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Highlights |
Bugari-evo China Distributor Appointed, Castelfidardo - ItalyEntries Closing for 2016 Harbin Summer International Accordion Art Week Competitions - ChinaThe Stars Come Out at the 2016 AAA Festival, Buffalo - USA2016 AAA Festival Video Excerpts - USAJörgen Sundequist and Håkan Dahlén Concert Tours - Sweden & Czech Republic
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Polka King Walter Ostanek wins $1M Lottery - CanadaMarco Lo Russo’s Summer Activities – Gabon, Rome, PolandVideo: Guy Klucevsek New Work Premiered at AAA Festival - USADobrek Bistro Breaks All the Rules 'Featuring David Krakauer,' - AustriaVideo: 2015 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment Round 2 Winners - FinlandThe Pictish Players Live CD, Scotland – UKMichael Bulboff’s ‘Liberty Bellows’ The Dream, Philadelphia – USA14 Years Ago: Chango Spasiuk in Germany during July 2002
Future events |
Guardia Nueva, Jyväskylän Kesä Festival, Kokkola - FinlandGrayson Masefield Concert, Boston; Accordion Effects’ Workshop, Seattle - USAAccordion Showcase Concert, Glasgow - UK‘Four Seasons’ with Dinner, Cape Town – South AfricaAccordionists & Teachers Guild (ATG) Festival July 20-23Martynas Concerts @ Festspiele 2016 – GermanyClassic Kyiv Duo @ Stockport Accordion Club, Cheshire – UKErika and Jean-Marie’s Dance Dates, Bois-de-Villers, Jambes – BelgiumSergej Riasanow Trio Concert, Sindelfingen – GermanyMary Tokarski on Faculty of Peter Soave Music Academy in Italy10th Victoria International Accordion Festival and Competitions in CanadaThree Free Demonstratons and Concerts by Sergio Scappini - ItalyVictor Prieto Trio @ IKFEM Festival, Valenca – PortugalLas Vegas International Accordion Convention - USA
New and Updated Sites |
New Site: Lars Ek Original Compositions - SwedenUpdated Arrangements Now Available, Arranged by Gary Dahl - USAUpdated Site: Franco Cambareri Two New Works Released - AustraliaHelp Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
by Holda Paoletti-Kampl
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| On the 5th July in Italy, one of the leading manufacturing companies Bugari Armando, represented by Director Roberto Ottavianelli, signed an important agreement appointing Chinese entrepreneur Luo Song Sen as the official distributor of the Bugari-evo model line in China. The agreement follows on from the success of presenting the new models at the Frankfurt Musikmesse and takes effect from 1st August. The signing was witnessed by Marco Cinaglia, Manager of the Bugari-evo Digital Division. Luo Song Sen will be arranging a series of presentations and concerts in music schools and institutes to promote the Bugari-evo Haria P41 and Haria B55 model line to Chinese teachers and students. |
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by Harley Jones
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  Entries for the Harbin 2016 China Summer International Accordion Art Week international competitions close 25th July 2016.The Harbin 2016 China Summer International Accordion Art Week and international competitions is organized by the The Ministry of Culture of China, the Harbin Municipal People's Government, the Department of Education of Heilongjiang Province; Organizer Harbin Normal University. Art Director is Prof. Wang Hongyu (picture right) and the event is part of the 33rd Harbin China Summer Music Festival. Harbin was named a UNESCO City of Music in 2010. Full information about the event, rules and the competition entry form in Chinese and English are at: 2016Harbin |
by Joan Grauman Morse
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 Pictures above: 1. Busso Show Band: (l to r) Frank Busso, Sr., Christina Busso Lammers, Alexander Lammers, Michael Parziale, Max Hoffman, Pat Saylor, Frank Busso, Jr.2. AAA archival display. From start to finish, this year’s AAA Festival (July 6th - 10th) was glorious in every way imaginable! The sky was a bright blue over Buffalo, New York, and the accordionists and the press happily poured into the Adams Mark Hotel on Wednesday afternoon. Great, well-attended workshops by Alexander Sevastian (picture left) and SGM Manny Bobenrieth kicked off the festivities, followed by a lovely “Meet and Greet”, where many of our talented young accordionists played for us. A new feature for this year’s event was a nightly “After Hours Club”. Our festival’s featured young performers, Grayson Masefield, Ginny Mac and Cory Pesaturo took turns hosting these evening parties where all of the participants could sign up to play. It was delightful to have a relaxed setting where we could hear the many talented attendees play their favorite pieces. We were treated to the beautiful sounds of 13-year old Cody McSherry’s Austrian diatonic accordion (the Steirische Harmonika), as well as duets and impromptu jazz groups – a huge success and lots of fun for all! Kudos go to all of the workshop presenters who did a great job sharing their vast knowledge with the many participants who attended the workshops. In between activities, participants visited the Exhibit Room which was filled with new accordions, straps, sheet music, childrens’ books, gifts for accordionists and the large AAA Archival display. The Thursday luncheon concert and the amazing Friday night concert at the nearby Tralf Music Hall featured our gifted young headliners: the world accordion champions Grayson Masefield, Alexander Sevastian and Cory Pesaturo, plus Ginny Mac (picture left) and her brother Glenn McLaughlin. At The Tralf, we were also treated to the world premiere of the AAA’s commissioned composition, “Three Tributes”, by Guy Klucevsek – what a beautiful and moving piece! The evening at the Tralf also included a fun-filled performance by mezzo-soprano Dr. Nora Sirbaugh accompanied by accordionist Dr. Robert Young McMahan, and ended with a rousing, delightful concert by the highly acclaimed “Quartetto Gelato”. Lynn Ewing flew in from California and Beverly Fess from Canada for the festival. Each remarked at The Tralf, “It was worth it all just to be here tonight!” I think we all felt that way. For me, that evening was pure “Accordion Heaven”! The Saturday afternoon Awards Concert featured excellent performances by the Busso Music School Senior Ensemble and Show Band (under the direction of Frank Busso, Jr.), plus the AAA Youth Orchestra (directed by AAA President Mary Tokarski) and the Youth Jazz Ensemble (directed by saxophonist Mitch Guido). Will Comer took 1st place in the Junior category and Emmanuel Gasser took 1st place in the Open Category of the Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition and played their wonderful winning selections for us. 2016AAAResults.pdf This year’s Festival Orchestra conductor was Frank Busso, Sr. Frank did a stellar job preparing and conducting the group with minimal rehearsal time! The beautiful music of the Festival Orchestra filled the air at our Saturday night banquet, followed by a surprise unrehearsed performance by Ginny Mac, Glenn McLaughlin, Cory Pesaturo and Mitch Guido, accompanied by percussionist Steve Leotta. SGM Manny Bobenrieth was our spirited emcee for all of our concerts. A good time was had by all! Pictures below: Impromptu Band, Festival Banquet Standing ovation for first half performers at The Tralf Music Hall: (l to r) Glenn McLaughlin, Manny Bobenrieth (emcee), Ginny Mac, Guy Klucevsek, Dr. Robert McMahan, Dr. Nora Sirbaugh, Grayson Masefield, Cory Pesaturo |
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by Dan Grauman
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| Video above: Video 1: Part 2 of Grayson Masefield performance at the Evening With the Stars Concert Video 2: Cory Pesaturo performance at the Evening With the Stars Concert Video 3: 2016 AAA Festival Orchestra conducted by Frank Busso Sr. Below: Guy Klucevsek world premere of 'Three Tributes' composition, AAA commission. |
by Harley Jones
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 Jörgen Sundeqvist (Sweden) and Håkan Dahlén (one of Swedens finest organists), are preparing an extensive concert tour in Scandinavia and the Czech Republic beginning mid August. Håkan and Jörgen, pictured above, have enjoyed a long collaboration and even released a CD reviewed at: Bellows & PipesJörgen Sundeqvist writes: "During my many visits to Prague, Czech Republic over the years, I have learned a lot about the Czech music tradition and the history and the development of the accordion in the Czech Republic. For our upcoming concert tour, well known Czech composer Eduard Dousa (picture left with Jörgen) has written a new composition for accordion and church organ which Håkan Dahlén and I will premiere when we start our tour. The concert program will also consist of music by Frantisek Broz, Josef Klicka and Vaclav Trojan. A highlight will be Vaclav Trojan's "Fairy Tales" for accordion and orchestra, transcribed for accordion and organ by Håkan Dahlén and myself. Vaclav Trojan had a special and unique collaboration with the well known Czech accordionist Milan Blaha, which resulted in many great works for the accordion, for solo, chamber and orchestral formats. Håkan and I will also perform some other very exciting compositions by Vaclav Trojan. During my time in Prague, I have got to know the son, Vaclav Trojan jr and his family very well. They will be special guests at our concert in Ytterlännäs Church, Kramfors, Sweden on Sunday August 14th." The tour dates are being finalized and will be published soon. To host a concert or for further information, email: sundeqvist@yahoo.se |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
by Harley Jones
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 "Polka King" and triple Grammy winner Walter Ostanek found out during a break between musical sets at Marineland, Niagara Falls on Tuesday, that he had won the $1-million grand prize in the London Dream Lottery, a fundraiser for local hospitals.The Polka King now has the riches to suit his royal nickname! A friend who works the PA system at the amusement park heard the winner’s name on the radio and told Ostanek. ‘Walter, how does it feel to be a millionaire?' Ostanek recalled. But 81-year-old Walter Ostanek isn’t letting his new found money get in the way of his music at Marineland, where he has entertained visitors for three decades. In the last 35 years, he’s hosted his own TV and radio shows in Welland, St. Catharines, Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo, recorded more than 20 albums and played across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Ostanek won three Grammy awards (1992, 1993 and 1994). “He loves what he does, and he won’t change his lifestyle” said his longtime friend and keyboardist in the Ostanek band, Wayne Malton. His big win gives him comfort knowing he’ll always be able to afford a nursing home for his wife, who is living with dementia. Ostanek plans to continue playing seven days a week at Marineland for as long as he is healthy and the park wants him. |
by Harley Jones
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 Video: Orpheus Award 2016 Cinematic Accordion GeM duo Marco Lo Russo & Gino MarcelliThis summer has been a busy time for Marco Lo Russo, accordionist, composer and producer, who, after concerts held in Libreville in Gabon, Africa, as guest of honor for the 70th anniversary of the Republic organised via the Italian Embassy, then flew to Poland for some engagements in Krakow. He has also recently received the Orpheus Award 2016 for the album ‘Cinematic Piano Accordion’ (for best album in the World Music category), recorded with the pianist Gino Marcelli and released by GBMUSIC. In Libreville he was officially presented with a new accordion prototype produced by Bugari Armando with technology by MusicTech in Castelfidardo. On July 9th Marco Lo Russo served as a jury member jury and guest artist for the XVII edition of the singing event ‘La Torre D'Oro’ in the medieval village of Lanuvio, Rome. Marco Lo Russo was the special guest on July 16th as a jazz accordion soloist in Poland, performing his compositions and songs of the singer-songwriter Agnieszka Chrzanowska, on the stage of the Jazz Night Fair Play for Summer Jazz Festival in the main square of Krakow, featuring with Sicilian pianist Giulio Vinci and the support of Polish jazzmen. At the Church of Bernardine Fathers in the centre of Krakow, the Ecumenical Concert ‘The House on the Rock’ (presented in Rome at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in October 2014), Marco Lo Russo will perform on July 25th with Agnieszka Chrzanowska in honor of the late Pope John Paul 11 (Karol Wojtyla) on the eve of World Youth Week: WYD 2016. |
by Dan & Joan Grauman
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 Video above: Accordionist and composer, Guy Klucevsek, performed the world premiere of his composition “Three Tributes” during the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) 2016 Festival in Buffalo, NY. “Three Tributes” was commissioned by the AAA. Guy Klucevsek would like to thank the Headlands Center for the Arts, who provided him with a residency during which most of the writing was done. Klucevsek describes the composition: "Three Tributes" is dedicated to the memory of three individuals who each made a significant contribution to the enrichment of accordion culture. 1st movement: "Evan-essence" is dedicated to Evan Harlan, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Evan was a beautiful accordionist, pianist, composer, and arranger. His versatility was demonstrated in his ability to play in just seemingly any genre or style, and OWN it, including his stunning adaptations of Shostakovich for a band of accordion, violin, banjo/guitar, drums. One of his longest-running gigs was as pianist for the von Trapp Family Singers, which I have alluded to with a twisted Alpine waltz at one point. 2nd movement: "Ballad of Faithe" is dedicated to Faithe Deffner, a business woman whose company made the Titano accordion which I play. She spent her entire adult life tirelessly advocating for and promoting the accordion, through her work with national and international accordion organizations. 3rd movement: "Sir Walter's Main Squeeze Rag" is dedicated to Walter Kuhr. Twenty years ago he opened Main Squeeze Accordions on Essex Street in Manhattan, and turned it into a beehive of accordion activity, including lessons, sales, repairs, and as the leader of two bands, The Main Squeeze Accordion Orchestra, and The Last of the International Playboys. Besides the accordion, Walter's great passion was for motorcycles. The piece begins with Walter kick-starting his bike, then taking off for a wild ride, with a 16 measure gig with The Last of the International Playboys along the way. "Three Tributes" movements may be performed together as a suite, as they are presented in the video above, or as independent, stand-alone pieces." The work is available for US$15 at: www.guyklucevsek.com/sheet-music-for-guys-tunes Guy will be performing the entire suite “Three Tributes” on September 18, 2016 at Terraza 7 in Queens, NY, as part of the New York International Accordion Jazz Festival. |
by Rob Howard
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| DobRecords (Publicity): I have met my match with this one! For years, I have been expounding upon multi-culti world action as a cure for the rock blahs. This is exactly what I'm talking about. The entertainment value, action-packed jamming and Middle Eastern flavor alone will have you speechless after but mere minutes. Meet Dobrek Bistro from Vienna. Their new Featuring David Krakauer (DobRecords) CD is an hour of dizzying wonderfulness. The first listen alone is worth the price of admission. All repeated listenings are free! I dare say this is the first Polish/Russian/Viennese/Brazilian quartet ever. Krzysztof Dobrek is the composer and accordionist. He met violinist Aliosha Biz while the both of them were playing in the pit orchestra for "Fiddler on the Roof." When percussionist Luis Ribeiro and bassist Sascha Lackner joined, the quartet gelled into a crazy-sick amalgam of salsa, tango, bossa nova, swing, Israeli klezmer, French musette, classical, Balkans and Slavic folk and Oriental pop. Now add American iconoclast clarinet player David Krakauer and all bets are off as to how far the new quintet can fly. Considered the Coltrane of klezmer, he's a pioneering avant-gardist totally chameleon-like in his aversion to genre consideration as he swings and sways to the beats of jazz, pop, folk and classical, depending upon the gig. Here, he makes Dobrek Bistro be on their toes during interaction. It results in a free-for-all of outrageous proportions. Visceral in scope, you'll feel this music not only in your heart, mind and feet, but way down deep in your bowels. And it stays there like a drug making you want to experience it over and over again. I'm hooked. Bravo! |
by Harley Jones
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Video 2: Viivi Maria Saarenkylä (Finland) 2nd, round 2 performance
Video 3: Andrea Di Giacomo (Italy) 3rd, round 2 performance
| This Round 2 section of the 2015 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category was broadcast live by ALFA TV and they have now kindly released the video for the CIA Video Archive Education Project sponsored by Scandalli Accordions. 2015 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment Results: 1st Mahatma Costa (Brazil) 2nd Viivi Maria Saarenkylä (Finland) 3rd Andrea Di Giacomo (Italy) Videos of all the contestants in Round 2 of 2015 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category are online at: http://coupemondiale.org/2015/video09snv.htm Videos of all the contestants in Round 1 of 2015 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category are online at: http://www.coupemondiale.org/2015/video08snv.htm |
by Rob Howard
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 ‘The Pictish Players Live’ is a double CD, recorded live at the Northern Meeting Summer Ball in August 2014 at Fort George, Inverness. It is a mixture of full length Scottish dance music sets and popular songs, and captures perfectly the exhuberence of the dancers and the spontaneity of the evening. The sound quality is excellent throughout.The Pictish Players commenced life as a Scottish Dance Band in 1961 and have played at highland balls, private dances, weddings, etc all over the UK and overseas in Paris, Vienna, Venice, Istanbul, and Rajastan. The band has evolved over the years, with numerous players coming and going, and two LPs were produced in the 1970s. The players have remained unchanged for the past fifteen years and the strong fiddle line-up evokes memories of the Tim Wright Band in the 1940s and 50s. The band: Fiona Brodie, Julian Cann, Clare Douglas, Feargus Hetherington, Julia Robinson Wilmott (violins), Charlie Bell (accordion), Harriet James (vocals), Johnny Stirling (trumpet), Ollie Clark (guitar), Jo Calder (bass), Steve Hamper (drums), and Hamish Leslie Melville (keyboard). CD1 - Dashing White Sergeant, My Baby Just Cares For Me (song), My Blue Heaven, Eightsome Reel, Foursome Reel, Walking After Midnight, Good Rock'n Daddy, Duke of Perth, Duke of Perth 2, Be My Baby (song), Folsom Prison Blues (song), Reel of the 51st Highland Division CD2 - Kandahar Reel, Crazy, Choo Choo Ch' Boogie, Inverness Country Dance, Inverness Country Dance 2, Careless Love, Jambalaya, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Don't Mess With My Man, Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home, Machine Without Horses, Last Waltz For further information email: jiml@musicinscotland.com |
by Rob Howard
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 In the historic district of Philadelphia stands the accordion store ‘Liberty Bellows’. This independent business is owned and operated by Michael Bulboff (picture right), who spends his days selling and repairing instruments with a crew of young experts who are passionate about sharing instrument with a new generation. But Bulboff’s most important student is his 3-year-old son. In teaching him the ins and outs of the accordion, Bulboff hopes to instil in him a lifelong passion for music.Michael Bulboff took piano lessons until stumbling across his father’s accordion. Being of Polish descent, it was passed from one generation to the next until it was bestowed onto him. He connected with it immediately. “You think you are picking an instrument but in reality,” Bulboff muses, “the instrument picks you.” Bulboff had no inclination that owning an accordion store was his career or life calling. Initially he studied computer science at Princeton University. “I got bored with that,” explains Bulboff. “Then, I did an economics masters’ at Wharton. Got bored with that too. Then thought that this was the real deal. This is the real deal. I am going to be the best accordion fanatic in the world. That’s the dream.” The dream began to take shape in 2005 while he was living at 18th and Sansom streets. As his skill level on the accordion progressed, he started teaching others how to play. When they showed up with junky accordions, he began tinkering with the 3,000 parts that make up the instrument and began doing repairs. When his roommate moved out, more and more accordions moved into the vacant bedroom. Soon he needed help and was joined by Kim Tice. Eventually the room became so full of accordions that when a tucked-away Tice needed to get out, Bulboff would have to get up and leave to make room for Tice to exit. ‘Liberty Bellows’ evolved from these beginnings. For further information email: info@libertybellows.com |
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by Rob Howard
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 The Accordions Worldwide News for July 12th 2002 included news of a concert in Berlin, Germany, by Argentina’s Chango Spasiuk. Spasiuk, an accordionist of Ukrainian descent, performs and promotes the chamame and other traditions of Argentina worldwide, and his music appeals not only to world and folk music enthusiasts but also to rock and pop music audiences.Musical Breakfast Concert – Germany A ‘Musical Breakfast’ concert organized by Pfefferwerk AG Berlin, Ahoi, and the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina will be held at the Pfefferberg in Berlin on July 12th. Performers include the Chango Spasiuk Orquesta (Argentina) who are currently touring Germany. Accordionist Chango Spasiuk has performed with Pat Metheny and John Mc Laughlin at the Jazz Festival in Montreal (in 1997) and last year he performed at festivals in the USA. Presently he is mainly active as a film musician. His musical style is influenced by polka and afro rhythms as well as by Argentinean guarani, criollos and chamame. In 1999 Spasiuk was named ‘Best Folklore Musician’ in Argentina for his record ‘Polcas de mi tierra’. His latest work ‘Chamame Crudo’ is dedicated to Astor Piazzolla. |
Future events |
by Harley Jones
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| Guardia Nueva conducted by Raimo Vertainen has just performed a concert at the Sata Häme Soi Festival (picture above) that was broadcast on ALFA TV and included some top artists from Finland. The next Guardia Nueva concert is the Jyväskylän Kesä Festival, with different soloists, on the closing evening of the festival in Kokkola Market Place, 16th July. |
by Rita Davidson Barnea
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 Concert at University of Massachusetts Boston by Grayson Masefield. Details on poster.The Accordion Effects’ Workshop (poster below) with Grayson Masefield, $20.00 Sunday, July 24th, 313 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105 is presented by Petosa Accordions. Grayson’s ‘Accordion Effects’ workshop will be detailing practicing techniques, bellowshakes, tremolos, note bending, methods and much more Limited space available – pre-order tickets only – no door sales. For further information email Jamie Maschler: jamie.maschler@gmail.com |
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by Rob Howard
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 On Sunday July 17th, 7pm until 10pm, an evening concert, ‘Accordion Showcase’, takes place at the church Renfield St Stephen’s, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP, Scotland. Performing are the Classic Kyiv Duo (on tour from from the Ukraine), the Duncan Black Trio, and gypsy jazz specialists Mario Gatto and Fabrizio Malerba (Italy). The event organiser is Roy Hendrie. |
by Rob Howard
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| A trio consisting of Stanislav Angelov (accordion), Petrus De Beer (violin), and Schalk Joubert (bass), will perform Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ at the Blah Blah Bar, 84 Kloof St, 8000 Cape Town, South Africa. The performances take place on Tuesday July 19th, 7pm, and Wednesday July 20th, 7.30pm. Tickets cost R130, and include a glass of wine. If pre-booked via Quicket, there is 10% off one’s dinner bill. For further information email: blahblahbar@mweb.co.za |
by Amy Jo Sawyer
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| As the new President of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG), I would like to welcome everyone to our 76th annual Festival. We have a wonderful lineup of fabulous musicians, two orchestras, workshops, luncheons with concerts, entertainment, banquet and exhibitors. As the new President of ATG, I would like to welcome everyone to our 76th annual Festival. We have a wonderful lineup of fabulous musicians, two orchestras, workshops, luncheons with concerts, entertainment, banquet and exhibitors. Headlining our guest artists will be Grayson Masefield, from New Zealand. Grayson won both the Entertainment and Classical Categories in the Coupe Mondiale in 2009 and has performed in every continent of the world except Africa since then. Grayson Masefield will perform on both the Friday and Saturday night concerts and will present a workshop: “Building a Piece of Music – Practice and Memorization.” Xia Gang, renowned Chinese artist, will also be a featured guest artist. He won 1st place in the Baltica-Harmonica International Accordion Competition in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1999. He is associate professor at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music; director of Chinese Accordion Association and chairman of the China Accordion Club. He will present a workshop: “Accordion Activities in China”. Jerry Cigler is a Jazz Artist from Chicago. He has recorded with the Leon Sash Quintette and has performed on TV, Radio, Jazz Clubs, Las Vegas, and many accordion clubs. He describes himself as a “straight ahead jazz player” with Bebop & Blues influence. He will present a workshop: “How to Freshen Up Your Improvising”.? Murl Allen Sanders is a musician, composer, teacher and recording artist who is very active in the Seattle, Washington, music scene. He has performed in the US, Canada, England, Brazil and Japan and is a very “versatile performer of all genres”. His workshop is entitled: “Strategies for Learning, Reading, Playing and Teaching Tricky Modern Rhythms.” Other outstanding performers will be Joe Natoli (Ohio), Gail Campanella (California), UMKC Ensemble directed by Joan Sommers (Kansas City), Soundscape Trio (Denver, Colorado), and the ATG President’s Quartette (Amy Jo Sawyer, Joe Natoli, Gail Campanella, and Kenn Baert). Joe Natoli will also present a workshop: “Everything You Wanted to know about the Roland V-Accordions”. George Secor (Illinois) will present a workshop: “The Moschino Free Bass system”. Dr. Helmi Harrington will display a collection of various models of historical accordions from her World of Accordions Museum in Duluth, Minn. Dr. Harrington will also present two workshops: “Fun in Playing a Button Diatonic Accordion”, and “Left Hand Organizations in Accordion-Family-Instruments: Accordion Bass Section Varieties.” Joan Cochran Sommers will conduct the ATG Accordion Orchestra which features the music of Rossini: “Semiramide Overture”, symphonic arrangement by A. Galla-Rini, “Over The Rainbow” (Harburg/Arlen) arranged by Joan Sommers, and a Funk-Rock tune, “Springtime” by Hans-Gunther Kolz. A new “Prep Orchestra” will be conducted by Shelia Lee. Selections include: “Hey Jude”, “Sweet Caroline”, “The Sound of Silence”, “Lollipop” and “Surfin’ USA”. Four performers from the Polish American Accordion Association of Chicago will entertain during opening Wednesday evening event “Meet & Greet”. They are: Ed Smollen, Lester Rossner, Mike Basin and Marek Lichota. Fabulous entertainer, Cory Pesaturo, will entertain during the banquet on Friday night. There are many opportunities for contestants of all ages to enter competitions in many categories. Please check the ATG Website for all of the festival information at: ATG |
by Rob Howard
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 Lithuanian accordionist Martynas performs concerts at Festspiele 2016, a large annual classical music festival in northern Germany, held from June to September. His dates include:July 20th, 7pm - Rehna, Klosteranlage August 3rd, 7.30pm - Niendorf auf Poel, Scheune des Gutshofes For further information email: organization@festspiele-mv.de |
by Rob Howard
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 The Classic Kyiv Duo perform in concert on Wednesday July 20th, 7.30pm, at Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel St (off the A560 that connects Stockport with Hyde), Woodley, Stockport SK6 1NF (Junction 25 on the M60, either direction). The concert is organised by Stockport Accordion Club. Admission is £5. Soloist Helen Rich, and the Stockport AC Band (MD Derek Stubbs) and Orchestra (MD Brian Jenkins) will perform short supporting spots.The Classic Kyiv Duo are Igor Sayenko and Oleksiy Kolomoiets, both virtuoso accordionists from Kiev in the Ukraine. In 2006 they both graduated from the National Music Academy of the Ukraine in Kiev. Oleksiy plays in the National Radio Ukraine Orchestra, and Igor in the National Philharmonic of Ukraine. They have been touring the UK annually since 2006, using their talent to raise money for the Chernobyl Nuclear Appeal whilst building up a substantial following in the process. Igor and Oleksiy’s programme includes the whole of ‘The Four Seasons’ (Vivaldi), ‘Nimrod’ from ‘Enigma variations’ and ‘Salut d'Amour’ (Elgar), ‘Palladio’ (Jenkins), ‘Cats’ (Lloyd-Webber), ‘Maxwell's Silver Hammer’ (Lennon-McCartney), and music by the Ukrainian composers Zubicky, Vlasov, and Rizol. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
by Rob Howard
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| The Belgian accordionist Erika, known as ‘The Princess of the Accordion’ and her keyboard accompanist Jean-Marie, play for dancing next week, as follows: July 20th, 6pm – bal musette with the singer Megan Meurisse, Ginguette, Bois-de-Villers, Belgium July 21st, 3pm – tea dance, Salle Clos de Velaine, Jambes, Belgium Erika Honorez has been performing, composing, and recording since 1981. She has appeared on radio and TV in Belgium and France. Erika has recorded many CDs and DVDs, which are available through her website. For further information email: erika@erika.be |
by Rob Howard
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 Sergej Riasanow (accordion), Anastasia Riasanow (piano), and Nikita Riasanow (marimba and vibraphone) perform as a trio at SMTT Wolboldstraße 21, 71063 Sindelfingen, near Stuttgart, on Saturday July 23rd, 7pm. Their program includes music by J S Bach, Chopin, Prokofijew, Abe, Solotarjiow, and others. |
by Rita Davidson Barnea
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 Concert accordionist Mary Tokarski will return for her fifth year as an educator for the Peter Soave Music Academy being held in Sauris (Northern Italy, Dolomite Mountains). Sauris is a little piece of “heaven on earth” . . . rolling mountains, greenery, picturesque villages, and impeccably maintained homes decorated with great imagination and the use of nature’s best!From July 24 to August 7, Sauris will buzz with accordion activity – workshops, master classes, private lessons, and concerts featuring some of the world’s finest accordionists. Peter and Mady Soave lead the list of instructors and artists. Mary will be joined by Professor Viatcheslav Semionov, Alexander Skliarov, Eddie Monteiro, Stas Venglevski, and Dr. Duilio Dobrin. Accordionists from around the world will attend to cherish lessons and workshops with these artists, and participate in ensemble and orchestra rehearsals, culminating in concerts for the townspeople of the area. The artists will also perform in numerous combinations throughout the event, with 7:00 a.m. concerts in the local places of worship, and appearances at local trattorias and concert venues in the area. August 5, will be a special concert in a neighboring town to Sauris, where Prof. Semionov and Mary will each share their solo concerts along with a “first time ever” duet – performing a piece by Shaliev called "Snowstorm" (aka "Russian Winter"). Marys' performance will include works by Bizet, Vincent Youmans, Rimsky-Korsakov and Alexander Tcherepnin’s “Partita” Mary will also present the European premiere of “Ballad of Faithe” which is the 2nd movement (dedicated to Faithe Deffner) of Guy Klucevsek’s new AAA Commissioned work called “Three Tributes”. Article and video above of the world premiere of Three Tributes. Guy recently commented to editor Rita Barnea: “I’m delighted that Mary was inspired enough by the piece to want to play it.” Mary is sure that audiences are going to love it. Mary Tokarski is an outstanding artist and dynamic educator who has performed around the world. Since 2014, she has been the President of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA). For further information: mary.tokarski@comcast.net |
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by Harley Jones
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| Download poster/program at: 2016Victoria.pdf For further information, email: contact@bcaccordion.ca |
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by Marco Cinaglia
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 Introduction to the Digital Accordion demonstrations and concerts will be held by renowned accordionist Sergio Scappini on the 29th, 30th and 31st July. Free entrance.Friday 29 July, Sergio Scappini 5 pm Demonstration, 7 pm Concert. Torre Capitania - Via Conte Ruggero Troina (EN). Free entrance. Saturday 30 July, Sergio Scappini 5 pm Demonstration, 7 pm Concert. Canicattini, Sicilia, Italy Palazzo Messina Carpinteri Via XX Settembre 36. Free entrance. Sunday 31 July, Sergio Scappini 5 pm Demonstration, 7 pm Concert. Centro Diurno " Palazzo Barbagallo" via Garibaldi 32 Nicolosi (CT). Free entrance. |
by Rob Howard
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 The Victor Prieto Trio performs at the IKFEM Festival, Valenca, Portugal, on Friday July 29th. The trio are jazz accordionist Victor Prieto, with Alfonso Moran – bass, and Miguel Cabana – drums. |
by Harley Jones
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| Vegas Nights – Celebrate with the Stars! Paul Elliot Merenbloom writes: Accordions Rising Documentary, a film by Roberta Cantow, will be featured at next month's Las Vegas International Accordion Convention. The film will be shown, and the DVD will be available for sale then, or you may contact Roberta now. Your purchase will help to offset production costs and will be greatly appreciated. I've bought my copy! Registration form: 2016Vegas.pdf Website: AccordionStars.com Phone: +1 801-486-1695 email: info@AccordionStars.com |
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New and Updated Sites |
by Harley Jones
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 Lars Ek, composer, arranger, performer and teacher of Sweden has now released his original compositions on the MusicForAccordion.com site. See samples of the music and further information at:ek101 - A Tribute To Hylen ek102 - Accordion Hambo ek103 - ArchipelagoHarbour ek104 - Asasangen - The AEsir Song ek105 - Attacka Marschen ek106 - Brevagen ek107 - Bridal Waltz from Ekebo ek108 - Brospannet ek109 - Cradle Song to Ann-Marie ek110 - The Happy Matador from the North |
by Gary Dahl
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  Updated Site:- Harlem Nocturne arranged by well known teacher, performer and arranger Gary Dahl. Catalog: DH0096 and - Indiana (Back Home Again In) arranged by Gary Dahl. Catalog: DH0115 Any clients who have already purchased this music may email for the updated arrangement which will be provided by email to you without charge. |
by Franco Cambareri
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 Franco Cambareri has released two new compositions:cfranco206 - Inner Feelings Inner Feelings is a Sentimental Piece with sad feelings. View sample page. cfranco207 - Whitty Clown Whitty Clown has a beat to suit a clown making funny gestures. View sample page. These works are eSheet (pdf file, able to be emailed to you) and can be purchased online with secure server credit card. |
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