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Highlights |
10th Star Ways Accordion Competition Kragujevac - Serbiaby Rob Howard |
The 10th Star Ways Accordion Competition for young accordionists takes place in, Kragujevac, Serbia, April 18th to 21st. The Director of the competition is Prof. Radomir Tomic (picture left). The competition includes age categories for: - piano accordion with standard bass; - button accordion with standard bass; - all types of accordion with free bass; - and for contestants born 1997 and older, the categories are for all types of accordion. There are 2,000 Euro of prizes and entries must be posted by 20th March. Download the complete rules and regulations and entry form at: 2013StarWays For further information email: ad_libitum_kg@hotmail.com |
Ksenija Sidorova wins ‘Great Music Award’, Riga - Latviaby Rob Howard |
Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova received the prestigious ‘Great Music Award’ for an outstanding performance of ‘Prophecy’, by Erki Svena Tira, on Tuesday February 19th at the Great Guild Hall, Riga. The ‘Great Music Award’ is the highest state honour in Latvia, presented annually by the Minister of Culture. Each recipient receives a silver statuette and a cash prize of 1,000 latu. |
‘Big Squeeze’ Accordion Contest Auditions, Houston – USAby Rob Howard |
Two videos above, of highlights from the 2011 Semifinals. Texas Folklife announces its 7th annual ‘Big Squeeze’ accordion contest for up-and-coming Texas musicians, 21 years of age or younger. The non-profit organization endeavors to preserve and promote Texas’s diverse cultural heritage, and is looking for players in any genre of accordion-based music, including Zydeco, Cajun, German, Czech and Polish polka, Tejano, Conjunto, and Norteño, as well as other genres. - The first 2013 ‘Big Squeeze’ audition takes place at Talento Bilingüe, Houston, on February 23rd, 3.30pm, and will include accordion jams with accordionists Johnny Ramirez and Tina Vega, and Houstonian of Promesa Mortal, a young, energetic Houston-based family band. - On February 24th, also 3.30pm, the next audition is at The Big Easy Social Club in Houston, Zydeco squeezeboxers will lead the accordion jam to follow the auditions - former ‘Big Squeeze’ champ Keyun Dickson and finalist Ruben Paul Moreno. The Big Easy will host the National Zydeco Foundation’s Accordion Jam at 8:00 p.m., open to accordionists 21 years and older. - Edinburg: Saturday, March 2 University of Texas Pan American, Student Union - Corpus Christi: Sunday, March 3 Hacienda Records & Recording Studio - San Antonio: Friday, March 8 Gallista Gallery sponsored by Conjunto Heritage Taller - The ‘Big Squeeze’ returns to the Houston area on March 23rd for an audition in Tomball at the German Heritage Festival on the Bluegrass stage. - Dallas: Sunday, March 24th Latino Cultural Center sponsored by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs - Los Fresnos: Saturday, March 30 Los Fresnos High School Download the complete contest rules at: 2013Squeeze The Semifinals will be hosted in Austin on April 20th at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Finals are held along with the 24th annual Accordion Kings & Queens Festival on June 1st at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. The ‘Big Squeeze’ 2013 Grand Prize Winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $4,000, including a cash prize, a brand new Hohner accordion, performance opportunities in Austin and Houston, publicity, professional development, and other professional opportunities. For further information email Cristina Balli, Program Director: cballi@texasfolklife.org |
José Valadez Recitals, Monterrey – Méxicoby Rob Howard |
Leading Mexican concert accordionist José Valadez performs two recitals during March, as follows: March 14th, 8pm - recital at ‘Chorus Educación Musical’, Puerto México 240, Col. Valle de las Brisas, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. The program includes music by Rossini, Offenbach, Schubert, Lecuona. and others. Admission $5. All proceeds will be donated to Luis Alejandro Flores Gracián, a boy who is in a struggle against leukemia. March 20th, 8pm - Accordion and String Orchestra, at the Teatro del Centro de las Artes, Parque Fundidora, Monterrey, N.L. José Valadez will be accompanied by the Orquesta Intermedia de la Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey, and the program includes ‘The Italian Girl in Algiers’ – Rossini, ‘Carnival of Venice’ – Frosini, ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ – Offenbach, - ‘Concerto No. 7 BWV 1058’ - JS Bach, - Concerto No. 13 ‘The Cuckoo and the Nightngale’ – Handel, and ‘Concerto Armonico’ - R. Caberlotto. Admission is free For further information email: joseavaladez@prodigy.net.mx |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Brave Combo with Dallas Wind Symphony, ‘Mollie B. Polka Party’ Taping – USAby Rob Howard |
Brave Combo, performing the Polish polka, "Tattletale," as a twist, in concert with The Dallas Wind Symphony, Texas on Fat Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Brave Combo will be playing next for a 8pm set for the ‘Mollie B. Polka Party’ taping at the Sokol Hall, Ennis, Texas, 1pm until 9pm, on Saturday February 23rd. Also performing are Polka Nuts (Colorado), SqueezeBox with Jim Busta (Minnesota), Texas Dutchmen, The Bohemian Knights (Oklahoma), Jodie Mikula Orchestra (Texas), and the Ennis Czech Boys (Texas). |
63rd San Remo Music Festival, Liguria – Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The 63rd San Remo Music Festival, organized by Fabio Fazio and Luciana Littizzetto, was held from February 12th to 16th. This festival is Italy’s most-watched non-sports television broadcast, covered for five days by the state broadcaster RAI. The winner this year was Marco Mengoni with his song ‘L’essenziale’ (he is also an ex-winner of an X-Factor edition in Italy). But also this year the accordion took part on stage in the music of Simone Cristicchi with his song ‘La prima volt ache sono morto’. Pictures above including accordion player. |
Video: Nemanja Drazic Performs Franck Angelis Work Intérieur - Serbiaby Harley Jones |
This video was released on 14th February, from a concert filmed 14th July 2012. Nemanja Drazic Performs Franck Angelis work Intérieur |
'Play Your Accordion Without Pain', New Chapter Released - USAby Harley Jones |
This is an ebook (able to be emailed to you, Acrobat pdf format). John Bonica PT CMP NZRP has released the 3rd Chapter of his book 'Play Your Accordion Without Pain'. The chapter is titled: 'Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms'. This exciting ebook is being published chapter by chapter, at least one chapter per month. Released to date is: Introduction Chapter 1 - An Overview Chapter 2 - Learning to Read Your Body’s Signals Chapter 3 - Neck and Neck-Related Symptoms There will be a minimum of 24 chapters. As a special introductory offer, you can purchase the whole book for US$22 (or Euro equivalent) and be sent each chapter by email as it is released. Further information at: John Bonica |
Video: REVAPO the 1st Roland V Accordion Orchestra Performs - Germanyby Harley Jones |
REVAPO led by Walter Bigler is the 1st Roland V Accordion Orchestra and they perform Final Countdown! |
Dorothy Lukins Passes Away, Buckinghamshire – UKby Rob Howard |
Long serving accordion and dance teacher Dorothy Lukins passed away on Friday February 15th 2013 in Iver, Buckinghamshire. She was in her late 80s. The widow of Martin Lukins, one of Britain’s most exciting post-war accordionists and successful teachers, Dorothy was a highly accomplished accordion teacher and band musical director in her own right, and for decades her bands and pupils won many prizes in NAO regional and national competitions. Dorothy is pictured left with popular accordionist Gary Blair. Dorothy was the mother of accordionists David and Sandra Lukins, mother-in-law of Angie, and grandmother of Andrew. |
Video: Alexander Skliarov Performs Valse by Shenderevby Harley Jones |
Alexander Skliarov Performs Valse by Shenderev |
Marco Lo Russo New CD ‘Modern Accordion’, Rome – Italyby Rob Howard |
Italian accordionist Marco Lo Russo has just released a new CD, ‘Modern Accordion’, available via his website. The style is ethnic jazz, and the 17 self-composed tracks include Moments in Life, Taksim Accordion, Solemn Promises, Big Fun, Dernière Valse, Flamentango, Bajo La Piel, Eastern Fiesta, Dreamers, Moon Over Catamarca, Luces De La Ciudad, Deep Tango, Obscurity, Pulsaciones, Evoluciones, Morning Star, Punjab Tango. For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
Video: Roland 2007 1st V-Accordion Festival Video - Italyby Harley Jones |
Roland have provided full video of the 1st V-Accordion International Festival which was held in Italy, 9th and 10th October 2007. You can see the video on this news page or see larges sized video plus full photo report at: 2007 Rome Festival (10th October) Video 1: Finals, Contestants 1 to 4 Video 2: Finals, Contestants 5 to 7 (includes 1st, 2nd and 3rd winning performances) Video 3: Concert Video 4: Results and Presentation Video 5: Interviews, filming around the event, performances from the earlier rounds of the competition. Full photo report at: 2007 Rome Festival |
‘14 Years Ago’ – There’s always the unexpected!by Rob Howard |
The Accordions Worldwide Weekly News for the week ending February 26th 1999 included an item from Gary Blair about a dance he played where the electricity supply went off, and the gig was done acoustically and by candlelight. Most musicians have memories of unusual incidents at their gigs, and this is the sort of incident not likely to be forgotten. CANDLELIGHT CEILIDH - SCOTLAND The Gary Blair Ceilidh Band had a rather unusual gig last week when they were booked to perform at a Ceilidh in Cardross. Upon arriving at the venue, they found that there had been a power cut. Fortunately there was an ample supply of gas lighting and candles and since the event was for the Scout movement, it seemed only fitting for the concert to proceed although the band had to perform without amplification. They were relieved that the power was restored during the interval! Despite this setback, a wonderful night was had by all. |
Future events |
‘Accordion Hospital’, Castelfidardo – Italyby Elke Ahrenholz |
‘Accordion Hospital’ is a daily special 2 hour workshop about accordion repairs and maintenance that will be held during 'The World of Accordion' Festival, in Castelfidardo, Ancona, Italy. The festival runs from June 29th to July 7th 2013. For further information visit the website of the 'The World of Accordion' Festival or email: the.world.of.accordion@gmail.com |
MMSF Royal Festival Hall recital: Martynas Levickis, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Martynas Levickis performs a recital at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Sunday February 24th, 6pm. His program, also involving violinist Abraham McWilliams, includes: ‘Pastorale in E major, Op. 19’ – Franck; ‘Sonata No. 1’ - Efrem Podgaits; ‘Fantasia and fugue in A minor BWV 561’ – JS Bach; ‘Hungarian Dance No. 5’ (arr. for accordion and violin) – Brahms; ‘Jewish Folk-Tunes on the Theme of Hava Nagila’ (arr. for accordion and violin) – traditional. The accordion recital is followed at 7.30pm by a concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy, and the program includes: ‘Quatre chansons françaises’ – Britten, ‘Piano Concerto No. 21, K467’ – Mozart, and ‘Symphony No. 4’ – Mahler. The evening is in aid of the Martin Musical Scholarship Fund. For further information email: K.INGRAM@ram.ac.uk |
Tony Compton, Barry Smith @ Harlow Accordion Club, Essex – UKby Rob Howard |
On Thursday February 28th, 7.30pm, accordionists Tony Compton and Barry Smith are the joint guests at Harlow Accordion Club. The Harlow Accordion Club Band (MD Jean Hanger) - will also perform. Harlow AC is based at The Links Social Club, Parsloe Rd, Essex CM19 4RT. For further information email: jeanhanger@ntlworld.com |
Accordion Classes at Hohner Conservatory, Trossingen – Germanyby Rob Howard |
Forthcoming accordion classes at the Hohner Conservatory, Trossingen, include: March 10th, 9am to 4.30pm – large group lessons, taught by Sabine Kölz March 16th, 10am to 12.30pm, 2pm to 5pm – Cajun music workshops, taught by Matthias Philipzen For further information email: info@hohner-konservatorium.de |
39th NAAFC Annual Festival, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
The 39th National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs annual festival is takes place on Saturday March 2nd, starting at 9am. This is held at the Inchyra Grange Hotel, Polmont FK2 0YB, Scotland. This year’s Composer for Open Accordion Championship - Marie Fielding, Composer for Open Fiddle Championship - Ian Powrie, New Section - Accordion Showband. The Band competition includes a Trophy for Junior Band. The adjudicators: Accordion - Liam Stewart, Alexander Lindsay, Gary Donaldson. Fiddle - Claire Telford, Tom Lapsley, Douglas Lawrence. Classical accordion - Wayne Robertson, Djordje Gajic. Rhythm - Scott Gordon. Evening Concert commencing at the conclusion of the Band Competition, with dancing to Tom Orr and his Scottish Dance Band, starting at 9pm. For further information email: lorna.mair@ymail.com |
Sergej Tchirkov Master Class, Venice - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
Russian accordionist Sergej Tchirkov will conduct master classes and perform a concert in Venice, Italy, April 8th to 10th. The event is organized by Pas-E Productions of Art & Sound Ensemble in collaboration with A Plus A, Centro Espositivo Sloveno, Venice. The master class is open to students, instrumentalists and composers of any nationality that can participate as full students or audience members. For soloists there will be 3 individual lessons for each selected full participant; each lesson will last 45 minutes. For duo or chamber music there will be 3 lessons for each selected ensemble, and each lesson will last 45 minutes. On April 8th, 8pm, at the Ateneo Veneto, Aula Magna, Sergej Tchirkov will give a conference open to the general public on the contemporary accordion, in which he will analyze the piece he will play in a concert later the same day. The concert programme will include pieces by Pierluigi Billone, Helmut Oehring, Sergej Newski, Pasi Lyytikäinen and Sehyung Kim. For further information email: masterclass@pas-e.org or info@tchirkov.eu |
Accordion Festival, Zagreb – Croatiaby Rob Howard |
An Accordion Festival takes place at the Ivana Art Studio, Pavilion Zrinjevac, Zagreb, Croatia, from June 11th to 15th, organized by Semir Hasic (pictured left), involving various styles of music and many performers and orchestras. For further information email: semir.sammy.hasic@gmail.com |
Cristina Pato Trio Concert, New Jersey – USAby Rob Howard |
The Cristina Pato Trio perform in concert on February 24th, 5pm, at the Ingalls Recital Hall, City University, New Jersey. Admission is free. With bagpiper, pianist and vocalist Cristina Pato are accordionist Victor Prieto and percussionist John Hadfield. For further information email: victorprieto2001@yahoo.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Mingyuan Ruan releasing new CDby Mingyuan Ruan |
Mingyuan Ruan releasing new CD with eTracks titled 'Chinese Accordion Great Performance', catalog: CAGP400 with sound samples. Music performed by Mingyuan Ruan. Purchase online |
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano releasing CDsby Pearl Fawcett-Adriano |
Pearl Fawcett-Adriano releasing 3 new CD's titled 'The Jewel Of The Accordion', catalog: pearlcd09, 'The Two Great Pietros', catalog: pearlcd10 and 'Les Melodies Continentales', catalog: pearlcd11 with sound samples. Music performed by Pearl Fawcett-Adriano. Purchase online. |
Gary Dahl Music eBooks Now Released - USAby Gary Dahl |
Updated Site: Following on the big success of the Gary Dahl graded specials series of eSheet music (able to be sent to you by email), Gary Dahl has now released three Music eBooks. Cat No: DH01 Collection #1 Latin Spectacular - 10 titles, Besame Mucho, Amapola, Tico Tico, Brazil, Beyond the Sea, El Cumbanchero, Adios Muchachos, Spanish Eyes, A Day in the Life of a Fool, Amour, over 26 pages of high quality arrangements for only US$24.95 or Euro equivalent. |
CD Reviews |
“Wing Span” – Contemporary Danish Accordion Music & Classical Works CD by Adam Ørvadby Alessandro Mugnoz |
CD Reviews Index for the Review of “Wing Span” – Contemporary Danish Accordion Music & Classical Works CD by Adam Ørvad, in Italian language, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. |
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