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Highlights |
International Accordion Festival, Vienna – Austriaby Rob Howard |
The 13th International Accordion Festival, one of the largest accordion festivals, takes place at 15 venues, from jazz club Porgy & Bess to the Film casino, in Vienna from February 25th to March 25th. Artistic Director Friedl Preisl has organised high profile accordionists from around the world to be performing many different types of music in some 40 concerts over the month. Artists at this month long major international festival include diatonic accordionist Riccardo Tesi (Italy), Renato Borghetti (Brazil), Otto Lechner (Austria), Lüül & Band (Germany), Sophie Cavez & Baltazar Montanaro (Belgium), Sterzinger Experience (Austria), Lepistö & Lehti (Finland), Walther Soyka (Austria), the Rosi Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys (USA), and many more. The full concert program can be downloaded: 2012Wien The festival program includes a silent movie matinee with live accordion background music in the Filmcasino and the Magic Afternoon for children. For further information email: friedl.preisl@aon.at |
New Roland FR-1X Release, NAMM 2012 Show - USAby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The 2012 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Los Angeles runs from the 19th to 22nd January. More than 1,500 exhibitors are present including Roland Corporation. Roland have announced at NAMM 2012 the new Roland FR-1X which is the smallest model in the V-Accordion series. This compact, lightweight model adds new features including USB functionality and advanced bellows-pressure circuitry for enhanced sensitivity and precision. With new-generation speakers onboard and an expanded 7-segment/3-character display, the FR-1 (piano and button models available) are very light and have a long battery life. For further information, view the webpage: 2012fr-1x |
49th International Accordion Competition, Klingenthal – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Klingenthal, the music city below the Aschberg, is considered an important center of the German accordion community and every year accordionists and music lovers from many countries come to the International Accordion Competition in Klingenthal. This year’s event takes place from May 8th to 13th. Download the 2012 Rules and Regulations: 2012Kling Categories are: Category I Soloists up to the age of 12 Category II Soloists up to the age of 15 Category III Soloists up to the age of 18 Category IV Soloists of any age Category Va Accordion duos Category Vb Instrumental duos – with one accordion and another instrument Category VI Soloists of any age performing virtuosic light music Category VII Bandoneon soloists of any age Category VIII Instrumental groups with up to six musicians including at least one but no more than two bandoneons. Entry closing date is: 15 March 2012 The International Accordion Competition in Klingenthal every year features performances of the highest levels and for many, the Klingenthal competition is considered as a springboard to international success. For further information, view the Klingenthal International Accordion Competition website. |
National Accordion Association Convention, Dallas – USAby Rob Howard |
This year’s National Accordion Association (NAA) Convention takes place from March 14th to 18th in Dallas, Texas. The event includes concerts, workshops, dancing, demonstrations, and a trade show. The guest entertainers include Gordon Kohl, Dick Albreski, Murl Allen Sanders, and Molly B and the SqueezeBox Band. The concerts include Faltot's Famous ‘Circle of Champions’, an Awards Concert, and a National Polka Party and Dance. NAA Workshops include: Murl Allen Sanders – ‘The Versatile Accordionist Workshop’, ‘Instant Zydeco’, and ‘Orchestra Music’; Betty Jo Simon – ‘Musical Arrangements from Lead Sheets’, ‘Commercializing Your Musical Talents’, and ‘Master Workshop’; Jamie Maschler – ‘Tangos, Comping and Articulations’; Hank Thunander – ‘Polkas Workshop’; Hank Thunander and Nick Ballarini – ‘How to Read Your Audience’ and ‘What is more popular Polka or Jazz?’; Paul Betken – ‘Music Law’; Tatiana Semichasnaya and Chris Gorton – ‘Rolling Along With The Rolands’; Nick Bratkovich – ‘Macedonian folk dance Bitola’; Mario Pedone – ‘Technique Musical’ and ‘Composing and Writing Music using Your Computer’; Dr Ian Blair Fries – ‘Medical School 101 for Accordionists’; Jessica Faltot – ‘Business Relationships’; Gerald Cigler and Paul Betken – ‘Trading Chorus’; Nick Ballarini – ‘Bass Workshop’; Daniel Kott – ‘St Patrick's Day Celebration’; Debra Peters – ‘Swingin’ Blues Accordion Band’; Sheila Lee – ‘Musical Jeopardy Game’; Ian Blair Fries and Sheila Lee – ‘Roland FR7X Accordion Technicalities’; Arlyn Visentin – ‘Your Fifteen Minutes of Fame’. Special message from National Accordion Association (NAA) President and event organizer Norman Seaton (picture right): “Don’t want to fly with your accordion? Not a problem, we have accordions for rent this year”. For further information email: natlaccordion@sbcglobal.net |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Kepa Junkera’s New CD ‘Fandango’, Bilbao – Spainby Rob Howard |
‘Fandango’ is the title of a new CD, released on January 1st 2012 (picture right at release), by leading Spanish Basque accordionist Kepa Junkera and the Melonious Quartet. The CD tracks include ‘Fandango’, ‘Ataun’, ‘Madagaskar’, ‘Huriondo’, ‘Senora Moca’, ‘Santimamineko Fandangoa’, ‘Kokkola’, ‘Nondik Jo Maurizia?’, ‘Uluka’, ‘Bok Espok’, ‘Piti’, ‘Tatihou’, ‘Napoli’, and ‘Jainkoaren Poza’. Kepa Junkera (born 1965 in Bilbao, Euskadi, Spain) is a specialist in Basque folk music, composer, and Grammy Award winner. A master of the trikitixa, the diatonic accordion, he has recorded more than 10 albums. For further information email: support@allcelticmusic.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ – 2012 is the Titanic Centenary Yearby Rob Howard |
After the huge Costa Concordia cruise ship with over 3,500 people on board ran aground on Italy's Giglio Island this week, there has also been many mentions of the Titanic sinking in the news. The chaos of leaving the ship reminded many of the Titanic tragedy. The Accordions Worldwide news for January 16th 1998 included an item written by accordionist Phil Parlapiano, who informed us that he played in the 1997 movie ‘Titanic’, starring Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet. 2012 marks the centenary of the launch of the ill-fated Titanic, built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which sank in the Atlantic on its maiden voyage. ACCORDIONIST PERFORMS IN MOVIE "THE TITANIC" Contributed by Phil Parlapiano Phil Parlapiano performs in the hit movie ‘The Titanic’ as a Greek accordionist that jams with an Irish band. The scene comes about an hour into the film, taking place in the third class cabin at a big party where the two main characters fall in love. Phil has travelled the world playing his accordion with well-known stars including: Rod Stewart - played accordion and mandolin on Rod Stewart's 'Unplugged and Seated' CD as well as the MTV special and toured with him 94-95. John Prine - played accordion and B-3 organ on John Prine's newest release 'Live on Tour' and have played on his last 4 records. Bonnie Raitt - toured with Bonnie Raitt and John Prine Jon Bon Jovi - played on a track ‘Miracle’ from the 'Young Guns' record. |
Future events |
Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow – UKby Rob Howard |
Photo above: Mary Ann Kennedy (BBC) interviews Festival Director Donald Shaw. ‘Celtic Connections’ takes place at various venues in Glasgow, Scotland, from January 19th to February 5th. This annual festival involves large numbers of musicians and about 300 concerts, dances, late night sessions, workshops, and other events. The event showcases Scottish and international folk music, roots and world music artistes. The Artistic Director is Donald Shaw (picture left), accordionist and keyboard player with the band Capercaillie. The festival involves numerous accordionists and accordion-based bands, including Cherish the Ladies, The Occasionals, Fergie MacDonald, Alan Shute, Le Vent du Nord, Mairtin O’Connor, Andy Cutting, Cullivoe Ceilidh Band, Four Men and a Dog, Black Rose Ceilidh Band, Alan Kelly, and more. The Celtic Connections website contains full itemized details of all performers and events. |
Sergej Tchirkov Concert, St Petersburg – Russiaby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Sergej Tchirkov (picture right) joined by viola player Marina Kuperman will perform chamber music concert at the Rimsky-Korsakov Museum, St Petersburg, on January 22nd. Performed on contemporary instruments, the concert nevertheless places particular emphasis on the Historically Informed Performance (H.I.P.) of baroque music based on research and performance history. The program will feature ‘Passacaglia’, by H.I.F. Biber, Concerto for keyboard (after A. Vivaldi) by J.S. Bach, Concerto for keyboard (after G.F. Telemann) by J.S. Bach, Two sonatas for viola da gamba and keyboard (?1 ,? 3) by J.S. Bach, and ‘Fratres’, by A. Pärt. A new work ‘Deystviya’ for accordion and string quartet by well known Italian composer Ivan Fedele was premiered by Sergej Tchirkov (accordion) and Studio for New Music string quartet at the Moscow Forum contemporary music festival on December 14th. Ivan Fedele (b. 1953), one of the most important names in the world of new music, is also engaged in an intense academic activity, which has involved his collaboration with important institutions, such as Harvard University, University of Barcelona, Sorbonne and IRCAM in Paris, Sibelius Academy of Helsinki, Chopin Academy of Warsaw, Centre Acanthes in Avignon, CNSM in Lyon, and CNR of Strasbourg, as well as Italian conservatories, namely Milan, Bologna and Turin. In 2000 he has been awarded the title of ‘Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ by the French Ministry of Culture. He is Accademico Effettivo and since 2007 he has been teacher of the specialization course in composition at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. For further information email: tchirkov@inkin.de |
Mie Miki in Concert, Trossingen – Germanyby Rob Howard |
Japanese-born accordionist Mie Miki is in concert at the Kulturfabrik Kesselhaus, Trossingen, on Wednesday April 11th, 8pm until 11pm. Mie Miki made her first radio broadcast in Japan at the age of 8, and at 16 was studying classsical accordion at the Hohner Conservatory in Trossingen, Germany. Today she is a visiting Professor at several universities in Germany and China, and a concert artist of international renown. For further information email: info@hohner-konservatorium.de |
Vincent Lhermet Concert, SibaFest 2012 Festival, Helsinki – Finlandby Rob Howard |
On February 2nd, 7pm, French accordionist Vincent Lhermet performs with a choir and orchestra, conducted by Charles Barbier, at the Helsinki Music Center, Finland. Also featured will be Maria Hostikka (baroque dance), Lauri Kankkunen (cello), and Anssi Koskela (violin). The concert is organized by l'Institut Francais de Finlande and is part of the Festival SibaFest 2012. This concert will be broadcast live by the Finnish Broadcast National Radio (YLE) in memory of the centenary of Jean Francaix's birth (2012). For further information email: lhermet.vincent@gmail.com |
Victor Prieto Trio Concerts – USA, Spainby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Victor Prieto, Jorge Roeder (bass), Kenny Grohowski (drums) perform next week, as follows: January 19th, 9.30pm - Terraza 7 Live Music, Elmhurst, New York January 26th, 9.30pm - Terraza 7 Live Music, Elmhurst, NY January 27th – with Emilio Solla and NY Tango Jazz Project, Falcon Theater, Burbank, California The Victor Prieto Trio will also be on tour in Spain during February, visiting Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Oviedo, and more. With Victor Prieto in Spain will be Edward Perez (bass), and Eric Doob (drums). Performances announced to date include: February 22nd, 10pm - Café Berlín, Madrid February 23rd, 10.30pm - Dado Dadá, Santiago de Compostela February 24th, 12.30am – XancaraJazz, Vigo February 25th – Asturias For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
Ian Watson performs in ‘Wolfgang Rihm at 60’ Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Ian Watson performs with the London Sinfonietta, conducted by Thierry Fischer, on January 24th, 7.30pm, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London. The concert marks the 60th birthday of the composer Wolfgang Rihm. Wolfgang Rihm, born in Germany in 1952, Head of the Institute of Modern Music at the Karlsruhe Conservatory of Music and has been composer in residence at the Lucerne Festival and the Salzburg Festival. For further information email: i.watson99@googlemail.com |
Cory Pesaturo Concert, Missouri – USAby Rob Howard |
Highly accomplished accordionist Cory Pesaturo will be giving 2 performances at the Cyranos Cafe at 7pm and 9 pm on Friday February 17th. The Cyranos Cafe is a club/restaurant situated in Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Cory Pesaturo won the 2009 CIA Coupe Mondiale Digital Accordion Competition and the acoustic TV International Primus Ikaalinen 2011 Accordion Competition. He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was the first musician to major and graduate in the accordion. For further information email: Accordionboy0815@aol.com |
NHAA Annual Kickoff Meeting, New Hampshire – USAby Rob Howard |
The first meeting in 2012 of the New Hampshire Accordion Association (NHAA) takes place on January 21st, 1pm until 4pm, at Accordion Connection, LLC, 136 Route 106, Gilmanton, NH 03257. All are welcome. For further information email: regisdonna@yahoo.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Friedrich Lips CD Website Updatesby Friedrich Lips |
There are now 24 CD's available in the Whole Lips CD Collection catalog: CDPack. Purchase the Complete Friedrich Lips Collection of 24 CD's (value €384), catalog: CDPack for a special price of only €261 or the US$ equivalent plus Special Postage Price €12 within Europe, € 25 anywhere in the world or the US$ equivalent. Great value. For those who want 3 Friedrich Lip CD's there is also an special. Your Choice of Any 3 Lips CD's (normal price €48), catalog: CD3Packs for a special price of only €39 plus special price for postage €4 within Europe, €6 rest of world. More excellent value. For those who want 6 Friedrich Lip CD's there is also a special. Your Choice of Any 6 Lips CD's (normal price €96) catalog: CD6Packs for a special price of only €75 plus special price for postage €7 within Europe, €15 rest of world. Don't miss these value specials. |
Franco Cambareri releases new compositionby Franco Cambareri |
Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 2 new composition for accordion available for purchase nline. 'Adios Alegria', catalog:cfranco146 and 'Ole' Amigos', catalog:cfranco147. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Drazan Kosoric - accordionist, composer, professor releases new worksby Drazan Kosoric |
Drazan Kosoric - accordionist, composer, professor, releases 5 advanced level new works for accordion available for purchase online. ''Prelude And Basso Ostinato', catalog:dkosoric101, 'Suite ', catalog:dkosoric102, 'Toccata ', catalog:dkosoric103, 'Drops', catalog:dkosoric104 and 'Epitaph ', catalog:dkosoric105. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Orchestra Lad Updated Website - Belarusby Orchestra Lad (Belarus) |
Orchestra Lad (Belarus) for talented youth with artistic director and conductor Galina Anikeeva, winner of the Belarus Special Presidential Fund has an updated website. |
Gary Dahl updated musicby Gary Dahl |
Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated music titles for purchase on-line. 'Tea for Two (Virtuoso Grade)', catalog:DH0101 and 'Lover', catalog:DH0157. Samples for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Paul Chamberlain selling his new CDby Paul Chamberlain |
Paul Chamberlain selling his CD titled 'Classical Accordion', catalog: cpaulCD201 with sound samples. Music performed by Paul Chamberlain. Purchase online. |
Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer releases three new compositionsby Karen Fremar |
Karen Fremar - accordionist, composer, releases 3 new compositions for accordion, available for purchase online. ''That's The Limit', catalog:kfremar305, 'Vast Mountain', catalog:kfremar306 and 'Whatever You Do', catalog:kfremar307. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Christine Johnson Updated Website - New Zealandby Christine Adams |
Christine Johnson (formerly Christine Adams), CIA Merit Award winner and former editor of the accordions.com Weekly News has an updated website. |
Updated eSheet Index Page on MusicForAccordion.com Siteby MusicForAccordion.com |
Updated eSheet Index Page http://www.musicforaccordion.com/search.aspx?t=1 with composers / arrangers being added: Philip Buttall, Alexander Dmitriev, Finnish Accordeon Institute, Karen Fremar, H S Productions, Amy Jennings, Drazan Kosoric, NAA Publications, Rebecca Oliver, Evelyn Tiffany-Castiglioni, Peter Wilk and Zevy Zions. |
CD Reviews |
Accordéon liturgique CD by Philippe Borecekby Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Accordéon liturgique CD, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. Artist is Philippe Borecek. |
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