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Highlights |
Jazz Akkordeon Festival, 7.-10. Dezember, Castelfidardo - Italienby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Simone Zanchini wird von der Stadt Castelfidardo und dem Bürgermeister Roberto Ascani, sowie dem Kulturreferenten Ruben Cittadini zum künstlerischen Leiter des Jazz Akkordeon Festivals (JAF2017) bestellt. Die Veranstaltung bietet 4 Konzerte, alle zu freiem Eintritt: 7. Dezember, 23:00 On Stage Club, Giuseppe di Falco Quartett 8. Dezember, 22:00 Uhr Cafe Centrale, Raffaele Conti Trio 9. Dezember, 22:00 Uhr Circolo Boccascena, Nikolai Ovchinnikov Quartett (Akkordeon), Mineev Mikhail (Saxophon), Fedor Faber (Kontrabass) und Vladimir Lasotsky (Schlagzeug). Video oben Performing 'Four ever band'. 10. Dezember, 12:15 Salone Degli Stemmi, Vince Abbracciante Trio. Video oben: Solo Vince Abbracciante, Autumn Leaves vom Komponist Joseph Kosma |
2. Internationaler Offener Akkordeon Contest 2018, Trossingen - Deutschlandby Georg Hettmann |
Nach großem Erfolg des ersten Wettbewerbs zusammen mit der Seminar- und Konzertwoche von "Akkordeon Grenzenlos" im vergangenen April, haben die Organisatoren beschlossen, dieses kombinierte Konzept für 2018 fortzusetzen. Die Veranstalter, Hohner Konservatorium und der Deutsche Harmonika Verband (DHV) veranstalten vom 3. bis 6. April 2018 in Trossingen den 2. International Open Akkordeon Contest und "Akkordeon Grenzenlos". Wettbewerbskategorien sind: Kategorie 1a Solisten "Klassik" über 18 Jahre Kategorie 1b Solisten "Beliebt" über 18 Jahre Kategorie 2a Solisten "Klassik" unter 18 Jahren Kategorie 2b Solisten "Beliebt" unter 18 Kategorie 3 Solisten unter 15 Jahren Kategorie 4 Solisten unter 12 Jahren Instrumente der Kategorie 5a 2-6, mindestens 1 Akkordeon, ohne Alter. Kategorie 5b 2-6 Instrumente, mindestens 1 Akkordeon, Durchschnittsalter unter 18 Jahren. Kategorie 5c 2-6 Instrumente, mindestens 1 Akkordeon, Durchschnittsalter der Band unter 15 Jahren. Einträge und alle Informationen unter www.ioac.de mit Stichtag: 1. März 2018. |
Akkordeon Russland Änderung unserer Nachrichtenausgabe - Russlandby Harley Jones |
Die Akkordeon-Russland-Nachrichten ändern sich von einer monatlichen Veröffentlichung der Artikeln, in eine regelmäßige Aktualisierung. Im Moment stattfindende Ereignisse werden dann veröffentlicht, wenn sie stattfinden. Nachrichten werden vorwiegend aus Russland und Osteuropa sein und russische Künstler vorstellen, die weltweit auftreten. Die Redakteure sind der internationale Preisträger Arseniy Strokovskiy (Bild rechts) und die Journalistin Oksana Strokovskaya. Das neue Format Accordion Russia News ist jetzt online. Für diejenigen, die kein Russisch lesen können, gibt es einen Online-Übersetzungslink |
Tekla Klebetnica aus Polen Auf Tour in - Australien/ Neuseelandby Harley Jones |
Video: Tekla Klebetnica live Niedaleko Mlyna. Die polnische Gruppe Tekla Klebetnica ist eine Folk-Band, die einheimische Volksmusik vor allem aus den Karpaten mit einigen Balkan-Melodien aufführt. Diese Verschmelzung traditioneller Folklore mit Elementen der Zigeuner-, Klassik- und Jazzmusik wird "Folk-Crossover" genannt. In Polen bekannt für den 2. Platz in der TV-Sendung Poland Has Got Talent im Jahr 2013. Ausführliche Informationen über die Gruppe und den Spielern unter: 2017TeklaKlebetnica.pdf Tekla Klebetnica tourt bald nach Australien und Neuseeland. Die Termine für die australischen Konzerte werden in Kürze bekannt gegeben. Die Neuseeland-Termine sind jetzt bereits fixiert. Christchurch: 15. Dezember, Freitag um 19.00 Uhr - Rangi Ruru Theater, Merivale Lane, Konzert Wellington: 16. Dezember, Samstag um 19.00 Uhr - St Andrew's auf der Terrasse, Konzert 17. Dezember, Sonntag um 10:00 Uhr - St Andrew's auf der Terrasse, Sonntagsveranstaltung Auckland: 17. Dezember, Sonntag um 17.00 Uhr - Konzert im Polnischen Haus, 1McDonald Street, Sandringham 18 Dez, Montag um 10:00 Uhr - Tekla Workshops für Kinder und Jugendliche - Anmeldung erforderlich 18. Dezember, Montag um 16.30 Uhr - Singen Weihnachtslieder zusammen Veranstaltungsort TBA Tauranga: 21. Dezember, Donnerstag um 18.30 Uhr - St. Thomas Moore Kirche, Papamoa, Tauranga. Für weitere Informationen e-mail: zygmunt@kapelagoralska.pl |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Passing of Horace Lazzari (1924 - 2017), Walla Walla - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Pictures above: 1. Horace Lazzari Performs Manhattan Concerto with the Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra, April 1961. 2. Horace Lazzari with students. Accordionist Horace Lazzari 93, passed away on Nov. 11, 2017, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. Born on October 17, 1924 in Fort William (Now Thunder Bay) Ontario, Canada, Horace was known as Canada's "Boy Wonder of the Accordion" by the age of nine. Lazzari has musical memories which go back to age 3 when his father, also an accordionist, introduced him to the instrument. "I have been playing my accordion for audiences ever since I can remember" he said. He also studied with a piano teacher, Patrick Shaw, and also with Fiori Baldovin, the son of an accordion maker in Fort Williams. During his early years, he toured and performed throughout the eastern province of Canada. On one of these tours, he had the exciting experience of accompanying Kate Smith during a show. Before moving to Vancouver, B.C., he pursued his theoretical studies at the Toronto Conservatory of Music. As he grew up, Horace performed in theaters almost every week during the days when vaudeville was a part of motion picture house programs. He usually occupied the top place on the bill. He was described as "The Boy Wonder of the Accordion" and the "Canadian Elks Greatest". Horace won a radio contest and $25 in prize money in Ontario in 1939. He later went on to greater fame as first place talent winner in a Horace Heidt show in Yakima in 1949. Horace moved to Vancouver where he studied the accordion in depth with Alf Carlson, an outstanding accordion teacher who was highly recognized as an outstanding educator throughout Canada. and his friend, Leonard Wilson, Fellow of the Trinity College of Music on the faculty of the University of British Columbia. During these years, Horace gave concerts throughout the northwest and California becoming well known as a concert accordionist. He also toured briefly with the Canadian armed forces with a group of 5 entertainers performing at bases. Horace met his wife, Jeanette, in Vancouver and were married on his birthday, Oct. 17, 1949. Horace and Jeanette eventually moved to Walla, Walla, Washington, a college town, which had climatic conditions to meet his needs, becoming a well known resident of the community. In 1961, Lazzari who had been concertizing throughout the Northwest, was asked to perform an accordion solo with the Walla Walla and Mid-Columbia Symphony Orchestras, a first for both organizations. Horace premiered the Pacific Northwest performance of the "Manhattan Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra" by Eugene Ettore in 1961 with both orchestras. He achieved one of his goals which was to perform with a symphony. The Walla, Walla Symphony Orchestra conducted by William H. Bailey was the oldest continuous symphony west of the Mississippi. He also performed with the Mid-Columbia Symphony Orchestra of the Tri-Cities. Horace also has been a guest artist with the local symphony playing on their Pops concert programs, Chamber concert series, and Young People's Concerts. Horace appeared on many programs with other accordionists including Chuck Berger, Murl Sanders, Joe Morelli, and Ken Olendorf. He was also president of the Walla Walla Music Teachers Association and Treasurer of the Walla Walla Symphony Society for many years. His wife, Jeanette, was executive director and also one of her husband's biggest fans. She said. "With his accordion, he could make people sing, cry, dance be happy or sad or even pray. Horace Lazzari was an inspiration to everyone he met." Please send condolences to his Jeanette Lazzari at: horjean@gm ail.com For further information and photos at: Horace Lazzari Picture below, Horace and Jeanette Lazzari, 2011. |
Novel ‘The Accordionist’, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
‘The Accordionist’ is the third book in Fred Vargas’ ‘Three Evangelists’ series, and the following is a review from Amazon UK. “Retired detective Louis Kehlweiler is trying to distance himself from the investigative life he left behind when a page six article about two women who have been murdered draws him in. Meanwhile, the retired prostitute Marthe, a recurring character from this series, is sought out on the banks of the Seine by a 20-something accordionist name Clement. Clement is identical to the sketch the papers are running in conjunction with the murders but he swears his innocence. With nowhere to turn, Marthe pulls Louis Kehlweiler into the cast and with him comes the help of the three evangelists. ‘The Accordionist’ is a touching story about what drives us to find out the truth and help those we know and care about. A book teeming with humanity and tenderness, this is the perfect Vargas for those new to the writer and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy for France’s four-time International Dagger winner”. |
Cody McSherry Performs in Christmas Musical Production – USAby Joan & Dan Grauman |
Young accordionist, Cody McSherry (14 years), participated in a lively and very moving musical production on November 14 featuring Christmas music performed in various styles. Cody performed solo, accompanied a singer, and played with the entire group of instrumentalists and singers. The musical production, “Old-time Gospel Radio Christmas” was presented by the Servant Stage Company, which began to operate in 2011. There was no admission charge, but donations are welcomed. There will be over 20 performances of the show in November and December across Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and beyond. The organization’s mission can best be described in their own words, found in the program book: “Servant Stage Company exists to serve our community with outstanding musical and theatrical experiences; make the arts accessible to all, especially those with financial or physical limitations; provide a creative outlet for artists in our community to develop and share their talents; create performances that inspire, educate, challenge, and entertain … and have fun while doing it!” |
Gordon Pattullo CD ‘The Accordion at Christmas’, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
‘The Accordion at Christmas’ is the first Christmas music CD from the well-known Scottish accordionist Gordon Pattullo. This is a solo recording, with Gordon multi-tracking melody, harmony and bass accordion parts to create the effect of a small accordion ensemble, and is a departure from his usual style. Track List: Frosty the Snowman/Jingle Bells; Winter Wonderland; Deck the Halls/Ding Dong Merrily On High/Good King Wenceslas; Fairytale of New York; Away In a Manger/Silent Night; Here Comes Santa Claus/A Holly Jolly Christmas; Mary's Boy Child; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer/Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town; In The Bleak Midwinter/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/O Come All Ye Faithfull; The Christmas Song/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas; O Little Town Of Bethlehem/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; White Christmas; Happy Xmas (War Is Over); The First Noel/O Christmas Tree/We Wish You A Merry Christmas For further information email: gordonpattullo@hotmail.com |
Christchurch Accordion Orchestra in Concert, Christchurch - New Zealandby Kevin Friedrich |
Picture above: Rehearsal The Christchurch Accordion Orchestra under the direction of David Thorne (picture left), in conjunction with the St. Albans Community Choir presented a concert to a capacity audience on November 5, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. The St. Albans Community Choir is directed and accompanied on accordion by well known Christchurch entertainer Heather Gladstone (QSM) picture left. Both the Choir and the Orchestra presented well received programs, concluding with an impressive finale combining both groups as well as guest Brass musicians and organist. The Concert titled 'With a Song and a Squeeze the program included items by the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra including works such as Florentine March by Julius The Cactus Polka, One Moment in Time, Gounod's Soldier's Chorus and the Dam Busters March by Eric Coates while combined works with the Choir were a selection of pieces by The Seekrs, Land of Hope and Glory and traditional New Zealand concert works Now is the Hour and Auld Lang Syne. Initially known as Royale Accordion Orchestra the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra began in 1972 under the direction of well known accordion personality Meg Fidler, the director until her retirement in 2010. The membership for this Orchestra has been a very faithful group of accordionists, who over the years have given concerts over the length and breadth of the South Island, competed in the national New Zealand Accordion Association Competitions winning the NZ National Accordion Orchestra Championships on four occasions, most recently in 2016, as well as competing at the Australian Accordion Teachers Competitions in Sydney, in 2001. They were featured guest artists performing at the World Accordion Championships (Coupe Mondiale) in Auckland in 1980 and again in 2009. In addition to recording a CD, in 2005 they embarked on a three week concert tour to Reunion Island via Brisbane, Singapore and Mauritius. At 2:00 PM on December 3, 2017 the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra will perform as part of the annual Christchurch (New Zealand) Santa Parade. They have continued to this tradition for several decades, making them one of the longest standing Christchurch participants in this annual extravaganza, which attracts up to 100,000 people. Picture below: Rehearsal |
Future events |
50 Years Celebration for Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble - Austriaby Werner Weibert |
Picture above: Christian Höller, Sylvia Zobek, Walter Dietz, Margarete Gebauer, Anton Barinka, Werner und Elisabeth Weibert, Günther Zobek. The famous Viennese Accordion Chamber Ensemble celebrate in this autumn their 50th Anniversary! Founded in 1967 by Professor Walter Maurer (1975-2006 Secretary General of the C.I.A. Confederation Internationale des Accordionists), the ensemble was comprised of the finest soloists in Austria and has virtually remained together ever since. One of the secrets of this lasting success is consistency. The Musical Director Werner Weibert (picture left) is very proud of his friends and their success over so many decades. The VACE will celebrate the unbelievable fact on Friday November 17th with a great event at the same venue they have yearly performed at for the last 30 years, Burg zu Perchtoldsdorf (Castle of Perchtoldsdorf), near Vienna. Also, we have had many performances in the last weeks and will have more performances with our accordion friends in Bavaria (Germany), Vienna, Graz a.s.o. For further information email: w.weibert@kabsi.at |
Gala de Acordea, Faro - Portugalby Rob Howard |
The Gala de Acordea takes place on Saturday November 18th, 9.30pm, at the Teatro das Figuras, Rua João de Brito Vargas, Faro, Portugal. Admission is 5 Euro. The chief guest at this concert is the accordionist and composer Hermenegildo Guerreiro, who is also the Portuguese delegate to both the CMA and the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA). The concert also features ‘Acordealma’ (João Pereira, Sérgio Conceição and Silvino Campos), the duo Anabela Silva and José Gabriel Chaveca, Emanuel Marçal, Fábio Guerreiro, Fernando Inês, Hélder Barracosa, Ilda Maria, João Filipe Guerreiro, João Frade, José Correia, Ligia Cipriano, Lúcia Barracosa, Luís Gama, Nelson Conceição, René Sopa (France), Rui Briceño, and the Faro Folkloric Group. |
8th Festival L’accordeon a l’Espace, Normandy - Franceby Rob Howard |
On Sunday November 19th, 11.30am until 7pm, the 8th Festival L’accordeon a l’Espace takes place at the Salle ‘Conde Espace’, Conde sur Vire, Normandy in northern France. Andre Loppe, from Belgium, is the guest of honour, and other leading accordionists performing include Jean Dauvin, Karine Fontaine, Yvon Masson, Olivier Martel, Sylvie Lavenant, Bernadete Rault. and Cedric Saillard and his orchestra. This annual all-day event with dinner is organised by Daniel Dolley and his L’association Amis d’accords. Admission rates with dinner: 34 € (individual); € 30 (group). "It's a day devoted to musette style, in the tradition of the popular ball," adds Daniel Dolley. For further information email: amis.d.accords@free.fr |
Akkordia 1935 Berlin e.V. Concert, Berlin - Germanyby Rob Howard |
The orchestra Akkordia 1935 Berlin e.V. performs in concert on Sunday November 19th, 4pm, at Ernst-Reuter-Saal im Rathaus Reinickendorf, Eichborndamm, Berlin. The concert program includes big band, tango, and music from places in Europe. Admission is 10 Euro. Based in Berlin, Akkordia 1935 e.v. (Hartmut von Zander) are one of Germany’s longest established accordion orchestras. For further information email: vorstand@akkordia.de |
David Vernon Concert, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
On Sunday November 19th, 2pm, accordionist David Vernon performs in concert at the Macmerry Miners Social Club, Main Road, Macmerry, East Lothian E33 1QF. David Vernon performs a wide range of music, including many pieces of Eastern European origin, and his performances are also notable for his humour. He is well known as a guest at accordion festivals in the UK, and regularly performs in Poland and New Zealand. For further information email: dvernon100@aol.com |
Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert, New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
The Accordion Pops Orchestra, MD Al Terzo, performs in concert on Sunday November 19th, 3pm, at the Conlon Hall Auditorium, 19 North William St, Begenfield, New Jersey. The varied concert program includes some Christmas music. Admission is by $10 donation, and the concert is in aid of Saint John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield, NJ. Conductor Al Terzo is a teacher, arranger, and conductor who has been with the orchestra since its inception in 1970. He is a member of the governing board of the American Accordionists Association, and teaches accordion and piano in New Jersey. For further information email: webmaster@accordionpops.com |
TastSinn’s 10th Birthday Concert, Flöha – Germanyby Rob Howard |
The accordion ensemble TastSinn celebrate 10 years since they were formed with a concert on Sunday November 19th, 5pm, at the Saal der Alten Baumwolle in Flöha, Saxony, Germany. The music will include a wide range of specialities, with everything from classical to tango to film music, involving over 40 composers! Admission is free. For further information email: akkordeon.tastsinn@web.de |
Dobrek Bistro & Klarinettisten Concert, Vienna – Austriaby Rob Howard |
The band Dobrek Bistro, featuring accordionist Krzystof Dobrek, and the clarinet quartet Klarinettisten both perform in concert on Sunday November 19th, 8pm, at the Wiener Metropol, HaupstraBer 55, Hernalser, 1170 Vienna. The concert is an event in the 14th KlezMORE Festival, which mixes klezmer music with Argentinian folklore, jazz, tango, and contemporary music. For further information email: akkordeon.tastsinn@web.de |
John Kirkpatrick @ North Staffs AC, Stoke-on-Trent – UKby Rob Howard |
Diatonic accordionist John Kirkpatrick is the guest at the North Staffs Accordion Club on Tuesday November 21st, 7.30pm, at the Goldenhill Working Men’s Club, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5SH. John Kirkpatrick is a legend of the British folk music scene, and one of its best known and highly respected figures. He plays the 3-row British chromatic button accordion, melodeon and Anglo concertina, and is a fine singer and a prolific composer, and a great ambassador for the diatonic instruments. Since 1970 he has featured on a large number of recordings, many as a soloist and many others as a member of such bands as Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Home Service, The Albion Band, and The Richard Thompson Band. He is also much in demand as a session musician and for theatrical projects. For further information email: stevehg0@gmail.com |
XV International Festival, Moscow – Russiaby Rob Howard |
The 15th ‘Moscow International Festival – Harmonica – Soul of Russia’, takes place from November 22nd to 26th at various locations in Moscow. Many guest accordionists will be performing, including the duo Vladimir Ushakov and Svetlana Stavitskia. |
New and Updated Sites |
Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Unveils New Websiteby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA), a proud member of the International Music Council (IMC) an Official NGO partner of UNESCO has just unveiled its brand new website, offering a new look for the 82 year old organization. The newly released site features all the latest technology making it adaptive for various viewing mediums, while adding updated and new content. One highlight is the addition of pictures of all of the World Champions. The first International competition was held in 1938 when it was won by the French accordionist Freddy Balta (picture left). The competition was suspended around the war years, and when it resumed in 1948, the competition was officially named the Coupe Mondiale and won by Yvette Horner. Through the extensive CIA Archive collection being held in at the CIA headquarters in Finland, and help from CIA member nations, over the course of many years, it was possible to find pictures of all the Champions, which have now been added to the site. In addition, pictures have also been added of the 12 CIA Presidents found during the CIA's 82 year history as well as other historical information. The site contains a full list of the CIA members and Award Winners, with additional information on the IMC and the various CIA projects including the World Accordion Orchestra, The World Accordion Museum Alliance, Archives and World Accordion Day. We invite you to explore the new site by visiting www.accordions.com/cia/ |
Franco Cambareri New Compositions - Australiaby Harley Jones |
Franco Cambareri has released two new compositions cfranco232 - Pour Aline (For Aline) cfranco233 - Romantic End Franco Cambareri has composed a large number of accordion pieces in different styles that have proven popular with players around the world. All available for purchase using credit card and sent to you by email. View the list of compositions and see samples at: Franco Cambareri |
Updated Arrangements by Gary Dahl - USAby Harley Jones |
Updated Arrangements just released: Silver Bells composed arranged by Gary Dahl Catalog: DH0044 Tarantella Napolentana arranged by Gary Dahl Catalog: DH0261 View samples of the music online, purchase with credit card. Music sent to you by email. |
CD Reviews |
CD Review: New Klezmer Tales CD by Christian Riganelli & Massimo Mazzoniby Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of New Klezmer Tales CD by Christian Riganelli (accordion), Massimo Mazzoni (sax soprano and contralto). Review by Alessandro Mugnoz. |
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