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Highlights |
New Pearl Fawcett-Adriano CD, Barnsley – UK
Hohner Concert and Seminars, Trossingen - Germany
2012 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival - Australian
Jörgen Sundeqvist and Lena Rist-Larsen Tour - USA
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
BOOK REVIEW - Vintage Accordions by Rob Howard, Reviewed by Peter Ayers - UK
‘14 Years Ago’ – 4 NZ Accordionists for TV’s ‘Shortland Street’!
Future events |
Veli Kujala Debut Concert, New York – USA
‘Accordions at the Castle’, Blackpool – UK
3rd International Accordion Festival, Akordeon Art 2012 - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Luca Ciarla 4tet On Tour – Australia, New Zealand
Alex Meixner Upcoming Performances - USA
Ferran Martinez & VibraTango Upcoming Concerts - Spain
Accordion Book Launch Party, New York – USA
Conservatory of Music "Alfredo Casella" Jazz Accordion Seminar - Italy
Afternoon Accordion Entertainment, Limburg – Belgium
Romano Viazzani Concert, Southampton – UK
Bal Musette Dance, Cublac – France
Simon Cardinaels Demonstrates MIDI, Maasmechelen - Belgium
New and Updated Sites |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Franco Cambareri Now Online – International
eTracks MP3 Albums Added Online this Week
World Accordion Project eTracks Site Updated
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
Accordion Activities in Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid and Other Cities - Macedoniaby Anica Karakutovska |
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| The annual event ‘Days of Macedonian Music 2012’, organized by the Association of Composers of Macedonia – SOCOM, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Macedonia and the Ministry of Culture, was held from March 23rd to 30th in Skopje. On March 27th, at the chamber music concert Elizabeta Ilievska-Bete presented her new work titled "Hope, Faith & Love" which was performed by the eminent musicians and pedagogues (photo above), Aleksandar Kotevski (cello), Prof. Zorica Karakutovska (accordion) and Prof. Marija Gjoshevska (piano). Th? new work "Hope, Faith & Love" was very well received by the large audience and received excellent critical acclaim. Accordion tandem (picture below) consisted of Professor Zorica Karakutovska and her colleagues Filip Stamevski (left) and Bojan Volcevski, started their concert tour on March 1st with concert in Tetovo. On March 3rd they performed a concert in Ohrid and on April 11th in Vinica. The concerts of accordion duos are real presentation of pure music and art. All the concerts were extremely successful, but in the concert hall in Ohrid, magic was in the air! The whole audience didn't want to leave the hall after the official end of the concert program and so two more works were played an encore! These concerts are a source of invaluable lovely memories for the true lovers of accordion and quality music. The concert tour continues in other cities in Macedonia. The Macedonian Association of Accordionists ‘Ljubiteli na klasicnata muzika’ is in final preparations for the celebration of the World Accordion Day with many different activities to promote this global event and elevate the awareness and status of the accordion. |
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New Pearl Fawcett-Adriano CD, Barnsley – UKby Rob Howard |
 Leading UK accordion virtuoso Pearl Fawcett-Adriano has this week released ‘PEARL - The Jewel of the Accordion’, her first new recording in 11 years, featuring some of her current concert repertoire. As with all Pearl’s performances, her preparation and playing are meticulous, and this new CD is further enhanced by excellent studio sound quality. The tracks include: Granada, O Sole Mio, Ciribiribin, Caravan, Carmen Selection, Autumn Leaves, Fossettes, Begin the Beguine, Hejre Kati, Lambeth Polka, Sleepy Blues, Tico Tico. Pearl Fawcett-Adriano won numerous competitions, including the Junior and Senior CMA Trophée Mondiale, and her professional career has seen many international successes, including being the first Western female accordionist to make concert tours to what was then the USSR. For further information email: pearladriano@hotmail.com |
Hohner Concert and Seminars, Trossingen - Germanyby |
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| Picture above: World Hohner Accordion Orchestra conducted by Andreas Nebl. Left to right: Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), hidden is Dorin Grama (Moldavia), Lina Zeis (Germany), Christel Sautaix (Switzerland), Radu Laxgang (Moldavia), hidden is Pietro Adragna (Italy) and Erik Dan (Germany), Daniel Frantz (Germany), Alexander Cargnelli (Germany) Last week in Trossingen, Germany, the Hohner-Konservatorium and Hohner AG, hosted a series of accordion concerts and events which included Frédéric Deschamps two days master classes (11th and 12th April) to prepare the International Hohner Team for the major competitions of 2012 and also for the World Hohner Accordion Orchestra. On Thursday evening, there was a concert with the students of Frédéric Deschamps to a sold out hall. Guest Artists included: Grayson Masefield, Pietro Adragna, Dorin Grama, Radu Laxgang, Christel Sautaux, Elsa Gourdy and Guillaume Fric. The soloists then joined together and the second half of the concert was by the World Hohner Accordion Orchestra conducted by Andreas Nebl, tutor at the Hohner-Konservatorium. The World Hohner Accordion Orchestra is a combined orchestra between the Hohner-Konservatorium and the international artists of Frédéric Deschamps and has performed with great success at both the 2012 Coupe Mondiale and 2012 Trophée Mondiale. |
2012 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival - Australianby Tania Lukic-Marx |
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 2012 Australian International Accordion Championships and Festival will be held on the 9th and 10th of June (Queens Birthday Long Weekend) at the superb premises of Club Marconi in Sydney's West. The event is organised by the Australian Accordion Teachers Association (AATA), President Tania Lukic-Marx.There are categories for international contestants from all countries and competitors are coming from Australia, China and Serbia. Entries close on the 1st of May. Accordion music from around the world featuring international guest artist, Lionel Reekie with songs from stage and screen together with accordion favourites from Italy, Europe and Beyond! Daily Reports of past events: Australian International Championships For more details please visit our website at: www.aata.org.au |
Jörgen Sundeqvist and Lena Rist-Larsen Tour - USAby Harley Jones |
 Jörgen Sundeqvist and Lena Rist-Larsen will be touring in the USA in June. Jörgen Sundeqvist was one of the best known students of Anthony Galla-Rini and they enjoyed a very long and close relationship, including concert tours together.- The first appearance of Jörgen Sundeqvist and Lena Rist-Larsen is at the "Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration", June 14th to 17th in Leavenworth, Washington. They will give one concert during the festival and Jörgen will also present a workshop as well as being an adjudicator at the competitions. - Chicago Accordion Club on June 18th. - "Accordion Heroes 2012" in Fredericksburg, Virginia, June 20th to 23rd. - Milwaukee Accordion Club on June 25. This will be the last concert of their tour. Jörgen and Lena recently released a CD in February which was reviewed by Prof. Joan Sommers at: CD Reviews Index |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Rotary International Accordion Competition, Ghent – Belgiumby Harley Jones |
 For the first time in Belgium, an International Competition for Young Classical Accordion Players was organised in Ghent, from April 13th to 15th 2012. It was the 11th music contest organised by Rotary Club Ghent. Artistic Director and President of the Jury, Marcel Lequeux, former Professor of Chamber Music at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, justified the choice of the accordion by the growing interest for this instrument both in music schools and in colleges. By organising a competition for young professionals, coming from 12 different countries, the goal was to stimulate the promotion of the instrument, too little known and programed by traditional concert organisers. At the same time, competition between the young players and the feedback given by the jury proved interesting to all. The choice of the repertoire was for many a great enrichment. The jury: Professor Hugo Noth, Professor Max Bonnay, Eva Zöllner, and Koen Walraevens, was pleased to endorse the high level of the performances, not only the technical aspects but also the musicality and versatility. The Jury looked for the most all round musical personality, able to perform baroque and classic music, with romantic expressivity and contemporary virtuosity, and the program demanded included also compositions inspired by folklore. Many of the candidates were very convincing in some aspects, but the prizes were awarded to: 1st - Ida L?vli Hidle (Norway, picture above left), 2nd - Yohann Juhel (France, picture left), 3rd - Neža Torkar (Slovenia). The prize of the Municipality of Aalter, reserved for the best Belgian participant, was awarded to Elke De Meester. At the concert given by the prize winners, a numerous and enthusiastic public was amazed by the new world they discovered. An initiative we hope that will be continued! For further information email: koenwalraevens@hotmail.com Picture below: Yohann Juhel, Neža Torkar, Marcel Lequeux, Ida L?vli Hidle, Elke De Meester. |
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BOOK REVIEW - Vintage Accordions by Rob Howard, Reviewed by Peter Ayers - UKby Peter Ayers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of the book Vintage Accordions, author Rob Howard, review by Peter Ayers. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – 4 NZ Accordionists for TV’s ‘Shortland Street’!by Rob Howard |
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| No less than 4 accordionists appeared in an episode of New Zealand's longest running prime-time TV soap opera ‘Shortland Street’, as reported in the Accordions Worldwide news for April 17th 1998. Shortland Street has been sold to 25 English-speaking countries. Whilst it is not unusual for accordionists to be seen in TV shows and in movies, it is not often as many as 4 are seen together. This must have been a good gig for them, and a boost for the accordion. ACCORDIONISTS PLAY IN TOP TV DRAMA SERIES - NEW ZEALAND Contributed by Heather Masefield New Zealand accordionists Maurice Jones, Tracey Collins (Air New Zealand Touring Orchestra member), Frank Villich and Brian Holden are to appear on New Zealand's most popular television show ‘Shortland Street’ in May. The four accordionists were required to play the wedding march at a traditional Dalmation wedding, and polkas and waltzes at the reception. This involved two full days of filming at a historic restaurant and vineyard west of Auckland. Maurice Jones was also commissioned to compose the waltzes and polkas in a Dalmation style along with the help of Frank Villich. |
Future events |
4th International Festival Days of Accordion 2012 - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Alexander Poeluev |
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 The 4th International Festival Days of Accordion 2012 will be held in Bijeljina, Ugljevik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the 24th to 29th of May 2012. The event is run by the Music School Kornelije Stankovic, Director Slavisa Peric.This year’s Festival, will include concerts, competitions for solists and chamber ensembles, and a summer school of accordion etc. The concerts will feature: Alexander Skliarov (Russia), Vladimir Murza (Ukraine), Alexander Poeluev (Russia), Irine Seratyuk (Ukraine) and others. The event enjoys good numbers of competitors and audience. For 2012 the jury includes the artists listed above and French teacher Jacques Mornet of CNIMA J.Mornet. Last year, Poueleuv and Murza were guest artists (picture right). Entries close 1st May. Competition rules and entry information can be downloaded at: 2012Stankovic For further information email: msks.festival@gmail.com |
Veli Kujala Debut Concert, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Veli Kujala, from Finland, makes his New York concert debut on Thursday April 26th, 8pm, in the Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue (@ 38th Street), New York. His program includes his own composition ‘Hyperchromatic Counterpoint’ for quarter tone accordion, pieces by contemporary Finnish composers Sampo Haapamäki and Olli Virtaperko, and transcriptions for concert accordion of music by Jean Sibelius, Niccolo Paganini, and J.S. Bach. Veli Kujala is an international prize-winning concert accordionist and composer. In the fall of 2010 he completed his PhD in Music from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, which focused on Finnish contemporary music for accordion. Kujala has appeared as a soloist with many orchestras in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Finland, with conductors such as Stefan Asbury, Hannu Koivula, Dmitri Slobodeniouk, and John Storgårds. He has premiered numerous solo and chamber music works by composers such as Kalevi Aho, Juhani Nuorvala, and Einojuhani Rautavaara, as well as concertos by Pekka Pohjola, Markus Fagerudd, Sampo Haapamäki, Olli Virtaperko, and Joachim F.W. Schneider. Since 2005 Kujala has been teaching concert accordion and improvisation at the Sibelius Academy. In 2006 Kujala developed the quartertone accordion with composer Sampo Haapamäki, who wrote ‘Velinikka’, the first work for the instrument. The concerto premiered in 2008 at Gaudamus Music Week in Amsterdam. For further information email: veli.kujala@gmail.com |
‘Accordions at the Castle’, Blackpool – UKby Rob Howard |
 ‘Accordions at the Castle’ takes place at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, Lancashire, May 13th/18th. The festival includes concerts, meet the guest sessions, workshops, Scottish dancing, and a trade show. The guests include Giancarlo Caporilli (Italy), Stefan Andrusyschyn & Denise Leigh, Gennaro Ruffolo (Italy), Roy Hendrie & Dave Morrice (Scotland), Harry Hussey, Rosemary Wright, Bert Santilly, Les Vintages, Saxaccord, and the Festival Jazz Band. Ken Hopkins will display and demonstrate some of his huge collection of antique accordions. This festival uniquely features a concert performance of the fabulous ‘Piaf – The Songs’, with French singer Eve Loisseau, accordionist Eddy Jay, and violinist Fiona Barrow. The festival organiser is Heather Smith (picture right). To book, tel 01780 782 093 during office hours (Sceptre Productions). For further information email: heather@accordions.karoo.co.uk |
3rd International Accordion Festival, Akordeon Art 2012 - Bosnia and Herzegovinaby Accordions Worldwide |
 The Academy of Music at the University of East Sarajevo and The Association for Fostering of Academic Music New Sound organizes the Third International Accordion Festival in East Sarajevo 2012, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from April 25 to April 28, 2012. Dr Zoran Rakic of the Accordion Dept, Academy of Music, University of East Sarajevo, is the Director of the event. Within The Third International Accordion Festival Akordeon Art 2012, the following activities are going to be held: competition of solo accordionists, concerts and lectures by eminent accordion artists and the presentation of musical instruments and accessories. Requirements of the competitions in several languages can be downloaded at: 2012 Sarajevo Awards are sponsored by Ballone Burini and Pigini Accordions. Festival guests include: Franck Angelis (France), 2011 Coupe Mondiale winner Nenad Ivanovic (Serbia), Roland demonstrator Ludovic Beier (France) and Boris Jegorov (Russia). |
Luca Ciarla 4tet On Tour – Australia, New Zealandby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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 The Luca Ciarla 4tet, from Italy, will be on tour in May and June in Australia and New Zealand?. The line-up is Luca Ciarla (violin), Vince Abbracciante (accordion), Nicola di Camillo (double bass), and Francesco Savoretti (percussion). Tour dates include:May 17th – Gold Coast City Jazz Club, Queensland, Australia May 18th – Brisbane Jazz Club May 19th - Heritage Theatre, Civic Center, Gympie, Queensland May 20th – Sunshine Coast Jazz Club May 22nd – Bellingen Jazz Society May 23rd – Port Jazz Club, Port Mcquarie, May 24th – Dungeon Jazz, Newcastle May 25th – Sydney Improvised Music Association, New South Wales May 26th – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, NSW May 30th – Queen’s Birthday Jazz & Blues Festival, Wellington, New Zealand May 31st – Manawatu International Jazz & Blues Festival, Palmerston North June 1st – The Masonic, Auckland, NZ June 2nd – Upper Yarra Arts Centre, Warburton, Australia June 3rd – Melbourne Jazz Festival For further information email: music@lucaciarla.com |
Alex Meixner Upcoming Performances - USAby Harley Jones |
 Alex Meixner, Grammy nominated accordionist, band leader is performing as a solo artist and with numerous touring ensembles. Alex also leads The Alex Meixner Band in performances throughout North America. Below is a list of his upcoming performances.April 20th - Alex Meixner Band, Pilsener Haus, Hoboken, New Jersey April 21st - Alex Meixner Band, Zeppelin Hall, Jersey City, NJ April 22nd - Prime Time Polkas 15th Anniversary Extravaganza, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania April 25th/26th - Alex Meixner Band, Little River Casino-Resort, Manistee, Michigan April 27th - Alex Meixner Band plus Gary Brueggen and The Knewz, The New Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest, Wisconsin Dells, WI April 28th - Alex Meixner Band, West Side Sachsenheim, Cleveland, Ohio May 4th - Alex Meixner Band, The German American Club of Greater Miami, Miami, Florida May 11th/12th - Alex Meixner Band, Deutsches Haus, Metairie, Los Angeles May 18th - Alex Meixner Band, NY Center For The Arts, Homer, New York May 19th - Alex Meixner Band, Pilsener Haus, Hoboken, New Jersey May 24th - Alex Meixner Band, Phoenix Saloon, New Braunfels, Texas May 26th - Private Wedding, Sealy, Texas May 27th - Alex Meixner Band, National Polka Festival, Ennis, Texas May 29th - Private Function, Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania June 7th, 6.30pm to 9.30pm - Alex Meixner Duo, Sal’s Wartburg Inn, Waterloo, Illinois June 8th/9th - Alex Meixner Band with special guest Don Lipovac, Sugar Creek Slavic Festival, Sugar Creek, Missouri June 12th/16th - Alex Meixner Duo, Hofbräu Beer Garden, Panama City Beach, Florida June 29th - Alex Meixner Band, Platt Duetsche Park, Franklin Square, New York June 30th - Alex Meixner Band, Hoboken, Pilsener Haus, New Jersey For further information email: alex at alexmeixner.com |
Ferran Martinez & VibraTango Upcoming Concerts - Spainby Harley Jones |
 April 26th: Ferran Martínez & VibraTango 20:30h, Auditori Pepita Sellès, C/Entença, 218, BarcelonaMay 3rd: Ferran Martinez & VibraTango, Centre Cívic Casa Groga, Barcelona, 19.30h May 5th: Ferran Martinez & VibraTango, Auditori Enric Granados, 17:00h. For further information email: fmc_martinez@yahoo.com |
Accordion Book Launch Party, New York – USAby Rob Howard |
 A book launch for ‘Squeeze This! A Cultural History of the Accordion’, by Marion Jacobson, takes place on Thursday, May 17th, 6pm until 7.30pm, at the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, between Bleecker & Houston, New York.Accordionist Dallas Vietty & the Musette Project will perform in Gypsy jazz style, and Guy Klucevsek will MC the proceedings. Refreshments will be available. For further information email: info@guyklucevsek.com |
Conservatory of Music "Alfredo Casella" Jazz Accordion Seminar - Italyby Harley Jones |
 On the 24th April, 10 to 13 hours and 15 to 18 hours, Renzo Ruggieri and Gerlando Gatto will run a seminar titled The Accordion and Jazz. The will be assisted by Artistic Director Paolo Di Sabatino who has prepared the "History of Jazz Accordion" audio/video. There will be tests and playing together and the availability for training students to play with noted jazz musicians. The seminar qualifies for official certificates for the purposes of credits. Conservatory of Music "Alfredo Casella" students are free, all others € 50.00 For further information: Tel: +39 347 7669942 Artistic Director Paolo Di Sabatino (info@paolodisabatino.it) Tel: +39 333 4926093 Renzo Ruggieri (info@renzoruggieri.it) |
Afternoon Accordion Entertainment, Limburg – Belgiumby Rob Howard |
| Accordionists Louis Heriex, JAGR, Theo Keizers, and others entertain at the Café Ponderosa, Kotem, Limburg, Belgium, on April 29th, 3pm. Entry is free. |
Romano Viazzani Concert, Southampton – UKby Rob Howard |
 Romano Viazzani is the guest at South Hampshire Accordion Club on Sunday April 22nd, 2pm-5pm. The venue is St Luke’s Church, Hedge End, Southampton. The club organizer is Adrienne Griffiths.For further information email: adrienne.griffiths@lamportbassitt.co.uk |
Bal Musette Dance, Cublac – Franceby Rob Howard |
| A public dance featuring 10 accordionists providing non-stop music takes place at the Salle Polyvalente, Cublac, Corrèze, on April 28th, from 3pm until 2.30am |
Simon Cardinaels Demonstrates MIDI, Maasmechelen - Belgiumby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Simon Cardinaels performs and demonstrates MIDI on April 29th, 2pm, at the Café De Sjeour, Maasmechelen, Belgium.For further information email: simon@cardinaels.be |
New and Updated Sites |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Peter Piccini Now Online – Internationalby Peter Piccini |
  The eTracks part of the MusicForAccordion.com website starts its 2nd week and has already grown to over 815 MP3 tracks available. Priced at only € 0.70 a track with most albums costing € 8.00 or less its great value.New Albums this week are: 4 albums by Peter Piccini Accordion Fantasy Echoes of Europe Cool Change Sounds Italian |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Franco Cambareri Now Online – Internationalby Franco Cambareri |
 The eTracks part of the MusicForAccordion.com website starts its 2nd week and has already grown to over 815 MP3 tracks available. Priced at only € 0.70 a track with most albums costing € 8.00 or less its great value.New Albums this week are: 3 albums by Franco Cambareri Mystique A La Francois Cafe Arabesque |
eTracks MP3 Albums Added Online this Weekby Harley Jones |
  New eTracks MP3 Albums have been added this week:Yuri Shishkin has now 6 eTracks MP3 albums online. Friedrich Lips now has 24 eTracks MP3 albums online. Now over 815 eTracks MP3 available of all types of music from only € 0.70 for each track. Its great value. The advantage of eTracks is that you can download the MP3 files to your computer or other sound device such as ipod, iphone etc. You can purchase the sound files individually or as an album for a special price. There are no postage costs or delivery charges. You are sent the download code within 24 hours. |
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World Accordion Project eTracks Site Updatedby Sammy Pizzata and Nunzio Mondia |
 World Accordion Project eTracks Site Updated. The site is selling a CD or eTracks MP3 Album consisting of compositions by Sammy Pizzata and Nunzio Mondia in different styles from around the world. You are invited to listen to the sample sounds at the website at Catalog: waccproject |
CD Reviews |
Naoko Takeuchi (harmonica) and Andreas Nebl (accordion)by Alessandro Mugnoz |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Kanon CD by Naoko Takeuchi (harmonica) and Andreas Nebl (accordion), in English and Italian languages, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. |
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