Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
New and Updated Sites |
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
Hanzhi Wang (China) Wins XXI Accordion "Arrasate Hiria" 2013 - Spainby Harley Jones |
Video above: Hanzhi Wang (China), part of Round II program, PIF Castelfidardo Competition, 22 September 2013 Hanzhi Wang (China, picture left) has won the XXI Accordion "Arrasate Hiria" 2013 International Competition, just 7/100ths ahead of 2nd place Xu Xiaonan (China) with Marko Sevarlic (Serbia) in 3rd place. This was the closest marks in the history of the competition. From the 5th to 8th December, about 350 accordionists from 11 countries have performed on the two stages for this event organised by Hauspoz (Euskal Herriko Akordeoi Elkartea), the Town Hall of Arrasate and The County Council of Gipuzkoa. 1st prize: €3,600, 2nd prize €1,800, 3rd prize €900. The jury for the international category in alphabetical order were: Iñaki Alberdi (Spain), Alexey Artemyev (Russia), Geir Draugsvoll (Denmark), Georg Katzer (Germany) and Mie Miki (Japan). Picture below of international category prize giving. The winner of the VI International Composition Competition "Francisco Escudero" was the work 'Harkaitza' for accordion, clarinet and cello, composed by Francisco Jose Rios (Spain). Download the 56 page program: 2013AHiria.pdf |
Video: New Gorka Hermosa Composition 'Zheng Zai' World Premiere by Xu Xiaonan - Chinaby Gorka Hermosa |
Video of the World Premiere of 'Zheng Zai" in Beijing. This work was also part of the program Xu Xiaonan (picture left) performed at Arrasate (see above article) International Competitions with great success, where he was a mere 7/100ths of a point from 1st place. Composer, performer, teacher and historian Gorka Hermosa (picture below) writes about his new work “Zheng Zai” (2013) available online at: ghermosa03 “Zheng Zai” (2013) for accordion solo was comissioned by the Chinese player Xu Xiaonan. He proposed that I compose a work based upon a Tibetan melody, full of energy and I accepted this idea. This piece is a bridge between different cultures: the oriental and the occidental. The oriental, because of the Tibetan airs and the occidental because of the funky rhythms and minimalist textures. This work was composed in August 2013 and premiered on on the 1st December 2012 by Xu Xiaonan at the Recital Hall of the Central Conservatory of Music of Beijing. This concert was a significant element of the project "BOB" (Best Of Best), which is a Chinese national project for cultivating talents. Sunrise CD and eTracks album online at: Xu Xiaonan |
2014 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival - Australiaby Harley Jones |
On 7th and 8th June 2014, the Australian Accordion Teachers Association celebrates 20 years of International competitions and festivals. Special guest artist will be Mirco Patarini (Italy, picture top left). President of the Australian Accordion Teachers Assoc (AATA) Tania Lukic-Marx writes: "It is my pleasure to personally invite you to come to join the 20th Anniversary celebration and be a part of our special International Massed Orchestra. It is our aim to have all the winners, place-getters, guest artists and adjudicators from the past 2 decades celebrate the camaraderie of the accordion in Australia at the 20th AATA Anniversary Festival. Come and join us in our celebration of Accordion." Popular vocalist, entertainer and conductor Lionel Reekie (picture left) will conduct the International Massed Orchestra. Rules and regulations for the international competition categories are online at: AATA A number of these categories have the same rules as the equivalent Coupe Mondiale category. For further information, email: tats64@gmail.com |
Last Few Days, Free Postage, Super Value Christmas Gifts Booksby Harley Jones |
Accordion Christmas Gift ideas for friends and family at: 2013Christmas Ideas Free Postage for 15th November to 20th December ONLY make the following books SUPER value for a Christmas Gift. Free Postage Special: The Ins and Outs of the Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog benetouxen00). A quality book about accordion repairs, tuning etc. that is very popular indeed. In English and French. Comprendre et Reparer Votre Accordeon (catalog benetouxfr00). Free Postage Special: Sounding Out The Accordion by Thierry Benetoux (catalog bthierryen). A very quality book that cares of the sounding and tuning up your accordion. In English and French. L’Accordeon & SA Diversite Sonore (catalog bthierryfr). Free Postage Special: Rob Howard Publications, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments by Rob Howard, an unique books that suits new learner of the accordion instrument. It also have An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 2, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 3, An A to Z of the Accordion and Related Instruments Volume 4. Free Postage Special: Playing Well by Lynda Griffith (catalog lynda01), Prevention and Biomechanics of Musician Injuries These Christmas gift ideas have been compiled to hopefully attract your Xmas gift money to be spent with accordion artists, composers, arrangers and publishers. Please support accordion artistry and choose from over 2,200 eSheet pieces, 270 CD/DVD’s, 990 eTracks recordings, 833 plus printed works and numerous books (text) to choose from. 2013Christmas Ideas |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Massimo Andreotti Peforms "El Toco" on TV Italia 7 Gold - Italyby Harley Jones |
Popular accordionist Massimo Andreotti performing "El Toco" on TV Italia 7 Gold. Published 19 November 2013 |
Corky Bennett ‘Have Yourself a Corky Little Christmas CD’ – USAby Rob Howard |
Accordion entertainer Corky Bennett has released a CD, ‘Have Yourself a Corky Little Christmas’. All songs are instrumental, arranged and recorded by Corky Bennett. Tracks: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, White Christmas, Jingle Bells, I'll be Home for Christmas, Feliz Navidad, The Christmas Waltz, Deck the Halls, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, Silver Bells, Blue Christmas, The Christmas Song, We Wish You a Merry Christmas For further information email: info@corkybennett.com |
Video: Erwan Mellec (Accordion) & Thomas Le Bris (Guitar) - Franceby Harley Jones |
Erwan Mellec (Accordion) & Thomas Le Bris (Guitar) with some real French swing-musette. Published on Dec 4, 2013 |
Video: Banda Myllenium Performing at Cana Verde - Portugalby Harley Jones |
Banda Myllenium: Portuguese folk instrumental theme filmed at a live concert. Featured is Liliana on Concertina |
Stockport Accordion Club’s Fund Raising, Macclesfield, Salford – UKby Rob Howard |
The Stockport Accordion Club Band (MD Derek Stubbs), with spots from the Stockport AC Quartet, Helen Rich, Walter Perrie, and Pearl Fawcett Adriano, all performed at an annual concert on December 6th in aid of the East Cheshire Hospice at The Broken Cross Club, Macclesfield. Rob Howard acted as compere. The SAC Band’s programme included Zillertaller, Whistling Rufus, Somewhere My Love, Sweet Georgia Brown, La Paloma, Hopping Polka, Tulips from Amsterdam, Charleston, Domino, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory, Hallelujah Chorus, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, and White Christmas. The amount raised equaled last year's record of £1400. Congratulations and thanks to all those who played and supported. Six Stockport AC members followed up the Macclesfield concert with an open air gig playing Christmas music outside The Lowry Shopping Mall, Salford, at a Victorian Christmas Fair. This was in aid of The Christie Appeal, and went very well indeed. There were quite a lot of Manchester United and Newcastle fans watching en route to Old Trafford for the match, and contributing to the Appeal, which was good on them. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Video: Wann ist Musik Musik by Uwe Steger - Germanyby Harley Jones |
A new video of accordion / V-accordion and voice by Uwe Steger in German and English languages. Enjoy. You can download a press release about this (in German) at: 2013Steger.pdf |
Video: Group Gemelli D'Italia Perform Caravan - Italyby Harley Jones |
A typical South American cumbia titled Caravan, performed by the group Gemelli D'Italia, written and arranged by Joseph Zanca in collaboration with Gemini Francini. The track features Carlo on accordion. |
Video: Edo Krilic playing Mosk-Pari - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
Accordionist Edo Krilic of Bosnia and Herzegovina playing his own composition Mosk-Pari. |
Video: Singers and accordionists Cezinha and Terezinha Perform - Brazilby Harley Jones |
Singers and accordionists Cezinha and Terezinha (lady) perform together "minha vida é te amar" (My Life is Loving You). |
Video: Hilde Myran at the Harmonica Festival Bindslev - Denmarkby Harley Jones |
This is the Life. Hilde Myran singing with unnamed accordionists at the Harmonica Festival Bindslev 2013 in Denmark |
‘14 Years Ago’: Accordion used as Lottery symbol, Canada, 1999by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending December 17th 1999 included an item from Mario Bruneau in Canada telling us that a depiction of an accordion was being used as part of advertising for a lottery. Nice to see the accordion in the public eye. Accordion featured in Millenium Lottery – Canada Contributed by Mario Bruneau "Loto-Québec", a lottery in Québec, Canada, is using this nicely drawn accordion to illustrate the Millennium version of their Mini Lottery (the Mini being the most affordable draw of Loto-Québec). These accordions can be seen everywhere - in supermarkets and cigar stores. What a refreshing sight! |
Future events |
Pietro Adragna Performing, Palermo – Sicilyby Rob Howard |
Italian accordionist Pietro Adragna performs, in the Auditorium, Astoria Palace Hotel, Palermo, Sicily, on Saturday December 14th, 8.30pm. |
‘Akonima’ Accordion Orchestra Concert, Wehr – Germanyby Rob Howard |
An accordion orchestra concert involving the Jugendorchester Wehr, the Vadim Fedorov Band, and the Akkordeon Rockorchester takes place on December 14th, 7pm, at the Stadhalle, Wehr, a town in the Waldshut district in Baden-Württemberg. The music will be varied, with everything from classical and folk to Queen and Phil Collins. |
‘Whiskey and Women’ Winter Europe Tour- Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany by Rob Howard |
Renee de la Prade, of the band ‘Whiskey & Women’, writes, “Here I am again, back in Europe. It looks like I'm going to be coming here a lot, because I found this romance here which can work with my crazy music-saturated travelling lifestyle. My new sweetheart Ingo Brauning will be driver, roadie, and sometimes drummer for this winter tour. He's taking really good care of Whiskey & Women: he's kept the fire going and the P.A. running for us in his magical art space in Hamburg. He also booked us a couple of fun Christmas shows in his home town, and has rehearsed loads of really fun grooves with me. A good man is hard to find, but not impossible! Our winter travels will take us to Belgium, Holland, France, and Germany. We are all cramming into Ingo's 2-door hatchback Corsa so it's a good thing that we're good friends. Between the tiny steamy car, and the swampy grooves in toasty places... I think I'll be a lot warmer here in the land of snow than in my drafty warehouse back in Oakland. My further adaptation to this cold winter weather is a new furry pair of leg warmers and snow-ready boots. Bring on the schnee!” Tour dates: December 13th, 8pm - De Piek, Vlissingen, Netherlands December 14th, 8pm - Swamp Studio, Molenstraat 58a, Raamsdonk, Netherlands December 15th, 8pm - Café Lokaal, Anthonie Verherentstraat 5, Haarlem, Netherlands December 19th, 9pm – with Ophelia's Iron Vest, Treibhaus, Spelteriniweg 2, 6005 Lucerne, Switzerland December 20th, 10pm - Les Copains D'Abord, 52 avenue d'Orléans, Salbris, France December 21st, 9.30pm - Chez Fanfan, Rue Gourdon, Vierzon, France December 22nd, 8.30pm - Chair de Poule, 141 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France Rosie and Joan fly home to the US, and Rene and Ingo play two shows in Germany December 25th, 9pm - 25 Dec: Renee and Ingo Christmas show, Pferdehof Kindermann, Metzels, Germany December 27th, 9pm - Kaffee Krämer, Sraße 9a, Meiningen, Germany For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Gianni Mirizzi Concert, Rome – Italyby Rob Howard |
On Sunday December 15th, 11am, accordionist Gianni Mirizzi performs at the Salone Margherita theatre, Piazza di Spagna, Rome. The concert is in aid of ‘Matinée musicale’, an educational initiative. |
NHAA Meeting, New Hampshire – USAby Rob Howard |
The New Hampshire Accordion Association Christmas celebration takes place on Saturday December 21st, 12.30pm until 4pm. The music and refreshments will be suitably seasonal. NHAA members, please note: music playlist and parts for December 21st will be emailed to those NHAA members who let us know they will be attending and intend to play. To receive the list and music, please email DonnaRegis@comcast.net as soon as possible. NHAA meets at Accordion Connection, LLC, 136 Route 106, Gilmanton, NH 03237. |
Zoltan Orosz Concert, Veszprem – Hungaryby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Zoltan Orosz performs a programme of Christmas music in concert on Sunday December 22nd, 7.30pm, at Ovari Ferenc, Veszprem. |
Joao Gentil Concert, Coimbra - Portugalby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Joao Gentil performs music by Astor Piazzolla Richard Galliano, Amalia Rodrigues, Edith Piaf, Hermeto Pascoal and Pixinguinha at Salao Brazil, Coimbra, Portugal, on Friday December 27th, 10.30pm. This concert features several guest musicians and friends, including Miguel Duarte (bass), Chico Cardoso (drums), Claudio Andrade (baritone sax), Mauro Ribeiro (guitar). For further information email: salaobrazil@gmail.comsalaobrazil@gmail.com |
Marco Lo Russo Concert, Latina – Italyby Rob Howard |
On Friday December 27th, 6pm, accordionist Marco Lo Russo performs with visiting Mexican musicians, the Duo La Boquita - Silvia Basurto (vocals and percussion) and Paolo Uccelli (stringed instruments and flute) in the church of San Michele Arcangelo, Sermoneta, Latina, Italy. The diverse program will include flamenco, Arabic music, Hindu, Mexican, Argentinean Tango and Latin American music. This year Marco Lo Russo has performed in Mexico, USA and Canada. For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
New and Updated Sites |
New Book, ‘Accordion: A Pictorial History’ Available from MusicForAccordion.comby Rob Howard |
Available online with secure server credit card purchase in Euro or US$ Catalog No: robaccord06 ‘Accordion: A Pictorial History’ |
Franco Cambareri release musicby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, release a new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'Salsa Fusion', catalog:cfranco185 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Charnwood Publications release musicby Charnwood Publishing |
Charnwood Publications releases 3 new eSheet pieces for accordion available for purchase online. 'Chocolation', catalog:DW924E, 'Coming Home', catalog:DW510E, 'Emancipation ', catalog:M375E, The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Karen Fremar releases musicby Karen Fremar |
Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer, release 1 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'One Hundred and One Green Goblins', catalog:kfremar309 The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card |
6th Gary Dahl "Easy Listening Variety" eBook, Now Released - USAby Gary Dahl |
Following on the very successful Gary Dahl arranged eSheet music (able to be sent to you by email), Gary Dahl has now released the 6th of his music eBooks. Cat No: DH06-eB Collection #6 Easy Listening Variety 26 Titles: You Belong To My Heart, Walk On By, Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Ebb Tide, Time To Say Goodbye, Baby Face, Rocky Top, Lara's Theme, Impossible Dream, Danny Boy, It's All In The Game, Can't Help Falling In Love, California Dreaming, Adagio, Music Of The Night, Port Orchard Blues (Cajun Blues), Eloise (A Cajun Waltz), It Had Better Be Tonight, Hello My Baby, The Godfather, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, The Baby Elephant Walk, Abide With Me, Rockin' The Blues, Lyin' Eyes, Perdido. 65 pages of music for only US$40.00 or Euro equivalent. Click the link to see music samples and see why Gary Dahl arrangements are very popular. These eBooks make excellent gifts for Christmas. The previous eBooks recently released are: Cat No: DH01-eB Collection #1 Latin Spectacular (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH02-eB Collection #2 Favorite French Standards (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH03-eB Collection #3 The American Songbook (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH04-eB Collection #4 Favorite Waltzes & Polkas (click link to see music samples) Cat No: DH05-eB Collection #5 Easy Listening Jazz (click link to see music samples) There are over 200 Gary Dahl arrangements available online at: http://www.musicforaccordion.com/inform/garydahl/index.htm |
Gary Dahl Updates eBooks Music Cover - USAby Gary Dahl |
Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated eBooks music cover for purchase on-line. 'Latin Spectacular!', catalog:DH01-eB, 'Favourite French Standards', catalog:DH02-eB, 'The American Songbook', catalog:DH03-eB, 'Favorite Waltzez Polkas', catalog:DH04-eB, 'Easy Listening Variety', catalog:DH05-eB, 'Easy Listening Variety', catalog:DH06-eB Samples for these eBooks are now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The eBooks music are in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Dockit Pontoons: inflatable rigid pontoons are lightweight and roll up.by Harley Jones |
Dockit Pontoons: inflatable rigid pontoons are lightweight and roll up. http://www.dockitjet.com |
CD Reviews |
Lips Concerto CD by Friedrich Lips, Bayanby Joan C. Sommers |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Lips Concerto CD by Friedrich Lips, Bayan, in English language, reviewed by Joan C. Sommers. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |