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Highlights |
Fred Hanna (1924-2014), Northern Ireland - UK
16th Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival – Finland
National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Convention, Texas – USA
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Beltango Quintet and Dancers Santiago and Erna Giachello - Serbia
Finbarr Dwyer (1946-2014), Cork – Republic of Ireland
Video: Alexander Hrustevich Performs Summer from the Four Seasons - Russia
Bob McQuillen (1923-2014), New Hampshire - USA
Video: Svetlana Stavitskaya Performs Spanish Suite - A. Beloshitsky - Russia
Luke Carver Goss “on the run with an accordion”, London – UK
Video: Accordions Voyage Documentary, 2014 Columbian Film Festival
Video: Stojan Bojic at 2013 Akordeon Art Festival - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Video: Janna Morozova, Vocal Examination - Russia
‘14 Years Ago’: Frank Marocco Performs with Luciano Pavarotti in 2000
Future events |
Stanislav Angelov Gigs – South Africa
Erika & Jean-Marie Dance Gigs, Tubize, Rochefort – Belgium
NHAA Meeting, New Hampshire – USA
Marcelo Caldi Concert, Grenoble - France
Alla Misura Trio Concert, Liverpool – UK
David Vernon and Dick Lee @ Harlow AC, Essex – UK
Marco Lo Russo opens ‘Folk a Metà’ Festival, Latina – Italy
Shane Brogan Concert Dates, Edinburgh – UK
New and Updated Sites |
Renzo Ruggieri Releases New Solo Virtuoso Arrangement - Italy
Gary Dahl Updated Arrrangement - USA
Amy Jo Sawyer releases her new eSheet music
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Online Ticketing available for 67th Coupe Mondiale Events - Austriaby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
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 The Austrian Accordion Association (Harmonikaverband Österreichs - HVÖ) announces that the online ticketing service for events related to their upcoming hosting of the 67th Coupe Mondiale is now available. Taking place from October 27th to November 2nd 2014 in Salzburg, Austria, the event will feature some of the finest young accordionists in the world competing in seven categories of international competitions, the magnificent World Accordion Orchestra VIII, a dazzling array of guest artists and many other events. Attendees may choose between individual event tickets, day passes or a complete combination package. Tickets are now available for concerts featuring: - Klavitoniker/Akkorde-on-Stage (Marek Suchan, Robert Ebner, Horst Tanzer, Birgit Suchan, Verena Tanzer), - Duo Contact (Roman Pechmann and Hubert Kellerer - accordions), - Les Cascadeurs (Bernd Kohlhofer - accordion and Michael Leitner - violin), - 'Stubenmusi' from Salzburg (ensemble of regional folk instruments), - Ars Harmoniae (accordions, piano, violin, flute, sax, vibes and percussion), - Klezmer Reloaded (Maciej Golebiowski - clarinet and Alexander Shevchenko - accordion), - Klaus Paier Trio (Klaus Paier - accordion/bandoneon, Stefan Gfrerrer - bass and Roman Werni - drums), - Trio Akk:zent (Paul Schuberth and Johannes Münzner - accordions and Victoria Pfeil - saxophone), - Wolfgang Dimetrik (classical accordion), - Klak (Stefan Kollmann - accordion and Markus Fellner - clarinet), - Gottfried Hubmann (styrian accordion), - Tango meets Jazz (Martin Veszelovicz - accordion and Martin Schaberl - guitar), - Wiener Akkordeon-Kammer-Ensemble (Werner Weibert - Director), - Wiener Neustädter ZiehHarmoniker - That’s groovy! (Friederike Steiner - Director), - Competition Winners, - World Accordion Orchestra VIII (Joan C. Sommers and Werner Weibert - Directors), - MUSIKUM-Orchestra Salzburg (Robert Ebner - Director). The Austrian Accordion Association is honored to host the Coupe Mondiale for a fourth time (previously in Vienna 1960, Salzburg 1970 and Linz 1983) under the auspices of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA - IMC an NGO official member of UNESCO). This year's Coupe Mondiale coincides with the 60th Harmonikaverband Österreichs (HVÖ) Anniversary Celebration. For updated information in both German and English, rules and regulations, links to the online ticketing system and the latest schedule of events and guest artists please visit: Coupe Mondiale |
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Fred Hanna (1924-2014), Northern Ireland - UKby Rob Howard |
 Ulsterman Fred Hanna (born 1924) studied both played piano and piano accordion as a young boy, and played his first dance gig on accordion at the age of 10. He was taught the accordion by the late Alec Martin, from Bainbridge, County Down.During WW2 Fred Hanna served in the Royal Navy, and in 1945 following demobilisation made his first broadcast for BBC Northern Ireland in Belfast. This happened by accident as the BBC mistakenly thought they had booked the well-known Scottish accordionist Will Hannah, but led to many more broadcasts over several decades, both with the BBC and on Radio Eireann. Fred recalled that on arrival at BBC Belfast the producer asked “Did you have a good crossing?”, and only then was the booking error realised. From the mid-1940s to the early-1960s Fred Hanna’s trio (accordion, bass and drums) and sextet (accordion, fiddle, piano, drums, bass, saxophone) were amongst the leading ceili bands in Ireland. In the 1960s and 70s, during a time of changing trends, he led the Fred Hanna Showband. In the early 1950s Fred began a long and very successful recording career. He recorded on a succession of formats: 10" LPs, 12" LPS, 78s, 45s, and CDs, with recordings made both under his own name and also anonymously as ‘The Diamond Accordion Band’. The Diamond Accordion Band recordings began in 1968, when Fred plus a drummer and multi-tracking created a big band sound for ‘The Orange Walk’, an LP of well-known tunes from the Protestant Orange tradition. The success of the first Diamond Accordion Band album led to a succession of LPs and CDs that also sold well, where the formula of presenting melodic music in straightforward arrangements proved to be enduringly popular. Accordionists Trefor Owens, Wilcil McDowell, and Ivan Black also contributed to some of the Diamond Accordion Band recordings. Fred Hanna, primarily a dance musician with an unerring sense of tempo, played for ceili and ballroom dancing from the 1930s until he was overtaken by arthritis and mobility problems only a few years ago. In recent times he used a Gabbanelli 96-bass accordion with midi, creating a one man band sound. He also taught the accordion at his home in Newtownabbey, Belfast, one of his students being Amanda Robinson, winner of many NAO and other competitions. Fred Hanna was a widower with a longtime partner, Hetty, and great-grandchildren. He was much respected by fellow musicians, a regular at the Northern Accordion Fiddle Club, and was a much loved character who will be sadly missed. He passed away in hospital in Belfast on February 9th at the age of 89. |
16th Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival – Finlandby Rob Howard |
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 This year’s Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival takes place from February 16th to 23rd, presenting a diverse offering of performances and events. Artistic Director is Raimo Vertainen (picture left).The festival begins with a celebration service in the city church. Events include a children’s concert performed by Loiskis, and the joy of young accordion virtuosos letting loose. Audiences also get to go back in time to old Neristan (Kokkola’s historic district) as well as enjoying concerts for the city’s elderly and in the Kallentori. In other words, the accordion will ring out around the city, indoors and out. The festival news this year is Pietarsaari/Jakobstad Day, when Vestersundsby Spelmän will perform in the recently completed Schauman Hall. On that same day in Pietarsaari/Jakobstad, jazz will flow from O’Leary’s Pub. Lars Holm, from Sweden, will be performing at this year’s festival. In an exclusive performance, the Motion Trio, from Warsaw, will present Polish accordion tunes in Kokkola, their only concert in Finland. On Friday evening, the festival welcomes Hehkumo with Pauli Hanhiniemi. The jewel in the crown of this event-filled week is Guardia Nueva’s (picture below) grand performance concert on the evening of Saturday February 22nd. Soloists in this Snellman Hall performance include Mari Palo, Mika Pohjonen and Jonna Pirttijoki. Sunday’s last splash takes place outdoors in the afternoon while night brings the festival finale, Sunday’s Grand Dance. For further information email: talviharmonikka@gmail.com |
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National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention Convention, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
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 The 28th National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention takes place at the Southfork Hotel and Convention Center, Plano, Dallas, Texas, from March 5th to 9th. President Norman Seaton (picture left) leads a ten member Convention Team dedicated to organizing a superb event.Accordionists from China are participating in the 2014 convention include Yiru Liu, Shusheng Wang, Yuanan Fan, Rui Liu and Annie Gong (China-New Zealand). The Convention offers concerts, workshops, ‘join the band’, jam sessions, dancing, trade show, new instrument presentations, and a ‘swap shop’. Selected members of the National Accordion Association (USA) will teach sessions on classical, jazz and folk music, which are normally associated with the USA and European countries. An early bird price is extended for those booking this weekend. For full information, registration form and detailed program at: National Accordion Association (NAA) or email: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Performances by RAM Student Bartosz Glowacki, London – UKby Prof. Owen Murray |
 Bartosz Glowacki’s performance on February 6th of ‘Concerto Classico’ by Mikalaj Majkusiak in the Duke's Hall of the Royal Academy of Music with the Sinfonia Londinium, conducted by Florent de Bazelaire, received rapturous applause. On February 11th Bartosz Glowacki will give the first performance with the RAM Soloists, conducted by Trevor Pinnock, of an arrangement by Christopher Austin of Alexander Zemlinsky's 'Six Songs op 13' to texts by Maurice Maeterlinck for medium voice and chamber orchestra. It will be repeated in Bristol on February 16th and also recorded. These are some of the many performance opportunities open to RAM accordion students who are performing a wide range of concert work. For further information email: o.murray@ram.ac.uk |
Video: Beltango Quintet and Dancers Santiago and Erna Giachello - Serbiaby Harley Jones |
| Beltango Quintet perform Felicia. Published on Feb 11, 2014, filmed at the 10th Belgrade Tango Festival, Kolarac Concert Hall, Belgrade, Serbia on the 1st of November 2013. Beltango Quintet members are: Aleksandar Nikolic (bandoneon/accordion), Ivana Nikolic (piano/vocal), Jovan Bogosavljevic (violin), Bogdan Pejic (el.guitar), Ljubinko Lazic (double bass). Available online, Triple CD Pack by Beltango |
Finbarr Dwyer (1946-2014), Cork – Republic of Irelandby Rob Howard |
 Finbarr Dwyer, one of Ireland’s most highly regarded 2-row diatonic button accordionists and also a composer, passed away on February 8th at the age of 67. He was born in Castletownbere, County Cork, on September 20th 1946, and came from a musical family. Both of his parents played accordion and his father also played fiddle. His brothers Richard and Michael (died 1996) likewise played accordion, while his brother John, born in 1933, played fiddle. In 1969 he won the All-Britain Irish traditional accordion title, and went on to record numerous albums.Finbarr Dwyer was an enigmatic musician who performed extensively until around 1990, when he took an extended break from live performance. Then in 2007 he surprised many by returning to live performance for a couple of years, after which he was overtaken by illness. These live performances varied from stunning displays of his accordion musicianship to unpredictable shows where he would forsake the accordion to play electric guitar. |
Video: Alexander Hrustevich Performs Summer from the Four Seasons - Russiaby Harley Jones |
| Alexander Hrustevich Performs the ever popular music of Summer, from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi. Published on Nov 19, 2013. For bookings or CD's contact: info@nmgeneration.com |
Bob McQuillen (1923-2014), New Hampshire - USAby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist, pianist, composer and dance caller Bob McQuillen, from New Hampshire, died peacefully following a stroke on February 6th at the age of 90. Bob McQuillen, a much loved and respected figure, was the doyen of musicians in the New England contra dance scene, with a lifetime of playing in various bands behind him. He composed approximately 1,300 tunes and songs, and was also well known as a teacher. In 2002, Bob was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest award for traditional and folk arts in America.After serving in the Marines during World War II, McQuillen started attending contra and square dances, which led him to playing the tunes he heard on an accordion. He joined the band led by Ralph Page, known as the “dean” of dance callers, and also began playing accompaniment on the piano. A Facebook group, Remember Mac, created in his memory already has more than 2,000 members. "But the thing that really drew people to him was that he was just such a positive guy. He treated everyone like they were his best friend,” said fellow musician Dave Eisenstadter. Bob McQuillen’s wife died on the same day as him, 29 years ago. He is survived by three children. |
Video: Svetlana Stavitskaya Performs Spanish Suite - A. Beloshitsky - Russiaby Harley Jones |
 Published on Feb 11, 2014. Svetlana Stavitskaya Performs Spanish Suite composed by A. Beloshitsky.Born in Latvia, completed her studies in Lithuania, and now based in St Petersburg, Svetlana Stavitskaya is the creator and leader of the instrumental trio "Milonga" (violin, accordion, piano). "Milonga" is the participant of many international festivals and competitions. Since 2000 Svetlana is soloist of the St. Petersburg Musette Ensemble and member of the instrumental duet with Vladimir Ushakov. Since 2001 S. Stavitskaya is the member of the Baltic International Accordion Quintet ''Excelsior''. |
Luke Carver Goss “on the run with an accordion”, London – UKby Harley Jones |
 The following appeared in this week’s Sheffield Telegraph newspaper:Sheffield-based composer and music educator Luke Carver Goss will play the accordion while running the London Marathon on April 13th on behalf of local dementia charity ‘Lost Chord’. Luke, aged 47, of Meersbrook, is one of a team of professional musicians who make regular visits to care homes and day centres across the region. It is his first marathon. |
Video: Accordions Voyage Documentary, 2014 Columbian Film Festivalby Harley Jones |
| Published on Feb 11, 2014, and titled, El Viaje del Acordeon (Accordion's Voyage). This documentary premiered at the International Festival of Film, Cartagena, FICCI, 2013 and has been selected for the 2014 Columbian Film Festival. |
Video: Stojan Bojic at 2013 Akordeon Art Festival - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
| Stojan Bojic, filmed at the 2013 Akordeon Art Festival competitions in East Sarajevo. Video 1: Sonata in B minor by D Scarlatti Video 2: Tango-Tokkata by P. Makkonen Published on Feb 3, 2014 |
Video: Janna Morozova, Vocal Examination - Russiaby Harley Jones |
| Published on Dec 30, 2013. Janna Morozova, vocal examination, accompanist: Alexey Popov |
‘14 Years Ago’: Frank Marocco Performs with Luciano Pavarotti in 2000by Rob Howard |
 The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending February 18th 2000 included mention of a concert where the late Frank Marocco performed with the late Luciano Pavarotti. This was a meeting of two maestros, coming from different yet compatible musical genres. Frank Marocco Performs with Pavarotti in LA – USA Contributed by Ralph Stricker Another accordionist has had the honor of performing with Pavarotti, this time in the USA. Acclaimed accordionist Frank Marocco appeared in concert with Pavarotti on February 11th at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. Frank has played background music for many movies, television shows and commercials. Ed. It is great to see the positive exposure the accordion receives in performances with Pavarotti. |
Future events |
Barry Bless Valentine’s Day Gig, Virginia – USAby Rob Howard |
 Barry Bless will be playing love songs plus musette, tango, Eastern European, and Latin American on the accordion at Al Dente, 4401 W. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. The food is Italian, Lebanese and other Mediterranean Cuisine. |
Stanislav Angelov Gigs – South Africaby Rob Howard |
 Bulgarian-born accordionist Stanislav Angelov performs this weekend, as follows:February 14th, 7pm until late - performing at a wedding with some great musicians, Cavalli February 15th, 12 until 3pm - Longridge Wine Estate & Restaurant, Stellenbosch February 15th, 8pm until 10pm – private function, Riebeek Kasteel Hotel |
Erika & Jean-Marie Dance Gigs, Tubize, Rochefort – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
 On Saturday February 15th, 2pm, Erika, known as ‘The Princess of the Accordion’ and her keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie, play for dancing at the Foyer du centre Culturel, Tubize, Belgium.On Sunday February 16th, 3pm, Erika and Jean-Marie, play for dancing at the Salle le Velodrome, Rochefort, Belgium. |
NHAA Meeting, New Hampshire – USAby Rob Howard |
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| The next New Hampshire Accordion Association monthly meeting takes place on Saturday February 15th, 12.30pm until 4pm. The agenda includes: Informal Pre-meeting Jam Session/Warm-up Open Mike – all accordionists are welcome to play solo, duet, trios, etc “Just-for-Fun” Play-Along – Please bring selections to share with the group Social Time and Business Meeting Orchestra Rehearsal NHAA meets at Accordion Connection, LLC, 136 Route 106, Gilmanton, NH 03237. For further information email: regisdonna@yahoo.com |
Marcelo Caldi Concert, Grenoble - Franceby Rob Howard |
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| Brazilian accordionist Marcelo Caldi performs on Monday February 17th, 8pm, at La Table Ronde, 7 Place St André, 38000 Grenoble, France. Marcelo Caldi is an accordionist, pianist, singer, composer, arranger, and has worked with many of the biggest names in Brazilian music such as Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, Mart'nália, Hamilton de Holanda, Zelia Duncan, Elza Soares, and Rodrigo Maranhao. |
Alla Misura Trio Concert, Liverpool – UKby Rob Howard |
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| The Alla Misura Trio perform at Hopskotch Street Kitchen & Bar, Matthew St, Liverpool L1 6AU, on Thursday February 20th, 8pm. Enjoy a varied evening of jazz with a nice glass of wine and a lovely meal in Hopskotch. Alla Misura are a three piece ensemble from Liverpool, featuring John Mooney on guitar and vocals, Helen Maher on accordion and vocals, and Billy Stratton on bass. They draw their influence from old time jazz, blues, country and continental music. |
David Vernon and Dick Lee @ Harlow AC, Essex – UKby Rob Howard |
 David Vernon (accordion) and Dick Lee (clarinet) perform in concert at Harlow Accordion Club, Links Social Club, Parsloe Road, Harlow, Essex, on Thursday February 27th, 7.30pm. There will be a Charity Raffle for Julie Ben and Oliver's Three peaks Climb Cancer Research UK. |
Marco Lo Russo opens ‘Folk a Metà’ Festival, Latina – Italyby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Marco Lo Russo is the opening act at the month long ‘Folk a Metà’ music and arts festival in Pontinia, Latina, Italy. His concert takes place at the Teatro Fellini, Pontinia, on Friday February 28th, 9pm.Marco Lo Russo will soon be engaged in a tour that will see him peform in Romania, Mexico and Brazil. For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
Shane Brogan Concert Dates, Edinburgh – UKby Rob Howard |
 Scottish accordionist Shane Brogan has the following concert dates in his diary:May 6th, 7.45pm - Edinburgh Music Club Concert May 11th, 5pm - C.H.A.R.M. Concert May 31st, 7.45pm - The Edinburgh Society of Musicians June 10th, 7.45pm - The Edinburgh Society of Musicians August 7th, 1pm - St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh For further information email: s.b.m.p.ltd@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Renzo Ruggieri Release a New CD and eTracks Album - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
 Renzo Ruggier releases a new CD and eTracks album titledcatalog: rruggieri10, 'Inni D'Italia' with sound samples. Music performed by Renzo Ruggieri. Purchase online. |
Renzo Ruggieri Releases New Solo Virtuoso Arrangement - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
 catalog: rrenzo503, 'Tango Italiano'This newly available virtuoso solo arrangement by Renzo Ruggieri can now be purchased online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. Video above is Renzo performing the same work with his group. This is NOT the solo arrangement. |
Gary Dahl Updated Arrrangement - USAby Gary Dahl |
| Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated music title for purchase on-line. catalog:DH0245 - 'Crimson Tide' Sample for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Amy Jo Sawyer releases her new eSheet musicby Amy Jo Sawyer |
 Amy Jo Sawyer - accordionist, composer, performer, soloist, releases 3 new compositions for accordion available for purchase online.catalog: sawyer01, 'Diggin' Dorian', catalog: sawyer02, 'Elida', catalog: sawyer03, 'Juntos ("Together")', The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Airby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Air CD by Mika Väyrynen, Accordion, in English language, reviewed by Joan C. Sommers. |
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