car cool in hot weather and show your pride in your instrument by placing the car shade behind your windshield. This corrugated cardboard sun shade prevents the sun from penetrating the windshield so the air is cooler and more bearable upon return. The sun shade efficiently folds up accordion-style to maximize vehicle interior space. Accordion Masks: The double layer mask, imprinted with two accordions, is made of soft breathable fabric consisting of 95% cotton and 5% Spandex. It is washable and reusable, and is adjustable around the nose. One size fits most adults. The mask is available in black or charcoal. www.accordiongifts.com |
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CD Reviews |
New Article: 40 Years after the Dream Came True - 1980 Coupe Mondialeby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 1980 Historical website Report, Pictures and Results at: 1980CoupeMondialeHistory"Could we in New Zealand, host the Coupe Mondiale? Would it not be a great event both for New Zealand and the accordion?" These were questions posed to a group of New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) committee members in the late 1970s by prominent Auckland lawyer, Gerald Ryan, who was a keen supporter of the accordion movement, with several of his children learning the instrument. With added encouragement from Harley Jones and his father Allan, both of whom had considerable contact with overseas accordion organizations, it became first a feasibility study and finally developed into a definite project. 1980 Historical website Report, Pictures and Results at: 1980CoupeMondialeHistory |
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