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Highlights |
Registrations Now Open for PIF 2023: 48th International Accordion Prize "Città di Castelfidardo" - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() Artistic Director of the festival and competitions is Antonio Spaccarotella (picture above right). The competition, which "attracts hundreds of bellows instrument talents from all over the world… will feature a program of large-scale events, including unpublished projects, first performances, concerts rich in artistic influences entrusted to big names and rising stars of the international music scene, moments of encounter between music and original theatre, teaching and research projects and many other novelties". Registrations close on September 3rd, 2023. Further information and competition rules and regulations at: 2023Castelfidardo |
Sangji Koh Band Performs at 15th Seoul Jazz Festival 2023 - Koreaby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() The Sangji Koh Band will perform at the festival on May 28th. The group, which includes Sangji Koh (bandoneon) will entertain with special guest Junmuyn Park. |
Maciej Frąckiewicz Receives Fryderyk Prize - Polandby Christine Johnstone |
![]() ![]() (Maciej Frackiewicz pictured left with his award.) Maciej performed Reliefs for accordion (Relief I, II, VI for bass accordion, VII for accordion and percussion, and VIII for tape and accordion), the composer on the laconic sketches of the accordion part of the unfinished Relief VIII, as well as the producer of the recording (commissioned by the PWM/Anaklasis publishing house). |
Results and Picture Report: 60th Klingenthal International Accordion Competition - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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The 60th International Accordion Competition Klingenthal was held from May 7th to 13th, 2023. The competition included age group categories for soloists, accordion duos, accordion trios and groups. Full results and picture report are now online at: 2023KlingenthalResults Picture below: Winner of the 60th Accordion Competition Klingenthal: Denys Shihorov (Ukraine) performing with the Vogtland Philharmonic Orchestra Greiz/Reichenbach under the baton of principal conductor Dorian Keilhack. |
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Italian Selection for 2023 76th Coupe Mondiale, Castelfidardo - Italyby Harley Jones |
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On the 21 May 2023 beginning 9:00 hrs, the Italian Selections for the 2023 76th Coupe Mondiale will take place at the Salone Degli Stemmi in Castelfidardo. Those selected are then eligible to participate in the 76th Edition of the 2023 Coupe Mondiale in Bijeljina (Bosnia and Herzegovina) from September 5 to 9. The selections are organized by the IAC (Italian Accordion Culture) Premiere Voting Member of the CIA IMC-UNESCO, under the patronage of the Municipality of Castelfidardo, the CIA (Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes), the AMMA (Association Music Marche Accordion), the Accordion Museum, and with the contribution of the Scandalli, Pigini and Carini Andrea companies. Audience free admission. Candidates list and music programs: 2023it_selection.pdf The two candidates who achieve the highest score will be the recipients of scholarships that the IAC will bestow for participation in the Coupe Mondiale. Picture below: Jury |
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2023 XV "Accordion Days" Dani Harmonica Festival - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Harley Jones |
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A full report with pictures and text in German and English by Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif is now online at: 2023DaniHarmonike This year around 150 young accordionists from 20 countries were competing plus an array of famous artists performing Alexej Murza (Ukraine), Artjom Nizhnik (Israel), Radu Ratoi (Moldova) and Yuri Shishkin (Russia). Once again, Slavisa Peric, as organizer, made the 15th edition of the "Dani Harmonike" possible. In September he will organize the 76th Coupe Mondiale of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA). Very exceptional. Read the full report with pictures and text in German and English by Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif at: 2023DaniHarmonike Picture below: Hazim Mehmedic who achieved the highest number of points of all participants of the festival and thus won the challenge cup with Slavisa Peric. |
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UMKC Community Accordion Ensemble Concerts - USAby Mary Ann Covone, ATG President |
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The (UMKC) Community Accordion Chamber Ensemble directed by Joan Cochran Sommers will perform concerts in June 2023 as follows: • June 24th at 3pm – concert at the Swan Dive Events Centre, Vivilore restaurant in Independence, Missouri. • June 25th at 2.30pm – concert at the Kansas City United Church of Christ Social Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. Admission is free. See poster for details. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Osaka International Chamber Music Competition 2023 - Japanby Harley Jones |
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![]() Ensembles with accordion: Video 1. Round I; Video 2. Semi-final; Video 3. Final: The superb duo of Stas Venglevski and Tatsiana Krasnabayeva (Dulcimer) representing USA, won the Bronze Medal third prize and 500,000 Yen prize money. View their video. Video 4. Round 1; Video 5. Semi-final: The outstanding Quatuor Aeolina was not selected for the finals but won first equal the online prize (with two other ensembles), selected by 60 online jury members from all six semi-finalists. 100,000 Yen prize money shared. Superb performances by Thibaut Trosset, Yohann Juhel, Théo Ould, Anthony Millet. Video 6, Round 1 only: Taraf de Chisinau (Moldova), Mihail Sorocan (accordion), Marin Bunea (violin), Sergiu Diaconu (cobza), Ion Croitor (double bass). The Osaka International Chamber Music Competition is held every three years, no limit of age or type of music with the unusual characteristic that the winners are selected by an audience with no special knowledge of music - 210 person jury in the hall. 2023 is the 30th Anniversary of the competition. Music: Stas Venglevski, Tatsiana Krasnabayeva (USA) 1st Round: S. Lalor / East-West G. Ermochenkov / Crying Quail V. Radu / Spring Choir E. Glebov / Adagio M. Falla / Dance Espagnole Semifinal: J. Williams / Davil’s Dance V. Dlugarai / Lute Tablature (Karalevsky Polonaise, Dance,Vilanela) V. Gavrilin / Tarantella S. Venglevski / Stasera Variations on Traditional Theme / Ukranian Folk Song ============================ Quatuor Aeolina (France) 1st Round: A. Piazzolla / Ballet Tango G. Viseur (and various composers) - (arr. T. Trosset) / French Valses Medley V. Zolotariov / Rondo Capriccioso Semifinal: C. Debussy (arr. T. Trosset) / Nocturnes: Nuages C. Debussy (arr. T. Trosset) / Nocturnes: Fêtes J. P. Drouet / Où danse le vent H. Berlioz (arr. T. Trosset) / Symphonie Fantastique: Un Bal ============================ |
Jukka-Pekka Kuusela Performs in Kuhmo - Finlandby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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Picture above: The accordion class of the Kuhmo Music Institute led by Jukka-Pekka Kuusela (sitting in the middle) with Kalle Välimaa (standing far right) and Elisa Kerola (standing next to him). Finnish accordionist and symphonic conductor Jukka-Pekka Kuusela (former student of Friedrich Lips) performed a concert at the Kuhmo Chapel in Finland with accordionist, organist and composer Kalle Välimaa (also former student of Lips) on May 13th, 2023. Their program included seven movements of Mass B minor by J.S. Bach, compiled by Kalle Välimaa. Kuusela played on concert accordion and Välimaa played organ. The successful performance received long applause by the enthusiastic audience. The following day (May 14th), the accordion class of the Kuhmo Music Institute (led by Jukka-Pekka Kuusela) and the kantele class from the same Institute (led by Elisa Kerola), played a joint concert in honor of Mother's Day at the famous Grand Hall (Lentuas-sali) of Kuhmo Arts Centre. This concert was the culmination of the ensemble playing course which was directed by famous Finnish accordionist, unique teacher and composer Kalle Välimaa. Their program included well-known and interesting lesser known solo and ensemble pieces, partly composed by Välimaa. There were also two world premieres: 1. “Landscape” (for accordion and kantele ensemble with piano) conducted by Jukka-Pekka Kuusela 2. “Tripmusic” (for accordion quartet and piano) The event was directed jointly by Jukka-Pekka Kuusela with the Principal of the Kuhmo Music Institute Ms Elisa Kerola. Picture below: Jukka-Pekka Kuusela (left) and organist Kalle Välimaa. |
Registration Deadline Extended for Online Entries: 13th Italia Award 2023 - Italyby Rob Howard |
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Renzo Ruggieri, Artistic Director of the 13th Italia Award 2023 has announced that the registration deadline for entries into the online edition of the competition has now been extended. The new closing date is: May 25th, 2023. Download rules in Italian and English here: 2023ItaliaAward.pdf Further competition details are online at: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Apr-2023&lang=en#art19955 |
Knutsford Accordion Day, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
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![]() ![]() On Sunday May 14th the all-day Knutsford Accordion Day was held at the Marthall Village Hall, near Knutsford in Cheshire, England, UK. The event (originally scheduled for 2020, but postponed due to the pandemic) was a great success, where 40+ accordionists gathered for an orchestral workshop led with much good humour and musical insights by Anita Basic (Bradford Accordion Band MD). We were guided through three pieces – ‘Bella Romantica’, ‘Oj Ty Divcyno Zarucenaja’ (‘Oh You, Engaged Girl’), and ‘Stand By Me’. Anna Leskela (picture above right), from Finland, gave a sight reading session, and the day concluded with a performance of the three orchestral pieces, followed by superb solo sets from Julie Best, Ben Cobb (Finland), Helen Rich, Stefan Andruschyn, Johnny-Lee Leslie and Anna Leskela (all pictured above on the poster). There was also lots of cake to be consumed during the event, and all proceeds went to Alzheimer's Research UK. A great day for the accordion, and everyone's a winner! |
Video: 2nd Annual Powell River Accordion Fest 2023 Highlights - Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The event was directed by Walter Martella and Karina Inkster. The opening night concert featured Walter Martella and Karina Inkster, with special guests Budge Schachte, Boyd Norman, Ronen Segall, Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen, Terry Martyniuk, and Jessica Colasanto. Genres included tango, klezmer, jazz, classical, and music from the Amélie film soundtrack by Yann Tiersen. World Accordion Day, May 6th, included a masterclass led by Jelena Milojevic, a klezmer workshop led by Ronen Segall, Accordion 101 for beginners, and courtyard performances where accordionists of all levels shared their music. The event finished with a Squeezebox Night at the Forest Bistro, featuring Ron Campbell's band, the Blues Busters, with Ronen and Walter on accordions. |
Applications for Premio Andrea Parodi World Music Contest Closing Soon, Sardinia – Italyby Christine Johnstone |
![]() The event was created in honour of the distinguished Sardinian artist Andrea Parodi, who passed in 2006, and is organized by the homonymous Foundation Artistic Director, Elena Ledda. The prize for the winner includes promotional concerts and performances in some of the partner music festivals in their 2024 editions, such as European Jazz Expo (Sardinia), Folkest (Friuli), not forgetting the very same Premio Andrea Parodi 2024. Some finalists will also be invited to other Partner Festivals, such as Mare e Miniere, Premio Bianca d’Aponte, Premio Città di Loano per la musica tradizionale italiana, Mo'l'estate Spirit Festival, Musiconnect-Italy. The winner of the Critics' Awards will have a professional videoclip of their competition song produced, offered by the Andrea Parodi Foundation. Registration is free. For further details email: fondazione.andreaparodi@gmail.com |
Zoe Tiganouria Performs at Tribute Concert in Alexandroupolis - Greeceby Christine Johnstone |
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![]() Zoe performed with Peggy Zina, Lambros Vassiliou and the Quartet "Enchord" to present well-known songs by Stelios Kazantzidis as well as Zoe's songs "Feel me" and "Living Heaven" among others. Guest performers Yiannis Tsarsitalidis uniquely interpreted Zoe's songs "Two red lips" and "I don't know why", and Periklis Gouliamas (bouzouki) impressed the audience with some old favourites. Dignitaries attending the concert included the Mayor of Alexandroupoli, Mr. Ioannis Zamboukis, the deputy Mayor of Traianoupolis, Mrs. Eleni Intzepelidou, the deputy Mayor of Alexandroupoli, Mr. Ilias Dasteridis, the deputy Mayor of Construction, Spatial Planning & Digital Transformation, Mr. Vassilis Delkos, the President of Loutro-Pefkon, Mr. Christos Michailidis and the Vice President Kostas Karagiannis, the President of TIEDA, Mr. Anastasios Serafimidis and the Vice President, Mr. Petros Kyriakidis, the President of the Cultural Association of Loutro, Ms. Panagiota Karagiannidou and members of the Association, the President of the Community, Mr. Ioannis Naitidis, representatives of the Metropolis, the regional councilor Mr. Stavros Vavias, the President of the Vyssa Women's Association, Mrs. Fani Baharidou and members of the Association, the Philological Education Advisor of Evros, Mrs. Alexandra Gouliama, the director of NY 216 KIHNE Schis (YN) Fotini Barigurgiotou and members of the Municipal Council. |
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Norwegian Accordion Durspill Competitions & Festival - Norwayby Christine Johnstone |
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The Norwegian Accordion Durspill Competitions & Festival will be held at the Storefjell Resort Hotel in Golsfjellet, Norway from June 29th to July 2nd, 2023 organised by the Norske Trekkspilleres Landsforbund. The family friendly event will include classes for both children and adults, with dance music, bush games both indoors and outdoors, dance courses, lots of good food, socializing in pleasant surroundings and concerts with talented musicians. Guest performers include Storm Duo, Alexander Hrustevich (Ukraine), Dølalæte and P. A. Røstads Orkester. Registrations close on June 1st, 2023. For details email: post@trekkspillforbundet.no |
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Future events |
Phil Carroll Performs at Ceres Olive Oil Festival - Australiaby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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Accordionist Phil Carroll will perform at the Ceres Olive Oil Festival held in Preston, Victoria, Australia on May 21st, 2023 from 1pm. Phil will play Sanacori Italian Music with Rosa Voto (vocalist, dancer and percussionist from the Melbourne School of Tarantella) and Renato Vacirca (guitar, percussion and wind instruments). Ceres Olives to Oil 2023 is a free community harvesting program and festival event with music, workshops, face-painting and more. |
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Odessa Project Performs “Journey to the Balkans” Concert – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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The Odessa Project will perform a concert entitled “Journey to the Balkans” at the Rittergut Orr / Herrenhaus Orr in Pulheim, Germany on May 22nd, 2023. Their program will include music from the Balkans and Greece lined up with songs from Macedonia, Turkey and Ukraine to give a variation of Balkan dances and klezmer, Yiddish and Roma songs. The music tells of the grandfather dancing at a Roma wedding, of looking for a bride in a Macedonian village, of the wondrous healing waters of the Serbian city of Niš, of Jewish emigration to America and of the great happiness that children bring. |
Brandon McPhee Performs at Hot Country TV Tribute Show - Irelandby Christine Johnstone |
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Brandon McPhee will perform at the Hot Country TV Tribute Show, held at the Clayton Silversprings Hotel in Tivoli, Cork, Ireland on May 23rd, 2023. Brandon won the UK Entertainer of the Year at the 2019 event. Details at: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=10-May-2019&lang=en#art15432 This event is a “Thank you for the Music” appreciation concert and presentation. See poster for details. |
Igor Zavadsky Concerts for World Accordion Day - Ukraineby Christine Johnstone |
![]() His program will include works by Bach, Scarlatti, Mozart, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Galliano, Handel, Vivaldi and others as well as Ukrainian folk songs. Guest accordionists will also perform at this event. For details phone: 073.049.3848 |
Alex Meixner Entertains at National Polka Festival - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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Alex Meixner will entertain at the National Polka Festival, held at the Sokol Activity Centre in Ennis, Texas, USA on May 27th and 28th, 2023. The festival will include a parade, arts & crafts, children’s activities and lots of entertainment. For details email: info@alexmeixner.com |
“Nuvo Zydeco” Band Entertains at 47th Annual Alex Fest – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
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“Nuvo Zydeco”, which includes accordionist Sue Baine (picture below), will perform at the closing concert of the 47th Annual Alex Fest held at Crescent Beach, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada on May 28th, 2023 from 5pm. This two day festival features local performers, crafters, artisans, community groups, demonstrations, kid's activities and auctions. See poster for details. |
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Duo Cubas Hondal "The Bow and the Bellows" Concert - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
![]() Their program will features works by Galliano, Gorka Hermosa, Schubert, Díaz, Morricone, Piazzolla, de Abreu, Vaquero and Paganini. For details email: marta@cubashondal.com |
St Audries Bay Accordion Week - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
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The St Audries Bay Accordion Week will be held at the St Audries Bay Holiday Park in West Quantoxhead, Nr Minehead, Somerset, England from July 14th to 21st, 2023. The event will include orchestra workshops, masterclasses, lessons, concerts and a ceilidh. For details and bookings email: sabaccordionweek@gmail.com |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
Past News List of Linksby AWW |
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Release of 2023 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations 2022 Coupe Mondiale, October 04 - 09, Switzerland Daily Reports from 05 October |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2023 Competition Information PIF Castelfidardo 2022 Daily Reports |
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XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports |
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Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year |
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2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article |
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Accordion Reed Production Article Link |
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Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link |
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Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
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2022 AAA Recent publications, USA News Link |
New and Updated Sites |
Time to Register for the 2023 AAA 85th Anniversary Festival!by Harley Jones |
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![]() The AAA festival will be held at the Marriott Philadelphia West in Conshohocken, PA, July 12-16, 2023. Download the schedule: 2023AAASchedule.pdf Download the Registration Form: 2023AAARegistration.pdf Online registration and online payment by credit card or Paypal is now available on the AAA website shopping basket http://www.ameraccord.com/cart.aspx OR post in a check with the above 2023 Registration Form. Hotel: Visit https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1678315148565&key=GRP to book your hotel room today! Download 2023 AAA Festival Invitation to Advertise Package: 2023AAA-Advertiser.pdf Download 2023 AAA Festival Exhibitor Invitation Package: 2023AAA-Exhibitor.pdf We are sure we speak for all when we say accordionists cannot wait to get back together - in person! - to celebrate our beloved instrument. And speaking of accordions, make sure you bring yours along to play in the 2023 Festival Orchestra led by world-renowned conductor, Joan Cochran Sommers! Grayson Masefield (New Zealand) will join us for performances and workshops. Very personable and well-spoken, Grayson has won and been laureate at over a dozen international accordion competitions around the world in classical, entertainment, and digital categories. He is currently the instrumental music teacher for accordion at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Another special guest will be accordion legend Joey Miskulin (USA). Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018 for his extraordinary accomplishments with the piano accordion, and a recent recipient of the AAA's Lifetime Achievement Award, Joey continues to delight listeners with his "flying fingers" and ability to engage audiences. Looking for even more entertainment? Look no further than Mario Tacca, past AAA champion and AAA Artist in Residence, who will perform as a soloist at Friday night's gala concert, and with famed vocalist Mary Mancini at our Thursday night dinner. Several accordion orchestras are already slated to perform, including the Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Al Terzo, the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joanna Darrow, and the Busso Festival Orchestra conducted by Frank Busso Jr. Conducting this year's Youth Orchestra will be Joanna Darrow, who has dedicated her entire life to performing, teaching, and promoting the accordion. She has performed several times with the Philadelphia Orchestra and performed all over Europe for over 30 years with her accordion teacher/husband, the late Stanley Darrow. The United States Air Force Strolling Strings, with AAA President Frank Busso Jr. on accordion, will perform at our Saturday night banquet. Also at the banquet, we will present our coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime AAA Board member Frank Busso Sr. Frank has been an educator, performer, conductor, and all-around ambassador of the accordion for decades. After two years of virtual competition, we are excited to return to live competitions for students of all ages and abilities! Solos, duets, ensembles, and bands. Download the full list of categories, competition rules, and entry forms at: 2023AAARules.pdf Keep checking www.ameraccord.com for announcements of additional performers, workshop presenters, events, and registration information! |
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Updated website: NZAA 2023 South Pacific Accordion Championships and Festival - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
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![]() FREE ENTRY - The NZAA has achieved a grant that allows us to offer FREE ENTRY to all to come along and watch the 2023 Competitions, so please take advantage of this. Free Program download: 2023NZAAProgram.pdf Download poster: 2023NZAAPoster.pdf Accordionists are invited to join the NZAA Massed Orchestra, where Kevin Friedrich has agreed to be Concert Master. Please email: heathermasefield@yahoo.com to register so you can be sent music. Sunday 4th June: Finale Concert, 3:00 pm at St Georges Church, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna. Entry: Adult $15, Concession $10, Child $5, payable at the door. Finale Concert Performers: Kevin Friedrich and organist Michael Bell performing Ian Watsons (UK) new work, "Dargaville Impressions" (pictures below). The Massed Orchestra and NSAO will perform works with organ. Other performers include Grayson Masefield, the Australian Ensemble and the 2023 competition prize winners. Sunday Farewell Dinner, 7:00pm Aubergine Restaurant, 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. Further information at NZAA or email the Competitions Secretary Renee Jeffries: nzaacompsec@gmail.com |
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