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Highlights |
Results: 5th International Accordion Days in Prague – Czech Republicby Elisa Lanari, Scandalli Accordions |
The 5th “International Accordion Days” competition was held at the Prague Conservatory, from October 31st to November 3rd 2019, organized by “Club Tours Agentur Praha” in partnership with the Czech Accordion Association and accordion department of the Prague Conservatory. The main goal of this event is to maintain the continuity and development of the strong tradition of accordion playing in the Czech Republic. Mirco Patarini, (picture top left) President of the CIA (Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes) on this occasion was also the President of the international jury, which comprised of: Jörgen Sundeqvist, Stefan Hippe, László Ernyei, Jirí Teml, Ladislav Horák, Josef Hrebík, Anibal Freire and Olivier Douyez (Some jury members pictured below). During the prizegiving ceremony Mirco Patarini gave a speech on behalf of the CIA, to thank the Prague Conservatory for organizing such an important and high level event. Over 300 competitors from Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Norway and Spain took part in competition categories for soloists, chamber ensembles and accordion orchestras. Picture lower left: Winner of Category VI Jessica Winterholler (Germany) with teacher Andreas Nebl. Click here for full results: 2019PragueResults.pdf |
Special Recognition from Outside the Accordion World - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
As part of the International Prize "Pure Sound" for the best audio recording of a work of Russian academic music in the category "Concerto for Solo Instrument and Orchestra", the recording of Efrem Podgaits' concerto "Double Mirror" for bayan, cello and symphony orchestra was awarded. This work was performed by the Russian National Orchestra under its conductor Mikhail Pletnev. Soloists were Friedrich Lips (bayan - picture right) and Aleksandr Buslov (cello) with sound director Viktor Osadtchev. The recording took place in Moscow’s famous Tchaikovsky Hall on October 4th, 2018. On November 28th, 2019 Lips will perform "Double Mirror" again at a concert in Moscow. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
XXII International Accordion Festival Vilnius 2019 - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
The XXII International Accordion Festival Vilnius 2019 began in Vilnius on November 12th and will run until November 20th. The festival is organised by the Lithuanian Association of Accordionists with Artistic Director, Raimondas Sviackevicius. On November 12th an opening concert was held at the Vilna Gaon State Jewish Museum with a performance by "Philharmonie de poche" (Pocket Philharmonie, picture below). Their progam included pieces by French composers such as Richard Galliano : Opale concerto, Olivier Urbano : Bethléem doloris for cello and accordion, Gaël Lozac'h : Medley de valses (world premiere) among others. “Orchestras Fiesta - LMTA Student and graduate orchestras” concert is on November 18th at 7pm at St. Catherine's Church Hall. This concert will include performances by the current Academy of Students and Professional Orchestra "Consona" and the LMTA Accordion Orchestra. This is a free concert. Further concerts will be given by Mika Väyrynen, Duo Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic, Charm Trio, and Radu Ratoi. Marie-Andrée Joerger (Strasbourg Music Academy, France) held a Masterclass at the Lithuanian Academy of Music & Theatre on November 14th which covered repertoire pieces. Other Masterclasses will be held as follows: November 15th: 10am to 6pm Alexander Dmitriev (State Conservatory of St Petersburg Russia) November 16th: 1pm to 5pm Mika Väyrynen (Sibelius Music Academy, Finland) November 16th: 1pm to 5pm Alexander Dmitriev (State Conservatory of St Petersburg Russia) November 17th: 12 midday to 3.30pm Eduardas Gabnys (LMTA Accordion Cathedral) November 17th: 12 midday to 3.30pm Raimondas Sviackevicius (LMTA Accordion Cathedral) For further details email: info@akordeonofestivalis.lt |
Mika Väyrynen Returns to Concert Stage with World Premiere & Masterclasses in Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen is returning to performing after a well-earned two year sabbatical from the concert stage. His return was originally planned for a performance at PIF Castelfidardo, but due to a serious traffic accident of a close family member he was unable to attend. His return concert will be held at the Vilnius Accordion Festival in Lithuania on November 15th. He will perform the world premiere of the accordion version of Nicolas Economou´s work "Childhood Whims" which includes 12 movements. Nicolas Economou (1953-1993) was a Cyprian virtuoso pianist and composer who died in a car accident at the age of just 40. Nicolas studied piano in Moscow at the famous Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and took composition lessons from Vladislav Zolatariev. The family has given Mika Väyrynen permission to arrange and perform this almost forgotten work on the accordion. Other works in the concert program will include Paavo Korpijaakkos Sonata nr. 2 "Dead on Time" (Lithuanian premiere), Eero Hämeenniemi´s "Velocitá" (Lithuanian premiere) and works by Ravel, Shurbin, Podgorny and arrangements of 5 Finnish Melodies. Future events as follows: November 29th & 30th: masterclass at Dunajska Streda, Slovakia December 13th: concert at the famous Gnessin Russian Academy of Music concert hall. This concert will be part of the international festival "Bayan and Bayanists". 2020 will see the world premiere of Finnish composer Paavo Korpijaakko´s Sonata nr.3 - "Testament". This monumental work is possibly the largest Sonata ever written for the accordion - duration approximately 45 minutes. Paavo Korpijaakko is well known in accordion circles. His accordion works are known for their great technical requirements and musical magnetism. Korpijaakko´s previous works for accordion include "Metamorphoses" for accordion and strings, Sonata nr. 1 "Ultra", Sonata nr. 2 "Dead on Time", Peer Gynt Fantasy, "Niin kauan minä tramppaan" for accordion and string quintett. All of these works have been premiered by Mika Väyrynen whose collaboration with Korpijaakko started some 15 years ago when Paavo Korpijaakko´s composition teacher Jouni Kaipainen (1956-2015) introduced them to each other. For concert details email: mikaaccordion@gmail.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Franck Angelis New Composition Romance No. 2 - Franceby Harley Jones |
The video above is the world premiere of "Romance No. 2" at the PIF 2019Castelfidardo. The concert was titled "Christina Rossi (France) Plays Angelis". This concert was quite unique and historical with composer Franck Angelis (picture above) attending and also speaking at the concert, including introducing two new compositions world premieres. View video of all the concert at: http://www.accordions.com/pifcastelfidardo/2019/21.htm Catalog ang571 Romance No. 2 by Franck Angelis is also now available, only €8.00 |
Closing Date for 100th Edinburgh Competition & Festival - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
The closing date for the 100th Edinburgh Competition & Festival is November 30th, 2019. The festival will be held from March 3rd to 15th, 2020. Accordionist and teacher Paul Chamberlain will again adjudicate the 2020 competition accordion classes which were introduced by the Edinburgh Competition Festival for the first time this year. There are four levels for solo accordion players age 17 and under as well as an Open Class for any age, including adults. Traditional or classical pieces are welcome - all at the performer's own choice. As part of the 100 year celebrations, a Final Concert of Highlights of the 2020 Festival, followed by the Final of the Concerto Class, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Friends of the Festival conducted by Gordon Bragg, will be held on Sunday March 15th at The Queen’s Hall. The syllabus for the Centenary Festival has just been published and is available online. Download 2020 Syllabus: 2020ECFestRules.pdf |
Hank Thunander Performs at A World of Accordions Museum - USAby Rob Howard |
Hank Thunander (picture left) took the stage at A World of Accordions Museum on October 27th and thrilled the audience by performing over 3 hours of music. His program included a number of popular medleys including a tour of European and American favorites, especially Big Band pieces. Accordionist Paul Vargason (picture above) also joined Hank in a few duets. The event was sponsored by Barbara and Dennis Vargason, long standing friends of AWAM and admirers of Hank. The Vargasons wanted to do something special for the museum and this was a most generous decision. |
Duo Paris Moscow Tours Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Duo Paris Moscou of Domi Emorine and Roman Jbanov perform a Russian medley. Duo Paris Moscow (which includes Domi Emorine and Roman Jbanov) have just completed a tour of Canada. The duo entertained in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Salt Spring Island and Victoria from November 8th to 11th. They also took part in the World Accordion Tango Festival in Victoria where they played “Moscou-Paris” by Franck Angelis. They also gave a workshop at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on November 11th. |
Future events |
Chaika Band Perform in Sydney – Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
Chaika Band (which includes accordionist Emily-Rose Šárkova) will perform at a concert with the Broadland Trio to celebrate the launch of their debut album “Airs of Places Passed”. The concert will be held at The Newsagency in Sydney, NSW on November 15th at 7pm. Chaika’s latest album “Arrow” launched this year (recorded and produced by ARIA) has received heartfelt reviews. Their music is influenced by Bulgarian Womens Choir, Folk, Jazz, Traditional and Celtic. The following day, November 16th, accordionist Emily-Rose and the Wild Things (Emily-Rose's new jazz quintet) will perform at the Sydney Women's International Jazz Festival held at Foundry 616 in Ultimo, Sydney. For further concert information email: info@chaikaband.com |
Akkordeon-Orchester Wesseling Annual Concert – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The Akkordeon-Orchester Wesseling will hold their popular annual concert at the Aula Gartenstraße in Wesseling on November 16th at 4.30pm. Their program will include original compositions as well as well-known melodies from operetta and musical, dance music, world hits and rock-pop songs. Performances will also be given by young players and the Akkordeon-Trio Plus. For details phone: +49 2236 61 503 |
London Accordion Orchestra Concert and Calendar Release - UKby Christine Johnstone |
The London Accordion Orchestra will entertain at the Norwich Accordion Club’s 50th anniversary at Hellesdon High School, Norwich, Norfolk on November 17th at 3pm. Their program will include many classical favourites including the Suite from Masquerade by Khachaturian and the much loved Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky. On the following day (November 18th) the orchestra will officially release their 2020 calendar. The calendar includes photos of the past 5 years in concerts, recording in studios and having fun together. They will be available to buy at the concert on November17th or from their online store from November 18th. For details email: mail@londonao.co.uk |
“Puritz Band” Plays Tchaikovsky to Piazzolla Concert in Moscow – Russiaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Jewish melodies. The Puritz Band will perform a concert in the Chamber Hall of the International House of Music in Moscow on November 20th at 7pm organised by GBUK Moscow. The band consists of leader Joseph Puric (bayan), Michael Mering (clarinet), Igor Nikiforov (double bass) and Alexey Budarin (drums). These players are all young virtuosos, winners of international competitions, pupils of the International Charitable Foundation Vladimir Spivakov, who have achieved recognition both in Russia and abroad. Their program will include works by Tchaikovsky, Ravel, Prokofiev, Piazzolla, Schnittke, Diniku, Vlasov as well as some Klezmer music. |
Accordionist Bartosz Glowacki, New Album Launch Concert - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Bartosz Glowacki will hold a concert to launch his new album “Genesis” on November 29th at 7.30pm. This concert will take place at The Old Church, Stoke Newington in London. The album includes works by Scarlatti, Bach, Pärt, Gubaidulina and the recording concludes with the Double Concerto by Astor Piazzolla, featuring the guitarist Rob Luft and Elias Peter Brown conducting the chamber orchestra. “Genesis” will be released worldwide on November 22nd, 2019 by the record label DUX. Bartosz is very grateful for the generous support of the City Music Foundation who funded the recording of the album. For details phone: +44 7414 693 123 |
Auckland Accordion Symphonietta Concert - New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
The Auckland Accordion Symphonietta, conducted by Lionel Reekie will perform their final 2019 concert at St Georges Church in Takapuna, Auckland on November 24th at 6pm. Their program is entitled "Own Choice" as it is made up of favourite pieces chosen by orchestra members. The audience will also be entertained by guest tango dancers, vocalists and five times World Accordion Champion, Grayson Masefield who will play with a newly formed concert group of well known professional musicians, this being their debut performance. For details email: heathermasefield@yahoo.com |
Accordionist Geoff Berner Tours Austria then Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Geoff Berner (Canada) will perform at the Vienna Klezmore Festival at Sargfabrik in Vienna, Austria on November 19th before touring Germany during November and December 2019 with his klezmer band. As a musician, Berner is mainly known as a practitioner of the “klezmer-punk” style, which combines the traditional folk music of Eastern European Jews with punk’s aggressive energy and disdain for slick perfection. He has just released his 8th studio album entitled "Grand Hotel Cosmopolis" with Producer Josh Dolgin, on COAX Records - GiveUsYourGOLD (Orchard Distribution). Geoff's last album with Josh Dolgin was awarded the German Critics Circle Bestenlist prize. Germany concert schedule: November 20th: Viechtach - Altes Spital November 21st & 22nd: Augsburg - Grandhotel Cosmopolis November 24th: Mainz – Hafeneck November 25th: Aachen - Domkeller November 26th: Cologne - Hängende Gärten von Ehrenfeld November 27th: Speyer – Eckpunkt November 28th: Stuttgart – Laboratorium November 30th: Munich - Bellevue di Monaco December 2nd: Mannheim - Brandherd Germany December 3rd: Erfurt - Offene Arbeit December 4th: Dusseldorf - Kit Café December 5th: Hannover - Feinkost Lampe December 7th & 8th: Kiel - Hansa48 December 9th: Bamberg - Gaststätte Stilbruch December 10th: Dresden – Societätstheater December 11th: Bremerhaven – Pferdestall December 12th: Hamburg – Betahouse December 13th: Bremen - Creative Hub (Bundeswehrhochhaus) December 14th: Berlin – Supamolly For details email: bernergeoff@gmail.com |
Broken Cross 2019 Charity Concert in Macclesfield - Englandby Rob Howard |
The Stockport Accordion Club will hold their 20th annual “Broken Cross 2019” charity fundraising concert in aid of the East Cheshire Hospice on December 6th at 7.45pm organised by John Jones MBE. This year’s event will be held at the Broken Cross Club in Broken Cross, Macclesfield. Entertainers include the Stockport Accordion Band, Walter Perrie, Helen Rich, Phil Watson, Accordion Spice, Scottish Quartet, and Pearl Fawcett-Adriano. Tickets are £8, and available from John Jones, phone: 07871 767708. All are welcome. |
Orquestra Basarab Concert in Barcelona – Spainby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Basarab Orquestra at the Festival de Mudehares "Teruel" 2015 Anatol Eremciuc (accordion), Joao Silva (violin), Juan Carlos Buchan (double bass) and Albert Enkaminanko (percussion). Orquestra Basarab will present their new album “Norock” at a concert at La Lleialtat Santsenca in brcelona, Spain on December 13th at 8pm. The group, which includes accordionist Anatol Eremciuc who is also the group founder, play a mix of differing styles of folk music such as klezmer, gipsy and Balkan. All group members are professional musicians with prolific careers. The objective of this project is to spread awareness of traditional folk music and all the different nuances of its many and varied styles. Album tracks include “Norock”, “Sanie cu zurgalaI”, “Apel in absenta” and “Basarab fusio”. For details email: orquestrabasarab@hotmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Franck Angelis New Composition "valse du clown" - Franceby Harley Jones |
The video above is the world premiere of "valse du clown" at the PIF 2019Castelfidardo. The concert was titled "Christina Rossi (France) Plays Angelis". This concert was quite unique and historical with composer Franck Angelis (picture left) attending and also speaking at the concert, including introducing two new compositions world premieres. View video of all the concert at: http://www.accordions.com/pifcastelfidardo/2019/21.htm The pdf music of "valse du clown" which is dedicated: "For my friend Jacques Mornet", catalog ang570 is now available online, also page sample online, only €9.00 Franck Angelis and Jacques Mornet of the famous music school CNIMA J.Mornet have a long history of musical collaboration and many students successfully performing Angelis compositions in international competition. Catalog ang571 Romance No. 2 by Franck Angelis is also now available, only €8.00 |
Updated AAA Site: Historical Articles about the AAA by Joan Grauman, AAA Historianby Harley Jones |
Updated AAA Site: AAA History - A Series of Articles by AAA Historian Joan Grauman at: http://www.ameraccord.com/archival.php 1. What Events Led to the Formation of the American Accordionists’ Association? 2. Documenting the Fascinating History of the AAA 3. 80 Years of AAA Logos and Promotional Materials 4. Joseph Biviano and Charles Magnante – A Lifetime Commitment to the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) 5. Growing up in the accordion schools: The 1950s through the 1970s 6. Women in the AAA Through the Decades, Beverly Roberts Curnow – Accordion Queen and World Accordion Champion still bringing joy with her beloved instrument! |
New Music by Gary Daverne - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Gary Daverne ONZM has composed a new version of his popular Margarita duet, this time for accordion and piano. Catalog ED0050 - Margarita - accordion and piano Gary Daverne after several requests, has also composed the accordion solo with piano accompaniment for his 2nd Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra. Catalog ED0082d The 2nd Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra is composed for accordion solo with accordion orchestra or accordion solo with symphony orchestra. Full details at: Gary Daverne These new works can also be used for the "Teachers - Win a trip to New Zealand" competition. Full information at: http://www.accordion.co.nz/2020/VideoDaverneCompetition.htm Other Margarita duets are: ED0051 - Margarita - accordion duet ED0052 - Margarita - accordion & flute ED0053 - Margarita Revisited - accordion solo & piano accompaniment ED0054 - Margarita - accordion & soprano saxophone Bb ED0055 - Margarita - accordion & viola ED0056 - Margarita - accordion & violin |
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