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Highlights |
Video: Accordion Quintet at the Opening Concert, Shenzhen - China
Video: Awakening Jazz Band at Shenzhen Opening Concert - China
Video: Zaural Bayan Trio Performing in Shenzhen Opening Concert - China
Video: Shenzhen Shekou Yucai No. 1 Primary School at Opening Concert, Shenzhen - China
2015 AAA Seminars with Moderator Dr. William Schimmel, New York – USA
‘A Noite do Acordeon no Canal da Música’, Curitiba – Brazil
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Vitaly Kondratenko (Russia) Wins $20,000 1st Prize Deffner Competition - USA
Video: Viatcheslav Semionov Performs at the AAA Festival - USA
Chapter 16 Warm Up, Before You Play by John Bonica - USA
Video: Mika Väyrynen (accordion), Jan-Erik Gustafsson (cello) - Finland
Video: Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud & Med Ensemble Perform "Aften på Erdal"
Video: Eddie Monteiro Trio at AAA Festival, Alexandria - USA
Video: Estelle Laroche on Bonus de Nacre TV - France
Video: The Muppet Show in France: "Happy Birthday to You" - France
‘14 Years Ago’: New Article added to Accordions Worldwide in July 2001
Future events |
Ivan Filipchyk Workshop @ Brooklyn Accordion Club, New York – USA
Tommy Newcomen @ Ellon Accordion & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UK
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publish New Douglas Ward Composition - UK
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Now Started: 2015-1st China Shenzhen Xixiang Music Valley International Accordion Competition - Chinaby Harley Jones |
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  Daily Reports of pictures, video and results at: 2015 ShenzhenThe Opening Concert was attended by officials of the sponsors: - Chinese Musicians Association; - Publicity Department of Communist Party of China of Bao’an, Shenzhen; - Shenzhen Bao’an Federation of Literary and Art Circles; - China Accordion Association; - Shenzhen Accordion Association; - Xixiang Music Valley; - People’s Art Center of Bao’an Shenzhen; - Xixiang Center of Art and Sports, Bao’an, Shenzhen; The Opening speeches were by Prof. Li Cong (China Accordion Association) and Wei Jianbin (Secretary Party Working Committee, Shenzhen) and CIA President Raymond Bodell declared the event "Open". Daily Reports are online at: 2015 Shenzhen More videos will be online for next weeks news. The program for the 2015-1st China Shenzhen Xixiang Music Valley International Accordion Competition, 16 to 20 July, is also online at: 2015 Shenzhen (Program page). Daily Reports of pictures, video and results at: 2015 Shenzhen |
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Video: Accordion Quintet at the Opening Concert, Shenzhen - Chinaby Harley Jones |
| Yang Di, Xun Lanxin, He Ye and Huang Ziming performing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (IV) by Mozart at the Opening Concert, 2015-1st China Shenzhen Xixiang Music Valley International Accordion Competition - China |
Video: Awakening Jazz Band at Shenzhen Opening Concert - Chinaby Harley Jones |
| Awakening Jazz Band - Shi Minhui (accordion), Bian Hurley (bass), Scott Dennison (guitar) and Xue Xiaolun (drummer) performing Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla at the Shenzhen Opening Concert, 2015-1st China Shenzhen Xixiang Music Valley International Accordion Competition - China. |
Video: Zaural Bayan Trio Performing in Shenzhen Opening Concert - Chinaby Harley Jones |
| Zaural Bayan Trio performing Summer (3rd movt) from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi at the Opening Concert, 2015-1st China Shenzhen Xixiang Music Valley International Accordion Competition - China. |
Video: Shenzhen Shekou Yucai No. 1 Primary School at Opening Concert, Shenzhen - Chinaby Harley Jones |
| Shenzhen Shekou Yucai No. 1 Primary School performing Little Red Riding Hood at the Opening Concert, 2015-1st China Shenzhen Xixiang Music Valley International Accordion Competition - China. |
2015 AAA Seminars with Moderator Dr. William Schimmel, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
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 2015 is the 21st year of the AAA Seminars, which take place from August 7th to 9th in New York City. which take place from August 7th to 9th in New York City. Involved are Dr Robert Young Mc Mahan, Micki Goodman Schimmel, Paul Stein, Will Holshouser, Benjamin Ickies, John Foti, Art Bailey, Doug Makofka, Erica Marie Mancini, and many others.Most members or the Brooklyn Accordion Club will be participating, including Mayumi Miyaoka, Peter Flint, Denise Koncelik, and a performing group called Bachtopus. In addition to accordionists, also participating are the theremin player Elizabeth Brown, sho player Michael Dames, a trombonist, violinist, concert pianist, harpist, guitarist, plus others. The event includes world premieres: Dr. Mc Mahan, Dave Soldier, David First, David Stoler, Elizabeth Brown, Normali Fenn, Peter Flint, Milica Paranosic, Gene Pritsker, Dan Cooper, Peter Jarvis, Art Bailey, and Dr Schimmel’s new CD: ‘The Theatre of the Accordion’. The initial intent of the Seminars, starting with the first one back in 1994, was: to build a strong artistic accordion community in the New York area, a community of artists that could communicate on an equal level to the rest of New York’s diverse artistic community, reflected in the event’s workshops and performances. The Seminars are not just a series of workshops and concerts: it’s an experience, a total immersion into a weekend where judgements are suspended, competition comes to a halt and the steady flow of ideas can almost make one’s head spin. All are welcome to attend this year’s Seminars: ‘Chock full O’ Learnin’ - August 7th, 8th, and 9th at the Tenri Cultural Center in New York City: www.ameraccord.com For further information email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
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‘A Noite do Acordeon no Canal da Música’, Curitiba – Brazilby Rob Howard |
  Italian accordionist Paolo Gandolfi and the João Pedro Teixeira Accordion Octet perform in concert on Saturday August 1st, 9pm at Canal da Música, Curitiba, Brazil. The concert is titled ‘A Noite do Acordeon no Canal da Música’ (‘The Accordion Night at the Music Channel’). The highly accomplished Paolo Gandolfi, a university tutor in Italy, has written books and recorded many CDs, etc, and has made many previous visits to Brazil. João Pedro Teixeira began playing the accordion when he was 8 years old, and was brought up in the world of Brazilian Forro dance music. He has emerged in recent years as one of Brazil’s brightest accordion talents. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
2015 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Festival A Huge Success - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
  The 2015 AAA Festival was held in Alexandria, Virginia July 8-12, 2015. Attendees were delighted with the vast array of accordion activities ranging from competitions to virtuoso concerts.The Faithe Deffner Memorial Competition report is below. Winner of the Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition: Daniel Benedetti Honorable Mention: Joseph Ciccone and Will Comer. For a complete list of winners, please view: 2015AAA-Results.pdf The AAA competition categories took on a whole new perspective this year with category prizes being awarded as "merit awards" which meant that each competitor received a true mark of the technical and musical proficiency of the performance from the judges and subsequently awarded prizes according to the mark they received. The Luncheon Concert on July 9 featured: The Potomac Accordion Ensemble directed by Joan Grauman; Robert (accordion) and Rocio (castanets) Ford; Mark Nejako (accordion) and Nick Sungenis (violin); Ken Kunec, accordion. There were many excellent workshops including: Mary Tokarski: "So You Want To Play With Your School or Community Orchestra". Dr. Robert Young McMahan and Melody Ben Flah: " Playing Between the Cracks, the accordion and its place in Tuning Experiments" Ken Moulton: "What It Takes to Run the Mantovani Orchestra" Paul Ramunni: "The Accordion-A Living Legacy and Part of our American DNA" Rita Barnea: "The Music of Eugene Ettore" Prof. Joan C. Sommers: "How to Prepare Properly for a Rehearsal" SGM Manny Bobenrieth: "Playing for Uncle Sam" Lauren Brody "Klezmer and Balkan Ornamentation for Accordionits" The Thursday evening concert featured the Busso Festival Orchestra conducted by Frank Busso, Jr. with Amanda Parziale, vocalist. Frank Busso, Sr. also sang. The orchestra entertained everyone with a program of popular music, show tunes, etc. It is really inspiring to see family members involved. Frank Busso, Jr. as conductor, his father Frank Busso, Sr. in the orchestra with his daughter, Christina, who also played the flute. The Friday Concert featured the talents of: Grayson Masefield, Joe Natoli, Dr. Robert Young McMahan with Cecylia Barczyk, cello, Viatcheslav Semionov, The Eddie Monteiro Trio, and the Accordion Pops Orchestra directed by Al Terzo, Kevin Friedrich was MC of the Saturday Evening Concert which featured the 2015 AAA Festival Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo. Don Gerundo performed for the Pre-Banquet Cocktail Hour. Manny Bobenrieth and the United States Army Strolling Strings, a group of 20 professional musicians, was a truly impressive presentation of music including Broadway show tunes and much more. It added great elegance to the occasion. Opportunities for ensemble playing for youth was a Junior Festival Orchestra conducted by AAA President Mary Tokarski. Bob Vitale conducted the 2015 Youth Jazz Ensemble which included accordion, trumpet, trombone, sax, bass, and drums. The 2015 Festival was enjoyed by everyone thanks to the dedicated efforts of the AAA Officers and Festival Coordinators including: AAA President and Contest Chairman Mary Tokarski, Dr.Joseph Ciccone, Linda Soley Reed, Frank Busso, Sr., Dr. Robert Young McMahan, Joan Grauman, Marilyn O'Neil, Frank Busso, Jr. and ob Vitale. Make sure to put the 2016 AAA Festival on your calendar. It takes place July 6-10, 2016 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo, New York. For further information: www.ameraccord.com |
Vitaly Kondratenko (Russia) Wins $20,000 1st Prize Deffner Competition - USAby Kevin Friedrich |
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 Russian accordionist Vitaly Kondratenko won the $20,000 first prize, the largest prize ever offered in an accordion competition, and maybe in any classical musical competition! The Faithe Deffner Memorial Competition was held at the recent American Accordionists' Association (AAA) festival in Alexandria, Virginia in memory of their President Emerita, the late Faithe Deffner.The four contestants were required to perform three rounds of competition. Round I was a Test Piece, Herrick's Road for accordion and percussion by Karen Fremar. Karen wrote this as an AAA commission in honor of Faithe's Gala Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, depicting her busy life working on behalf of the accordion from her office located on Herrick's Road in Mineola, NY. Round II asked the contestant to choose any movement from Divertimento by Viatcheslav Semionov and a short classical program. Also commissioned by the AAA, Prof. Semionov dedicated Divertimento to Faithe in honor of her many years service as AAA President. Round III called for a short entertainment program. A dynamic personality in the accordion world, Faithe Deffner was born on the 17th March 1931 and passed away on the 3rd June 2014. She translated her passion for accordion into action as she devoted her life's work to elevating and advancing the instrument worldwide. Throughout her career, Faithe Deffner has participated in almost every aspect of the accordion world. Whether helping to fill the decks of a cruise ship with 700 participating accordion enthusiasts playing 'Anchors Aweigh' as they sailed past the Statue of Liberty, or staging the 2007 Coupe Mondiale in Alexandria, Virginia, the largest international accordion event ever staged in the USA, or arranging for Myron Floren to conduct six busloads of accordionists performing at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, or collaborating with Lawrence Welk Resorts in a two-year “Search for the Hottest Accordionist", Faithe created numerous and significant opportunities to publicly showcase talented accordionists. After her passing, a friend and AAA Presidential advisor, Steve Stolaruk provided a generous donation that gave an unprecedented $20,000 first prize with additional cash awards of $3,000 & $2,000 for 2nd and 3rd. In addition, Anne Bargou and Linda Soley Reed offered additional financial support that enabled the AAA to host the 'Faithe Deffner Memorial Competition'. Host for the competition was Kevin Friedrich with adjudicators being Joan Cochran Sommers and Joe Natoli. Prize Winners were as follows with their programs which were performed in addition to the set piece Herrick's by Karen Fremar. 1st: Vitaly Kondratenko (Russia) Divertimento (2nd mov. - Nostalgia) by V. Semionov Rakoczy March - Liszt/Horowitz Chiquilin de Bachin by F. Angelis Valse Caprice by V. Semionov 2nd: Emmanual Gasser (Canada) Divertimento (2nd mov. - Nostalgia) by V. Semionov Green Sleeves & Scenarios from the Renaissance by Semionov Accordion Rag by Rossi/Astier Ranch of the Merry Jack by Tikhonov Notes Vagabondes by C. Thomain 3rd: Rachel Quirbach (USA) Divertimento (2nd mov. - Nostalgia) by V. Semionov Concerto in A minor by Grieg, arr. Magnante Yard Bird Suite by De Rossi Omaggio ad Astor Piazzolla by Zubitsky 4th: Szyu Zhu (China) Divertimento (2nd mov. - Nostalgia) by V. Semionov Austurias by Albeniz Winter (1st mov.) from Four Seasons by Vivaldi Variations on an Ukrainian Theme, arr. Palmer & Hughes Celestial Beauty Scattering Flowers by Yugiu Li The 2016 American Accordionists' Association (AAA) festival will take place from July 6-10, 2016 in Buffalo, NY and will include an excursion to the famous landmark Niagara Falls. For more information please visit: www.ameraccord.com. |
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Video: Viatcheslav Semionov Performs at the AAA Festival - USAby Dan Grauman |
| Bulgarian Suite in Three Parts performed by the composer Viatcheslav Semionov (Russia) at the 2015 AAA Festival Gala Concert in Alexandria, Virginia. |
Chapter 16 Warm Up, Before You Play by John Bonica - USAby Harley Jones |
 Chapter 16 of the book "Play Your Accordion Without Pain" by John Bonica PT CMP NZRP is now released.This chapter is about protecting your body from potential injury and unnecessary stress while playing or practicing your accordion. - Warm Up Before You Play ... - Stretch Before You Squeeze.... addresses in detail with exercise examples, the subject of adequate warm-up preparation prior to practice or playing. A quote from Chapter 16: So often we blame good old “arther” (arthritis) for our aches and pains in the extremities when really it is merely ligament tightness, poor blood supply to the muscles, and lack of range of motion! So don’t give up because you feel stiff and achy — get out and stretch and exercise and you may be amazed at how your “arthritis” disappears! There will be a minimum of 24 chapters, 16 chapters released so far. Special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by e-mail as it is released. For more information, and to purchase: John Bonica |
Video: Mika Väyrynen (accordion), Jan-Erik Gustafsson (cello) - Finlandby Harley Jones |
| Video of Jan-Erik Gustafsson (cello) And Mika Väyrynen (accordion) perform Romance by A. Scriabin at Sata-Häme Soi festival 3rd July 2015. Published on Jul 4, 2015 |
Video: Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud & Med Ensemble Perform "Aften på Erdal"by Harley Jones |
| Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud & Med Ensemble Perform "Aften på Erdal" by Norwegian composer Per Bolstad. Published on Jun 25, 2015. Accordions: Rolf Nylend & Håvard Svendsrud. Violin: Arvid Engegård Viola: Juliet Joplin Bass: Svein Haugen Piano: Geir Henning Braaten |
Video: Eddie Monteiro Trio at AAA Festival, Alexandria - USAby Dan Grauman |
| Video of the Eddie Monteiro Trio with Eddie Monteiro (accordion), Mitch Guido (saxophone) and Todd Harrison (drums) at the 2015 AAA Festival in Alexandria, Virginia. They performed BeBe by Hermeto Pascoal, in which Eddie does scat singing for which he is famous and One Note Samba by Antonio Carlos Jobim. |
Video: Estelle Laroche on Bonus de Nacre TV - Franceby Harley Jones |
| An excerpt from the latest Bonus de Nacre TV program published 2nd July featuring Estelle Laroche. The French TV program Au Bonheur de Nacre by LMtv Sarthe is hosted by Pascal Savard and those not in France can see most editions of these popular programs on youtube or daily motion. |
Video: The Muppet Show in France: "Happy Birthday to You" - Franceby Harley Jones |
| A nice happy birthday video that you can send to your accordion friends for their birthday. The scene is in a French cafe with dancing Muppets set to the famous melody of Happy Birthday. |
‘14 Years Ago’: New Article added to Accordions Worldwide in July 2001by Rob Howard |
| The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending July 13th 2001 included notification that an article by Friedrich Lips had been added to the Articles file on Accordions Worldwide. The article tells the story of a composition by Edison Vasilyevich Denisov, one of the most important Russian composers of the second half of the 20th Century, and some reaction to it. Accordions Worldwide has on permanent file many articles and biographies of interest to accordionists, covering a very wide range of genres. New Article Online A new Article entitled "It seems like yesterday." written by Friedrich Lips is now online. |
Future events |
Sharon Shannon @ Festival Otigueira, Galicia - Spainby Rob Howard |
 Irish accordionist Sharon Shannon and her ‘Big Band’ perform at the Festival Otigueira in Spain this weekend, July 18th and 19th. Sharon says, “Especially happy to have the wonderful Richie Buckey back on sax after far too long! The full line up is Rod Quinn on drums, Tony Molloy on bass, Jim Murray on guitar, Alan Connor on piano and electric guitar and vocals, and Sean Regan on fiddle and vocals”. Others performing include accordionist Xabi Abbrurruzanza, The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band (Scotland), Cristina Pato, Capercaillie (Scotland), Jacky Molard Quartet, and many more. |
Ivan Filipchyk Workshop @ Brooklyn Accordion Club, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 Brooklyn Accordion Club’s next meeting, on Sunday July 19th, 2pm until 4pm, features Ivan Filipchyk, who will demonstrate and perform a bayan accordion. All are welcome.Ivan Filipchyk, from Belarus, competed in the 2013 CIA Coupe Mondiale, held in Victoria, BC, Canada. Brooklyn Accordion Club meets at 61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn, New York. For further information email: brooklynaccordionclub@gmail.com |
Tommy Newcomen @ Ellon Accordion & Fiddle Club, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 The versatile accordion entertainer Tommy Newcomen is the guest at the Ellon Accordion & Fiddle Club on Wednesday July 21st, 7.30pm. The venue is the Station Hotel, Station Brae, Ellon AB41 9BD, Scotland.Tommy Newcomen plays for dancing and concerts throughout Scotland, and is also the proprietor of The Music Box in Blaigowrie, retailing CDs and DVDs of many accordionists. |
New and Updated Sites |
Site Updated: Florida Accordion Association - USAby Harley Jones |
 The site of the Florida Accordion Association has been updated. |
Charnwood Publish New Douglas Ward Composition - UKby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
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  Charnwood Publishing have released a new composition by Douglas Ward titled: Catalog No. DW928 Musical Routes Suite. This is an album of four pieces for beginners. It's all about travel - the pieces being named Avenues, Bridges, Streets, and Tunnels. All are written in the key of C Major.The homepage of Douglas Ward is also updated. Order from Charnwood Music Publishing using the high security eCommerce site provided by Worldpay. |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: Ivano Battiston plays Johann Sebastian Bach - Italyby Alessandro Mugnoz |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Ivano Battiston plays Johann Sebastian Bach, in English and Italian languages. Performer Ivano Battiston, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. |
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