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2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival - Chinaby Harley Jones |
2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival is being held from 13th - 14th April in Shanghai as part of the internationally known 36th "Shanghai Spring" International Music Festival. Download printable poster: 2019PosterShanghai.pdf In order to promote the diversified, national and international development of the accordion art in the "Yangtze River Delta" region, the 2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival features 'Belt and Road' Initiative Accordion Concerts being held 15th - 20th April, to the Changzhou, Ma'anshan and Ningbo regions. Detailed information in Chinese about the participants and timetable at: 2019cnShanghai.pdf Featured International and Shanghai Performers: - Shanghai Normal University Accordion Orchestra - Shanghai Accordion League Orchestra - Tango Reaction, Aleksandar Nikolic & Petar Maric (Serbia) - Radu Ratoi (Moldova), 2019 Coupe Mondiale winner - Esse Quintet (Russia), - Tutto a Dio, Augustinas Rakauskas & Greta Staponkute (Lithuania) 2019 Coupe Mondiale Ensemble winner. - Accordion team from the Yangtze River Delta region Concert Schedule: - 13th April 19:00 hrs Hongqiao New Town Central Park (No. 2238 West Yan'an Road) - 15th - 20th April, Yangtze River Delta Tour to Changzhou, Ma'anshan, Ningbo. Yangtze River Delta Group Accordion Performances - 13th & 14th April Hongqiao New Town Central Park (No. 2238 West Yan'an Road, Changning district, Shanghai) The first Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival was held in 2006 and there has been a proud history of accordion festivals in the Shanghai region. You can read about past events at: 2006 Shanghai | 2008 Shanghai | 2009 Shanghai | 2011 Coupe Mondiale | 2017ShanghaiConcert | 2018Shanghai |
New Friedrich Lips CD Titled Quodlibet Released - Austria/Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
A new CD entitled “Quodlibet” by Friedrich Lips has just been released. This CD contains the music of major Russian composers from the second half of the 20th century to early 21st century. Catalog: CD029 Quodlibet CD ----------------------------------------------------- Tracks list: 1. Mikhail Bronner (*1952) "Katuv“ for bayan, piano and symphony orchestra 37:18 with Symphony Orchestra of the Gnesin Academy RAM conducted by Andrey Lebedev. 2. Suite (1951) Alexander Kholminov (1925-2015) Song 3:44 3. Scherzo 2:49 4. Nocturne 3:37 5. Final 6. Efrem Podgaits (*1949) Odessa-Quodlibet (dedicated to Friedrich Lips) 6:40 ----------------------------------------------------- Tracks include “Katuv” for bayan, piano and symphony orchestra by Michael Bronner and dedicated to Friedrich Lips and Svyatoslav Lips. The track includes Friedrich Lips (bayan), Svyatoslav Lips (piano) and the Symphony Orchestra of the Gnesin Academy RAM. The Suite in 4 parts (Song, Scherzo, Nocturne and Finale) by Alexander Kholminov (1925 - 2015) was written in 1951 and immediately became a classic in the repertoire of accordionists. Subsequently, the composer gained great fame as the author of a number of operas, symphonies, choral works, but returned to the bayan only after almost half a century. “Odessa Quodlibet” is a quartet written by Efrem Podgaits (born in 1949) in 2014 (revised 2018) performed by Friedrich Lips (bayan), Svyatoslav Lips (piano) Kirill Rodin (violoncello) and Vladislav Igolinsky (violin). Quodlibet is a piece of humorous character, built on a combination of popular melodies. In the annotation to the play, the author writes: “The idea of writing on the themes of Odessa songs belongs to Friedrich Lips. This is a gift from the composer to a friend and favorite performer.” The city of Odessa is famous for its absolutely distinctive humor and in this work the composer skillfully intertwines popular melodies, to some extent connected with this city, with the mentality of Odessans. Order online: Catalog: CD029 Quodlibet CD |
XI Dani Harmonike, 12 - 16 April, Bijeljina - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
The festival Dani Harmonike (Days of Harmony) was held for the first time in Ugljevik in 2009, organized by the Music School "Kornelija Stankovic", contact Slaviša Peric. In addition to concerts, seminars, professional lectures, the competition of soloists, chamber ensembles and orchestras is held annually with an international jury and international festival performers. The XI Dani Haronike, 12 - 16 April 2019, features soloists Vladimir Murza (Ukraine), Yuri Shishkin (Russia) and Mirco Patarini (Italy). The closing date for competition applications is: 25 March 2019 For further information contact Slaviša Peric, Email: msks.festival@gmail.com |
32nd NAA 2019 Convention Success - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
The 2019 32nd National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention ended last Sunday on a high note! The event is always all about people, accordions, connections, camaraderie and fun. For accordion aficionados, there was something to please everyone from beginner to professional. I attended many workshops, concerts, and jam sessions and was inspired by them all. The pervasive feeling was one of joy, great interest, and acceptance of all levels of performance. Everyone was very friendly, willing to share their talents and knowledge, and respectful of time limits which facilitated the easy transition from one event to another. An important musical event took place: The World Premiere of the accordion orchestration of “Two Plus One” composed by Gary Daverne, was performed by the NAA Festival Orchestra and conducted by New Zealand conductor, vocalist and accordionist Lionel Reekie. Lionel’s enthusiasm inspired the orchestra to a lively and musical performance. Additionally, Lionel conducted workshops, sang and entertained during the NAA event. The digital accordion and piano accordion were featured in many excellent informative workshops and presentations given by the following experts: Eddie Monteiro, Joe Natoli, Mike Soloway, Cory Pesaturo, Matthias Matzke, Dr. Mike Middleton, Jerry Cigler, Paul Betken, Gabe Rodriguez, Jamie Maschler, Gordon Kohl, Bill Palmer, Debra Peters, Greg Klugiewicz, Richard Albreski, Mary Wright, Gail Campanella, Elena and Gregory Fainshtein, Markus and Sabine Baggio, Nick Ballarini, Evelyn Castiglioni, Shelia Lee, George Secor, Larry Nickel, Ron Uhlenhopp, Nancy Bernstein, Eli Davidsohn, Sharon Seaton, Jim Rommel, Dr. Ed Casper, Ron Borelli, Tom & Arlyn Visentin, Jessica Faltot, Lou Lebron, Jane Christison plus many student performances. The 2019 NAA presented many concerts/workshops followed with jam sessions in numerous locations during the convention. Musicians, new media, and the general public attended to see the action on all the fascinating days. Over 200 people attended the evening concerts and banquet! Congratulations to the NAA 2019 Association Board and Convention Management Team: Norman Seaton (picture right), Nancy Bernstein, Rebecca Ratcliff, Sharon Seaton, Nick Ballarini, Markus and Sabine Baggio See the 1st April US National Accordion News AccordionUSA for detailed reports with videos and photos. Picture below: Norman Seaton, Rebecca Huck, Jamie Maschler, Gabe Rodriguez |
New Mosaic Accordion to be Unveiled – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Kevin Friedrich (picture right) will hold his 12th annual “Kevin Friedrich and Friends” concert at the Dargaville Museum Lighthouse Function Centre on March 31st. This year’s event has the theme “Music from Stage and Sound” and will feature music from shows such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady and Evita. A feature of this year’s event will be the unveiling of a themed mosaic accordion (by local mosaic artist Kim Harrison) during the performance of a new work “Song of Peace” by New Zealand composer Gary Daverne. The mosaic accordion is decorated to celebrate ANZAC. All concert proceeds will be donated to the Dargaville Museum and the event is expected to be a sell out. For further concert details phone: +64 9 439 7555 Picture report of last years event at: 2018Dargaville |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Premiere of a new Finnish Accordion Concerto in Espoo - Finlandby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
On March 7th, 2019 a new large scale Finnish work “Concerto da Camera” (by Kalle Välimaa, a well-known Finnish accordionist and composer) was performed for the first time by Finnish accordionist and conductor Jukka-Pekka Kuusela as a soloist in Suvela Chappel, Espoo. The orchestra part was played by the composer himself on piano. “Concerto da Camera” consists of 7 movements and lasts about 30 minutes. The composition (also entitled “Memories from La Palma”) and the performance were well acclaimed by the public. The concert which was entitled “Accordion Concertos on a Spring Evening” included works by U. Jutila, J. Webb, V. Salmanov, B. Przybylski and J.S. Bach which were performed by young accordionists from Espoo and Hyvinkää. The picture below shows accordionist Jukka-Pekka Kuusela and composer Kalle Välimaa. |
Blue Mountains Music Festival – Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
The Blue Mountains Music Festival is currently underway in Katoomba, Australia and will finish this weekend. The event included over 45 acts including daily performances by the group “Baltic Bar Mitzvah” which features a multi-instrumental line-up. The group, which includes accordionist Neil Simpson play a contemporary interpretation of music from Eastern European and Jewish cultures. Each member of the ensemble has studied music extensively in their chosen disciplines and currently practice professional performance careers. Combined with a constant focus to improvise and explore the music they perform, Baltic Bar Mitzvah’s dynamic sound traverses the frenetic melodies of the Balkans to the passionate embrace of Argentinian tango, and together with a progressive fusion of grooves, changes perceptions of what folk music can be, and leave the dance-floor wailing for more. |
Future events |
All-Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica 2019 – Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
The All-Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica 2019 will be celebrated at the Gnesins RAM Concert Hall in Moscow on March 16th. The Department of the Bayan and Accordion of the Gnesins RAM established the event with project manager, Friedrich Lips (picture left). The purpose of the event is to become a part of the national cultural project. According to the founders, in search of a national idea it is very important to support initiatives to preserve the traditions and achievements of our multinational country. The event is also Russia's contribution to World Accordion Day. Accordion, bayan and harmonica players (both amateur and professional) in all regions of Russia have shown great enthusiasm for this event. It is worth noting that throughout the twentieth century these reed instruments were an integral part of the life of the people of Russia: Russians, Tatars, Bashkirs, Ukrainians, and many others. The bayan, harmonica and accordion played an invaluable role during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Please see poster below for event information. Also link: 2019All-Russian.pdf |
International Klezmer Festival Fürth – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The International Klezmer Festival Fürth & Jewish Music Today event will be held at the Kulturforum Fürth, Germany from March 15th to 17th organised by Stadtverwaltung Fürth. The event will include a variety of workshops and concerts some of which are sold out. On March 16th, Felix Shinder & Dengi Vpered (picture left), an 8 piece band from Ukraine (which includes accordionist Oleg Vasyanovych), will perform Wild Klezmer mixed with rough Balkan brass and "gangster songs". The band unites Russian and Ukrainian music, especially old folk songs from Odessa, with Yiddish songs and Klezmer melodies from all over Eastern Europe. This will be followed by Mischpoke (Germany - picture below), a six piece band which includes accordionist Martin Terens. This group show their joy of playing with tempo, wit and charm, as well as melancholy and depth – attributes that characterize their sound. Mames Babegenush (Denmark) which includes accordionist Nicolai Kornerup will provide further entertainment. This popular band has been bringing traditional Freilachs and Eastern European folk to the international stages for 15 years now and this year they present a project of a very special kind. Joined by a string quartet, the band embarks on a new musical territory. The result is absolutely worth listening to: sometimes klezmer, sometimes classical music, sometimes lively and excited, sometimes calm and melancholic. For details email: klezmer-festival@fuerth.de |
St Patrick’s Day Irish Music Weekend - UKby Christine Johnstone |
Some positions are still available for a St Patrick’s Day Irish Music Weekend for accordionists which will be held on March 16th and 17th at the Village Hall, Ettrickbridge End, Scottish Borders, organised by Ian Lowthian (pictured). The event will include some of the standard singalong pieces as well as some polkas, jigs and reels. Some discussions on Irish ornamentation is planned too. For further details email: ianlowthian@yahoo.co.uk |
Dúo Contrastes Concert - Colombiaby Christine Johnstone |
Dúo Contrastes which includes Lácides Romero (accordion) and Felipe Calle (piano) will perform a concert at the Uniandinos de Bogota in Colombia on March 22nd at 7.30pm. Their program will include Hornpipe (Handel), Anitra’s Dance (Grieg), Rondo Gitano (Haydn), Lo Que Vendra Tango (Piazzolla) plus solo accordion works such as Malvaloca (Calvo) and Danza Eslava #8 (Dvorak). Entrance to this concert is free of charge. For further details email: lacidesromero@gmail.com |
Band Workshop Day – Englandby Rob Howard |
An all-day Band Workshop with Bert Santilly (pictured) will be held at the Woodley Methodist Church, Chapel St, Woodley in Stockport on March 23rd from 10am to 4.15pm. Bert, who is known for his jazz and busking workshops at the Seacroft and Caister festivals, will cover various points of playing technique and also give individual guidance where necessary. Workshop numbers are limited. For details email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Alzheimer's Society & Research Concert - UKby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Karen Street will team with her husband Andy (saxophone) to give a relaxed afternoon concert in aid of Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Research as part of the Dementia Revolution. The concert will be held on March 24th at St John’s Hall, Mortimer, near Reading and the duo will play a mixture of musical styles. The concert is free of charge and donations can be made before and after the event. For details email: karen@karenstreet.com |
“Accordion Stories from the Heart” – USAby Christine Johnstone |
In conjuction with the Connecticut Accordion Association and the AAA, on March 31st Paul Ramunni, founder of the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company in Canaan, CT, will share stories from his new book “Accordion Stories from the Heart” at the Waverly Tavern in Cheshire, CT. Paul will also perform several pieces and answer questions from attendees. The books will be available for purchase along with the author’s autograph before and after the event. For further information phone Marilyn: 203-272-12 02 |
Chaika Launch Tour 2019 – Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
“Chaika Band” (which includes accordionist Emily-Rose Šárkova) will tour Australia from April 20th to June 30th to launch their latest CD “Arrow”. Their first tour performance will be held at Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street in Canberra followed by concerts in Sydney, Katoomba, Brisbane, Wauchope, Wollongong, Avoca Beach, Bellingen, Nambour and Gosford. Please see poster below for concert details. Pre-sales are now open for the band’s new CD, which is their third to date and comes in a lovely gatefold card case with artwork by band members Laura Altman and Susie Bishop. The band also played some of their new songs at the Cobargo Folk Festival last weekend. For further concert information email: info@chaikaband.com |
New and Updated Sites |
New Compositions by Franco Cambareri - Australiaby Franco Cambareri |
Three new compositions by Franco Cambareri of Australia have been released. cfranco241 - Fantasia Lunatica cfranco242 - Nostalgic Moments cfranco243 - Triste Autunno View sample page online, pdf format music sent to purchaser by email. |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Hymn to Aphrodite CD by Friedrich Lipsby Joan C. Sommers |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Hymn to Aphrodite CD by Friedrich Lips. Review by Joan Cochran Sommers. Recent years Lips CD's: CD028 Hymn to Aphrodite CD 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 |
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