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Highlights |
Amleto Dallapé Passes Away 1942 - 2020 - Italy
Video: Zoe Tiganouria "Lively Sky" Recording – Greece
Renzo Ruggieri on Nonsolomusica Radio in San Salvo - Italy
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Passing of Leonard R. “Skeets” Langley, 17 November, Arizona - USA
Online Concerts: Music from Scotland
2021 Accordion Babes Calendar Available for Pre-Order Now
“The PoguestrA” Looking for Musicians to Play "The Pogues" Song
Premier Album Release by “Second Souffle” - Belgium
New CD Collection for Christmas – Germany
New Video by Alexander Poeluev - Russia
Tuvan Throat Singer Entertains at Brooklyn Accordion Club Online Meeting - USA
Mikhail Shostak Performs on Good Morning Show, Moscow - Russia
Need a Christmas Gift? Try Accordion Anthology Books – UK
Video: Oktay Taşdemir Performance - Turkey
Future events |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Akkordeon Musik Preis (AMP) 2021, June, Ettlingen – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Akkordeon Musik Preis (AMP) 2021 youth competition will be held from June 3rd to 6th, 2021 in Ettlingen, Germany organised by the Deutscher Harmonika Verband e.V. (DHV).The competition is held every 3 years and caters for accordionists up to 27 years of age and residing in Germany. Categories are available for accordion, Styrian, Diatonic, hand harmonica and harmonica for solo, duo and ensemble competitors. The first phase of state competitions in February and March has been cancelled due to Covid. With no pre-selection for the Finals, the responsibility for sending suitable participants now rests with the teachers. Download detailed category information at: 2021AMP.pdf |
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Amleto Dallapé Passes Away 1942 - 2020 - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 On November 17th in Stradella, a small Lombard town a stone's throw from Milan, one of the most well known names in the international accordion world passed away. Amleto Dallapé was unable to defeat the invisible "beast" of this early 21st century, Covid.Amleto, a person whose refined culture of "beauty" and joie de vivre was transmitted with disarming simplicity to all those with whom he established a relationship of work or friendship. He graduated from the University of Pavia with a thesis on the economic implications of the production of the accordion, in 1969, and together with brothers Mariano and Fabio, he assumed the responsibility of managing one of the oldest and most prestigious companies in the sector, Mariano Dallapé and sons. The newly produced "organtone" and "super Maestro" instruments are welcomed from the most cultured environment in the sector, suggesting a new position in a completely different segment from the purely popular one. The conquest of the markets of Eastern European countries, especially the Balkan ones, gave prestige to the company from Stradella. The friendships that Amleto managed to establish in those countries led to an opening of the Russian accordion culture in Italy. Yuri Kazakov, one of great Soviet bayanists, upon invitation from Amleto with the collaboration of the then Mayor of Castelfidardo Mario Orlandoni, began a tour in Italy from Stradella that made us appreciate in our environment the high level that blossomed in the Gnessin school and other Russian conservatories. Another undisputed merit of Amleto was that of having contributed to breaking the spirit of atavistic rivalry between the cities of Castelfidardo and Stradella on the authorship of the "invention" of the instrument. He was one of the first entrepreneurs to promote a serious collaboration between the two production companies / cities in the sector. His friendship with Castelfidardo was strengthened on the occasion of the opening of the International Museum of Castelfidardo. The instruments were from Dallapé, that I myself, Vincenzo Canali and Gervasio Marcosignori brought to Portobello, the famous TV Rai program, where Dallapé invited Italian owners of old instruments to donate for the opening of the Museum (plus a dozen instruments were donated by Dallapé). There was a fixed date for Amleto’s encounter with the musical world. The international fair in Frankfurt - from 1972 to 2019 “we didn't miss one”. Pre-fair visits to German art cities, meetings, theaters, concerts, walks along the Main, great convivial meetings ... unforgettable moments of true and sincere friendship. He was also a convinced admirer of the Marche. I don't remember when, but there wasn't a year that Amleto and his splendid family didn't spend a few days in our region where they could appreciate our artistic beauties and taste our cuisine then let everybody know about it. We will miss you dear Amleto! Thank you for the friendship you have given to me and to many others. Beniamino Bugiolacchi Other Articles: http://www.accordions.com/roland/roland-dallape/index.htm http://www.accordions.com/articles/dallape_visit.aspx http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?lang=de&d=17-Sep-2010&lang=en&s=2931 |
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Video: Zoe Tiganouria "Lively Sky" Recording – Greeceby Christine Johnstone |
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Video 2:
| Video 1. Iranian singer Roozbeh Nematollahi with Zoe Tiganouria Video 2. TV performance, original version with Katie Garbi and Zoe Tiganouria Zoe Tiganouria’s Greek Folk "hasapiko" song “Lively Sky" ("Zontanos Ouranos" in Greek) has touched the soul of the famous Iranian singer Roozbeh Nematollahi. The well known singer chose to sing it in Greek and present it in his homeland (Iran), winning the hearts of Iranian listeners. This may be a precursor of a collaboration with many future surprises! The news of this song has already been aired on Iranian TV's showbiz entertainment showcasts. Zoe Tiganouria says: “Further proof that music unites peoples and sweetens our hearts and moments! We all need this during these difficult days of lockdowns." The song was originally released in Greece in 2016 with the voice of the beloved Katie Garbi. My wish for tomorrow is a 'Lively Sky' for all, free of pandemics..." |
Renzo Ruggieri on Nonsolomusica Radio in San Salvo - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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| On November 13th, Renzo Ruggieri was a guest on Nonsolomusica Radio in San Salvo, Italy and interviewed by singer-songwriter Lara Molino. Nonsolomusica Radio was born from an idea by Lara and is an online radio station for everyone. Video above: Renzo Ruggieri interview in Italian language and performance |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
New Recording by Sergey Osokin's Jazz Trio, Moscow - Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
 Moscow State University senior lecturer, Sergey Osokin has just released a recording of “Fou Rire” (Richard Galliano) with his trio. Trio members also include Aleksei zafikin (bass) and Piotr Ivshin (drums). |
Passing of Leonard R. “Skeets” Langley, 17 November, Arizona - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 AWW is sad to report the passing of Leonard R. “Skeets” Langley. His sister, Dee Langley, said, “My most adorable brother, "Skeets" Langley, passed away in his sleep at his home in Maricopa, Arizona on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020. "Skeets" was a world class musician and accordionist, 1963 Coupe Mondiale winner and he was also a world class brother. I'll miss him forever. The family of "Skeets" Langley would love for anyone who knew him to be able to get together and remember his remarkable life. With COVID restrictions upon us, we have decided to postpone the celebration in Minneapolis until May 2021. When a date and place is set, you will be informed. Excerpts from the biography by Mke Sanko: Skeets Langley was inducted into the 2012 Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He was a virtuoso, side man on uncountable bands, leader, educator, recording artist, composer and musicians union member for more than 57 years. Leonard R. (Skeets) Langley began accordion lessons at age 6 and continued his lessons for 14 years, the last few years of which were with teacher Larry Malmberg (MMHF Inductee 1997). As he grew up, he won many national championships on his way to participation in the Coupe Mondiale. To qualify for the 1962 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championship (held in Prague, Czechoslovakia) he first had to win his state then national competitions. Winning those, he then represented the USA and the AAA in the 1962 Coupe Mondiale. With about 25-30 contestants, Skeets came in a close second, losing by just 1/2 point, performing Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor". He received a Silver Medal and a cut glass trophy from the CIA organised Coupe Mondiale. He was only 20 years old at that time. The following year (1963) at age 21, he was encouraged to go through the process again, first winning state then national competitions, and once again onto the Coupe Mondiale World Competition, that year held in Germany. In 1963, he won the Coupe Mondiale with his performance of Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto #2 in D Minor”, 2nd movement. He received a Gold Medal, trophy and proudly brought the 1963 Coupe Mondiale world title home to the USA. Skeets graduated from Golden Valley High School in 1960, received his Bachelor of Music in 1965 from Augsburg College, and Masters Degree from MacPhail School of Music in 1966. He worked as an instrumental music teacher from 1966-1999. He spent his entire career with beginning 5th and 6th grade students, serving in 5 or 6 different buildings every week. This resulted in an immense number of beginning students over his 33 plus years, estimated at well over 20,000 students! Skeets has led many musical groups and was involved in the recording industry. Skandisk, Inc. began their association with Skeets in the early 80’s when Michael and Else Sevig contacted him for his contribution to their first album. “Juleglade” their Christmas album sold thousands of records. The Sevigs subsequently went on to record 7 more albums, all featuring Skeets on the accordion. These recordings, now in CD format, are still a big seller with Skandisk, Inc. Two interesting side stories about Skeets: As an accordion player at age 12, Skeets father was employed as a meat cutter and had some connections with the Christmann Sausage Company who had a number of retail cutlets. His father was approached by them hoping that they could hire his son to go around to their various retail outlets and entertain the customers during the Holiday Season (for a small stipend) It did not take long for the Musicians Union to find out about this and put a stop to it. He was taking work away from the other union musicians and he would have to join the union if he wanted to continue to play jobs. The administrative personnel at the union office were surprised when this preteen walked in the office announcing he was there to take the test for membership. Skeets was granted membership without any difficulty. As a result, he was an active union musician for over 57 years and a past Director of their board! Another story was, that Skeets was the lone accordionist accompanying Luciano Pavarotti during his mid 80’s and early 90’s concert tour in Minneapolis. On one occasion, during rehearsals, when Pavarotti’s touring orchestra director attempted to “direct: Skeets in his interpretation of the “Italian Street Song”, Luciano Pavarotti said to his conductor, “Leo, just let the man play.” Obviously, Luciano approved of Skeets ability and presentation of the piece. After the actual St. Paul Civic Center performance, Pavarotti made direct eye contact with Skeets, smiled and said, “Bravo. Bravo!” From wearing a tuxedo and playing with Cliff Bunzeil and the Golden strings, to Lederhosen on Leon Bonrud’s Bavarian, to being featured accordionist at the Black Forest Inn, to playing every kind of Oktoberfest, to playing “Pepe Band” style for the Minnesota Vikings games, to playing the opening of Meredith Wilson’s Music Man Square” Museum, to being on the road of the “Mary Lu De Met, Richard Ericsson Foundation” an entity that grants scholarships to aspiring musicians. and to playing the famous Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, Skeets has done it all. Rosemarie, his wife, shares, “First of all, any celebration of life gathering we will have for Skeets will be held in Minneapolis. Many of you have been wanting details. Before I explain further, I will put forth one word, which says it all: COVID. Those of you now reading this who live in Minnesota are fully aware that Gov. Tim Walz has now put further restrictions on the number of people allowed at a "funeral." I understand also, that right now, weather is a drawback. Plus, I want everyone who wants to attend Skeets' event to be able to comfortably do so, and that might not be possible for them while COVID is still infecting people. So, after talking with our son David, we feel that this get together would best be arranged after the virus has been controlled (when vaccine is available and most have had access to it). I will keep our Caringbridge avenue of communication open until this last detail is decided so that all of you will know when our get together occurs. Interment of Skeets' cremains will be at noon next Tuesday at our church's Memorial Garden.” For further information: Dee Langley: squeezermn@yahoo.com |
Online Concerts: Music from Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
  Music from Scotland are currently presenting live one hour concerts online on a daily basis. A number of accordionists are taking part in this event and past concerts are still available to view. Performers during the last week are: November 10th: Ewan Galloway (picture above left) November 11th: David Vernon (picture above right) November 15th: Lomond Ceilidh Band (picture below) November 16th: Matthew Maclennan November 17th: Ewan Galloway |
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2021 Accordion Babes Calendar Available for Pre-Order Nowby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Video: Information on the 2021 Accordion Babes Pin-Up CalendarThe 2021 Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar (with CD) is available for pre-order now. The calendar editor is accordionist Renee de la Prade. Renee is asking for advance orders as they need about 200 more orders to cover all the print costs. Due to Covid-19 leading to so many cancelled concerts, Renee has also started a free fortnightly live online event called "Accordion Fridays". The next one will be on November 20th. She is inviting loads of great artists to join in and as New Year's Day 2021 is going to fall on a Friday, she has already decided, it's going to be an “Accordion Friday”! For details email: renee@squeezeboxgoddess.com |
“The PoguestrA” Looking for Musicians to Play "The Pogues" Songby Christine Johnstone |
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| The PoguestrA is a flexible group of musicians from around the world who are also fans of The Pogues. It was established in May 2020 during the lockdown with musicians playing together remotely. Original members of The Pogues (a celtic punk folk band) have joined the group for some of their songs including accordionist James Fearnley. The PoguestrA are looking for musicians to help them record an epic version of the Pogues classic "Fairytale of New York" over the coming weeks!! For details email: poguestra@gmail.com |
Premier Album Release by “Second Souffle” - Belgiumby Christine Johnstone |
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| Video: Excerpts from the new album. “Second Souffle” will release their premier album “Éclat d'Âmes” on December 1st, 2020. The duo includes accordionists Alain Van Muysewinkel and Beatrice Adam from Liège, Belgium. For details phone: 0494/ 61 74 69 |
New CD Collection for Christmas – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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| A new CD Collection entitled “Akkordeon pur – Musik satt" by lecturers from the Hohner Conservatory Trossingen GmbH will be available from December 1st, 2020, just in time for Christmas. The CD includes Viviane Chassot (picture above left): Mozart Piano Concertos Alexander Maurer: String Jump - a New Affair Andreas Nebl (picture above right): Domentico Scarlatti 20 Sonata Hans-Günther Kölz: Songbook, live with accordion limitless in duo with Matthias Anton For details email: info@hohner-konservatorium.de |
New Video by Alexander Poeluev - Russiaby Christine Johnstone |
 Video: New from Alexander Poeluev, Rio Rita - music from the 30s to 40s. |
Tuvan Throat Singer Entertains at Brooklyn Accordion Club Online Meeting - USAby Rob Howard |
  Accordionist and Tuvan throat singer Bady-Dorzhu Ondar (picture right centre from Tuva, Russia) entertained at the Brooklyn Accordion Club online meeting on November 14th, 2020.The audience considered it a treat to hear Bady (from the Alash Ensemble) throat singing accompanied by accordion and igil, a 2 stringed Tuvan musical instrument played with a bow. Tuvan throat singing is a technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. |
Mikhail Shostak Performs on Good Morning Show, Moscow - Russiaby Christine Johnstone |
 Mikhail Shostak (picture left) performed an outdoor concert at the State Kremlin Palace on the Moscow Channel 1 Good Morning Show this week, despite the cold weather. The video shows his group playing a medley of popular songs. |
Need a Christmas Gift? Try Accordion Anthology Books – UKby Christine Johnstone |
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  Rob Howard has written two popular books: Accordion Anthology Catalogue: robaccord07 and Accordion Anthology 2 Catalogue: robaccord08 The first book was published in 2016 and is aimed at accordion enthusiasts, including those who are new to the instrument. It contains a variety of articles, photos and biographies such as Getting to Know the Accordion; Accordion Tips and Hints; Be a Better Player; Use of the Couplers; Playing For Others; Manfrini Accordions; Evolution of the Accordion and Accordion Concerto to name a few. Accordion Anthology 2 presents a variety of accordion related articles and biographies, with autobiographical contributions. An ideal present for any accordion enthusiast! The book is a near A4 sized high quality hardback, and contains well over 300 colour photographs. What great gift ideas for Christmas. Both books are available online at: robaccord08 and robaccord07 |
Video: Oktay Taşdemir Performance - Turkeyby Christine Johnstone |
| Video: Accordionist Oktay Tasdemir from Kars, Turkey performing and singing Terekeme ay Baba in Turkish language. |
Future events |
Rejoice and Be Merry Concert, Christchurch – New Zealandby Christine Johnstone |
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 Accordionists Heather Gladstone and Sue Allan will take part in the “Rejoice and Be Merry” concert to be held at St Paul’s Parish Church in Christchurch, New Zealand on November 29th at 5pm.Heather directs and plays with the St Alban’s Community Choir. The New Brighton Silver Band will also entertain with a variety of Christmas carols from around the world. Entrance is by donation. See poster for details. |
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