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BREAKING NEWS: Castelfidardo Mourns the Passing of 4 Personalities of the Accordion - Italyby Accordions Worldwide |
Bugari Armando – founder of the accordion factory Bugari Armando on Monday 23rd October 2017 at the age of 81; Nazzareno Carini – founder of the one and only place for accordion parts and accessories, on Tuesday 17th October 2017 at the age of 84; Elio Gabbanelli – producer of the Gabbanelli/Italy accordions on Saturday 21st October 2017 at the age of 58; “Pippo” – Pippo di Filippucci, mythical founder of the well known restaurant “da Pippo” now beside the Theater Astra, on Saturday 21th October 2017 at the age of 87. Condolences to the families from Accordions Worldwide. |
World Music Festival, May 30 to June 02, Innsbruck - Germany/Austriaby Georg Hettmann |
The Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) has set the dates, May 30 to June 02, 2019, for the World Music Festival, to be held again at the Innsbruck Congress Center. The World Music Festival is held every three years and is the largest competition for accordion and harmonica orchestras / ensembles in the world! Diatonic accordion and Steirische players, as well as the bandoneon players are invited to participate and the aim of playing music together, in different combinations, is the main focus and intention of the festival. Competition rules and entry information will be released shortly. |
Suomi 100 - Väyrynen 50 - Finlandby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
On October 11th, 2017, Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen presented a monumental concert in Helsinki titled 'Suomi 100 – Väyrynen 50' in honor of Finland's 100th Anniversary and his own 50th Birthday celebration. Comprising several World Premieres, the program showcased some of Finland's most renowned composers who were in attendance for the event at the Helsinki Music Hall Camarata Threatre. Pictures Above: Helsinki Music Hall with Mika's concert advertised. Mika is pictured with composers (from left) Eero Hämeenniemi, Juha Salmesvuori, Harri Wessman, Paavo Korpijaakko and Veli Kujala. Pictures right: Mika Väyrynen in Concert, Mika with Finnish General Pasi Välimäki Mika Väyrynen has given hundreds of recitals in Finland, Europe, Asia and the United States. He is one of Finland’s internationally best-known and most highly appreciated accordionists. He began his concert career in the mid-1980s and has appeared with almost every Finnish orchestra and at music festivals around the world. In addition to his solo career, he has also performed as a chamber artist with many of the world's most distinguished musicians. To honor Finland's 100th Anniversary, Mika performed the following Finnish works: Lamento (2017) by Harri Wessman (b. 1949). When Mika commissioned Wessman to write a piece for his concert, he requested a beautiful piece that might serve as a memoriam for his friend Jouni Kaipainen. Lamento reflects Kaipainen's structural intensity in style, while in spirit reflects a melancholic truth of how we all will leave this world at some stage, however, in the case of Jouni Kaipainen, just too soon. Gena, Op. 31 (1987), Vento, Op. 58 (1998) and Placido, Op. 68 (2003) by Jouni Kaipainen (1956-2015). Gena was Kaipainen's his first accordion composition, but he stated writing it was such a pleasant experience, he knew it wouldn't be his last. Vento (wind) inspired Kaipainen to think of things that he had never been able to write before and is dedicated to Mika Väyrynen without whom Vento wouldn’t exist. Placido (calm), also written for Mika, was intended to be less technically demanding by comparison. However, as the piece developed, it became exceptionally challenging with large chordal passages and many separate polyphonic melodies which require exceptional ability to be able to clearly bring out all these elements. Memories and Friendship (2017) by Juha Salmesvuori (b. 1965). Salmsvuori's 20 years of friendship with Mika was rekindled after an absence and this motivated him to compose Memories and Friendship. The middle part “Lullaby of Space” is dedicated to those friends that have already passed on, while the final part takes you “home” again reflecting the two motives that were introduced in the first part. Sonata No. 2 - "Dead on Time" (2017), by Paavo Korpijaakko. This work is the culmination of Paavo’s and Mika’s long, fruitful co-operation. Dedicated to Mika, the name refers to the ruthless times and people’s common sadness. In three movements, (1) Toccata is dynamic and rhythmic full of life while (2) 'Meditation' has a slow moving structure while (3) “Burning Papyrus” explains the name of the composition where the performer would keep playing, as the knowledge vanishes as the flames get bigger and the written music burns away. Velocita (2017) by Eero Hämeenniemi (b. 1951). Dedicated Mika with heartfelt congratulations on his 50th birthday, Hämeenniemi set out to make a playground for Mika’s energetic and dynamic musicianship. Mika presented two encores including the World Premiere of La Storia Della Squolo Della Mia Vita by Veli Kujala and his own arrangement of the well known Nuoruusmuistoja by Lasse Pihlajamaa. Coinciding with the concert was the release of Mika's latest CD showcasing the complete solo accordion works of Jouni Kaipainen. Following the concert, invited guests joined Mika in a reception and dinner. Surrounded by his friends, the composers and other dignitaries such as the Finnish General Pasi Välimäki and former winner of Karajan competition Maestro Okko Kamu, Mika was presented the CIA Merit Award by CIA officials Kevin Friedrich (Ambassador-USA), Herbert Scheibenreif (Vice President-Austria) and Kimmo Mattila (General Secretary-Finland). The CIA Merit Award acknowledges Mika's career as one of the foremost accordionists of today performing as a soloist, chamber musician and with Symphony Orchestra, his work as a recording artist, his role as an educator at the highest Academic levels such as his work at the Sibelius Academy and global Master Classes, and his work inspiring some of the world's leading composers to write for the accordion. Video recordings and an archived radio broadcast of the concert will be available soon. Meanwhile, for more information please visit www.accordions.com/mika. Picture below: Mika receiving the CIA Merit Award from Kevin Friedrich and Herbert Scheibenreif. |
67th CMA Trophée Mondial de l'Accordéon 2017, Onet le Chateau - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The Trophée Mondial 2017 will be held from 23 to 29 October in Onet-le-Château, France. The event was last held in France in La Bourboule in 2005. As well as the traditional categories of: Senior Classique, Junior Classique, Senior Variété, Junior Variété and Masters, there are new categories for 2017 being: Jazz category (for 1 to 8 people), Digital Festival sponsored by Bugari-evo and a Classical Chamber Music category. Also important is the National Trophy categories featuring own choice short programs, with categories for many different ages, from 10 years through to seniors. The Trophée Mondial will be broadcast live on a Web TV, and after the event, all the videos are uploaded onto the CMA Youtube Channel. As well as the competitions, there are 5 concerts and 2 soirees dansantes (dancing nights). Download the schedule at: 2017CMA.pdf |
Two Thesis Study Music of Renzo Ruggieri - China, Czech Republicby Renzo Ruggieri |
The musical career of Renzo Ruggieri has generated such interest, that two students have made his music a part of their university thesis. 1. David Lomic (student of Ladislav Horák - Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory, Università Prague) has studied in depth the compositional and performance style of 'Absolventska Prace' by Renzo Ruggieri. 2. Xinyi Liu (student of Bolong Jang - Beijing Capital Normal University Music College, China) studying in depth the playing skills and artistic characteristics of Renzo's arrangement/composition, Variations on Sakkijarven Polka - Catalog: rrenzo507. Renzo Ruggieri has just released "Accordion Kids (10 pieces) simple and modern compositions" catalog: rrenzo512 Other music available online at: Renzo Ruggieri |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Music China 2017, 11-14 October, Shanghai - Chinaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Now in its 16th edition, Music China is Asia's leading fair for musical instruments and accessories. Pictures above: Manager Alessio Gerundio of Zero Sette pictured at the display with many well known Chinese accordionists. Mengascini Nello stand performance. Scandalli display with Crystal Wang, Mirco Patarini and Zhang Guoping. MusicTech Owners Claudio Sabbattini and Maria Rita Bartomeoli with demonstrator Gennaro Ruffolo in the middle. For 2017, there were many Italian accordion factories exhibiting include: Beltuna Bugari Armando and Bugari-evo digital accordions Excelsior Accordions Mengascini Nello Srl Moreschi MusicTech Pasco Italia Srl Pigini Srl Scandalli Accordions Srl Zero Sette Moreschi accordions were exhibiting at Music China in Shanghai for the first time. Their booth was amongst a strong Italian accordion presence at the show. Asked whether they would be back next year, sales manager Fausto Fabi said they had a “sell-out“ show and therefore certainly yes. Other manufacturers also seemed happy with their business. Pictured below is a happy new owner of a Moreschi accordion with Fausto Fabi and Company president Giansandro Breccia. Below that is the Mengascini Accordions display and the Bugari Armando and Bugari-evo display. |
Raymond and Anna Bodell, First Husband and Wife to Receive CIA Awards - Italyby Harley Jones |
At the recent Coupe Mondiale in Osimo, Italy, Raymond Bodell, retiring President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) was awarded the CIA Merit Award for his 8 years of Presidency and his many years of service in other CIA positions. The same evening, Anna Bodell was presented the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award for her national and international service. The presentation took a very romantic turn when Raymond made a very loving and romantic thank you to his wife Anna. Who said the age of love and romance was no longer alive! as a tear came to my eyes. This is the first time in the 82 year history of the CIA that a married couple have been honored by the CIA for their important contribution to the accordion. New CIA President Mirco Patarini also made a presentation to Raymond Bodell of a beautiful accordion artwork and in reply, Raymond Bodell made a good humoured presentation to Mirco Patarini, of the official CIA gavel, used at each CIA International Congress. The good work of Raymond and Anna Bodell will not cease, with Anna Bodell continuing as Chairperson of the NAO and Raymond Bodell being appointed to the new CIA Advisory Council with Kevin Friedrich and Joan Sommers. |
New Album by Arseniy Strokovskiy & Ivan Dyma - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Arseniy Strokovskiy, is the winner of 2016 Klingenthal and Laureate of Coupe Mondiale, Castelfidardo, Rostov-on-Don, Vivat Bayan in Samara and many other international competitions. Arseniy Strokovskiy has teamed up with Ivan Dyma (saxophones) to form the Duo SaxAkkord with a very distinctive sound. They have now released their first mp3 download album. The tracks are: 1. Prelude No. 1 G. Gershwin 2. Prelude No. 2 G. Gershwin 3. Prelude No. 3 G. Gershwin 4. Metamorphoses Lundquist 5. Sempre Majore S. Berensky 6. Sonata No. 2 A. Shcnittke 7. Sonatina I. Tamarin 8. Sabre Dance A. Kachaturyan The album is available as an online download for only € 9.00 - Catalog: SaxAkkord You can also purchase individual tracks and listen to sound samples of each track at: SaxAkkord. |
World Premiere and Scandinavian Music, Espoo - Finlandby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
On October 14th Finnish accordionist and composer Kalle Välimaa conducted a concert with his accordion class and another Finnish accordionist Jukka-Pekka Kuusela to great acclaim in the well-known Alberga Mansion at the ZoConKlaFi Festival. (Picture right, Jukka-Pekka Kuusela and Kalle Välimaa). The program consisted on works by Leif Kayser (including all ‘Confetti’), Heikki Valpola, Toni Edelmann, and Astor Piazzolla. The culmination of the concert was the world premiere of ‘Two in One - Finnish Folk Songs, after visiting the great...Koli’ by Kalle Välimaa, who also conducted the performance with Koli-ensemble, and Jukka-Pekka Kuusela featuring as soloist. The festival will continue until November 15th with music by Asko Vilén, W.A. Mozart and Igor Stravinsky, and Henrik Sandås featuring as guest soloist. For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
Video: Winners, International Competition for Chamber Music, Classical Music - Italyby Harley Jones |
The 2017 Coupe Mondiale International Competition for Chamber Music, Classical Music category results were: 1st. Charm (Russia) of Adrshin, Artur (Accordion), Shkvorov, Arkady (Accordion), Stupnikov, Vladimir (Accordion). 2nd Lecce Accordion Project (Italy) of Fanizza, Giovanni (Accordion) Bianco, Michele (Accordion) Coluccia, Francesco Antonio (Accordion). 3rd Tutto A Dio (Lithuania) of Rakauskas, Augustinas (Accordion) Staponkute, Greta (Viola). This competition category is in one round. Above is video of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed players. You can view all the competitors in the Coupe Mondiale International Competition for Chamber Music, Classical Music videos at: 2017ChamberCM The Scandalli Accordion Factory is the sponsor of the 2017 Video Archive and Education Project. |
Lucky things that happened on 'unlucky' Friday the 13thby Harley Jones |
Excerpt from an article by Brian Hickey, PhillyVoice.com Lucky things that happened on 'unlucky' Friday the 13th: The accordion was patented on a Friday the 13th in January 1854 right here in Philadelphia! (Editor: original patent date in the USA). And, say what you will – the accordion is gonna have a birth of coolness, just you wait and see. (Editor: further background) Since 2009, each May 6th, the CIA has been promoting World Accordion Day. The first World Accordion Day was held on 6th May 2009, marking the 180th birthday of the accordion - May 6th 1829, was the date the accordion was first patented, in Vienna, Austria, by Cyrillius Demien. |
Video: Adelphai Quartet Perform Impasse (II) by Franck Angelisby Harley Jones |
F.Angelis : Impasse (II) , Adelphai Quartet, released October 2017, Pieve di Cavriana (MN) Arrangement by the Adelphai Quartet of "Impasse" for solo accordion. |
Future events |
Finbarr Dennehy Dance Gigs, Cork, Laois – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
Button accordion entertainer Finbarr Dennehy and his fiddle playing daughter Chloe play for dancing this weekend, as follows: Friday October 20th - Killbrittain Hall (with Chloe), County Cork Saturday October 21st - Midleton Pavilion (with Chloe), County Cork Sunday October 22nd - Durrow afternoon dancing (with Chloe), County Laois Monday October 23rd - (solo), Riverside Park Hotel, Macroom, County Cork Finbarr Dennehy plays for adult dancing, weddings, and all social occasions. Finbarr has released a number of very popular albums. He is often joined on stage by daughter Chloe, especially during school holidays. Finbarr plays a Shand Morino 3-row British chromatic accordion, while Chloe is proficient in the stringed instruments; violin, mandolin and banjo. |
Milos Milivojevic performs in Brett Dean's Opera ‘Hamlet’, England – UKby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Milos Milivojevic will be performing in Brett Dean's Opera ‘Hamlet’ (based on the play by William Shakespeare) with a wonderful new cast for Glyndebourne-on-Tour! Brett Dean’s richly atmospheric and deeply dramatic music captures the essence and timelessness of Shakespeare’s story, in which Hamlet navigates a maze of love and madness, murder and revenge, on his quest for the truth. The dates include: October 21st, 24th, 27th - Glyndebourne November 3rd - The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury November 17th - Norwich Theatre Royal November 24th - Milton Keynes Theatre December 1st - Theatre Royal Plymouth Serbian born Milos Milivojevic is a first prize winner at international competitions in Germany, France, Italy and Denmark. In Serbia he studied with Vojin Vasovic, and with Owen Murray at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he graduated and was awarded with Dip RAM. In 2007 he became the first accordionist ever to win the RAM Club Prize at the Academy and in 2008 was the Winner of the prestigious Derek Butler London Prize at the Wigmore Hall, London. For further information email: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
6th Raduno Nazionale, Seren del Grappa – Italyby Rob Howard |
The 6th Raduno Nazionale - “Raduno degli amici della fisarmonica” – is a one day accordion event on Sunday October 22nd, from 9am until 11pm, at Seren del Grappa in the province of Belluno, Veneto, northern Italy. Many musicians are expected to perform at this event, which will also host an exhibition of over 100 instruments made available by Cooperfisa Cooperative of Vercelli and Stocco of Stradella, co-promoters of the event. |
Stas Venglevski Concert, Texas – USAby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Stas Venglevski performs in concert on Sunday October 22nd, 6.30pm, at the St Matthew Lutheran Church, 5315 Main St, Houston, Texas. Stas Venglevski, from Moldova in the former USSR, has lived in the USA since 1992. He is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where studied with Friedrich Lips and received his Masters Degree in Music. His repertoire includes his original compositions, and a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former USSR, Canada, Europe, and the USA. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the USA. He performed the world premiere of ‘Concerto No. 2’ by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of ‘Bayan and Beyond’, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. For further information email: stas@stasv.com |
Walter Di Girolamo and Johnny Di Girolamo Duo Concert, Laterza – Italyby Rob Howard |
The duo of Walter Di Girolamo and Johnny Di Girolamo perform in concert on Sunday October 22nd, 8.30pm, at the church Santa Maria La Grande (Assunta), Laterza, Taranto, southern Italy. |
Ksenija Sidorova Piazzolla Concerts, Paris – France, Monacoby Rob Howard |
Tuesday October 24th - Ksenija Sidorova performs a programme of music by Astor Piazzolla at La Cigale, Paris, France Friday October 27th, 8.30pm - Philharmonic Orchestra and Mihhail Gerts, Auditorium Rainer III, Monaco Latvian virtuoso accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, now based in Spain, started to play the accordion aged eight under the guidance of Marija Gasele in her hometown of Riga. She later studied in London at the Royal Academy of Music under Professor Owen Murray. She subsequently received her Masters Degree with Distinction, and has since pursued a highly successful solo international career, often performing with orchestras. |
Martynas and Chamber Orchestra Concerts – South Koreaby Rob Howard |
Lithuanian accordionist Martynas travels to South Korea next week with his chamber orchestra Mikroorkéstra to perform four concerts. Martynas will be directing Mikroorkéstra in his own arrangement for accordion and string orchestra of Vivaldi's ‘The Four Seasons’ and other works. Tuesday October 24th, 8pm – with Ahn Hyung Soo (guitar) and Mikroorkéstra, performing Vivaldi – ‘The Four Seasons’ (arr. Martynas Levickis), Tchaikovsky – ‘October: Autumn Song from The Seasons, Op. 37a’, and Piazzolla – ‘The Seasons of Buenos Aires’, Seoul Arts Center Thursday October 26th – solo concert at a private event in Seoul Friday October 27th – same programme as Tuesday, Ulju Arts Center, Ulsan Saturday October 28th - solo concert, Lithuanian Day in Seoul Martynas graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London, and has since played at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico, Debussy's residence in Paris, the Berlin Waldbühne, and many more venues worldwide. In his home country he won ‘Lithuania’s Got Talent’ on national TV. |
19th Return to Camden Town Festival, London – UKby Rob Howard |
The 19th Return to Camden Town Festival takes place at venues in London, October 24th to 30th, and involves several accordionists and concertina players appearing in concerts, playing for dancing, sessions, and workshops. The festival website contains itemised details of the many events. Some highlights include: Saturday October 28th, 9am - concertina workshop with Noel Hill Saturday October 28th, 11am - button accordion workshop with Dan Brouder Sunday October 29th, 11am - button accordion workshop with Andrew Mac Namara Sunday October 29th, 11am - concertina workshop with Colm McGonigle These workshops all take place at the London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB. Saturday October 28th, 8pm - Evening Céilí with the Star of Munster Céilí Band, Mazenod Hall Sunday October 29th, 1pm - Matinée Set Dancing Céilí, Star of Munster Céilí Band, London Irish Centre |
All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival, Perth – UKby Rob Howard |
The 68th All Scotland Accordion & Fiddle Festival takes place at The Salutation Hotel, Perth, on Saturday October 28th. This long running festival is a major occasion in the Scottish music calendar, incorporating the official and highly prestigious Scottish Accordion Championships for traditional music alongside fiddle competitions and a range of individual and group sections covering a variety of musical styles. Events Include a Friday Night welcome ceilidh with Neil MacEachern and his Scottish Dance Band. On Saturday, from 9am, the competitions take place which includes sections for accordions, fiddles, bands and trios. Some sections take place in St. John’s Episcopal Church. This year’s adjudicators include Jim Cleland, Colin Dewar, Sandy Lindsay, Leonard Brown (accordion) and Bryan Gear, Mary Small (fiddle). On Saturday afternoon, 4.30pm until 6pm, the climax of the festival showcases a concert performance led by the brilliant Bryan Gear (fiddle) and Violet Tulloch (piano) from Shetland, accordionist Duncan Black and his Band, and accordionist Tom Orr, the 2016 All Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion Solo. |
Kungsbacka Annual Accordion Concert - Swedenby Harley Jones |
At the annual accordion concert in Kungsbacka, you will get well-known accordion artists in the top class like Sigmunds from Norway, Øivind Farmen from Norway (world champion 1994), world artist Ludovic Beier from France, Lars Karlsson Band and Malm Trekkspillklubb from Norway (who won the Norwegian Championship in the club / orchestra class). Now is the 20th anniversary of the annual accordion gala in Kungsbacka. During these years, this has been held and invited the audience to a variety of high class performers. All the concerts are musically mixed to show how different accordions really can sound and this year it will be a mix between traditional, folk rock and classical. |
New and Updated Sites |
Giemme Bellows "Know the People" Interview, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
"Know the People" Interview at: 2017Giemme with: Giemme Bellows, Gianfranco Marincioni (Owner) and Sabrina Alba (Owner). Editor: Holda Paoletti-Kampl "Know the People" of Castelfidardo who have made this small city so famous around the world for their quality accordion products. Interview at: 2017Giemme Picture below: Gianfranco Marincioni and Sabrina Alba. |
Updated Site: Gary Daverne New Email and New CD - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
Updated site of well known accordion composer Gary Daverne with a new email. garydaverne@gmail.com Also a new symphony orchestra CD to celebrate over 16 million viewers on youtube of Gary Daverne conducting the Auckland Symphony Orchestra performing Pirates of the Carribean. |
Renzo Ruggieri New Release: Accordion Kids (ten pieces) eBook - Italyby Harley Jones |
Renowned accordionist, teacher and composer Renzo Ruggieri has just released a new eBook (.pdf file able to be sent to you by email) titled Accordion Kids Catalog rrenzo512 Renzo Ruggieri writes: "Accordion Kids features progressive songs for young accordion students. From first notes, to small imitations of animals, to singular genres such as Disco, Baroque and Blues. The use of the left hand loses regularity in the accompaniment (march / waltz / tango) to bring the young player closer to the new rhythms of the present times." Price is only 10 Euro (or USD$ equivalent) for these exciting young childrens compositions that are a "must have", for every teacher of young children. Available online at Catalog: rrenzo512 |
Updated Site: Charnwood Publishing - UKby Anna Bodell of Charnwood Publications |
Charnwood eSheet Music (able to be sent to you by email) information page has been updated. There are now 22 original accordion compositions available as eSheet publications. |
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