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Highlights |
Friedrich Lips Concert Performance, Minsk – Belarusby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
On February 13th Friedrich Lips performed a concert with the State Chamber Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus (Yevgeny Bushkov, conductor) in the Belorussian State Philharmonic in Minsk. The program included Wojciech Kilar’s ‘Orava’ for string orchestra and Giya Kancheli’s ‘Capote’ for bayan, drums, bass guitar and string orchestra (Belorussian premiere) in the first part and Konstantin Yaskov’s ‘Hymn to Aphrodite’ for bayan and strings (world premiere, especially composed for this concert), and Ephraim Podgaits’ ‘Viva voce’ for bayan and chamber orchestra after the break. After standing ovations, two tangos by Piazzolla were performed as encores. Upcoming events of Friedrich Lips include: March 15th – All-Russian Day of bayan, accordion and harmonica in Moscow March 21st - solo concert in Breno, Italy March 22nd to 29th - head of jury at the competition ‘Spring Voices’ in Moscow April 30th to May 5th - adjudicator at ‘Acco-Holiday’ in Kiev, Ukraine July 14th to 18th - workshop at ‘Musikforum Viktring’, Austria For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at 26 CD's and eTracks albums available online at: Friedrich Lips |
Bayan Mix at Winter Olympics Opening Reception, Sochi – Russiaby Rob Howard |
Video: Kfar Kama's Circassian Music Band. Bayan Mix duo Sergey Voytenko and Valery Semin were performing at the reception for the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The event was attended by President Vladimir Putin, who was impressed by the playing of the guest accordionists. Picture of President Putin and Bayan Mix above. The Winter Olympics, a major multi-sport international event, runs from February 7th to 23rd. Sochi is considered the traditional capital city for the Circassian people, a North Caucasus ethnic group that has been largely displaced from the area since the late 1800s after the Russian-Circassian war. Circassian music is folksy and rousing, relying heavily on the accordion, flute and rudimentary percussive instruments. Kfar Kama's Circassian Music Band is one of the Circassian folk music bands that has been performing at Sochi. In the video above, they are performing Circassian folk music. |
Valery Kovtun and Mirco Patarini in Kremlin Theatre, Moscow – Russiaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
On February 7th in the Kremlin Palace of Moscow, was a concert featuring the well-known Russian piano-accordion player Valery Kovtun (picture left, video above), which drew an audience of 6,000. Since 17 years of age Kovtun has been playing solo concerts with the accompaniment of the best symphony orchestras and ensembles. The organizers were very proud to invite Mirco Patarini, concert artist and President of Scandalli, Italy, as a special guest. He delighted the audience by playing ‘Polka’ by Pietro Frosini and Paganini's ‘Caprice No 24’ with special accordion variations. Picture above of Valery Kovtun, Mirco Patarini and Alexander Selivanov. Other piano accordion guests were Alexander Kolomiytsev (Coupe Mondiale and Trophee Mondiale 2013 champion, picture right) from St Petersburg, Nikita Vlasov (Acco-Holiday 2013 winner) from Nizhni Novgorod, and Elisaveta Keizerova, from Minsk Belarus. |
NAO Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championships, Carrickfergus – UKby Rob Howard |
On Saturday February 22nd Carrickfergus, Antrim, once again plays host to Northern Ireland’s largest accordion festival. The 17th annual NAO Northern Ireland Open Accordion Championships, organized by local teacher Clyde Johnston, has attracted a record 215 entries with competitors from as far afield as England, Scotland and the Irish Republic, as well as a strong local entry. Entries were usually in the region of 140-150 but since moving the Championships to Carrickfergus 4 years ago, entries have steadily increased. Last year there was a record 210 entries and this has now been surpassed. The event promises to be a real feast of accordion music with three halls in use all day. Catering for all types of accordion music there will be solo, duet, group, orchestral, and marching band sections for all ages and grades, ranging in styles from classical and continental to traditional. The venue for this accordion feast is the Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus, starting at 9am and running to 5pm, with the prize presentation taking place later that night at the 'Gala Dance' in the Hotel. Daytime admission is free. This festival is qualifier for the National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom Championships, which take place at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, April 25th to 27th (poster left). Also, there is an NAO festival on the 22nd February in Paisley Scotland organized by Brian Laurie and the next day, the NAO Festival in North West England, Manchester, organized by Marika Pronyszyn. These will be reported in next weeks news. For further information about NAO Northern Ireland, email: clyde.johnston@hotmail.co.uk |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Ivano Battiston (accordion) and David Bellugi (recorder) - Italyby Harley Jones |
Ivano Battiston (accordion) and David Bellugi (recorder) perform Sonata in A major, BWV 1032 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Three movements, Vivace, Largo e dolce, Allegro. The video was published on Feb 14, 2014 This was a live performance at the Chiesa di S. Lorenzo a Vicchio, Via Vicchio e Paterno - Bagno a Ripoli, Florence, on Oct. 11, 2013. Both performers are tutors at the "Luigi Cherubini" Conservatorio di Musica. |
Video: TNT Trio Featuring Tracey Collins (accordion) Perform Casa Del Tango - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
TNT Trio of Tracey Collins (digital accordion) Tamara Djordjevic (electric cello) and Yoomia Sim (electric violin) recently released the video "Casa Del Tango" that was filmed at the Auckland restaurant Besos Latinos Restaurante where they regularly perform. This video grabbed top spot for the 20th January World Music Video Chart on websiite beat100.com Below are excerpts from an article published by the New Zealand music guide MusicNation.co.nz TNT is an Auckland (New Zealand) based professional female trio that was formed in 2011 to bring a fresh sound and dimension to the music scene worldwide. Following the international phenomenon and success of classical crossover female string quartets and trios that launched over the last decade, TNT’s originality, instrument choice, sound, compositions and presentation style is unique. The combination of electric violin / electric cello / and electric digital accordion creates a new dimension and pushes once again the boundaries, ensuring that these glamorous and provocative young women stand out from what has gone before. TNT creates original compositions that take a mix of modern genres fused with world music and the group is working closely with the music producer Mark Watson (Australia) who brings his skills to TNT’s sound and arrangements. |
Video: Viatcheslav Semionov Performs French Ballad - Russiaby Harley Jones |
French Ballad, Novikov arranged by Semionov, Published on Feb 12, 2014. Viatcheslav Semionov, People's Artist of Russia, composer, professor of RAM, Gnessin, Moscow. Video by Prota Video, Anatoly Morozov which has over 160 videos online. https://www.youtube.com/user/protaVideo/videos 6 CDs available online at: Viatcheslav Semionov |
Michael Garvin and The Ardmhor Ceilidh Band CD ‘The Day After Tomorrow’by Rob Howard |
‘The Day After Tomorrow’ is the debut CD by Michael Garvin and The Ardmhor Ceilidh Band, featuring 13 tracks of mainly Scottish dance music. The Gay Gordons: Da Guisers March/The Shores of Loch Bee/The Maids of Kintail; Irish Jigs: Gallopin' O'Hagans/Paddy's Leather Breeches/Welcome to Cork/The Humours of Castle Comer; Pipe Reels: The Brolum/The Traditional Reel/The Gugahunter; Hector The Hero: Hector The Hero/Torosay Castle/Kintore Castle/Wing Commander/Donald Mackenzie; Continental Waltz: Zingarella; 2/4 Marches: Alan C Beaton of Tobermory/Bobby MacLeod of Tobermory; Slow Air: Lord Lovat's Lament; 6/8 Marches: Tug Argan Gap/The Sweet Maid of Mull; Craic at Clashmore Hall: Craic at Clashmore Hall/Thoughts of Bobby MacLeod/Captain Lachlan/MacPhail of Tiree; Gaelic Waltzes: Cronan Carsaig/Oran Na Maighdeann Mhara; Dean Cadalan Samhach/Baba Mo Leanabh Beag; Highland Scottische: Brochan Lom/The Mull Fair/Far Am bi Mi Fhin/Roddy's Drum/Devil in the Kitchen; Pipe Jigs: The Jig Runrig/Simon Thoumire's Jig/The Famous Baravan/Dr Flora MacAuley; The Reel Beatrice: The Reel Beatrice/American Reel/Punch in the Dark/MacDougals Reel Michael Garvin has been playing the accordion from the age of 8, was taught in Glasgow by Jimmy Blair, and played in the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra in NAO competitions all over Britain and abroad. Annual holidays to the island of Barra gave Michael the opportunity to play at ceilidhs where he acquired a ‘West Coast’ style of playing, leading to winning the accordion competition at the National Mod in Inverness. Michael Garvin and the Ardmhor Ceilidh Band have performed in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Egypt, Jersey, Sweden, Spain and Russia. The band line up is Michael Garvin (accordion), Joanie Garvin (fiddle), Colin Garvin (accordion, piano), and Fraser MacInnes (drums). For further information email: info@musicscotland.com |
Video: Yuri Shishkin Performs Sonata No. 3 by Semionov, Moscow - Russiaby Harley Jones |
Yuri Shishkin, Honored Artist of Russia, performing the newly composed Sonata No. 3 by Viatcheslav Semionov at the 'Bayan and Bayanists Festival', Moscow. Concert on 11th December 2013 at Genessin Institute, Moscow. Published on January 19th, 2014.Video by Prota Video, Anatoly Morozov which has over 160 videos online. https://www.youtube.com/user/protaVideo/videos 6 CD's and eTracks albums available online at: Yuri Shishkin |
Video: ‘The Band Plays On…’ Weaver Valley Accordion Band, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
A short video, ‘The band plays on…’, takes a look at the activities and members of the Cheshire-based Weaver Valley Accordion Band. Founded in 1982 by MD Ken Farran, the WVAB has performed regularly in concerts and NAO and other contests, and has performed in Germany and the Netherlands. The WVAB has a broad repertoire, and has recorded three CDs. Ken Farran, a well-known accordion teacher and adjudicator is a Vice President of the National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO), and a member of the Governing Council and the Teachers Advisory Council of the British College of Accordionists. In 2000 he was given an Award of Merit from the NAO for his services to the accordion, and in Ken travelled to Italy for the 2012 65th CIA Coupe Mondiale where he received the prestigious ‘Honored Friend of the Accordion’ award (picture left with his wife Wendy Farran) in appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the accordion movement. For further information email: WVAB@outlook.com |
Video: Harri Kuusijärvi Performs at the Helsinki Music Centre - Finlandby Rita Davidson Barnea |
Published on Nov 16, 2013, Finnish accordionist Harri Kuusijärvi Performing at the Helsinki Music Centre, Camerata Hall, November 13th 2013. |
Video: Alexander Poeluev Performs "Libertango", R. Molinelli Conducting - Russiaby Harley Jones |
"Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, solo accordionist Alexander Poeluev wih the Rostov Academic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Roberto Molinelli (Italy). Published on Feb 15, 2014. CD and eTrack album available online at: Alexander Poeluev |
Video: Troilo Compositor "Quejas de Bandoneón" - Argentinaby Harley Jones |
Filmed at the Festival y Mundia Tango Buenos Aires, 17th August 2013. Players: Santiago Polimeni, Leandro Pane, Daniel Ruggiero, Carlos Corrales, Alejandro Bruschini, Pablo Mainetti, Lautaro Greco, Mariano Cigna, Federico Pereiro, Renato Ventuni, Yuki Okumura, Alejandro Guerschberg. |
Video: Karène Neuville First TV Appearance - Franceby Harley Jones |
TV host Michel Pruvot introduces Karène Neuville, 12 years, for her first TV appearance. Published on Jan 21, 2014. |
‘14 Years Ago’: Myron Floren still performing in 2000by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide news for the week ending February 25th 2000 included dates for some concerts by Myron Floren, by then a veteran accordionist. Myron Floren (1919-2005), an American of Norwegian descent, was best known as the accordion soloist with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, from 1950 to 1982. Throughout most of these years Floren was seen playing on the weekly ‘Lawrence Welk Show’ on TV, which made him a household name. He also ran the Myron Floren Orchestra and did many solo concerts and recordings. Floren's autobiography ‘Accordion Man’ was published in 1981. In 1992 the Confédération International des Accordéonistes awarded Myron Floren their Merit Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the international accordion movement. Myron Floren on the Road Again – USA Contributed by Faithe Deffner, Ernest Deffner Publications The indomitable Myron Floren will perform in Hildago, Texas on March 4th and 5th with the Dean Conti Band. A week later, he will play with Warren Bill's Band in Deland and Orlando, Florida, followed by a stint at Cypress Gardens on March 11th and 12th, and in Daytona on March 14th. He is booked in California and Indiana during April and May and will appear at the Welk Resort in Branson, Missouri from May 30th to June 3rd. |
Future events |
Pierpaolo Petta Concert, Palermo – Italyby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Pierpaolo Petta performs music from his new CD in a concert at the Atelier Forme d’Arte, via Goethe n28, Palermo, on Saturday February 22nd, 7pm. The concert will be preceded by a jam session for all musicians from 5.30pm. On February 26th Pierpaolo Petta leads an accordion workshop at iiriti, Lake Garda. |
Chères et chers collègues et ami(e)s,by Harley Jones |
J'ai le plaisir de vous convier au concert des "Avant-Scènes" ce samedi 22 février à 20h, à la Cité de la Musique. Je serai accompagnée de l'Orchestre des Lauréats du Conservatoire de Paris (dirigé par Philippe Aïche) dans le Concerto pour Accordéon de Arne Nordheim. Des oeuvres de Haydn (François Robin au violoncelle), Bartok (Manuel Vioque-Judde à l'alto) et Beethoven sont également au programme. L'entrée est gratuite! En espérant vous voir nombreux et avoir le plaisir d'échanger quelques mots avec vous après le concert, Fanny A Propos de Spur : Le concerto « Spur » symbolise à lui seul la conquête de nouveaux territoires sonores pour l'accordéon. Cette œuvre emblématique, créée le 06 Septembre 1975 à Baden-baden par Mogens Ellegaard et le SWR Sinfonieorchester est le fruit de la collaboration du soliste avec Arne Nordheim (1931-2010), chef de file de l'avant-garde scandinave. Dans cette œuvre profondément influencée par la musique électronique française, Nordheim élargit la stéorophonie de l'instrument soliste à l'orchestre, donnant une nouvelle dimension spatiale au son. Le titre polysémique souligne les interactions entre société et individu, qui trouvent un écho dans le choix de la forme historique du concerto. Cette même idée se retrouve sur le plan technique : les «empreintes » laissées par le soliste suscitent la texture orchestrale, qui à son tour influence l'écriture de l'accordéon. Arne Nordheim interroge ici le « processus par lequel la créativité individuelle est absorbée pour devenir un bien commun, laissant derrière lui des empreintes et des panneaux indicateurs dans la culture ». |
‘The Day of the Accordion’, Washington – USAby Rob Howard |
‘The Day of the Accordion’ takes place on Saturday February 22nd, 11.30am, at Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N E Eighth Street, Bellevue, Washington 98008. The day includes: 11.30-12.15pm Charlie Brown 12.25-1pm Folk Voice Due 1.15 – 1.50pm Ken Olendorf Tribute Band 2.05-2.35pm Kory Tideman & Friends 2.45-3.25 NWAS Members Showcase 3.40-4.25pm Northwest Accordionaires Band 4.40-5.20 - Laura Gardener with Phoenix Underground 5.35-6.25pm Smilin' Scandinavians 6.45-7.45 Bonnie Birch Trio w/Fortissimo! 8-9pm Lyle Schaefer Band |
Angelique Angelique plays for dancing, Pays – Franceby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Angelique Angelique and her band play for dancing on Sunday February 23rd, 2.30pm, at Dancing O’Miroir, Rue des Saules, 72160 Thorigne-Sur-Due, Pays, De La Loire, France. |
Nenad Ljubenović and Symphony Orchestra Concerts – Cyprusby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Accordionist Nenad Ljubenovic performs three concerts this month with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alkis Baltas. The concerts are supported by the Rialto Theatre of Limassol, and the Municipality of Larnaka. The details are: February 26th, 8.30pm - Rialto Theatre, Limassol February 27th, 8.30pm - Larnaka Municipal Theatre February 28th, 8.30pm - Pallas Theatre, Paphos Gate, Nicosia The concert programme includes: R. Schumann – ‘Carnival, op. 9’ (orch.: M. Ravel) L. Delibes – ‘Pas des fleurs’ (orch.: V. Stylianou) Sp. Samaras – ‘Chitarrata’ (orch.: A. Baltas) L. Anderson – ‘Blue Tango’ (orch.: V. Stylianou) H. Salgan – ‘A fuego lento’ J. D’ Arienzo – ‘Este es el rey’ O. Pugliese – ‘La Yumba’ D. Milhaud – ‘Le bœuf sur le toit, op. 58’ A. Troilo – ‘Sur’ A. Piazzola – ‘Preparense’, ‘Chau Paris’, ‘S.V.P.’, ‘Plus Ultra’ For further information email: info@cyso.org.cy |
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano Concert, Cheshire - UKby Rob Howard |
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano is the guest at Stockport Organ & Keyboard Club on Thursday February 27th, 8pm. The venue is Hazel Grove Bowling & Tennis Club, Douglas Rd, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4JG. Pearl, a former CMA Junior and Senior World Champion and President of the Stockport Accordion Club, is a great favourite at Stockport Organ & Keyboard Club. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
‘The Magic of Tango’ Concert, Kifissia – Greeceby Harley Jones |
‘The Magic of Tango’ is a concert of tango and Greek traditional music, performed by accordionist Zoe Tiganouria with pianist Spiro Moschopoulou, on Saturday March 1st, 8.30pm, at Artspace Art ‘Galerie Filmmakers’, Olives 1A (Entrance from Chelidonous 28), Nea Kifissia, Greece. Admission: 10 Euro. For further information email: info@zoe-music.net |
Gjovalin Nonaj Concert, Brussels – Belgiumby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The Brussels-based Albanian accordionist Gjovalin Nonaj in duet with guitarist Kelmend perform a programme of Balkan and European music in concert on Sunday March 2nd, 3pm, at the Centre Européen de Médiation (CEM), 119 rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies, Brussels. For further information email: Gjovalin_nonaj@hotmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Renzo Ruggieri Publishes Virtuoso Entertainment Composition - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
catalog: rrenzo504, 'Carnevale' Carnevale by Renzo Ruggieri can now be purchased online. This virtuoso entertainment composition by Renzo Ruggieri is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Renzo Ruggieri Release a New CD and eTracks Album - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
Renzo Ruggier releases a new CD and eTracks album titled catalog: rruggieri10, 'Inni D'Italia' with sound samples. Music performed by Renzo Ruggieri. Purchase online. |
Renzo Ruggieri Releases New Solo Virtuoso Arrangement - Italyby Renzo Ruggieri |
catalog: rrenzo503, 'Tango Italiano' This newly available virtuoso solo arrangement by Renzo Ruggieri can now be purchased online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. Video above is Renzo performing the same work with his group. This is NOT the solo arrangement. |
CD Reviews |
Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Airby Joan C. Sommers |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of Johann Sebastian Bach - Volume 2 - The French Suites 4 – 6 Prelude and Fugue in A minor Air CD by Mika Väyrynen, Accordion, in English language, reviewed by Joan C. Sommers. |
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