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Highlights |
Weird Al gewinnt den Grammy Award 2019 - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Der Akkordeonist und Parodie-Schriftsteller Weird gewann am 10. Februar 2019 am Grammy 2019 das Best Boxed oder Special Limited Edition-Paket. Er schlug die Nominierten Guns N 'Roses und die Grateful Dead.. "Weird Al" Yankovic hat nun die Auszeichnung, der erste mit einem Grammy Award ausgezeichnete Künstler zu sein, der ein Album in einem Akkordeon verpackt hat! Sein Karriere-Retrospektiv-Set heißt "Squeeze Box: The Complete Works von 'Weird Al' Yankovic". Die Sammlung packte alle 14 Studioalben sowie eine 15. Scheibe mit Raritäten in einen Container, der die Form eines seiner Lieblingsakkordions nachahmte. Es wurden zwei Editionen erstellt: eine mit CDs, die andere für 12-Zoll-Vinyl-LPs. Yankovic teilte sich die Auszeichnung für Squeeze Box: The Complete Works von "Weird Al" Yankovic mit Meghan Foley und Annie Stoll, die als Art Directors an dem Projekt teilnahmen - und bei den Grammys im Vorfeld der Zeremonie hinter den Kulissen. Karriere von Wierd Al geschrieben von Rita Barnea in Englisch am: 2019Grammy.pdf |
3. Internationaler Wettbewerb der Akkordeonkünstler "Dizzy Akkordeon" - Russlandby Christine Johnstone |
Der dritte Internationale Wettbewerb der Akkordeonisten "Dizzy Accordion" findet vom 5. bis 9. April im Altai State Music College in Barnaul, Sibirien statt, das vom Ausschuss des Altai State Musical College organisiert und von Yuri Krikun geleitet wird (Bild rechts). Die Entwicklung und Ausübung der beruflichen Fähigkeiten, die Leistung der begabten und vielversprechenden Künstler, die Perfektionierung der pädagogischen Fähigkeiten und die Popularisierung des Akkordeons. Klassen für Solisten, Ensembles, Klassik (Aufführung von klassischer Musik, Solo oder im Ensemble); Vielfalt (Aufführung von leichter Musik nur auf einem Akkordeon, mit Ensemble oder begleitet von einem Tonträger); Elektronisches Akkordeon (Solo oder Ensemble-Aufführung mit Akkordeon) mit einem MIDI-System (digital); - Tango (Aufführung von Musik im Stil von "Tango", solo oder in einem Ensemble); Folklore (Volksmusik, solo oder in einem Ensemble). Jede dieser Klassen hat verschiedene Alterskategorien. Die Teilnehmer sind Studenten von Musikschulen, von Musikhochschulen und -universitäten, Amateurmusikern sowie professionellen Musikern aus Russland und anderen Ländern. Die Jury wird vom Organisationskomitee gebildet und umfasst führende Musiker und Musiklehrer aus Russland und dem Ausland. Wettbewerbsbeiträge schließen am 19. März. Für weitere Informationen: 2019Dizzy.pdf |
79. ATG Akkordeon Festival in Denver vom 24. bis 27. Juli 2019 - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Der Präsident der Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG), Joe Natoli, lädt alle zum 79. jährlichen ATG Accordion Festival in Denver vom 24. bis 27. Juli 2019 ein. Die Veranstaltung umfasst Konzerte, Workshops, Wettbewerbe, Ausstellungen, das ATG Festival Orchestra, Bankett und mehr! Das Festival 2019 ist das "Jahr der Duos" und dieses Jahr werden wir das Doppel, das Doppel, das Doppel und das Doppel präsentieren. Diese Filme: Augustinas Raukauskas & Greta Staponkute (Litauen), Jamie Maschler & Gabriel Rodrigues (Washington, USA), Dan & Kim Christian (Colorado, USA), John & Madalynn Neu mit The Voice of the Wood Chamber Players (Colorado, USA). . Weitere Informationen zum Festival 2019 finden Sie auf der Website unter: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) |
7. Akkordeon Festival MEHFEST 2019 - Serbienby Christine Johnstone |
Das Duo Nebl (Andreas Nebl (Akkordeon) & Frank Nebl (Klarinette) wird am Eröffnungskonzert des 7. Akkordeonfestivals MEHFEST am 12. April an der Megatrend University in Belgrad, Serbien, auftreten. Ihr Programm umfasst Sonate G-Moll (C. Ph. E. Bach), Allegro Rustico (Gubaidulina) und Divertimento KV 439b (Mozart). Das Festival wird vom 12. bis 14. April von Milos Civic veranstaltet und umfasst einen Akkordeonwettbewerb für Solisten, Kammermusikensembles und Orchester. Die Wettbewerber werden von einer Expertenjury bewertet, die sich aus renommierten Professoren aus Serbien und dem Ausland zusammensetzt. Bewerbungsschluss ist der 30. März 2019. Informationen zum Wettbewerb finden Sie unter: 2019MehfestRules.pdf |
DHV Osterarbeitswoche (Osterwoche), Trossingen - Deutschlandby Harley Jones |
Der Deutsche Harmonika-Verband (DHV) lädt Sie herzlich zu seiner beliebten Schulungsveranstaltung, der Osterarbeitswoche, ein. Die DHV Osterarbeitswoche bietet: Musik machen, kreativ sein, sich weiterbilden und Ideen austauschen. Zielgruppe - Dirigenten für erwachsene Orchester, angehende Dirigenten, Orchester- und Ensemblespieler, Jugendleiter, Juniorlehrer, Mundharmonikaspieler. Neben dem Unterrichten neuer Literatur gibt es in der Musikstadt Trossingen ein interessantes und informatives Rahmenprogramm. Tutoren umfassen: Thomas Bauer, Andreas Nebl, Hans-Günther Kölz, Wolfgang Ruß, Silke D'Inka, Carmen Hey, Kathrin Gass, Eva-Maria Gebauer, Manfred Kappler, Martina Kluge, Ulrike Mülle, Robin Schmidt und andere. Weitere Informationen zu den Kursen, Tutoren und zum Bewerbungsformular finden Sie unter: 2019Osterarbeitswoche.pdf |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
2019 National Accordion Convention Registrations in Texas - USAby Harley Jones |
The 2019 National Accordion convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Richardson, Texas from March 6th to 9th organised by the National Accordion Association (NAA). The event will include a variety of concerts, workshops, jams, training sessions, dances, individual digital tutoring sessions, accordion sales, displays and demonstrations. Registrations opened on February 7th. Convention-based performers will be selected from those who express an interest on the 2019 Registration Form. Hotel Reservations need to be finalised by February 15th. Check out the NAA website for some fun. New for 2019: Wear Your Cap or Hat! 2019 Preparation Assignment 1: Know your 2019 Presenters! See how many you recognise. For further details email NAA President Norman Seaton: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net |
Blues, Hues and Views - a New CD by William Schimmel and Elliott Sharpby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Dr. William Schimmel, Accordion - Elliott Sharp, Del Arte Ancuman Guitar and Mandocello, have recorded a new CD centered around the Blues. It contains Roots as well as Contemporary departures - always returning to the main scourcginalle of The Blues. The Official release date is March 19, 2019 but pre-orders can be made on Amazon.com. The Album will also be available for digital downloads. The titles of each cut are: 1 "Breaking News" 2 "Clickbait" 3 "Blues in the Box" 4 "Armenia Intake" (after Scrapper Blackwell) 5 "Not a bug, It's an Amphibian" 6 "MetrOcala Modulators" 7 "Always a Ray of Sun in The Blues, Never in The Tango" On New Years Eve, Dr Schimmel performed with The New York Philharmonic in a concert that featured the renowned soprano, Rene Fleming. Dr. Schimmel also accompanied Ms. Fleming in the Broadway run of Carousel in which the cast album received a Grammy Nomination. In January, Dr. Schimmel performed at the Prototype Festival in New York in a new opera by Philip Venable entitled" 4.48 Psychosis" based on the play by Sarah Kane depicting her last moments.The performances took place at Baruch College. Originally from London, this was the American Premiere. It received rave reviews in every major New York Paper and Concerto. Net singled out Dr. Schimmel, calling him "The Venerable Bill Schimmel" Also in January, Schimmel did a tour of Germany performing in Elliott Sharp's Opera, "Port Bou" - along with Jenny Lin, piano and Nicholas Isherwood, Bass Baritone. The performances took place in Bonn and surrounding cities. On February 3,2019 Schimmel will perform with The Israel Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Zubin Mehta. He, with the orchestra will accompany Itzhak Perlman in the tango "Por Una Cabeza", the very tango that William Schimmel initiated with The Tango Project in the film, "Scent of a Woman", starring Al Pacino (who received an Oscar). For further information: accordion bill@gmail.com |
Video: Vardo Trio of Matthew Dennett, Julien Castegnero and Simon Watts - USAby Harley Jones |
Video: Minor Swing by The Vardo Trio of Matthew Dennett, Julien Castegnero and Simon Watts. Gypsy jazz style music, published in 2017. |
George Curletto Center and Museum for Electronic Accordions opening in Duluth – USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
A World of Accordions Museum proudly announces plans to expand its physical outreach into Duluth, MN, through a second museum site specializing in the evolution of electronics in accordion manufacture. This expansion was predicated by the massive collection of George Curletto (Washington, D.C.) donated to AWAM in November, 2018. The museum can now present an accurate overview of the technological evolution of the instrument that has been largely neglected by accordion historians. The number of instruments in this genre has now reached a point where the correct set-ups require more space than they currently have available so they chose to reopen the original home of AWAM in west-Duluth. The 1908 building, designed by Swedish architect Lundquist, is qualified as a state/national historic site and will be advanced as an area attraction. Cosmetic and other improvements to the former church building are expected to be completed in 2019. The photo below shows a portion of the current display in “Sue Spencer and Friends Electronics Room.” This exhibit will stay as part of the main “A World of Accordions Museum” display as a representation of the electronic accordion instruments |
GR8 IDEAS Accordion Symposium in Ohio – USAby Heather Masefield |
Video above: Cory Pesaturo performing at GR8 IDEAS. New Zealand professional accordionist and conductor Brian Holden, travelled to the USA to take part in a GR8 IDEAS symposium put together by Joe Natoli (picture above) and Michael Soloway in Warren, Ohio recently. The symposium is believed to be the first of its kind in the world and its focus was the digital accordion. The event included in-house concerts by a new group called GR8 IDEAS and some “impromptu craziness” by Cory Pesaturo and Michael Bridge. The event concluded with a final public concert with Bryan Holden conducting the new GR8 IDEAS ensemble (and vocalist) in 3 pieces including Joe Natoli’s arrangement of “The Prayer”. Picture below of the GR8 IDEAS ensemble, Brian Holden conducting. |
Future events |
XV International Biannual Accordion Festival - Latviaby Christine Johnstone |
The XV International Biannual Accordion Festival will be held in Limbazi, Latvia from March 7th to 9th. Festival participants are soloists and groups, laureates of international competitions from Russia (Nikita Vlasov), Italy (Samuel Telari), Denmark (Passion Duo), Estonia and Latvia (Natalia Melnikovich, Riga Saxophone Quartet and Altera Veritas). Concerts will also be given by Trio "Milonga" from Latvia (accordion, violin and piano) who are laureates of international competitions under direction of Svetlana Stavitskaya and accordion duo Svetlana Stavitskaya and Vladimir Ushakov (Russia), who will perform on March 7th and 9th. In addition to the opening and closing concerts, the festival program will include concerts of variety and jazz music, a concert of students of music schools and colleges, as well as an international competition of children's ensembles. All accordion lovers are invited to attend the festival concerts and events! |
CNIMA and Eric Bouvelle Composing and Arranging Workshop – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
A Composing and Arranging workshop with famous French accordionist Eric Bouvelle (pictured) will be held from March 4th to 8th organised by Nathalie Boucheix, Director of CNIMA, Saint-Sauves. The workshop will include tips and tricks to help with composing and arranging accordion pieces for all levels and will cover: Composition: setting, developing, writing and/or recording tricks Develop an "invented" melody of 16 or more measures e.g. verse-refrain-bridge, choose a structure. Harmonise this melody, left hand accompaniment, find/write variations. Approach to orchestration: strings, winds, percussion, choice of instruments, adapted writing. The copyright system Only 8 trainee places available. For details view the website CNIMA or email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
3rd International Accordeons-nous Competition ASBL – Belgiumby Christine Johnstone |
The 3rd International Accordeons-nous Competition ASBL will be held from April 25th to 28th in Mons, Hainaut Province organised by the Arts2 (Royal Conservatory of Mons) and the City of Mons. The competition includes categories in various age groups for chamber music, world music and variety. In addition this year there will be an “Accordeon-nous” Award for accordionists over 8 years of age. The winner will receive a cash prize, plus concert opportunities at the 2019 PIF in Castelfidardo, the 2019 Alcobaco Festival in Portugal and at the 2020 Accordion-nous event. The jury will be chaired by Michel Stockhem (Director Arts2 Royal Conservatory of Mons) and consist of concert players, conservatory teachers and national and international guests. Entries close on April 19th. Competition Rules and entry information at: 2019AccordeonNous.pdf 2018 Winners pictured below. |
Frédéric Deschamps Masterclass in Drohobych - Ukraineby Christine Johnstone |
French teacher Frédéric Deschamps will give a masterclass at the XIIth International Bayan-Accordion Competition “Perpetuum Mobile” held in Drohobych, Lviv Region (Ukraine) on May 3rd in the Hall of DSPU Ivan Franko from 2pm to 6pm. Frédéric Deschamps is a renowned teacher whose cutting-edge techniques have consistently produced international competition winners and he has taught master classes in very many countries of the world. Information about the Ukraine event, competition rules and entry information at: 2019PerpetuumRules.pdf |
Italian Accordionist Guest at Guildford Accordion Club – Englandby Rob Howard |
Italian accordionist Fabio Turchetti will entertain at the Guildford Accordion Club in the Ripley Village Hall, Ripley, London on March 15th. He plays and sings his own compositions, jazz standards, tributes to tango and to Italian music. Fabio has released over 30 CD’s and played in various festivals including the Philippine Jazz Festival in Manila and the Madrid Jazz Festival. He has also performed concerts in Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris. Over the years the Guildford Accordion Club have had guests from Russia, China, Italy, France, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Finland and Canada, plus many fine players from all over England. For further details email: anita.boothby@guildford-accordion-club.org.uk |
Excursion with Lady's Bicycle! Concert- Swedenby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Matti Andersson will perform a concert entitled "Excursion with a Lady's Bicycle!" with Nils-Erik Sparf (violin) at the Stallet Världens Musik, Stallgatan 7, 111 48 Stockholm on February 17th. The music was written by Lars Hollmer, a much-loved songwriter, artist, and accordionist who has now passed away. The duo wish to make a CD and perform concerts in his memory. The works focus on modern improvisational music, where Hollmar collaborated with improvisation musicians from all over the world. For further details email: stallet@rfod.se |
4th Annual Charm City Django Jazz Festival – USAby Christine Johnstone |
The Django Jazz Festival will be held in Charm City, Baltimore, Maryland on February 22nd and 23rd. The event will include a Django Fest Workshop by the duo Passarinho (which features accordionist Dallas Vietty and Bryce Milano on mandolin). The duo was formed because of their shared passion for instrumental music from around the world. They enjoy playing gypsy jazz (the music of Django Reinhardt) and quickly discovered a variety of common musical interests from Bulgaria to Brazil. For further festival details email: info@creativealliance.org |
Accordion Babes Calendar 2020by Rob Howard |
Artwork and planning is now underway for the 2020 edition of the Accordion Babes calendar. The calendar was first published 11 years ago and this year’s theme is: Accordion Babes 2020: Women of the Future: or: An Instrument Beyond Time. The projected timeline for the 2020 calendar deadlines and dates are: Art deadline for photos and songs: March 31st Fundraiser period: April 15th-May 15th Print date: June 1st Photos can be funny, cute, strong or centerfold-type sexy! Age is no barrier as there is no age limit or a perfect body-type as the idea is to promote accordion music. (Photo of Marlene Dietrich above). The calendar editor is a female street-performer/bookworm who plays a 2-row Irish system button accordion and considers herself a folk-rocker-nerd. She has been playing accordion professionally for 18 years and publishes the calendar because it feels good to do something she loves, makes people happy, and to help shift our culture to being more friendly, open, and fun. For further information email: editor@accordionpinupcalendar.com |
Sergei Teleshev March/April Concert Tour - USAby Christine Johnstone |
US based accordionist, arranger and composer Sergei Teleshev will tour the US in March and April. Sergei is a member of the Trio Voronezh and Valinor Quartet and has made concerts extensively in North America. Before moving to the USA Sergei was classically trained at the Academy of Music in Voronezh in Russia. Tour dates are: 1st March: Oakland, OR 3rd March: Paso Robles, CA 5th March: Borrego Springs, CA 9th March: Harlingen, TX 11th March: Elko, NV 17th March: Austin, TX 21st March: Ponca City, OK 22nd March: Borger, TX 24th March: Las Cruces, NM 26th March: Silver City, NM 28th March: El Paso, TX 30th March: Waco, TX 5th April: Marysville, OH 7th April: Severna Park, MD 9th April: Orloville, CA 10th April: Grants Pass, OR 11th April: Roseburg, OR 12th April: Longview, WA 16th April: Cottage Grove, OR For further concert information email: steleshev@yahoo.com |
New and Updated Sites |
New Douglas Ward Compositions Now Online - UKby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
Two new works have been released by well known UK composer and performer Douglas Ward, published by Charnwood Publishing. DW950 Backstage Waltz This waltz is written in Eb major and starts with a four-bar introduction. This is followed by the next eight bars which take the treble melody through a tuneful dance, with phrasing, slight tempo changes, and dynamic variations. An eight-bar short middle section introduced both major and minor bass chords. This is followed by a reinstatement of the melody, which leads into a slightly unorthodox ending in that the waltz momentarily turns into a foxtrot in 4/4, before the final bar in 3/4. DW951 Conundrum This composition, in A minor, starts with a bold concert-like announcement as its introduction, but after four bars changes to an emotional motif for several bars. Suddenly a speedy, turbulent allegro con brio section takes over, with an abundance of off-beat accenting in both treble and basses, and dynamic markings. This is followed by a section that suddenly stumbles into an almost dream-like state of emotions and feelings, played rubato, followed by a treble cadenza, and a lead-up to a major key. It then recapitulates to the allegro con brio theme before aiming at the build-up towards the ending. This involves a four-bar bellows shake, followed by a 24-note rising chromatic run, with a surprise ending that is typical of an Argentinian tango. The composition requires accurate coordination of treble, basses and bellows, plus phrasing, dexterity and personal musical interpretation DW952 Clown in a Pickle DW953 Horseplay Douglas Ward is now listing over 80 compositions and arrangements of eSheet and printed music available from Charnwood Publishing Douglas Ward. Sample music pages online. Purchase with credit card online. |
Updated Site: Franck Angelis Two New Works Published - Franceby Franck Angelis |
Very popular French composer Franck Angelis has published and made available for international sale two new works: ang568 - Spleen (Solo) View information and sample page ang569 - Fantaisie (Solo) View information and sample page The music is in pdf format sent to the client by email. |
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