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Highlights |
September Closing Date for 47th International PIF "Citta di Castelfidardo" Accordion Festival – Italy
Online 2022 Popular Seminars held by Dr. William Schimmel - USA
Canterbury Accordion Association 60th Anniversary Celebrations - New Zealand
2022 Towersey Festival – England
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Grayson Masefield Performs with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – New Zealand
2023 Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize - Germany
Brandon McPhee Entertains Royalty at 50th Mey Highland Games - Scotland
Michael Schwarzenbacher Performs at “Vienna Cultural Summer” – Austria
Accordion at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Scotland
Accordionist Runs in Chisholm All Class Reunion 5K While Playing - USA
Marcos Rubio Entertains at 95th Rural Expo - Argentina
Future events |
Abbandono Trio Perform Special Concert - Germany
Ville Hiltula Quartet Performs in Toyko – Japan
Zoe Tiganouria Performs 100th Anniversary Concerts - Greece
Accordion Concert at Eppstein Castle - Germany
Note Noire 4Tet Performs at Cammino Jazz 2022 - Italy
Angélique Neuville Performs at Fete de la Biere - France
Online: Matt Tolentino Workshop & Concert – USA
Links to Previous News Still Current |
New and Updated Sites |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Aydar Gaynullin Performs With Famous Musicians at Gala Dinner Night - Italyby AWW |
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 Aydar Gaynullin (picture right) performed at an absolutely grand and unique musical event "Gala Dinner Night" which took place last week in the beautiful place of Forte dei Marmi, in the cozy home of Andrea Bocelli. Thank you very much to these superb musicians for an amazing and unique event. Performers included: • Anna Netrebko (soprano) • Yusif Eyvazov (tenor) • Andrea Bocelli (tenor) • HAUSER (cello) • Daria Rybak (soprano) • Mikhail Shekhtman (piano) • Kurt Mittelfelner (violin) • Aydar Gaynullin (accordion) • Soma Balázs-Piri (piano) • Stephany Boateng (piano) |
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September Closing Date for 47th International PIF "Citta di Castelfidardo" Accordion Festival – Italyby Harley Jones |
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  The September 4th, 2022 entry closing date is fast approaching for the 47th International PIF "Citta di Castelfidardo" Accordion Prize & Festival to be held in Castelfidardo, Italy from September 28th to October 2nd, 2022. Rules and further information in English and Italian at: 2022Castelfidardo Online entry at: 2022PIF-Entry The City Council of Castelfidardo (Marche region, Italy), in collaboration with Castelfidardo Pro Loco Tourist Association, organizes the PIF International Competition “Città di Castelfidardo” for accordion soloists and groups, of classical music and other genres. The event will begin with an opening concert on September 28th which will include a performance by guest vocalist Mario Biondi (see picture below) who will perform with the Paolo Di Sabatino Quartet and accordionist Renzo Ruggieri at the Piazza del Monumento in Castelfidardo at 9.30pm. Artistic Director Antonio Spaccarotella (picture above right) says “PIF must become a vehicle for promoting the accordion as a multifaceted and flexible instrument, between the most diverse cultures and influences, and provide an opportunity for the young participants to launch, who will have the opportunity to be heard by record labels and critics ". Throughout the event concert performers include Laimonas Salijus (Lithuania) & Ratoi Radu (Moldova - picture above left), Didier Laloy (Belgium), Fuccelli Fisarmony Orchestra with Stefano Di Battista (saxophone), Vicent Peirani (jazz accordion together with guitarist Federico Casagrande & drummer Ziv Ravitz), the Filarmonica della Calabria (resident orchestra of PIF) and much more. Further PIF information at: 2022Castelfidardo |
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Online 2022 Popular Seminars held by Dr. William Schimmel - USAby AWW |
 Dr. William Schimmel presented online accordion seminars on July 29th, 30th and 31st, 2022, with the theme: “Too Much Information, Too Little Time, But We Do It Anyway!” 2022SchimmelThe event was a creative project by the Accordion Global Association and Studio Muse - William Schimmel/Micki Goodman - Benjamin Niemczyk, Production and included Master Classes and concerts. As in all past seminars, there was a large roster of performers and composers in this summer’s instalment, offering a very diverse program of music of all ilks (popular, jazz, classical, contemporary, etc.) and discussion topics. Many of the participants have given talks, performed, and composed works for the seminars every year since its beginning in 1995, but there is an increasing number of younger, energetic contributors with fresh ideas and creations, particularly in the area of electronic media, who have come aboard in recent years. The 2023 session will be held next July with a program that addresses all facets of the accordion. For more information email: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Canterbury Accordion Association 60th Anniversary Celebrations - New Zealandby Kim Waddell |
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  After many months of planning the Canterbury Accordion Association (CAA) celebrated their 60th Birthday in Christchurch, New Zealand on July 23rd, 2022.The busy day started with a Meet and Greet at the Salvation Army City Corps in Christchurch with representatives from Auckland from the New Zealand Accordion Association, Anthony Schultz from Melbourne, Australia (Vice-President of the Australian Society of Accordionists), past members and current members from Wellington and around the South Island. This was a relaxed time to catch up with each other and to also view the memorabilia that was on display (picture above left). The memorabilia had been put together by members of the CAA committee and included information and photographs on past concerts, competitions, the CAA’s involvement in the Christchurch Santa Parade, the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra and a brief history of the CAA. A large audience attended the afternoon concert, which featured the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (conducted by David Thorne - pictured below) who opened the show and provided segments of entertainment throughout the whole concert. Report continues along with photographs and videos at: 2022Canterbury-60th |
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2022 Towersey Festival – Englandby Christine Johnstone |
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  The 2022 Towersey Festival will be held at the Claydon Estate in Buckinghamshire, England from August 26th to 29th, 2022.The event will include 11 venues with over 100 bands and artists, workshops, crafts, busking evenings, ceilidh, open music sessions, concerts and much more. Performers include popular groups Talisk (picture above right), Skerryvore (picture above left) and Edward II (picture below). For details email: info@towerseyfestival.com |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
XXVIII International Accordion Festival Palanga 2022 - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
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Video 2.
 Video 1. XXVIII International Accordion Festival Palanga 2022 joint orchestra of accordions, conducted by Elona Rogieene.Video 2: Vilnius City Accordion Orchestra "Consona", conducted by Prof. Ricardas Sviackevicius with soloist Agne Stancikait. The XXVIII International Accordion Festival Palanga 2022 was held at the Palanga S. Vainiunas Art School and the Palanga Amber Museum in Palanga, Lithuania from August 1st to 6th, 2022. The event Artistic Director: Prof. Raimondas Sviackevicius, Project leader: Prof. Ricardas Sviackevicius, and Seminar leader: Prof. Eduardas Gabnys. The opening concert featured a performance by young accordionists of Samogitia and Klaipeda region Palanga. The festival included a variety of workshops, a chamber music evening entitled "From Piazza to Piazzolla" (Eugenia Cherkazova on accordion and Svitlana Shabaltina on piano, both from Ukraine), and concerts by Pawel Zaganczyk (Poland), soloists and ensembles of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre Edvinas, Šiauliai Saulius Sondeckis Arts Gymnasium Accordion Quintet, the Vilnius City Accordion Orchestra "Consona" (conducted by Prof. Ricardas Sviackevicius), Jonas Vozbutas (picture left) among others. Picture below: The Rudaminos Accordion Orchestra "Ad Libitum" (Lithuania - conducted by Bogdan Voicinovic – picture below) who presented two concerts at the festival. |
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Grayson Masefield Performs with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – New Zealandby Harley Jones |
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 The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) invited Grayson Masefield to join them for an interesting project earlier this year for a performance on Saturday 30th July. Azul by Golijov, was originally commissioned for Yo-Yo Ma and ‘hyper-accordion’, was to be performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, in one of the 10 best acoustically designed Town Halls in the world - the new Christchurch Town Hall.The cellist from London, Matthew Barley, and Auckland accordionist Grayson Masefield, were joined by 2 local percussionists to form an obligato group. The score also called for a non-traditional seating arrangement of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to surround them. Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey was delighted at the success of the sound the work created. The audience really appreciated the contemporary piece, giving the 30 minute work the longest and loudest applause of the evening. Radio New Zealand recorded the performance, with this link to be available shortly. The New Zealand Accordion Association President, Treasurer, and Secretary attended along with members of the Canterbury Accordion Association. CSO interview with Grayson Masefield: CSO-GraysonInterview.pdf |
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2023 Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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| Composers from all over the world are invited to register for the 2023 Wolfgang Jacobi Composition Prize of the German Harmonica Association (Deutscher Harmonika-Verband - DHV) in cooperation with the German Accordion Teachers Association (Deutscher Akkordeonlehrer-Verband). The aim is to encourage an examination of Jacobi's compositional technique and the inclusion of a theme or fragment of Jacobi's theme in the competition compositions. The jury is chaired by the composer Prof. Moritz Eggert, Hochschule für Musik und Theater München. The prize of 3,000 euros is donated by Jacobi's descendants. Applications close on October 1st, 2022. Download competition information in German and English here: 2022JacobiPrize.pdf |
Brandon McPhee Entertains Royalty at 50th Mey Highland Games - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
  Brandon McPhee entertained with the Brandon McPhee Trio at the 50th Mey Highland Games held at the Castle of Mey, Show Ground fields in John O’Groats, Scotland on August 6th, 2022. The concert was attended by HRH Prince Charles who is the Chieftain of the games. Brandon was asked to write a tune for the event, which was played on the day. The Mey Highland Games is an annual event celebrating the sportsmanship, culture, heritage and produce of the far north Highlands. The Games were first held in the small Caithness village of Mey, to celebrate the 70th birthday of HM The Queen Mother, who was in residence at her beloved Castle of Mey. The Queen Mother was so delighted with the event that she encouraged organisers to hold it every year. |
Michael Schwarzenbacher Performs at “Vienna Cultural Summer” – Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
 Michael Schwarzenbacher is a classical accordionist from Austria who combines multiple musical styles in his work. He is always looking for new ways to use the accordion. In addition to works from bygone eras such as the Baroque and Romantic periods, his repertoire also includes contemporary compositions. For the Vienna Cultural Summer, he chose a demanding program full of contrasts, which was enthusiastically received by the audience. His musical journey with works by J.S. Bach, D. Scarlatti, Y. Pagh-Paan, N. Huber and L. Janácek to B. Bartók and A. Piazzolla took him from Korea through various European countries to South America. A wonderful variety of accordion! |
Accordion at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Scotlandby Kevin Friedrich |
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 The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the largest celebrations of arts and culture, attracting attendees from around the world. For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe.Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. Accordion enthusiasts will find an array of accordion related shows and activities at the 2022 75th Anniversary Festival. One such show is Madame Chandelier's Opera House Party. Have you ever wondered where the Grand Opera Divas go, in between getting married or getting killed, night after night at the Opera - Why they attend Madame Chandelier's Opera House Party, of course! Classically trained Canadian soprano, Delea Shand, performs on the comedy/cabaret circuit in the United Kingdom as Madame Chandelier where audiences join all her favorite opera characters for jokes, party games, and lots of dramatic death scenes! Nominated Best Comedy Show at the Manchester Fringe, Madame Chandelier accompanies herself throughout the show on accordion as she welcomes Diva after Diva to her party. The Fringe is a three-week festival of performing arts that takes place in Edinburgh every August. Its story dates back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival. The Edinburgh International Festival was an initiative created to celebrate and enrich European cultural life in the wake of the Second World War. Not being part of the official program of the International Festival didn’t stop these performers, they just went ahead and staged their shows on the fringe of the Festival anyway, coining the phrase and name – the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since the dawn of this spontaneous artistic movement, millions have flocked to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to produce, and to enjoy art of every genre. To this day the festival features anyone with a story to tell and that has a venue willing to host them. You’ll find a variety of other accordion friendly shows such as with David Vernon and Dick Lee: The Sound of Musicals (The brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform much-loved favorites from the musicals); Accordion Ryan's Pop Bangers (Covering artists from all across the pop music spectrum, Accordion Ryan will sing and play your favorite bangers in a way you've never heard them before!); The Failure Cabaret (The Fremonts have been married ten years and have the therapy bills to prove it. In this dark comedy cabaret, Stephanie Dodd from Fremont, Nebraska (vocals/accordion) and Justin Badger from Fremont, California (vocals/guitar) use original music to tell their story); Sandy Brechin and Friends (He's back! After two years of forced solitary accordion squeezing at home, and to the huge relief of his neighbors, Sandy returns to the A Club once again, upgraded, biceps bulging, pumped and well-oiled, along with special guest singer, the fabulous Wendy Weatherby, and other talented chums (plus one not so talented) for music and mayhem!). |
Accordionist Runs in Chisholm All Class Reunion 5K While Playing - USAby Heather Masefield |
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| Mitchell Zimmermann from Live Local 3 TV reported on accordionist Steve Solkela who took part in the Chisholm All Class Reunion 5K race in Chisholm, MN, USA last weekend while playing the accordion. The last time Solkela took part in the race he completed it in a time of: 34:34. This time he was aiming to beat that record. While waiting at the starting line, Solkela played “pump up” tunes like “Eye of the Tiger”. Solkela played his accordion the entire race, not stopping once and finished the race with a time of 33:57, beating his previous record! |
Marcos Rubio Entertains at 95th Rural Expo - Argentinaby Christine Johnstone |
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  The 95th Rural Expo was held in Villaguay, Entre Rios, Argentina from August 5th to 8th, 2022.Accordionist Marcos Rubio entertained the large crowds and accompanied Francisco Cuestas (guitar & vocals) at the event. |
Future events |
Vilda Duo Perform at Varanger Festival – Norwayby Christine Johnstone |
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| Duo “Vilda” which includes accordionist Viivi Maria Saarenkylä and indigenous Samí singer Hildá Länsman (Finland) will perform at the Varanger Festival in Vadsø, Troms og Finnmark, Norway this weekend. The festival began on August 10th and will run through to August 13th, 2022. The duo play original music, composed and written by themselves, influenced by the northern nature, traditional Samí joik and Finnish folk, and pop music. |
Abbandono Trio Perform Special Concert - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Abbandono Trio (picture above) will perform a special concert at the Ramsbrock Hof in Bielefeld, Germany on August 13th, 2022 at 7pm organised by Kulturkreis Senne. The trio which includes accordion clarinet and cello will perform a special repertoire “throughout the history of music”. For details phone: 0521-515501 |
Ville Hiltula Quartet Performs in Toyko – Japanby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Ville Hiltula Tango Quartet will perform a live tango concert at Ginza Libertango, Argentine Tango Salon & Studio, Daiichi Ginza Building, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan on August 13th, 2022 at 2pm. The quartet includes Ville Hiltula (bandoneon), Atsushi Yoshida (violin), Naoko Aoki (piano ) and Shinji Tanaka (bass). For details email: saeyjuan@yahoo.co.jp |
Zoe Tiganouria Performs 100th Anniversary Concerts - Greeceby Christine Johnstone |
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| This week accordionist Zoe Tiganouria will perform 100th Anniversary concerts in recognition of 100 years since the evacuation of Eastern Thrace, as well as 100 years since the establishment of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis. The concerts will take place as follows: • August 13th: Metaxades Didymoteichou at 9:30 p.m. in Metaxades • August 14th: Feres at 9:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Holy Church of Panagia Kosmosoteira. • August 16th: Samothrace at 9.30pm at the Stasidi of Apostle Paul. Zoe will perform with Vangelis Dimoudis, Domna Menga and Thanassis Voùtsas (vocals). For details email: info@zoe-music.net |
Accordion Concert at Eppstein Castle - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Mühlheim Accordion Orchestra and the Main Accordion Youth Orchestra will entertain along with guest tenor, Christoph Jorges at a concert at the Eppstein Castle in Eppstein, Germany on August 20th, 2022. The orchestras have a variety program planned (see picture below for details). For further information email: info@may-accordion.com |
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Note Noire 4Tet Performs at Cammino Jazz 2022 - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Note Noire 4Tet (picture below) will perform at Cammino Jazz 2022 – “Italian Jazz for the Earthquake Lands” at the Sottocorte Village in Camerino, in Italy on August 27th, 2022. The event is a musical journey that crosses the lands of central Italy hit by the earthquake of 2016 and includes a week of trekking and concerts from August 27th to September 4th, 2022. The Note Noire quartet features Roberto Beneventi (accordion), Ruben Chaviano (violin), Tommaso Papini (guitar) and Mirco Capecchi (double bass). They are a contemporary Italian jazz quartet and play a variety of their own compositions. The Jazz festival will finish with a variety of concerts in the squares and streets of L'Aquila City on September 4th, 2022. |
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Angélique Neuville Performs at Fete de la Biere - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
  Accordionist Angélique Neuville (picture above) will entertain at the Fete de la Biere in Viry, France on September 3rd, 2022 at 4pm.The event is part of the Oktoberfest 2022 entertainment day organised by the Gildas Crew Performance and Event Venue in Viry. For details email: gildascrew39@gmail.com |
Online: Matt Tolentino Workshop & Concert – USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Matt Tolentino will hold an online workshop on “Music of the Golden Age: Ragtime, Early Jazz and Early Swing” on September 12th and 13th, 2022, organised by Not Just Oompah.The workshop will run from 7pm to 9.30pm Central Time each evening and includes all workshop materials. Prior to this workshop, Matt will hold an online concert on September 11th, 2022, from 3pm to 4pm Central Time. Matt Tolentino is a multi-instrumentalist, band leader, vocalist, preservationist, and music historian. He has made it his life’s mission to perform and preserve pre-swing American popular music- hot jazz, ragtime, and the roots of swing, as well as traditional German, Czech, French, and Italian music for the modern audience to appreciate for years to come. For further details email: accsaj@gmail.com |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
List of Linksby AWW |
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2022 Coupe Mondiale, October 04 - 09, Switzerland News Link |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2022 Information |
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Accordion Reed Production Article Link |
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2021 Coupe Mondiale Report and Video of all contestants Report Link |
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Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link |
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2022 Dr William Schimmel’s Accordion Seminars, July 29-31, NY News Link |
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Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
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2022 AAA Recent publications, USA News Link and Article |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: CNIMA August Accordion Courses – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
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 Video: Promotional video on the Jacques Mornet accordion method at CNIMA.The CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix will run two accordion workshops during August as follows: • August 8th to 13th, 2022 • August 15th to 20th, 2022 Tutors will be Jacques Mornet, Nathalie Boucheix (pictured left) and their team of talented young accordionists Dantong Wang, Anais Bessières and Maxime d'Errico. The workshops will cover instrumental work following the Jacques Mornet method including management of air flow through the bellows, the balance between the body and the instrument, work on touch and articulation and musicality. Attendees can work on 1 or 2 pieces of their choice. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
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