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Highlights |
XVIII Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, Kokkola – Finland
Jazz Accordionist Simone Zanchini at UKAAT Workshop, London – UK
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
'Le petit Accordéoniste' Free-bass Accordion Method for iPad – France
California Dreamin' Gary Dahl Updated Arrangement - USA
Video: Gracias Dios performed by the composer Antonio Figueroa - Argentina
14 Years Ago: December 2001 – Puerto Rico Accordionists Entertain
Future events |
Steve Normandin Concert, Montreal – Canada
Examen d' Admissions, Tutor Stéphane Chapuis, HEMU Lausanne - Switzerland
Conservatory Orchestra Concert, Palermo – Italy
Harry Hussey & Lily’s Weepers @ North Staffs Accordion Club – UK
Rodagente Charity Reunion Concert, Rio De Janeiro – Brazil
Midwinter Concert, Falan – Sweden
Master Classes with Dallas Vietty and Victor Prieto, New Jersey - USA
‘Tangotaal’ Performance, Stellenbosch - South Africa
‘Musette Explosion’ Concert, New York – USA
The (New) Greenford Accordion Club, Middlesex – UK
Jean-Pierre Jourdier Bal Musette, Burgundy - France
11th International Composition Competition "Città di Udine", Remanzacco (UD) – Italy
New and Updated Sites |
Dmitriev 'The Mosaic' Album, Newly Available as eTracks Album - Russia
New Arrangment by Renzo Ruggieri, Variations on Säkkijärven Polka - Italy
Updated Site: Rhapsody, New Zealand Music for Accordion and Symphony Orchestra CD
Updated Site: 'Lips Concerto' CD by Friedrich Lips - Austria
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
2016 International Competition and Festival "Accordion Plus", Rostov-on-Don - Russiaby Harley Jones |
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 Video: Opening 2015 concert by Anna Kryshtaleva ("Accordion Plus" 2012 Grand Prix winner) who a few months later won the Castelfidardo Category D open age concert music category.The 2016 International Competition and Festival "Accordion Plus" takes place from 26th to 30th March 2016 at the "Rostovskij College of Art". The competition includes solo categories for children to adults for classical, entertainment, folk (harmonica) and digital types of music plus categories for ensemble and orchestra. "Accordion Plus" is organised by the International Music Centre "Harmony". Download entry information: 2016Rostov.pdf" target="_blank">2016Rostov.pdf Closing date for entries is: 26th February 2016 The concerts of the festival will be held in the biggest concert halls of Rostov. A number of famous accordionists will be performing supported by symphony and folk orchestras and jazz bands. The 2016 "Accordion Plus" is also a qualifying competition for the 2016 Coupe Mondiale which is being held in September 2016 in Rostov-on-Don, organised by the CIA and hosted by the International Music Centre "Harmony". |
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XVIII Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival, Kokkola – Finlandby Raimo Vertainen, Kokkola Accordion Festival Director |
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 The 18th Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival takes place from February 14th to 21st. The accordion will ring out all around the city as in years past — in concert halls, on the streets and in the marketplace. Picture right festival director Raimo Vertainen.Artists appearing include: Kimmo Pohjonen, Trio Fratres, Viivi Maria Saarenkylä, Hannu Ilmolahti, Tallari, Vörå Player’s Club, Bengan Janson& Janne Åström from Sweden and the renowned juggler duo from France Jerome Thomas and Jean-Francois Baez. The final concert has become a festival tradition with a Grand Performance Concert by the tango orchestra Guardia Nueva which will feature soloists Teemu Roivainen and Saara Aalto. Kokkola Winter Accordion is a festival for the whole family and takes place in Kokkola and Pietarsaari. Come and enjoy the festival! For further for information email: raimo.vertainen@pp.inet.fi |
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Jazz Accordionist Simone Zanchini at UKAAT Workshop, London – UKby Rob Howard |
 UKAAT (United Kingdom Association of Accordion Teachers) present the important and innovative Italian jazz accordionist Simone Zanchini at their first ever accordion teachers’ workshop to be held at the Royal Academy of Music. London, on February 7th. The workshop day will run between 10 am and 7 pm, and will include contributions by Owen Murray, Romano Viazzani and Ian Watson. Zanchini made an incredible impact on UK audiences when he played at the London Accordion Festival in 2001 along with the saxophone ensemble Hallo Mr. Sax. It was here that Zanchini first delighted the late great Frank Marocco which led to a wonderful collaborative album called ‘Be-Bop Buffet’. His workshop will help and encourage teachers towards teaching the basis of jazz improvisation. Accordion teachers are often asked to teach jazz to students and a UKAAT survey showed this to be one of the most popular areas that teachers wanted to extend their skills in. Attendees are encouraged to bring their accordions as much can be learned through trying things out without fear of being judged. All accordion teachers and accordionists are welcome. For further information email: romanoviazzani@hotmail.co.uk |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Dr. William Schimmel, ‘An American in Paris’ Show - USAby Rob Howard |
  Dr. William Schimmel is the accordionist on the soundtrack album of ‘An American in Paris’, which has been nominated for a 2016 Grammy Award. The show is now taking place at The Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway, New York, New York. ‘An American in Paris’ is the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city. Broadway’s breathtakingly beautiful new musical, ‘An American in Paris’, is the four-time Tony Award winning production that also earned the awards for ‘Best Musical of the Year’ from both the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama League. |
'Le petit Accordéoniste' Free-bass Accordion Method for iPad – Franceby Rob Howard |
  French accordion teacher Guillaume Hodeau has now produced a version of 'Le petit Accordéoniste' which is the first free-bass accordion method for iPad, and it is available in 5 languages - French, Italian, English, Spanish and German. Guillaume Hodeau completed his music studies at the Conservatoire de Marseille, after which he studied at the University of Michigan Detroit in the USA, where he completed three years of higher learning. Fascinated with the bandoneon, he studied the tango with Juan Jose Mosalini. Guillaume notably won the Piazzolla Music Award in Italy. Passionate about education, Guillaume teaches accordion at the Conservatoire Régional de Cergy-Pontoise and the bandoneon at the Conservatoire d’Évreux. In 2011, he created the educational collection ‘Le petit Accordéoniste’ (‘The little accordion player’) with the goal of modernizing the learning of the instrument by offering a playful and challenging approach. For further information email: contact@lepetitaccordeoniste.fr |
California Dreamin' Gary Dahl Updated Arrangement - USAby Harley Jones |
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 Popular US arranger Gary Dahl has released his updated arrangement of the hit song California Dreamin', Catalog: DH0126 made famous by The Mamas & the Papas group in 1966. Other famous groups such as the Beach Boys have also released this iconic song composed by John and Michelle Phillips.The song is #89 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and the lyrics of the song express the writers longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. California Dreamin' Catalog: DH0126 |
Video: Gracias Dios performed by the composer Antonio Figueroa - Argentinaby Harley Jones |
| Antonio Figueroa, Argentine accordionist performing with his group on Chanel 12, his composition Gracias Dios. |
14 Years Ago: December 2001 – Puerto Rico Accordionists Entertainby Rob Howard |
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| The Accordions Worldwide News for January 18th 2002 included a report of a Caribbean cruise ship, which featured members of the Accordion Association of Puerto Rico, whose performances proved to be very popular. Cruising around the Caribbean to the sounds of accordions – what a way to spend a week in December! Caribbean Cruise Concerts - Puerto Rico Contributed by Jane Berkovitz The Accordion Association of Puerto Rico performed during a seven day Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Majesty in December 2001. They gave two concerts, one in each of the ship's theatres. Their repertoire consisted of selections from Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Puerto Rico and the USA and they concluded each concert with "God Bless America". The theatres were filled to capacity and the orchestra received standing ovations. After the concerts the orchestra played "Accordionatas" (informal music for dancing and singing) in the cruise ship lounge. The trip was a most joyous occasion for both passengers and musicians. |
Future events |
CNIMA J.Mornet Accordion Courses, Auvergne – Franceby Rob Howard |
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 There are two accordion tuition courses next month at CNIMA J.Mornet, set for February 15th to 20th and 22nd to 27th. These are full board or for day students, and for all styles, all ages, and all levels. Further details are on the website: CNIMA J.MornetCNIMA J.Mornet is the well-known accordion school founded and run by 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 road and train station locally where the CNIMA’s team will pick you up. For further information email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
Steve Normandin Concert, Montreal – Canadaby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Steve Normandin performs in concert on Sunday January 17th, 4pm, at the École de Musique Wilfrid-Pelletier, 3545 rue Bélanger, Montreal. Steve will be presenting his new CD ‘Chansons d'amour d'homme’. |
Examen d' Admissions, Tutor Stéphane Chapuis, HEMU Lausanne - Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
 University of Music Lausanne (HEMU), is located at the heart of Europe in French-speaking Switzerland, is renowned for its highly qualified faculty members and its firm commitment to music on regional, national and international levels. Accordion tutor is Stéphane Chapuis. Examen d' Admissions is Tuesday, April 19 at 9 AM HEMU-classe d' accordéon Rue de la Grotte 2, CP 5700, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland. Studies at the HEMU lead to Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) degrees. The HEMU’s classical and jazz departments (the latter is the only one of its kind in French-speaking Switzerland) afford students university-level training with a large variety of course offerings. Students who graduated at HEMU include: Christel Sautaux, Dimitri Bouclier (France), Julien Paillard, Julien Tudisco, Lisa Biard. HEMU - Accordion Class 2015-2016 include: Grayson Masefield (New - Zealand) - Master Soloist 1 Augustinas Rakauskas (Lithuania) - Concert Master 1 Momir Novakovic (Serbia) - Concert Master 1 Tiffanie Mueller (Switzerland) - Pedagogy Master 2 Shuang Ma (China) - Pedagogy Master 2 Naomi Sanchez (Switzerland) - Bachelor 2 Valentin Claivoz (Switzerland) - Bachelor 1 In 2015, the closing date for applications for the next academic year was 1st March with auditions in late April. For further information, contact: Stéphane Chapuis |
Conservatory Orchestra Concert, Palermo – Italyby Rob Howard |
 The municipality of Barcellona P.G. in collaboration with the Conservatory "V. Bellini of Palermo presents La fisarmonica da Conservatorio perform in concert on Sunday January 17th, 7pm, at the Auditorium S.Vito, Barcellona P.G., Palermo, Sicily. The concert includes music by Frescobaldi, Scarlatti, Pachelbel, and JS Bach. Free admission. |
Harry Hussey & Lily’s Weepers @ North Staffs Accordion Club – UKby Rob Howard |
 The inimitable and popular accordionist Harry Hussey joins forces with local traditional jazz band, Lily’s Weepers, for an evening of jazz entertainment, at the North Staffs Accordion Club on Tuesday January 19th, 8pm. Admission £4. Venue: Goldenhill Workingmens Club, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST6 5SH. Lily’s Weepers are Pete Brown (trumpet/vocals), Terry Brunt (trombone/vocals), Peter Robinson (guitar/banjo), Lily Lynch (double bass), and Chris Pendlebury (drums). Oh, yes, there will also be the post-Christmas sherry, mince pies and Christmas cake. Harry Hussey, now living in Glasgow, has several recordings to his name and has worked with such stars as Matt Monro, Norman Wisdom, Rolf Harris and Anthony Newly. He is a favourite at accordion and keyboard festivals throughout the country and spends much of his time in France, with his accordion of course. For further information email: stevehg0@gmail.com |
Rodagente Charity Reunion Concert, Rio De Janeiro – Brazilby Rob Howard |
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| Members of the Forro band Rodagente, including accordionist Marcelo Caldi, have a reunion concert, 14 years after they last played together. The concert is in aid of their former guitarist Vagner Fiorini, who is suffering with the neurodegenerative disease ALS. Proceeds from this concert will be donated to research into ALS. The concert takes place on Friday January 22nd, 9pm, at Paiol 8, Rua dos Arcos, 24, 20230060 Lapa, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. For further information email: contatopaiol08@gmail.com |
Midwinter Concert, Falan – Swedenby Rob Howard |
 A concert titled ‘Midvinterkonsert’, involving several accordionists, takes place on Saturday January 23rd, 6pm, at Dalarnas museum, Falan, Sweden. |
Master Classes with Dallas Vietty and Victor Prieto, New Jersey - USAby Rob Howard |
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| Accordionists Dallas Vietty and Victor Prieto will teach accordion master classes in New Jersey on January 23rd and 24th. Victor said. "Dallas and I have teamed up to offer techniques, tips, ways of study, and tricks made just for you. My technique: "Chord approach on both hands". You will create harmonies that you thought were impossible to play on the accordion. This technique was born at Berklee College of Music, Boston. Improvisation, easy ways of comping, Styles, bellow techniques, improve the power of the sound of your instrument, how to use the registers to orchestrate (switches) and much more." The location of the workshop is the historic Acme Accordion School which has been in existence for over 70 years. The address is: 322 Haddon Ave., Westmont, New Jersey 08108. For further information email: info@victorprieto.net |
‘Tangotaal’ Performance, Stellenbosch - South Africaby Rob Howard |
 ‘Tangotaal’ (‘Tango is the Language of Love’) is a spectacular tango show taking place on Saturday January 23rd, 8.15pm, at the Oude Libertas Ampitheatre, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. Performing are the accordionist Stanislav Angelov, pianist Elna van der Merwe, singers Niël Rademan and Minette du Toit Pearce, and tango dancers Keanan McClune and Michaela Loots. |
‘Musette Explosion’ Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 The trio ‘Musette Explosion’ perform in concert on Thursday January 28th, 6pm, at Birdland, 315 West 44th St, New York. Dinner is available. Admission is $25. ‘Musette Explosion’ are Will Holshouser – accordion, Matt Munisteri, guitar and banjo, and Marcus Rojas – tuba. |
The (New) Greenford Accordion Club, Middlesex – UKby Rob Howard |
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| Greenford Accordion Club has its first meeting on Saturday January 30th, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. All are invited to come along and join us for a cup of tea, to chat and to listen to or play along with some beautiful accordion music. Please bring along your own accordion, if you wish. The theme for the first meeting will be ‘Scottish Music’, as a tribute to the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25th 1759. Monthly meetings for 2016 will be held on the last Saturday of the month, please check with organiser Jim Mullally for specific details and directions. Admission is just £5 and includes music and interval refreshments. Greenford Accordion Club meets at: The Holy Cross, Ferrymead Gardens, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9NJ. Ample parking is available at this venue. For further information email: jamesmullally05@yahoo.co.uk |
Jean-Pierre Jourdier Bal Musette, Burgundy - Franceby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Jean-Pierre Jourdier plays for a Bal Musette plus dinner on Sunday afternoon January 31st, 2.30pm, at the restaurant Auberge du Moulin de la Chapelle, Messy-sur-Grosne, Burgundy, France. |
11th International Composition Competition "Città di Udine", Remanzacco (UD) – Italyby Rob Howard |
 The rules and conditions of the11th International Composition Competition "Città di Udine" have now been published by the organisers TEM (Taukay Edizioni Musicali). Entry forms are now available at: 2016Udine.pdfThe competition is divided in two sections: - compositions for chamber instrumental group or solo instrument - electroacoustic music The closing date for entries is March 31st 2016, and the final decision of the Jury will be made public by July 31st 2016. For further information email: info@taukay.it |
New and Updated Sites |
New Site: Hanzhi Wang, 2015 Castelifdardo Premio Winner - China/Denmarkby Harley Jones |
 Video above: excerpt from her first round of the 2015 Castelfidardo Premio competition.New website for Hanzhi Wang, 2015 Castelifdardo Premio Winner. Hanzhi Wang has also won 2013 Arrasate International Accordion Competition in Spain. Read about these successes and future plans on her new website. |
Dmitriev 'The Mosaic' Album, Newly Available as eTracks Album - Russiaby Harley Jones |
 Available for the first time as an eTracks mp3 album download is 'The Mosaic' album Catalog: adm105eT by Alexander Dmitriev, Vitali and Elena Dmitriev. Check out the 21 tracks of this album with so many popular pieces used around the world at concerts including: Moldavian Dance, La Valse A Margaux, Russian Cowboy, 3 Little Pigs, The Entertainer, Oblivion, French Visit, La Cumparsita, Sakkijarven Polkka, Falling Leaves, Flich-Flack, Boogie by Magnante, Steps by Viktor Vlasov. Catalog: adm105eT |
New Arrangment by Renzo Ruggieri, Variations on Säkkijärven Polka - Italyby Harley Jones |
  Just released arrangement titled 'Variations on Säkkijärven Polka', catalog rrenzo507 by famed Italian performer and teacher Renzo Ruggieri. This arrangement is based on the famous Finnish tune Säkkijärven Polka. Säkkijärven Polka, also called the "Karelian-Finnish Polka," is a well-known folk tune from Finland, popular with Finnish accordionists. As the title Variations on Säkkijärven Polka suggests, this is an arrangement with variations and was created to be used in international competitions in "virtuoso" style. The work also fits well for concerts where the performer wants to display brilliant melodic repertoire. This arrangement is featured on the Carnevale CD and eTracks mp3 album of Viivi Maria Saarenkylä Catalog: viivi01 Viivi Maria Saarenkylä played this work and won 1st in Castelfidardo 2014 and many podium finishes at international competitions in 2014 and 2015 including 2nd place at the 2015 Coupe Mondiale. Other Virtuoso arrangements by Renzo Ruggieri (only €10 each) rrenzo501 - Song For S.B (Solo) rrenzo502 - Volo Degli Angeli (Solo) rrenzo503 - Tango Italiano (Solo) rrenzo504 - Carnevale (Solo) rrenzo505 - Roma Tango Solo rrenzo506 - Cinema (for 4 parts and drums, electronic accordion) rrenzo507 - Variations on Säkkijärven Polka |
Updated Site: Rhapsody, New Zealand Music for Accordion and Symphony Orchestra CDby Harley Jones |
  Gary Daverne updated site for Rhapsody, New Zealand Music for Accordion and Symphony Orchestra album by Gary Daverne available as CD or eTracks mp3 files album. Catalog: nzom004Newly available individual mp3 tracks purchases. Accordion soloists: Kevin Friedrich, Mary Tokarski, Stephanie Poole and Bernadette Conlon are featured with symphony orchestra. |
Updated Site: 'Lips Concerto' CD by Friedrich Lips - Austriaby Harley Jones |
 Updated Site: The webpage selling 'Lips Concerto' CD by Friedrich Lips, Catalog CD025 has been updated with additional information and also linking to the CD Review by Joan Sommers in English language and now in German language.Recent years Lips CD's: CD027 Fachwerk | Kapote CD CD026 Night Flowers CD CD025 Lips Concerto CD CD024 Under The Sign of Scorpio CD CD023 Cocktail "Rio Rita" CD & eTracks mp3 album CD022 Viva Voce CD & eTracks mp3 album CD021 ecLipse CD & eTracks mp3 album CD020 ¡Buenos Dias, Astor! CD & eTracks mp3 album |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Fachwerk | Kapote CD by Friedrich Lips. Review by Joan Cochran Sommers. |
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