Sponsors
Books (Text)
eSheet (pdf file)
eTracks sound files
Sponsors
Free Services
Books (Text)
Statistics
Sponsors
Highlights |
World Accordion Day Reports Coming In From Many Countries - World
2017 China Shenzhen International Accordion Competition - China
54th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal 2017, May - Germany
Fismen Accordions "Know the People" Interview, Castelfidardo - Italy
NEW "AWW App" for Android of the Accordions Weekly News in English
EFFE-label for Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival - Finland
Kongos Performing at The Imperial, Vancouver, May 16 - Canada
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
‘A Toast to Scotland’ DVD and CD Launch, Scotland – UK
Video: World Accordion Day, Nihad Hrustanbegovic, Bijeljina - Bosnia and Herzegovina
World Accordion Day – Malta
Christine Schmid CD ‘Paris to Berlin’, Berlin – Germany
Texas Folklife's 2017 Big Squeeze Finals and Concert - USA
Another Airline Viral Video, this Time Accordion and Its Good - Ireland
Future events |
Orchester Hohner-Klang Concert, Osterholz-Scharmbeck – Germany
Beltango Quintet In Toulouse - France
Miloš Milivojević Performances - UK
Matthew MacLennan Leads Tune Session, Edinburgh – UK
Dr. William Schimmel @ Brooklyn Accordion Club, New York – USA
‘Musical Showcase’ Concert, Scotland – UK
Chmielewski Polkafest, Minnesota – USA
Paris-Moscow Duo Master Class and Concert, Normandy - France
No 1 Ladies Accordion Orchestra Concerts, Wales – UK
‘Swing of France’ Concert, Grandson (VD) – Switzerland
Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert, New Jersey – USA
Donal Ring Ceili Band Concert, Dundee – UK
Ludovic Beier Master Class @ CNIMA, Auvergne – France
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site, Frank Marocco 3 CD Set & Book - Germany
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
BREAKING NEWS: Prof. Vladimir Besfamilnov Passed Awayby Harley Jones |
 Video above: V.Besfamilnov performs Rondo-Capriccioso by MendelssonThe accordion world was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Prof. Vladimir Besfamilnov on 14th May. Famous accordionists from all over the world were sending their messages of condolence and praise for this highly admired person, concert artist, university teacher and Honored Musician of Russia. Read about the life of this great educator and musician at: Vladimir Besfamilnov He is sadly missed and our deepest condolences to the family. |
Share
World Accordion Day Reports Coming In From Many Countries - Worldby Harley Jones |
 |
 Reports of World Accordion Day activities are coming in from many countries. The reports and events listing in over 28 countries are at: 2017WAD |
2017 China Shenzhen International Accordion Competition - Chinaby Harley Jones |
 |
 The 2017 China Shenzhen International Accordion Competition will be the 2nd biannual international accordion competition and festival to be held in Shenzhen City, 23 -27 July. Full report on the 1st Shenzhen competition at: 2015 ShenzhenOrganisers and Sponsors are: - Publicity Department of Communist Party of China of Shenzhen - China Accordion Association of Chinese Musicians Association - Bao'an District People's Government - Shenzhen Literary and Art Association Picture left, Prof. Li Cong President of the China Accordion Association and lower, Jianhua Tong, President of the Shenzhen Province Accordion Association. View information and download the rules for this major international competition at: 2017 Shenzhen Entry Closing Date 25 June 2017. Shenzhen is a major modern city with a pleasant climate, close to Hong Kong and Guangzhou International Airports giving excellent price airfare choices from most countries, with convenient domestic transport to Shenzhen. The concerts and competitions will be held in a modern international level concert hall with excellent acoustics and lighting, and directly across the street is a hotel with reasonable accommodation prices. Further information at: 2017 Shenzhen |
54th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal 2017, May - Germanyby Harley Jones |
 |
  The 54th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal will be held from the 15th to 21st May 2017. Accordion competitors, teachers and supporters are warmly welcomed by Klingenthal Mayor Thomas Hennig and Competition Director Joerg Kuenzel. Download competition rules and regulations and entry information at: 2017Kling.pdf Featured are international competition categories for accordion soloists and groups, for concert and entertainment music, for children through to open categories. The event also features concerts. Download the 44 page color program at: 2017KProgram.pdf Timetable is online at: Klingenthal A "Daily Event" report with results, pictures and video will be online from next Tuesday 16th May at: 2017 Klingenthal |
Fismen Accordions "Know the People" Interview, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 |
| "Know the People" Interview: with: Luciano Guffo (Director) Silvano Palmieri (Director) Francesco Stacchiotti (Director - not present) of Fismen Accordions Editor: Holda Paoletti-Kampl "Know the People" of Castelfidardo who have made this small city so famous around the world for their quality accordion products. Interview at: 2017Fismen Picture below: Luciano Guffo (left) and Silvano Palmieri (right) |
 |
NEW "AWW App" for Android of the Accordions Weekly News in Englishby Harley Jones |
| New Android App for the Accordion Weekly News in English. This is designed for Android phones, download free at the Google Play Store. Search for "AWW Accordions" to find. Put it on your phone now. Direct link to get English Weekly News app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.accordions.aww&hl=en App for iPhone users to follow soon. |
EFFE-label for Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival - Finlandby Raimo Vertainen, Kokkola Accordion Festival Director |
  The Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival has been selected to receive the European Festivals Association (EFFE) Approval 2017-2018. The festival application was approved by their International Jury following a successful evaluation by EEFE experts.Picture left: Raimo Vertainen (Festival Director) and Darko Brlek, President EFA. The festival received the following feedback: The festival has been dedicated nearly 20 years solely for one instrument, accordion. This is a very sympathetic local festival with many-sided and diverse artistic program of high standard. Your festival will soon appear on the EFFE website, and we plan a broad communication and marketing campaign about the 2018 Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival. Congratulations to the 2018 Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival being held, 10 - 18 February 2018. |
Kongos Performing at The Imperial, Vancouver, May 16 - Canadaby Harley Jones |
| The four Kongos brothers from South Afica — Johnny (accordion, keyboards, vocals), Jesse (drums, percussion, vocals), Daniel (guitar, vocals) and Dylan Kongos (bass guitar, lap slide guitar, vocals) fuse African Kwaito rhythms, rock beats plus a seriously overdriven accordion. “I don’t know if we’re blazing a trail to bring the accordion into rock, but I think having a No.1 hit single showcasing accordion that has been featured so widely in TV and radio, has opened the door.” says Dylan Kongos. It’s a sound that has given the band platinum sales for its breakout single "Come With Me Now" (above). The brothers live and record out of Phoenix, Ariz., where they attended Arizona State University. Having grown up in Johannesburg before relocating to the United States, the brothers were surrounded by the upbeat, hooky beat music that rules South Africa’s charts and infuses their music. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
World Accordion Day Italian Qualifications, 6th May, in Castelfidardo - Italyby Mirco Soprani |
 |
| A full report of the Italian qualifications with results, 18 videos and pictures, is online at 2017WAD-Italy Video above: Lecce Accordion Project (players: Michele Bianco, Giovanni Fanizza, Francesco Antonio Coluccia) - A. Schnittke "Gogol Suite": "Overture", "Official", "Waltz", "Polka"; - V. Zubitsky "Sonata Fatum" (I° - II° mov.) - J. Tiensuu "Mutta" |
‘A Toast to Scotland’ DVD and CD Launch, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 |
 ‘A Toast to Scotland’, issued on DVD and CD, features the music of accordionist Leonard Brown and his band, and plays tribute to some of Scotland’s most accomplished musicians and personalities.The DVD is an interesting two disc documentary-style series of interviews by accordionist Roya MacLean with guests, presenting tributes to Sir Jimmy Shand, Will Starr, The Alexander Brothers, Lindsay Ross, Andy Stewart, James Scott Skinner, Robbie Shepherd MBE, Ian Powrie, Bobby MacLeod, Jim Johnstone, and Rabbie Burns, interspersed with selected music from Leonard Brown, plus some songs and Scottish dancing. The CD features the music only. There is an official launch on Saturday May 20th, 2.30pm until 5pm, at The Waterside Hotel, Inverness IV2 4SF, Scotland. For further information email: leonardbrownaccordion@gmail.com |
Video: World Accordion Day, Nihad Hrustanbegovic, Bijeljina - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
 Video above: Rhapsody for Johanna, composed and performed by Nihad Hrustanbegovic, recorded live in concert, 4th May 2017. The work features variations on the Macedonian love song Jovano, Jovanke, a Macedonian traditional folk song. Read more at World Accordion Day Report: 2017WAD |
World Accordion Day – Maltaby Rob Howard |
 |
| On Saturday afternoon May 6th 4.30pm – World Accordion Day – the Santa Maria Accordion Band (MD Marthese Bussutil Cassar L.B.C.A) performed in concert at San Anton Gardens H'Balzan, on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Many accordionists took part, and ages varied from 5 to 70 years. This concert was part of the annual Horticultural Spring Show 2017. The Santa Maria Accordion Band is led by important Malta accordion teacher and musical director Marthese Busuttil Cassar L.B.C.A. The band’s major goal is enjoyment by all players and audiences, and to promote this beautiful instrument, the accordion. The band was founded in 1992, is the only one of its kind in Malta, and this year it is celebrating their 25th anniversary. During these years the Santa Maria Accordion Band has performed in various celebrations, community events, church services, national events, and concert halls. This year the band held the first Accordion Festival in Malta. This was on Easter Monday where local and foreign accordionists took part. It was so well received by the audience that the band is organising another festival next year. Accordion music is one of the most popular forms of live music. An accordion band has a special sound all unto its own that creates a feeling no other band can. For further information email: mtbusuttil@yahoo.com Full World Accordion Day report at: 2017WAD |
Christine Schmid CD ‘Paris to Berlin’, Berlin – Germanyby Rob Howard |
 Video: Christine Schmid in concert performing Libertango at Musikmesse Frankfurt.German accordionist and vocalist Christine Schmid, who works in cabaret and musical theatre, has released ‘Paris to Berlin’, a CD featuring mainly French and some German music. The CD, also available online and from Christine Schmid. Christine Schmid studied at the Hohner Conservatory Trossingen, the Opera Workshop at Basel Conservatory, and the Jazz School Basel and Paris in music theory, accordion and vocals. She played the title role in ‘Marlene Dietrich’ at the Musical Theater in Basel and regular appearances as a guest soprano with the Spa Orchestra Badenweiler, followed by appearances on radio and TV. She is also a vocal and speech trainer and also a model and mannequin. CD tracks list below. For further information email: christ.schmid@web.de |
 |
Texas Folklife's 2017 Big Squeeze Finals and Concert - USAby Harley Jones |
 |
| Texas Folklife's 2017 Big Squeeze Champions were decided on 22nd April and are: Mason Nesvadba 20 Guy, TX - Polka Category Donovan Bourque 16 Beaumont, TX - Cajun/Zydeco Category Luis Gonzalez 21 Grand Prairie, TX - Conjunto Category Each winner was awarded a Hohner accordion, a cash prize, and will play at Texas Folklife's Accordion Kings & Queens concert June 3rd at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, TX. |
Another Airline Viral Video, this Time Accordion and Its Good - Irelandby Rita Davidson Barnea |
| After the bad airline videos lately, this latest video on a Ryanair flight is good and it includes accordion! |
Future events |
Ksenija Sidorova Piazzolla Tango Concerts – Hong Kongby Rob Howard |
 |
| Video: Ksenija Sidorova performs Malaguena by Ernesto Lecuona, Klassik live im Club, 16 April 2017. Latvian virtuoso accordionist Ksenija Sidorova performs two concerts this weekend with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga, on Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th, 8pm both evenings, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. The concerts feature the tango dancers Guillermo Salvat and Eliana Sanchez Arteaga. The concert program includes the following compositions by Astor Piazzolla – ‘Concerto for Bandoneon’, ‘Invierno Porteno’, ‘Oblivion’, ‘Adios Nonino’, and ‘Libertango’, and ‘Fantasy on a theme by Astor Piazzolla’, by Franck Angelis. Ksenija Sidorova, now based in Spain, studied in London, UK, at the Royal Academy of Music under Professor Owen Murray. She subsequently received her Masters Degree with Distinction, and has since pursued a highly successful worldwide career. |
Orchester Hohner-Klang Concert, Osterholz-Scharmbeck – Germanyby Rob Howard |
 The harmonica and accordion orchestra Orchester Hohner-Klang, from Trossingen, performs in concert on Saturday May 13th, 8pm, at the Stadhalle OHZ, Osterholz-Scharmbeck. Osterholz-Scharmbeck is situated in between the cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven, Lower Saxony, Germany. |
Beltango Quintet In Toulouse - Franceby Harley Jones |
 Beltango Quintet In Toulouse. Concert information on poster.CD''s available online at: Beltango |
Miloš Milivojević Performances - UKby Rob Howard |
 Recently Miloš Milivojevic enjoyed performing ‘Hansel and Gretel’ with the Opera North and giving two world premieres by Christopher Best and Philip Grange with flautist William Sleath.Upcoming performances by Miloš Milivojevic are: May 12th, 7.30pm – with flautist Alena Lugovkina, The Pilsdon at Malling Community, Kent May 16th, 7.30pm – with ensemble, The Olivier Theatre, Bedales School, Hampshire May 26th, 7.30pm – with Kosmos Ensemble, Beaumaris Festival, Wales May 27th, 7.30pm - with Kosmos Ensemble, Concord College, Acton Burnell, Shropshire June 1st, 7.30pm – with Kosmos Ensemble, Music in Quiet Places, St Andrew's Church, Sempringham, Billingborough, Lincolnshire June 2nd, 7.30pm - with David Juritz - violin and Adrian Bradbury – cello, Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Arts, Oakham, Leicestershire June 7th, 8pm - with Craig Ogden - guitar, Sophie Rosa - violin, Roberto Carrillo-Garcia - bass, Ben Powell - piano, Gran Caffe Venezia, Ensemble Deva, Storyhouse, Chester For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
Matthew MacLennan Leads Tune Session, Edinburgh – UKby Rob Howard |
 This Sunday, May 14th, from 2pm to 4pm, accordionist Matthew MacLennan will be leading a session in the newly redecorated Scots Guards Club, 2 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5DR, Scotland, opposite the Haymarket train station and beside the Haymarket Tram Stop. All are welcome. If you play an instrument and want to join in for a tune or would like to give a song then please come along! Free entry! Families are also welcome. Lunches will be served! |
Dr. William Schimmel @ Brooklyn Accordion Club, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 Dr. William Schimmel is the special guest at Brooklyn Accordion Club this Sunday May 14th, 3-5pm, at 61 Local (61 Bergen Street), Brooklyn, New York. Admission: $5 per person (It's Mother's Day! Bring your mother(s) for afternoon of accordion music. Mothers enter for free!) The itinery includes: 3pm to 3.40pm – Terry Riley’s ‘In C’ rehearsal for Make Music New York’s (MMNY) Mass Appeal on Wednesday June 21st at Bryany Park. Rehearsal will be led by Melissa Elledge. Please note: Bring your accordion and music stand, participation is open to all, regardless of whether you are able to perform on 6/21, and the rehearsal starts promptly at 3pm! The music is very, very simple, though you must be able to read sheet music. 3.45 to 4pm – Open Mic 4pm to 4.450pm: A presentation ‘Thinking Inside the Box’ by Dr. William Schimmel For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
‘Musical Showcase’ Concert, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra (MD Gary Blair) and The Renfewshire Community Gospel Choir perform in concert on Friday May 19th, 7.30pm, at Renfrew Town Hall, near Glasgow.The Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra is a revival of the orchestra founded in the 1970s by the late Jimmy Blair, and run by his son Gary. The original JBAO were Scottish and All Britain Champions many times, and the present band has won similar honours at the NAO UK Championships. |
Chmielewski Polkafest, Minnesota – USAby Rob Howard |
 The Chmielewski Polkafest takes place on May 19th, 20th and 21st at the Grand Casino Hinckley Event Center, Hinckley, Minnesota, USA. The guest list includes accordionist Joey Miskulin, Jeff Winard Band, the Rod Cerar Orchestra, Leon Olsen, and many more. |
Paris-Moscow Duo Master Class and Concert, Normandy - Franceby Rob Howard |
 The Paris-Moscow Duo – Domi Emorine and Roman Jbanov - performs in concert on Saturday May 20th, 8pm, at Le Centre Culturel, Livarot, Normandy, France. In the afternoon, 2pm until 5pm, there will be an accordion master class in the cinema ‘Le Parc’. Both events have free admision. Roman Jbanov and Domi Emorine began performing together in 1998, and have performed in France, Russia, Denmark, Italy, Poland, China, Portugal, Lithuania, Canada, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. Domi Emorine’s achievements include winning the CIA Coupe Mondiale, CMA Trophée Mondial, Concours International de Klingenthal, and the Prix de la Sacem. Roman Jbanov achievements include Grand Prize Beloborodov in Tula (Russia), Scholarship of the President of the Russian Republic, and the CMA Trophée Mondial. For further information email: duopm@sfr.fr |
No 1 Ladies Accordion Orchestra Concerts, Wales – UKby Rob Howard |
 The No 1 Ladies Accordion Orchestra (MD Jane Ward) performs two concerts this weekend in North Wales, as follows:Saturday May 20th, 7.30pm – Penrallt Baptist Church, Bangor Sunday May 21st, 2pm – Neuadd St Mary’s Church Hall, Conwy The No 1 Ladies Accordion Orchestra was founded by Karen Tweed in 2010, bringing together passionate accordion players from all corners of the UK, with a shifting line-up of up to sixteen performers. Now led by Jane Ward, an afternoon or evening in the company of the No 1 Ladies offers the delights of tea and tangos, hats and hornpipes, bellows and biscuits, jam and jigs! For further information email: no1ladiesaccordion@gmail.com |
‘Swing of France’ Concert, Grandson (VD) – Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
 The trio ‘Swing of France’, featuring accordionist Erwan Mellec, from Nantes in western France, performs their jazz, swing and musette music on Saturday May 20th, 8pm, at Accordéon "Club des 100", Caveau du Croch'Pied, Grandson (VD), Switzerland.For further information email: swing.of.france@live.fr |
Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert, New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
 The Accordion Pops Orchestra (MD Al Terzo) performs in concert on Sunday May 21st, 3pm, at the East Brunswick Cultural Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, New Jersey. This concert will feature a wide variety of music including Broadway hits, movie themes, classical pieces, and even a Beatles medley! There will be supporting spots from flute virtuoso Andrea Maurer, vocalists Sasha Leon and Emmanuel Cruz, and accordionist Cody McSherry. For further information email: webmaster@accordionpops.com |
Donal Ring Ceili Band Concert, Dundee – UKby Rob Howard |
 On Friday May 26th, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, there is an evening of Irish, Scottish, Old Time, Country & Western music, song and dancing with the Donal Ring Ceili Band (from Ireland), the Bruce Lindsay Band, and Irish Shand Morino accordionist Dermot Lyons. This takes place at the Woodlands Hotel, 13 Panmure Terrace, Broughty Ferry DD5 2QL, Dundee. Admission is £5.The Donal Ring Ceili Band, from Cork in the Irish Republic, was founded by accordionist Donal Ring in 1958, and is still going strong. Donal Ring – an admirer and contemporary of Sir Jimmy Shand – plays the Shand Morino 3-row British chromatic accordion. Long well established in Ireland through gigs, recordings, radio and television appearances, Donal and his band performed have overseas many times in the UK, Canada, Holland, and other places. |
Ludovic Beier Master Class @ CNIMA, Auvergne – Franceby Rob Howard |
 |
 Ludovic Beier leads gypsy jazz accordion master classes on Tuesday May 30th, Wednesday May 31st, and Thursday June 1st at CNIMA-J. Mornet. The cost is 465 Euro, which includes tuition and accommodation. Further details are on the CNIMA-J. Mornet website www.cnima.com CNIMA-J. Mornet is the well-known accordion school founded and run by Professor Jacques Mornet and Nathalie Boucheix. CNIMA-J. Mornet is based at Les Ludines, 63950 Saint-Sauves d’Auvergne, situated in the south of France. There is easy access to Cnima by highways A71, A75 and A89, and a train station locally where the CNIMA’s team will pick up. Information at www.cnima.com For further information email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Page: "Know The People" Interviews Since December 2016by Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 |
| The Celebrity Interviews home page has been updated to list all the "Know The People" interviews since December 2016. 02 December 2016 English Serenellini Interview at: 2016Serenellini 16 December 2016 English Fisitalia Interview at: 2016Fisitalia 13 January 2017 English Alessandrini Interview at: 2017Alessandrini 27 January 2017 English Giustozzi Interview at: 2017GiustozziAcc 17 February 2017 English Mengascini Interview at: 2017MN-Interview 24 March 2017 English MusicTech Interview at: 2017MusicTech 21 April 2017 English Italcinte Interview at: 2017Italcinte 12 May 2017 English Fismen Interview at: 2017Fismen |
Updated Site, Frank Marocco 3 CD Set & Book - Germanyby Ulrich Schmülling |
 There has been a slight price increase for the Frank Marocco 3 CD set and a beautifully presented book titled "Jazz On The Road, Volume 1-3" Catalog: ks550The book describes Frank Marocco's musical life in extensive texts enriched with many never-before published photos and significant interviews. The author is accordionist, conductor and music historian Thomas Eickhoff. |
CD Reviews |
Review of The Shortcut to Playing and the Bellows-Technique for The Accordion by Lars Ekby Franco Cambareri |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of the eBook (sent to you by email) written by Lars Ek, reviewed by Franco Cambareri.The Shortcut to Playing and the Bellows-Technique for The Accordion by Lars Ek CD Reviews Index |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Generated in 7.5131479 / 0.0020035 / 0