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Highlights |
No 1 en iTunes - Tributo en video “Skerryvore” a los trabajadores del NHS - Escociaby Christine Johnstone |
La semana pasada, Accordions Worldwide presentó "Skerryvore" (que incluye a los hermanos Daniel en acordeón y Martin Gillespie en pipas, silbatos y acordeón) que grabaron un sencillo especial y un video como tributo a los trabajadores del NHS que luchan contra el coronavirus. Ver noticia: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=10-Apr-2020&lang=en#art16369 Durante la Pascua, el grupo ha anunciado "¡Gracias a su increíble generosidad y apoyo, estamos absolutamente impresionados de que 'Everyday Heroes' se encuentre actualmente en la posición No.1 en la lista de singles de iTunes!" El sencillo fue arreglado, mezclado y masterizado por Scott Wood de Skerryvore y fue escrito por el acordeonista y gaitero Martin Gillespie. |
Luigi Bruti COVID-19 Regreso al acordeón - Italiaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Video: Luigi Bruti realiza "10 Km al finestrino" de Luciano Fancelli Luigi Bruti tiene una historia estelar con el desarrollo del Roland V-Accordion y la historia está en: http://accordions.com/interviews/bruti/bruti2.htm Después de que Roland Europe se detuviera, Luigi Bruti estaba trabajando con Dexibell diseñando y desarrollando teclados. Luigi escribe: ¡Tomó la pandemia de 2020 COVID-19! Todos en casa, a la fuerza y con el objetivo de encontrar algo interesante que hacer. Octubre de 1992, nace mi hija Anna y no vivió los primeros años de mi vida relacionados con el acordeón, el sacrificio del estudio, las victorias de los concursos musicales, comentando las muchas fotos de mis álbumes de recortes (imagen a continuación). Me dediqué a ganar el Campeonato Italiano "Sora" en 1976 y el Campeonato Internacional "Recanati" en 1977 a Luciano Fancelli y una carta de los padres de Luciano Fancelli desencadena una reacción en cadena increíble con Anna preguntando sobre esos tiempos y luego diciendo: Papá, ¡estudia el acordeón y déjame escuchar! Desempolvé el viejo acordeón en el ático y comencé un camino de más de un mes para encontrar la agilidad olvidada. No fue fácil, un estudio de más de 4 horas al día con el deseo de poder dejar un testimonio de mi interpretación de esta canción. Había decidido organizarlo de una manera moderna con electrónica adicional y finalmente, lo hice ... Justo hoy, el 10 de abril de 2020, 92 años después del nacimiento de Fancelli, dedico este video de mi ejecución de "10 km a la ventana "a Luciano Fancelli y, por supuesto, también a mi hija Anna, que logró empujarme a esta" misión imposible ". |
Lanzamiento del nuevo CD "Gorka Hermosa & Blanchard Strings" - Españaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: composición de Gorka Hermosa Gernika, realizada con las cuerdas de María Blanchard El 24 de abril, Gorka Hermosa subirá su nuevo CD "Gorka Hermosa & Blanchard Strings" de forma gratuita a Spotify. El CD incluye todas las pistas compuestas por Gorka y publicadas con la colaboración de Pigini España. Gorka está acompañada por Blanchard Strings que incluye a Cristina Cubas y Laura Villar (violín), Rubén Menéndez (viola), Miguel Díez (violonchelo) y Javier Mayor (contrabajo). Las pistas son: Gernika, Concierto de Neotango (Ekia, Anatango, Milonga del Vent, Galliano en Santiago), Cuatro danzas de Iberia (Brehme, Saudade Ártica, Zelaia, Paco). |
Concurso internacional de conciertos de acordeón pospuesto - CroaciaConcurso internacional de conciertos de acordeón pospuesto - Croaciaby Christine Johnstone |
Debido a la situación de COVID-19 y un fuerte terremoto recientemente, que sacudió a Zagreb dañando significativamente la Sala de Conciertos del Instituto de Música de Croacia, los organizadores se vieron obligados a posponer la Competencia Internacional de Concierto de Acordeón. La competencia se estableció para identificar músicos talentosos y ayudarlos a desarrollar sus carreras a través de un concierto (instrumento solista con orquesta) que generalmente es menos accesible al acordeón. El objetivo era traer acordeonistas a Zagreb, Croacia para actuar en una competencia de exposición internacional con orquestas eminentes, debuta en famosas salas de conciertos, giras y el lanzamiento de un álbum. Los premios de la competencia incluyeron actuaciones en Alemania, Austria y China con orquestas filarmónicas. Los organizadores esperan reprogramar las fechas de la competencia lo antes posible. Para información envíe un correo electrónico: office@accordioncompetition.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Leavenworth Accordion Celebration Postponed to 2021 - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Video: Gary Blair Performs “The Leavenworth Polka” The Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration committee has discussed the situation regarding COVID-19 extensively over the last several days. The consensus is, it's prudent to cancel 2020 and reschedule for 2021. Plans are underway for the accordion celebration in June 2021 so mark your calendars from June 17th to 20th, 2021. Accordionist Gary Blair wrote: “Sad to hear they have had to cancel this year’s Leavenworth festival in Washington state. A festival close to my heart which I have performed at numerous times... This is my composition, “The Leavenworth Polka“ dedicated to all the hard working committee and volunteers that make this festival so special.” |
Video: Joseph Natoli Performs His Newest Composition “Alone” - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
Accordionist Joseph Natoli presents his newest composition "Alone" (composed on April 13, 2020). Joe commented, “I was compelled to write this piece tonight because of the overwhelming sadness related to those who have had to suffer the tragedy of leaving this earth alone because of this pandemic. May God give them and their families comfort. "Alone" is in memory of those who lost their lives in the 2020 pandemic and left this world alone.” Joe Natoli, is a professional accordionist and composer and also President of ATG and a co-dirrector of the IDEAS Symposium held in November 2019. Joseph Natoli has been a performer and advocate of the accordion since the age of seven. His education includes Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in music theory and composition from the University of Toronto and international competition success with 2nd place, Coupe Mondiale in 1972. Joseph Natoli started his musical career primarily as a performer, but had always been interested in composition, and has focused on his compositional craft even more in recent years. Joe has written many original pieces in all musical styles and genres for standard and free bass accordion, including his latest 2017 pieces, Children’s Suite for accordion solo, and Smooth (a Latin jazz piece for solo or accordion quintet). All are available from janpressmusic@yahoo.com |
Review: Michael Bridge Xenia Online Concert - Canadaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
Video above: Michael Bridge online concert. On April 6, 2020, Michael Bridge presented his first Xenia online video concert broadcast from his living room in Canada. The concert, which came with a downloadable program booklet was followed by a Q&A. Michael presented the program on two accordions, the first half with his acoustic accordion and the second half with his digital accordion. Not only was his program enjoyable but it also was educational. Michael explained the difference between the two accordions as well as providing a brief but highly informative introduction to each selection. Michael has a gentle friendly manner and is instantly likable as a performer. I felt as if Michael was talking to me personally. Michael’s program included: Spanish Dance no. 5 ”Andaluza” Enrique Granados Italian Concerto I. Allegro, J.S Bach Fench Suite no. 5 in G major VII. Gigue , J.S. Bach Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen Daichovo Horo, Trad. Bulgarian Palladia, Karl Jenkins Misty, Joe Garland 1812 Overture, P. I. Tchaikovsky The mission of Xenia Concerts Inc. is to offer high quality music and arts performances, presentations, and educational programs. Thank you to Michael for the quality of his performance and I look forward to more performances. |
Changes Announced to Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival, Kent - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
Organisers of the Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival have announced that in line with other similar organisations, the 2020 Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival due to take place at Walthamstow Hall School in Sevenoaks, Kent, England in June has been cancelled. The accordion section which includes competition classes for accordions and concertinas was due to be held on Sunday 7th June with adjudicator Raymond Bodell. Although the main Festival is cancelled, organisers are running some competitive elements this year in a more limited form on a digital basis. Classes will continue to be available in a variety of instruments including the accordion as follows. Own Composition classes: These are available in all sections. Entrants are encouraged to consider this creative option, even if they had not previously. Compositions should be e-mailed to the Secretary by 31st May, and will be assessed and marked by an adjudicator by 15th June. In addition, the entrant may wish to submit a video recording of the item being recited, sung or played by themselves or a nominated substitute. Video recordings: Performances can be captured on any digital medium such as a smartphone and uploaded onto a secure site. The section adjudicator will view, assess and mark the performances by 15th June. The closing date for the entries described above is extended to 9th May, 2020. Own compositions and video recordings should be submitted by 31st May, 2020. Competitors who have already entered the Festival may choose to send a video recording, or receive a full refund by contacting the Secretary. For further information phone: 01732 458 586 Picture below: 2019 prizewinners |
Outside Covid-19 Entertainment - Swedenby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Lennart Baeckman hasn’t let Covid-19 stop him from entertaining in Mariestad, Sweden. He has continued to play sing-a-longs at elderly homes outside with good safety distances. A successful arrangement in all simplicity despite the current circumstances! |
Video: Chamber Music Quarantine Style - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Video: "Jewel" by Matteo Falloni performed by Valentina Danelon (violin) and Ghenadie Rotari (accordion) Accordionist Ghenadie Rotari (picture left) and Valentina Danelon (violin) last played together in 2012 and this year seemed like a good time to start performing again, but then the world came to a halt because of Covid-19. So they decided to do their own version of Matteo Falloni's "Jewel" and record it this way – see video above. It's a new experience for both. Ghenadie says, "The idea to record the piece in this way comes from the will to do music together from the safety of our own homes in these difficult times. The entire world might have come to a halt but music didn't and it keeps us going". |
Cancelled - 45th International Accordion Competition, Pula - Croatiaby Christine Johnstone |
The 45th International Accordion Competition was due to be held at Dom Hrvatskih branitelja in Pula, Croatia from April 22nd to 25th, 2020. Igor Krizman, President of the 45th International Accordion Competition organizing committee has announced “with deep regret we inform you that due to the dramatic development of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has led to the cancellation of public events around the world……we too are forced to cancel the 45th Pula International Accordion Competition for the year 2020. Respecting first and foremost your months of long artistic preparation for the competition, as well as complete efforts to organize your arrival and stay in Pula, and long tradition of the event, we have delayed the decision to cancel the competition to the maximum. We have considered various options for postponing the competition and at the same time followed the development of the situation, however, we came to the conclusion that... due to the uncertainty of the further development of the coronavirus pandemic, the only reasonable decision is to completely cancel the competition for this year.” Organisers are looking forward to meeting you all in Pula in 2021. |
Future events |
Texas Folklife Big Squeeze Announces Online Finals, May 1st - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
The 14th annual Big Squeeze Accordion Contest presented by Texas Folklife, is hosting its popular Big Squeeze Finals event online this year. The Big Squeeze Finals, originally programmed to feature live youth accordion competitions and concerts at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, will now be video broadcast. The 2020 Big Squeeze season began in February in Pasadena, Texas and spanned across the state seeking young accordion players in each of the traditional Texas accordion music genres including conjunto, polka, Cajun and zydeco. In March, the competition shifted the remaining programming and competitions to online entries. The winners will each receive a prize package and future performance opportunities. The live event will also feature recorded musical performances and additional programming elements. Picture below: Eduardo Garza 2019 Big Squeeze winner. |
“Mr Accordion Man” Entertains in Perth – Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
Mr Accordion Man, Frank Miranda, will entertain diners on their driveways this Saturday April 18th in Morley, Perth, Western Australia. He will be “roaming” on a number of streets from 5.30pm for the Driveway Diners around the Suburbs Evening. For details phone: +61 413 052 999 |
New Date for NOVAM Orchestra Festival – Netherlandsby Christine Johnstone |
The Novam (Nederloadse Organisatie Voor Accordeon en Mondharmonica) have postponed their Orchestral Festival at the Muziekcentrum van de Omroep in Hill Lane, Hilversum until September 27th, 2020. To date, 22 orchestras have registered for the event and registrations are still being accepted. All enthusiasts are invited to attend. For details email: info@mco.nl |
60 Seconds of Accordion – Croatiaby Christine Johnstone |
Accordionist Martina Jembrisak has sent out a Call for Scores. She has requested composers write a piece for accordion or bandoneon solo that is no longer than 60 seconds. There is no entry fee or deadline and multiple entries are welcome. She suggests that composers send their scores during the Covid-19 quarantine. All chosen compositions will be played on social networks. For details email: jembrisakmartina@gmail.com |
"Bayan and Accordion Stars" Concert Series, Moscow – Russiaby Ivan Dyma, SaxAkkord Duo |
The first in a concert series entitled "Bayan and Accordion Stars" will be held at the Chamber Hall of the Moscow Philharmonic Conservatory in Moscow on November 2nd, 2020, at 7 pm. The concert will feature Maria Vlasova (accordion - picture above), Andrey Ustinov (introduction and interview), Sviatoslav Lips (piano, harpsichord) and Victor Sych (drums). Their program will include works by Busoni, Bach, Gubaidulina, Denisov, Schnittke and Popov such as Chaconne in D minor, From Dusk to Light (1994), Concerto Grosso No 3 and Flores Malum for accordion solo (World Premiere). For details email: info@meloman.ru |
New and Updated Sites |
New Article: “Vignettes, Short Pieces for Accordion” Delightful original compositions by Guy Klucevsekby Joan Grauman Morse |
An article on “Vignettes, Short Pieces for Accordion” by Guy Klucevsek is now available online. Read in detail the review by Joan Grauman about this "delightful and mesmerizing book" containing 24 of Guy Klucevsek’s compositions for accordionists of all skill levels. Full information by Joan Grauman including links to sound samples and purchase online at: VignettesArticle |
News in Russian Updatedby Harley Jones |
The Accordion Russia News has been updated with new items and is now available online |
Free Album for WAD - "Harley Plays Gary" eTracks Album Released Online - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
Harley Plays Gary is a newly released mp3 album of Gary Daverne compositions that Harley Jones has recorded in past years. The recordings include solo, solo with NZ Symphony Orchestra, duet and trio Gary Daverne works. These recordings have been compiled into a new eTracks mp3 album Harley Plays Gary available from major online websites. Free Album to celebrate World Accordion Day (WAD) on 6th May. The new mp3 album courtesy of Gary Daverne and Harley Jones is available free of charge until 7th May by sending your email request to musicforacc.com@yahoo.com For this promotion, a number of other tracks like the Harmonious Blacksmith, Flight of the Bumble Bee, Le Cou Cou are added to this World Accordion Day celebration. View full track information including sound samples at: Harley Plays Gary |
CD Reviews |
Romano Viazzani Ensemble "London Tango" CD Reviewby Rob Howard |
Rob Howard has written a CD review on the debut album released last month by the Romano Viazzani Ensemble entitled "London Tango". CD Reviews Index The group had planned an album launch concert in London, UK, which has had to be postponed indefinitely because of Covid-19. |
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