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Highlights |
The 4th Shenzhen Baoan International Accordion Art Week - Chinaby Harley Jones |
The 4th Shenzhen Baoan International Accordion Art Week runs from 20-25 August in Shenzhen, China. The highly anticipated world-class accordion event event will feature major concerts, special lectures and high-end forums. View posters / further information of the Art Week in Chinese and English at: 2021Shenzhen4th The lineup features well known international and Chinese experts and the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra in superb theatres. The 4th Shenzhen Baoan International Accordion Art Week has been sponsored and supported by: Supervisors: - Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) - China Accordion Association of Chinese Musicians Association (CAA) led by Prof. Li Cong Hosts: - Propaganda Department of CPC Shenzhen Baoan District Party Committee, Shenzhen - Bureau of Culture, Radio, Film, Television, Tourism and Sports of Bao'an District, Shenzhen - Federation of Literary and Art Circles of Baoan District, Shenzhen - Xixiang Sub-District Office of Baoan District, Shenzhen Organizer: - Shenzhen Accordion Association led by Mr Tong Jianhua Picture below: CIA World Accordion Orchestra 2019 in Shenzhen |
74th International Coupe Mondiale Entry Closing Date - Germanyby Harley Jones |
CIA Secretary General Kimmo Mattila announces that the closing date for the 2021 Coupe Mondiale entries is August 25th, 2021. All entry and travel/hotel information is online at: Coupe Mondiale Online entries at: 2021CM-Rules Download printable event poster at: 2021CM-poster.pdf CIA President Mirco Patarini invites all (44) CIA members to register delegates to the 146th International Congress of Delegates which meets twice in Munich. 2021 Coupe Mondiale host, Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) 1st Vice-President Georg Hettmann writes: Opening concert (13 October) performers: - Duo Naoko and Andreas Nebl (harmonica and accordion) - Duo Flac – Elisabeth Thoma and Manuel Wagner (flute and accordion) - Maxjoseph – Josef Steinbacher and Andreas Winkler (Styrian Harmonica), Georg Unterholzer (Gitarre), Florian Mayrhofer (Tuba) - Bavarian Youth Accordion Orchestra (conductor Gerhard Koschel) Closing Concert (17 October) performers: Orchester Hohnerklang (conductor Hans-Günther Kölz) Prize winners of the Coupe Mondiale 2021 Depending the number of entries we plan as well evening competition-concerts for the category Senior Virtuoso Entertainment and for the Ensemble categories. I have updated the information for the CM Travel Guidelines at Download: 2021Travel.pdf The Coupe Mondiale in Munich hosted by the Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) will be an outstanding event including competitions and concerts, and also celebrates the milestone 90th Anniversary of the DHV, a founding member of the CIA. The DHV warmly welcomes you to the Munich Coupe Mondiale 2021. |
"Motion Trio" at 9th Emanacje Festival 2021 - Polandby Christine Johnstone |
The Motion Trio will perform at the 9th Emanacje Festival 2021 on August 22nd, 2021 at 7pm. The festival will be held at the Krzysztof Penderecki European Music Center in Luslawice, Malopolskie, Poland. The Motion Trio accordionists are Janusz Wojtarowicz, Pawel Baranek and Marcin Galazayn. Their program will include works by Polish composer and conductor, Krzysztof Penderecki (1933 - 2020 picture left), arranged for the accordion. For details email: annawojtarowicz@akordeonus.com |
Cremona Musica International Exhibition and Festival - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
The 2021 Cremona Musica International Exhibition and Festival will be held from September 24th to 26th in Fiera di Cremona, Lombardy, Italy. The event will include an historic exhibition in which a series of very interesting items from the Stradella Accordion Museum will be displayed. The “Cremona Music Award” will be presented to its recipient who will be announced on the day. On September 25th, a special dedicated conference will be held as a remembrance to Hamlet Dallapè and Carlo Aguzzi with the presentation of two plates in their honour. The event will also include a variety of speakers, musicians and many accordion company displays. All Government regulations regarding Covid-19 restrictions will be in place. For details email: info@cremonamusica.com |
XV Festival of Arts "Kaluga Autumn" - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
The 2021, XV Festival of Arts "Kaluga Autumn" was held on August 17th at the House of Music in Kaluga, Russia. The festival began with a program entitled “Viva Music”, with performances by guest musicians. In the first half of the concert, the Kaluga Chamber Orchestra performed with accordionist Vladimir Vislobokov (from Bryansk - picture above), the soloist of the Moscow Novaya Opera Theater, Polina Shamaeva (mezzo-soprano), as well as laureates of the 1st international competition Opera Bella. In the second half, the Municipal Chamber Choir performed Misa Tango (Misa A Buenos Aires), a unique piece by the Argentine composer Martin Palmeri. Accordionist Vladimir Vislobokov performed with the choir and showed his skill as a “virtuoso musician who freely plays in almost any genre”. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
XXVII International Accordion Festival ′′Palanga 2021′′ - Lithuaniaby Christine Johnstone |
The XXVII International Accordion Festival ''Palanga 2021'' was held at Palangos Kurhauzas in Palanga, Lithuania from August 3rd to 8th, 2021. The event included a variety of concerts with performances by Jonas Vozbutas in duo with Agne Anete Gecaite (violin – picture above right), opera soloist Agne Stancikait and accordionist Raimonds Ungurs playing “Mirage of Sounds” soloist accordionist Vytenis Danielius, Šiauliai City accordion group, Šimkaus Conservatory Students, Lithuanian Music and Theater Academy students, as well as students from Vilnius, Pasvalis and Ukmerge Music Schools. Ricardas Sviackevicius (picture left) was awarded a special medal for his work regarding the International Accordion Festival in Palanga, which took place for the 27th time this year! Ricardas said: “I am honored to represent the wide community of Lithuanian accordionists, Mayor of Palanga City, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Palanga City. I sincerely thank you for the appreciation, to all accordionists for their unfading enthusiasm, and to the audience for full concert halls!” |
Quartetto Aires Performs at Chianti Sculpture Park - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
Quartetto Aires performed at a Musical Evening in the Parco Sculture del Chianti (Chianti Sculpture Park - picture left) in Pievasciata, a village in Tuscany, central Italy, on August 17th, as part of their Tuesday Concert series. The quartet includes accordionists Mauro Scaggiante, Frederick Zugno, Alexander Ambrosi and Alex Modolo. They played a mix of classical and contemporary music, combined with the passionate expression of music from South America. This was followed by a concert at the International Festival of Scansano - "Morellino Classica Festival" (see picture below) held at the Piazza del castello in Montemerano, Tuscany on August 19th. |
Video: Alexander Poeluev Project “Get to Know Russia”by Christine Johnstone |
Video: Alexander Poeluev performs “touching music and female images of literary works by Don (Russia) writers" to encourage people to learn more about the literary heritage of the Don Territory. The project is entitled “Get to know Russia: five geniuses of the word, born on the Don” with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund, an idea formulated by Leonid Shafirov, a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. The operator of the project is the All-Russian Association of Honorary Citizens, Mentors and Talented Youth. In this video Alexander Poeluev plays "Cinderella" (by composer Alexey Arkhipovsky) with video clips from performances in the Rostov State Academic Theater named after M. Gorky: "Tears Invisible to the World", "Quiet Don", as well as clips from films: "Gypsy", and "Mother of Man". Operator: Sergey Korchagin Installation: Igor Daurov Sound Engineer: Dmitry Vodogretsky Graphics: Vitaly Maklay Producer: Elizaveta Poelueva Project coordinator: Larisa Lutsenko |
Brandon McPhee New CD: “Brandon's Brand” My Scottish Compositions - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Brandon McPhee performing "Under the Double Eagle" from his previous album "Ten Years On" recorded by Pan Records. Brandon McPhee has just released his new CD entitled “Brandon's Brand” My Scottish Compositions, recorded by Pan Records. Brandon composed his first tune when he was 16 and he has continued to write tunes to celebrate various events, as well as people that have supported or inspired him on his journey. He says it has always been an ambition of his to record an album of all his original compositions. The CD includes tunes such as Achnaclyth House, Birkhall Ball, Castletown to Buckingham Palace, Dawn’s Waltz among others. For details email: mcpheemusic@hotmail.com |
Video: “Original Zillertaler” Performing - Austriaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: “Original Zillertaler”, which includes accordionist Toni Hausmann, performing “Frei sein kann ma in die Berg” (You can be free in the Mountains) for your enjoyment. |
Ghenadie Rotari Podcastsby Harley Jones |
Ghenadie Rotari (picture above) has begun a series of accordion podcasts entitled “Everything Accordion” on which he interviews accordionists from all over the world. His podcasts include information on the history of the accordion, the different types of instruments of its very extended family, stories from and about accordionists from all over the world, stories about contemporary music and historical works of its repertoire, interviews with prominent musicians and much more! Accordionists interviewed to date include Mirko Jevtovic (Serbia), Corrado Rojac (Italy), Martynas Levickis (Lithuania), Andreas Borregaard (Denmark) and Inaki Alberdi (Spain). For details email: g.rotari@yahoo.com |
Future events |
Accordion Featured Entertaining at “Classical by the Creek” in Colorado - USAby Christine Johnstone |
Dr William Morse, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and Joan Grauman (picture left) will make their Colorado debut as an accordion duo at the “Classical by the Creek” event in Downtown Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado, USA on August 21st, 2021 from 5.45pm. This event follows the 2021, 31st Annual Golden Fine Arts Festival held on August 21st and 22nd from 10am to 5pm both days. The festival attracts over 30,000 visitors during the weekend who enjoy art, live entertainment, beer and wine gardens and food vendors. At the evening “Classical by the Creek” event, there will also be a 30 minute performance by the “Tryptych” trio which features accordionist William Morse. See poster for details. Picture below: The “Classical by the Creek” concert will be held in the beautiful venue shaded with tables and chairs, directly across from Clear Creek. |
2nd Eberstedt Mühlenrauschen Music Festival - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The 2nd Eberstedt Mühlenrauschen Music Festival will take place at the Ölmühle Eberstedt in Eberstedt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany from August 20th to 22nd, 2021. The venue boasts accommodation in their floating cabins (picture above right). The open air festival will include entertainment by a variety of artists as below: • August 20th at 6pm - Sašo Avsenik & his group (picture top) • August 21st at 7pm – Neza Torkar (picture above left) • August 22nd at 11.30am - Folklorna skupina Klas-Horjul (folk Group “Klas”) from Horjul, Inner Carniola Region of Slovenia (picture below). This final dance program with Slovenian folklore will close the festival. For details email: info@oelmuehle-eberstedt.com |
Skerryvore 2021 Live Tour Begins in Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
Video: Skerryvore performing "At The End Of The Line" Skerryvore (which includes brothers Daniel on accordion and Martin Gillespie on pipes, whistles and accordion) are excited at the prospect of finally beginning to tour again. Their “Together Again Tour” concerts will start this weekend in Scotland. Full tour dates will be announced in the near future. Dates are: • “Party in the Park” in South Inch Park, Perth (Scotland) on August 21st • The Gathering in Northern Meeting Park, Inverness on September 4th (see poster left). Skerryvore are a multi-award winning Scottish band creating a ‘trad-rock’ fusion that has seen them perform in over 25 countries worldwide. For details email: info@skerryvore.com |
Beethovenfest in Bonn - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
The 2020 Beethovenfest which was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic will now be held at four locations in Bonn, Germany on August 22nd, 2021 from 11am, organised by the Akkordeon-Orchester Wesseling, Akkordeon-Spielkreis Niederkassel and Musikschule Emotio. Festival locations are the Namen-Jesu-Kirche, Kreuzkirche, Remigiuskirche and the Elisabeth Selbert School. Performers include the children’s orchestra, Akkordeon-Spielkreis Niederkassel Rhineland under the direction of Elena Taran, who will perform at the Namen-Jesu-Kirche. This annual event includes performances by over 1,400 children and young people and almost 100 ensemble leaders and music teachers. Due to Covid-19 conditions, attendees must be vaccinated. Contact tracing will be in place. Free admission. See poster for details. |
Cancelled: Accordion Concert with Maurice Jones, CAO & Friends and St Albans Choir – New Zealandby Jeanette Perry |
Unfortunately this event has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand. An accordion concert with guest entertainers Maurice Jones (Auckland - picture left), the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (picture below) and friends and the St. Albans Community Choir will be held at the St. Pauls Church Parish Centre Lounge in Papanui, Christchurch on Friday 27th August, 2021 at 7.30pm. Entry is free and a light supper will be served at the conclusion of the entertainment. Organisers intend that this will be a promotional event for the accordion and a chance for accordionists and enthusiasts to get together. For details email: jkperry@xtra.co.nz |
Café Accordion Orchestra Performs at Minnesota State Fair - USAby Christine Johnstone |
The Minnesota State Fair will be held from August 26th to September 6th, 2021 in Minnesota. The Fair is one of the largest in North America, attracting 2 million visitors annually. In addition to being a showcase for Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the fair features hundreds of entertainment options including music all around the fairgrounds; educational exhibits; hands-on experiences; more than 60 carnival rides; thousands of competitions; 11 nights of Grandstand shows; and more than 500 different foods. The fair is mainly an outdoor event, however masks, hand sanitising and social distancing are recommended for public safety. The Café Accordion Orchestra, featuring Dan Newton on accordion, will entertain as follows: • on the Bazaar Stage on August 26th at 3.15pm, 4.30pm and 5.45pm • on the Bazaar Stage on August 27th at 3.15pm, 4.30pm and 5.45pm For details email: daddysqueeze@daddysqueeze.com |
"Granny’s Attic" Entertains in London – Englandby Christine Johnstone |
New video above by Granny’s Attic which features two tunes, “Highfield’s Lament” and “200 Miles South West”, both written by Lewis Wood. These tunes are from their upcoming album “The Brickfields” (out 8th October 2021) and include Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne on Anglo Concertina. “Granny’s Attic”, which includes Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (melodeon), will entertain at the Nest Collective Campfire Club in London, England on August 27th, 2021. The concert will be held in the community gardens along with a campfire, and will include a variety of folk music! In addition Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne will provide some solo sets on melodeon. For details email: band@grannysattic.org.uk |
Accordionists Perform at MacLean Park Music, Vancouver – Canadaby Christine Johnstone |
The MacLean Park Music Series will feature accordionists this month at their concerts in MacLean Park, British Columbia, Canada as follows: • August 28th: Rusty Creek (picture above) which includes accordionist Sue Baines. This group perform a mix of folk rock, bluegrass, country blues and cajun fusion. • August 29th: Vancouver Folk Orchestra and the Junk Oy! Klezmer band For details email: macleanparkmusic@gmail.com |
Childrens Corner |
Video: Family Accordion Duo Entertains – Russiaby Christine Johnstone |
Video: The Family Duo of Alina Khlebnova and Mikhail Khlebnov entertaining with “Concert Play” (Snigin), “Toccata” (Derbenko), and “Spagnolo Fantasia” (Derbenko/Obmachevski). |
New and Updated Sites |
Site Update: AAA Presidents Announcements - USAby Harley Jones |
Site Update: American Accordionists' Association (AAA) President Dr. Joseph A. Ciccone announcements of future events. |
Updated Site: NZAA Site with Citation for Life Member Megan Jennings - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Updating of New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA) site to have added: History page, Presidents Reports, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Citation for Life Membership of former Competitions Secretary Megan Jennings. https://www.accordion.co.nz/life_MeganJennings.htm |
2021 PIF Castelfidardo, Schedule, Rules and Entry Information Updated - Italyby Harley Jones |
The 2021 PIF Castelfidardo dates are 28 September to 02 October. The major change for 2021 is that the results, prizegiving and Premio round III will be held on Saturday 02 October changing the tradition of Sunday 4 pm schedule. Artistic Director is Antonio Spaccarotella from Calabria. The revised schedule is online: 2021PIF-schedule The latest update of the rules and entry information is online at: 2021PIF-en and 2021PIF-it The closing date for entries is 31 August 2021. |
Updated Site: Sofia Gubaidulina Compositions by Karthause Schmuelling - Germanyby Harley Jones |
Karthause-Schmülling publications updated the site for printed music by Sofia Gubaidulina of titles: 1124 De profundis 1265 Sonate Et exspecto View sample page and information about these two important compositions. Recordings of these two works by Friedrich Lips. |
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