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‘Accordions International 2009’, Norfolk – UKby Rob Howard |
‘Accordions International 2009’, held at Seacroft Holiday Village, Hemsby, Norfolk, was a great success, and a credit to organizer Heather Smith. The opening concert on Friday evening featured the main guests Gennaro Ruffolo, Gianni Mirizzi, Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), and the Jack Emblow and Tony Compton duo, followed by a set of Scottish dancing led by former All Scotland Champion Wayne Robertson. The evening was notable for the presentation of an accordion cake and ‘This Is Your Life’ book to Harry Hussey, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Other artistes performing in concert during the festival included Harry Hussey, Peter Ayers, Bert Santilly, local accordion quintet Norvic Concordia (MD Peter Ayers), and Johnny-Lee Leslie. The festival workshops were ably led by Brian Jenkins, Adrienne Sharpe, Jean Hanger, Bert Santilly, and Wayne Robertson. The festival ended with a concert featuring the workshop groups, short performances by the guests, including a concert spot from Wayne Robertson plus a final set of Scottish dancing, and ‘Auld Lang Syne’. As usual, the guests and Heather Smith finished off with a rousing jam of ‘Bel Viso’. ‘Accordions International 2009’ continues a tradition of autumn accordion festivals in East Anglia founded by the late Malcolm Gee in 1986. Next year’s festival takes place from November 12th to 15th 2010. For further information email: heather@accordions.karoo.co.uk |