Highlights |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Future events |
New and Updated Sites |
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
52 COMPETICIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE ACORDEÓN, KLINGENTHAL 2015 – ALEMANIAby Harley Jones |
La 52º Competición Internacional de Acordeón de Klingenthal se celebrará del 4 al 10 de mayo de 2015. El evento incluye: Categorías internacionales para solistas y grupos, concierto y música ligera, con categorías abiertas para los niños. Todo el reglamento y descripción de las categorías, así como los formularios de inscripción en: 2015Kling El evento también incluye conciertos de grandes intérpretes de nuestro instrumento, así como un jurado internacional formado por prestigiosos profesores de todo el mundo. Klingenthal, es conocida como una ciudad predominantemente musical, a los pies de la montaña Aschberg en la fabulosa región de Vogtland cerca de la República Checa. También se conoce como la capital de las fábricas de acordeón alemanas, y en mayo de 2015 todos los acordeonistas de todo el mundo están invitados a participar en su Competición Internacional. |
THE BIG SQUEEZZE 2015 SHOW DE DESCUBRIMIENTO DE TALENTOS Y FINALES – TEXAS – EEUUby Harley Jones |
El Big Squeeze se está desarrollando por la ONG “Texas Folklife”. Han seleccionado a Tomas Salas como el coordinador del concurso Big Squeeze. Fechas de las audiciones: Febrero7: La Joya Independent School District Febrero 28: Mecca In Houston Marzo 7: Los Fresnos High School Marzo 8: Mcdonald Public Library In Corpus Christi Marzo 27: Conjunto Heritage Taller In San Antonio Nueve finalistas (tres de cada género: polka, zydeco y conjunto) serán seleccionados de entre todos los participantes y los vídeos enviados. Esos nueve finalistas serán anunciados el 3 de abril y actuarán en el Bullock Texas State History Museum de Austin el sábado 25 de abril en un concierto gratuito. Será seleccionado para tal efecto un ganador de cada categoría (polka, zydeco y conjunto). Los tres ganadores actuarán en el prestigioso Texas Folklife's Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Festival en el Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre el sábado 6 de junio de 2015 conjuntamente con estrellas de la música de raíz tejana. Los premios incluyen una cifra total de unos 4000$, entre premios en metálico, un nuevo acordeón marca Hohner y conciertos en Austin y Houston, publicidad y otras oportunidades de trabajo. |
COMPETICIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE ACORDEÓN “ASCOLTATE 2015” KAUNAS – LITHUANIAby Rob Howard |
Seguido del CMA Trophee Mondial de Kaunas en septiembre de 2014, la Kaunas Accordion Society organiza una competición anual para jóvenes acordeonistas, todos vosotros seréis bien recibidos. El 1º International Accordion Competition “Ascoltate 2015” tendrá lugar del 24 al 26 de abril. Un jurado internacional presidirá las seis categorías que conformarán el concurso, que incluirá rangos desde Clásico a Varieté, para mayores de 18 años. Tanto solistas, como grupos con acordeón, como orquestas serán bien recibidos. Reglas, formulario de inscripción (en inglés) disponibles para descargar en: 2015Ascoltate Fecha límite de inscripción: 1 abril de 2015Ascoltate Para más información, contacta con el vicepresidente de la Kaunas Accordion Society Mindaugas Labanauskas: mindaugas@akordeonas.It |
DR. WILLIAM SCHIMMEL Y CORN MO GRABAN EL “DIE WINTERRIESE” DE SCHUBERT , NEW YORKby Rob Howard |
El acordeonista Dr. William Schimmel y el cantante rock Corn Mo han grabado el ciclo entero del “Die Winterreise” de Franz Schubert. Publicado en 1828, el Winterreise consiste en 24 canciones del poeta Wilhem Muller. Corn Mo, quien ha grabado varios álbumes con su propio material, aporta su particular voz mientras la parte del acordeón corresponde al Dr. Schimmel realiza la parte del acordeón, arreglo de la parte de piano. La grabación consiste en actuaciones en directo de la American Accordionists Association Master Class y Concert Series 2013/2014 en el Tenri Cultural Institute de Nueva York. Para toda la información necesaria email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Borsini Accordions Publishes Vince Abbracciante Performing - Italyby Harley Jones |
Borsini Accordions published this video on Nov 25, 2014. Vince Abbracciante Performs Gaiteiros do Mundo |
Tom Bender Images, Texas - USAby Harley Jones |
Tom Bender, renowned art photographer, was recently commissioned to do an accordion art piece by Armando for his wife Beverly. Beverly has been playing accordions for many years; the accordions in the image “Beverly G” are one of her first instruments and her latest digital instrument. The finished piece is a gallery wrap canvas 35X20. Other Tom Bender images (not accordion) at: www.tombenderimages.com/ |
Bruno Moritz - Tempero Brasileiro - Sem Quererby Harley Jones |
Launch of the CD Tempero Brasileiro by Bruno Moritz in Brusque, performing Sem Querer on 25th November 2014. Composer: Bruno Moritz. Band members: Rafael Amaral (guitar), Didi Maçaneiro (percussion), Mauro Borghezan (drums), Luiz Sebastião (7 string guitar) and Rafael Calegari (bass). |
Updated Accordion List, Higher Level Education in Europe, Paris - Franceby Harley Jones |
In last week’s news there was an article about the upcoming entrance examinations for the DNSPM degree course taught at PSPBB, the higher arts education centre of Paris/Boulogne-Billancourt and also at Lille Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Teacher and organizer Vincent LHermet (picture left) writes, “Since the publication of the 'List of Accordion Higher Level Education in Europe-2014' in November, some institutions and teachers have asked to add information to the document." Download the second edition at: AHLE |
Blue Haired Accordion Player Joey Cook on ‘American Idol’ - USAby Harley Jones |
Joey Cook is a 23-year-old restaurant server from Woodbridge, Virginia. When not working, she’s playing her favorite instrument, the accordion. Her grandfather has always wanted her to audition for American Idol and Joey Cook really surprised the judges on Tuesday’s “American Idol”. The blue-haired contestant, played and sang “Tallest Man on Earth”, wowing the panel with her uniqueness, both in her unusual voice and her spunky personality. Enjoy the video of Joey Cook's entry in 'American Idol'. |
Galla-Rini CD, Workshop DVD and Booklet offer, Seattle – USAby Rob Howard |
This month in honour of Anthony Galla-Rini's birthday, Petosa are packaging a special CD, workshop DVD and accompanying booklet for $40. The offer expires on February 10th 2015. American accordionist Anthony Galla-Rini (January 18th 1904 – July 30th 2006) was a celebrated performer, recording artist, arranger, composer, conductor, author, and teacher. Although he performed on the Vaudeville circuit for 20 years, Galla-Rini also did a great deal to promote the accordion as a serious concert instrument including a huge number of high quality arrangements. Galla-Rini was one of the founding members of the American Accordionists' Association (AAA) in 1938 in New York City. He founded the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) 1941 in Chicago serving as President Emeritus of that society throughout his career. In addition, he served as a Vice-President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and he had one of the longest active careers of any accordionists anywhere, and was widely respected internationally. For further information email: petosa@petosa.com |
Special Edition Vsauce - Can Music Make You Smarter? - UKby Harley Jones |
In this special edition of James May's Q&A, Michael Stevens from Vsauce is our guest in James' tatty armchair! Michael popped in to help James find out if music is really good for the brains. Published on May 27, 2013 |
‘Main Squeeze’ Accordion Shop Closure: A Sad Post Script, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
In last week’s news we reported the closure of the ‘Main Squeeze’, the accordion shop in Manhattan, New York, following the death of its owner, German-born Walter Kuehr, on January 2nd. Walter Kuehr, who been battling lymphoma for the past seven years, was 59 years old. He opened the shop in 1996, where he sold new and used accordions, repaired instruments and gave lessons, etc. Kuehr also ran a Latin jazz and lounge act called The Last of the International Playboys and an 18-piece, all-female accordion group called the Main Squeeze Orchestra, which appeared on ‘America’s Got Talent’ in 2010. Marianne DeMarco, a former student who helped him run the store when he was away, held a closing down sale last weekend to pay for Walter Kuehr’s funeral. Marianne and other friends started selling the store’s stock off piece by piece to friends and strangers alike, and when an older man with a moustache walked in, they gave him Walter's tool chest for free, and a slice of cake. "He went back there, took his cake, but also took about $650," DeMarco said. The $650 was money to pay for Walter's funeral. "He must have really needed it to do something really cruel to people who were really nice to him," DeMarco said. Walter Kuehr is remembered by many as a funny, kind and generous man, and the closure of his accordion business as a great loss to the local community. |
‘Les amis de l’accordeon’ on Oxygen Radio, Rhône-Alpes region – Franceby Rob Howard |
Accordionists Virginie and Cyril Danrey host their own show, ‘Les amis de l’accordeon’, on Sunday mornings, 8am until 10am, on Oxygene Radio, on 96.0 or 93.0 FM or on the internet. Virginie and Cyril Danrey are based in Chambéry, located in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. |
‘Accordion Babes’ Calendar, California – USAby Rob Howard |
The 2015 ‘Accordion Babes’ calendar is now available. As usual, all the ladies featured are accordionists, not models, and the calendar includes a CD featuring each of them. Renee de la Prade, the producer, writes, “This year's calendar is the best one yet; the first year we've had a Brazilian artist (Adriana Sanchez); and the first time I get to collaborate with a celebrated fantasy novelist (Peter S. Beagle) to produce a song together for the album. The calendar is also very sleek-looking because it's ad-free this year. I love the CD and I love our art. There will be a small shipping charge too, $6 in the U.S. and $12 in foreign countries. (That's for the 5 calendar deal. For bigger orders, I'll invoice you the correct shipping amount when we start communicating.)” The price deals are: 5 copies = $60 ($12 each) 10 copies = $100 ($10 each) 25 copies = $225 ($9 each) For further information email: squeezeboxgoddess@gmail.com |
Historic Video: Juan D´Arienzo Orchestra "LCCA" - Argentinaby Harley Jones |
Juan D´Arienzo Orchestra "LCCA" performing Tango Argentin À Orléans. Juan d'Arienzo (1900 – 1976) was an Argentine tango musician, also known as "El Rey del Compás" (King of the Beat). He was son of Italian immigrants and used more modern arrangements and instrumentation; his popular group produced hundreds of recordings. His music is played often at milongas in Buenos Aires, and the instrumentals are the classic harder rhythmic tangos with a strong staccato dance rhythm. He also recorded many great milongas and fast valses. His recordings were accompanied by singers such as Alberto Echagüe, Armando Laborde, and Héctor Maure, among others. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Michel Follet’s Retirement from Belgian Radio - Belgiumby Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending January 19th 2001 noted the retirement of Michel Follet, one of Belgium’s best known radio presenters, and great enthusiast for and presenter of accordion music. We hope others have helped to similarly promote the accordion in Belgium, a country whose accordion events are often reported in the Accordions Worldwide weekly news. Accordion Lover and Radio Announcer Retires – Belgium Contributed by Joeri De Jongh, Accordo Magazine, Belgium Belgian radio announcer Michel Follet retired from his National Radio career on December 30th. Michel was well known for his musical knowledge, promoting old music from the 1940s to the 1980s, accordion music and film themes. He was very keen on musette and music by composer Georges Dellerue. Michel was one of very few announcers in Belgium who helped to promote accordion music on the radio! |
Future events |
‘Les Riches Heures de Valerie’ Concert, Sion – Switzerlandby Harley Jones |
A trio consisting of Stéphane Chapuis (accordion and bandoneon), Johanna Hernandez (violin), and George Vassilev (guitar) perform in concert titled ‘Les Riches Heures de Valerie’ on Friday January 16th, 8pm, at the Eglise des Jesuites (Jesuit Church), Sion, Switzerland. Stéphane Chapuis teaches at the Conservatoire de Lausanne - HEMU (Haute Ecole de Musique university), the Conservatoire cantonal de musique de Sion, and l’EJMA - VS (Ecole de Jazz et Musique Actuelle), au Conservatoire de Musique Montreux - Vevey - Riviera. |
Semir Hasic’s January Concerts List – Germanyby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Semir Hasic’s concert dates Semir ‘Sammy’ Hasic, born in Bosnia in 1964, has played in many European countries, and also has many compositions to his credit. He graduated from the Conservatory in Sarajevo, and his performances include a concert for Pope John Paul II. |
Gewandhaus-Quartet Concert, Leipzig - Germanyby Rob Howard |
Bandoneonist and composer Lothar Hensel performs his latest composition ‘Nieblas del Riachuelo’ with the Gewandhaus-Quartet on Sunday January 18th at the Gewandhaus, Leipzig, Germany. The Gewandhaus-Quartet, founded in 1808, is the world’s longest continuously active string quartet. Its members belong to the Gewandhaus Orchestra. |
"From Broadway to the Met….plus" with Dominic Karcic, New York - USAby Harley Jones |
Accordionist Dominic Karcic (accordion) and vocalist Cheryl Spielman will be the featured performers on Wednesday January 21st at 6pm at La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, East Northport, New York. Come hear the music from the American Song Book, Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, Opera, Operetta plus much more. For Dinner reservations contact: Frank 631-261-6344 |
Jörgen Sundeqvist premieres ‘The Accordion King’, Sudsvall – Swedenby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Jörgen Sundeqvist is the soloist with the Nordic Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Niklas Willen, for premiere performances of ‘The Accordion King’ – a new multi-media concerto by Frederik Hogberg. The concerts take place on January 22nd and 23rd at Folkets Park, Kramfors, Tonhallen, Sudsvall, Sweden. Both performances are already sold out! Jörgen Sundeqvist (born 1962) is one of Sweden’s leading concert accordionists, and has performed with distinction in several countries, including the USA, where he was mentored by the great Anthony Galla-Rini. |
Iosif Purits in Patrons Award Final @ Wigmore Hall, London – UKby Harley Jones |
On Wednesday January 28th the Wigmore Hall will again hear the sound of an accordion when current Royal Academy of Music post-graduate student Iosif Purits will play at the Patrons Award Final. Purits has been studying at the RAM with Owen Murray since September 2014. The competition starts at 1pm, and Purits will play a 30-minute program at about 1.30pm. His program will be: Bent Lorentzen – ‘Tears’, Sergei Prokofiev – ‘Satanic Apparition’, Mussorgsky – ‘Children’s Scherzo’, Vladimir Ryabov – ‘River of Love’, Franz Liszt (arr. Vladimir Horowitz) – ‘Hungarian Rhapsody no.15’, ‘Rákóczy March’. Iosif Purits also performs at a recital at the RAM on Tuesday January 20th, 5pm with a similar program and also at a lunchtime concert at the Colston Hall, Bristol, on February 3rd. |
Acoustic Concert and Accordion Tuition, Istanbul – Turkeyby Rob Howard |
On Friday January 30th, 7.30pm, the acoustic trio Aydin Ciracioglu (accordion, guitar), Asli Kurt (vocals), and Bobby Damora (bouzouki, vocals) perform in concert at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI (Georgian Arts Hall), Istanbul. One-to-one accordion tuition is available at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI, and every Wednesday, 7.30pm until 10pm, there is an accordion workshop. For further information email: ibeka@mynet.com |
Royal Academy of Music Accordion Events, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Below is a summary of accordion events at the Royal Academy of Music for this term: Thursday February 19th – Accordion master class with Visiting Professor of Accordion Friedrich Lips (Moscow, picture left) – 10am – 1pm in the Recital Room. Free, no tickets required. Thursday February 19th – Classical Accordion Chamber Music concert – 7.30pm in the David Josefowitz Recital Hall. Tickets £7.50 (concessions £5.50) from the Academy’s Box Office: www.ram.ac.uk/events, telephone: 020 7873 730 or on the day. Academy accordionists perform a varied program including works by JS Bach, Popper, Piazzolla, Franck, Valpola and Trojan. Friday March 6th at Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London; 1pm – 2pm - RAM accordion students perform works by Piazzolla, Popper, Scarlatti, Franck, Valpola and Trojan. Free, no tickets required. For further information email: K.INGRAM@ram.ac.uk |
Accordion Masterclass March 2015 for Digital and Acoustic - Franceby Harley Jones |
French accordionists Jean-Louis Noton (picture right) and Jose Viscaino accordion masterclass with full board from 9th to 12th March for digital and acoustic accordion will take place at Moulin de Connelles (Eure). A musical ambiance is assured overlooking the Seine. Information and registration: Phone: 06 03 16 42 83 Email: jl.noton@wanadoo.fr |
New and Updated Sites |
New Work, Whispering Hope Available, Gary Dahl - USAby Gary Dahl |
Cat No. DH0253 Whispering Hope composed by Alice Hawthorne has been arranged by Gary Dahl and is available online, purchase by credit card. |
Beltango Release Theatre of Soul CD - Serbiaby Aleksandar Nikolic |
The very popular Beltango Quintet have release a new CD title Theatre of Soul. This CD features 10 tracks and can be purchased online. Sound samples for you to hear. Cat No. beltango4 The Beltango 3 CD pack continues to be popular as well. View all at Beltango and purchase online with credit card. |
Updated Site: Franco Cambareri New Work U Ciucciariellu (The Little Donkey)by Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri has released a new work: Catalog No: cfranco193 U Ciucciariellu (The Little Donkey) as an eSheet, able to be purchased online with credit card and sent to you by email. The new work is based upon a traditional joyful Calabrian (Southern Italy) Tarantella. |
Updated Site: Lorenzo Bosica Adds CD to Site - Italyby Lorenzo Bosica |
Lorenzo Bosica adds CD to website so the album is now available in eTracks MP3 format download from internet and CD sent by post. Order online at: Lorenzo Bosica |
CD Reviews |
According to Amy by Amy Jo Sawyerby Accordions Worldwide |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of According to Amy by Amy Jo Sawyer, Accordion, in English language, reviewed by Joseph Natoli |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |