Sponsors
Books (Text)
eSheet (pdf file)
eTracks sound files
Sponsors
Free Services
Books (Text)
Statistics
Sponsors
Highlights |
The Alexander Brothers Retire, Scotland – UK
Grayson Masefield Concerts and Masterclasses - Switzerland
International Frosini Society Celebrates 10 Years, Stockholm - Sweden
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Mickie Ainsworth (1931-2012), Perth - UK
Accordion Tuition, Istanbul – Turkey
Silly Wizard ‘Live Again’ CD, Scotland – UK
2012, Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration - USA
‘14 Years Ago’ – Mystery of the Symphonetta
Future events |
Panagiotis Andreoglou Recital, Veroia – Greece
Kviv Classic Duo Concert, West Midlands – UK
Mirjana Petercol and Helmuth Vivell Concert, Kassel – Germany
Alex Meixner Concerts – USA, Canada
Roman Jbanov Concert, Auvergne – France
11th National Accordion Festival, Santa Fe – Argentina
Teodoro Anzellotti Master Classes, Atri (TE) – Italy
‘Super Orchestra Day’, Surrey - UK
2013 Wazemmes International Accordion Festival, Lille - France
Courses by CNIMA in Auvergne, July & August - France
New and Updated Sites |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Alexander Dmitriev Now Online – International
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
Viatcheslav Semionov Seminar and Concert, Prague - Czech Republicby Alexander Selivanov |
 On Saturday June 2nd, the seminar of People's Artist of Russia, Prof. Viatcheslav Semionov was held for the first time in the Prague Conservatory. The seminar was attended by teachers from all over the Czech Republic.During the event Viatcheslav Semionov told about the principles of his teaching system and about transcriptions of works of various styles and genres. Everything was illustrated by Semionov with the accordion. The same evening, Viatcheslav Semionov performed a recital in the Concert Hall of Prague Conservatory with a program of his own compositions for accordion, which was enthusiastically enjoyed by the public. Several pieces were played as encores. The organizer of the event is the head of the Accordion Department of the Conservatory, Ladislav Horak (picture below right). The concert and master classes of Viatcheslav Semionov was a significant event for Czech accordionists and the cultural life of the city. For further information email: selivanov.alexander@gmail.com Printed music and CD's by Semionov are available online at: Viatcheslav Semionov |
 |
Share
The Alexander Brothers Retire, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
| Scottish folk music legends the Alexander Brothers have announced their retirement from showbusiness. Accordionist Tom, 77, and singer/pianist Jack, 76, have topped bills in theatres around the world since they turned professional in 1958. The video clip above was broadcast on TV circa 2007. Tom Alexander commented, “In showbusiness you are only as good as your last show and after 54 years we wanted to go out when we were still on top of our game. Jack has been ill lately and we have had to cancel gigs, which we hated doing, because it felt like we were letting down the fans. A couple of weeks ago we had to cancel a performance at a show marking the actor Johnny Beattie’s diamond jubilee – 60 years in showbiz – that was definitely one of the things that made me think it was time. People had started asking us if we were a tribute act to ourselves! I suppose that is a compliment in a way but you have to think, maybe, it is a sign it’s time to slow down and enjoy life”. The Alexander Brothers were such good record sellers that at one point in 1964 they even outsold the Beatles in Scotland when their single ‘Nobody’s Child’ topped the charts. Other big hits included ‘These are My Mountains’ and ‘The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen’. Jack says, “There are so many fantastic memories from our careers – getting an MBE from the Queen in 2005 at Holyrood Palace was unforgettable, as was playing at the Sydney Opera House with Jimmy Shand. I’ll never say never, though. If I’m feeling a bit better at some point in the future, maybe we will do another show. For now, however, my main hope is that I can get back on the golf course over the summer”. Jack and Tom grew up in Cambusnethan, near Wishaw, Lanarkshire, where they learned to perform at family ceilidhs around the piano. Tom started to learn the accordion at the age of 9 and in 1952 won the Classical Open Solo at the NAO Championships in Glasgow. Jack started piano studies at 11 and within six years had several diplomas to his name. On leaving school they entered dozens of talent shows, while also training in painting and decorating as their father Jimmy wanted them to have a trade to fall back on. He introduced them to songwriter Tony Hatch, who took them to London and recording fame. They had their own TV series for many years and appeared on the ‘Sunday Night at the Palladium’ TV show, co-starring with Dame Shirley Bassey. |
 |
Grayson Masefield Concerts and Masterclasses - Switzerlandby Christel Sautaux |
  Grayson Masefield will give concerts and masterclasses in Switzerland for the first time! Grayson Masefield was the first accordionist to win in the same year the Coupe Mondiale in both categories: variete and classical as well as winning other major competitions such as the Sata-Häme Soi TV competition and the Roland International, Rome. In Switzerland, he will give a masterclass before each concert, in which he will show some technical “tricks” to the audience, speak about his work, and answer all the questions. Concerts: Wednesday 27th June in Genève at 19h (Temple de la Servette, 55, av. Wendt, Genève) Thursday 28th June in Lyss at 19h (Grenzstrasse 26, 3250 Lyss) Monday 2nd July in Fribourg at 20h (Rue de Rome 3, Fribourg) The Swiss audience is looking forward to hear Grayson Masefield, and his new work, Ka-Mate! For further information contact the tour organizer: Christel Sautaux eTracks MP3 Album available online, only 10 Euro at Grayson Masefield |
International Frosini Society Celebrates 10 Years, Stockholm - Swedenby Rob Howard |
 In 2002, Swedish accordionist Lars Ek founded the International Frosini Society, whose website has been at the forefront of promoting the music of Pietro Frosini. Today, the International Frosini Society has 1100 members from 63 countries, and is dedicated to preserving the music of Pietro Frosini and similar composers for present and future generations. In the last week Lars Ek has appeared twice on Swedish TV, playing the music of Frosini. Lars Ek is also known for his own compositions and the members of the Swedish Accordionist Association (SDR) elected Lars to Accordionist of the Year 2009. For further information email: lars@frosinisociety.org |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Ludovic Beier Featured on Jivoe.TV - Russiaby Grayson Masefield |
| Above is the just released 14th April Jivoe.TV program by Ludovic Beier, Pavel Korchagin (bass) and Igor Ignatov (drums). Enjoy. |
Mickie Ainsworth (1931-2012), Perth - UKby Rob Howard |
 Mickie Ainsworth, born in Leeds in northern England was brought up to Auchterarder, Scotland, by his mother and attended school there. He became a painter and decorator but music was his first love and he taught himself accordion before going for lessons with Bill Wilkie in Perth.Mickie formed his first band The Skyliners when still a teenager and through music met diatonic accordionist Jimmy Blue. The pair broadcast as duettists and made quite a number of records. In 1953 they were both members of the Ian Powrie Scottish Dance Band, taking part in ‘The Kilt is My Delight’ and ‘The White Heather Club’ on BBC on TV and touring overseas world with the singer Andy Stewart. When Powrie emigrated to Australia in 1966 Jimmy Blue took over the band in his own name, with Mickie on second accordion. Mickie Ainsworth always enjoyed teaching accordion to ''the young anes'', as he liked to call them, and he took great pride in the achievements of his pupils such as Simon Howie, Alan Small, Peter Bruce, and many others. Mickie married Maisie Brizzle in Coronation Week 1953, and, having been brought up on his own, Mickie took great pride in his son and daughter, Jeff and Michelle, and his ever expanding family. He loved walking with his dogs and was a staunch supporter of PADS for many years, taking pride in fundraising for the charity. For many years Mickie served as an MC at accordion championship events in Perth, and was respected and well liked by many. Mickie Ainsworth died on May 25th at the age of 81. |
 |
Accordion Tuition, Istanbul – Turkeyby Rob Howard |
 |
| One-to-one accordion tuition is now offered at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI (Georgian Arts Hall), Istanbul. This scheme has grown in popularity, and applications are continuing; telephone 0216 5509467 / 0533 3842542. Every Wednesday, 7.30pm until 10pm, there is an accordion workshop at the GÜRCÜ SANAT EVI. For further information email: ibeka@mynet.com or gurcusanatevi@yahoo.com |
Silly Wizard ‘Live Again’ CD, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
 The Scottish folk band Silly Wizard, featuring accordionist Phil Cunningham, were one of Britain’s leading acts on the national and international folk scene in the 1970s and 80s. This CD is a long awaited remastered recording of Silly Wizard's classic 1983 live concert at the Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, Massachussetts, USA.The tracks include: Reels - The Green Fields of Glentown/The Galtee Reel/Bobby Casey's Number Two/A. B. Corsie; The Lad From Orkney; The Queen of Argyll; The Valley of Strathmore; The Parish of Dunkeld / The Curlew; Reels - The Humours of Tulla/Toss The Feathers/St Anne's Reel/Lexy Macaskill/The Limerick Lasses/Jean's Reel/The Musical Priest; Reels - Mrs Martha Knowles/The Pitnacree Ferryman/The New Bob; The Ramblin' Rover; The Banks of the Lee; Reels - Miss Shepherd/Sweeney's Buttermilk/McGlinchey's Reel; Donald MacGillavry/O'Neill's Cavalry March; The Blackbird; Jigs - Scarce O' Tatties/Lyndhurst; Golden Golden; Jigs - Mac's Fancy/The Cliffs Of Moher; Reels - The Rose Of Red Hill/Clootie Dumplings/The Laird O' Drumblair/Sleepy Maggie; The Broom O' The Cowdenknowes For further information email: support@allcelticmusic.com |
2012, Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration - USAby Grayson Masefield |
| Held from 14th to 17th June was the 19th Annual Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration. Above is the video performance of Naomi Harris, 12 years and under category 2nd place getter at Leavenworth, performing the popular Libertango. Nestled in a cozy narrow mountain, Leavenworth is known as Washington State's 'Bavarian Village' and is a perfect setting for this celebration. The event featured competitions, a festival and three evening concerts with Jörgen Sundeqvist and Lena Rist-Larsen, Jelena Milojevic, Mike and Margie Aman and the BC Accordion Orchestra. |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Mystery of the Symphonettaby Rob Howard |
  The Accordions Worldwide news for June 26th 1998 included an article about two instruments called the Symphonetta, made in Germany by the firm Ernst L. Arnold. These instruments were on sale in the Netherlands in 1998 and a reader was curious to know about them. MYSTERY SURROUNDS HISTORICAL ACCORDIONS - NETHERLANDS Contributed by Leo Flake Mystery surrounds two rare historical accordions which are for sale in the Netherlands. The first is a two-and-a-half choir Symphonetta which was made in 1939 by the Ernst L. Arnold factory in Germany. It was sold in 1950 to the famous Symphonetta player Müller, but the reason it was first made is unknown. The second is a four choir symphonetta which was used in the movie "The Kuhle-Wampe" in 1932. This instrument was also built by Ernst L. Arnold who started the production of bandoneons and concertinas. It is believed that the Symphonetta was designed to replace all other existing free reed instruments. Even now, very little is known or has been written about these rare historical instruments. |
Future events |
Special 'Primus Ikaalinen' on the Web TV 'Deschamps Channel'by Harley Jones |
 |
| Top: Video above: 2012 Sata-Häme Soi Festival promotional video. Friday, June 29 from 19.30 to 22.30 on Deschamps Channel will be broadcast live a special program devoted entirely to the 2012 edition of the famous Primus Ikaalinen, Co presented by Frederic Deschamps and Kimmo Mattila, Artistic Director of the Sata-Häme Soi Festival. The program includes the earliest records of this unique international accordion TV competition and its entire development. Daily reports since 2003 are available online at: www.accordions.com/finland/ The 8 candidates for the 2012 'Primus Ikaalinen' will be presented in this program and intereviewed live by skype from their respective countries. The 2012 contestants are: Russia: Utkina Ekaterina France: Elsa Gourdy Moldova: Dorin Grama Kazacstan: Shamgar Tolkynhan China: Tan jia Liang Germany: Radu Laxgang Lithuania: Martinas Levickis Finland: selected the day before the contest by National selections. The 2012 Primus Ikaalinen will be broadcast in full Live Streaming. You can follow the eight candidates of the 2012 Primus Ikaalinen upon arrival at Helsinki airport on July 2, then every day until the evening of the contest to be held July 5 evening. A live broadcast of the Sata-Häme Soi Festival will be presented each day between 3 and July 7 in the form of reality TV with the interviews of candidates, members of juries, artists present during the Sata-Häme Soi Festival, as well as highlights about daily activities of candidates. New for 2012: Viewers around the world can vote for the candidate of their choice during the live broadcast of this international competition that promises to be most exciting. Full information will be broadcast on the 29th June on the Deschamps Channel and from this page. Picture below of past competitors taken at the 2011 event. Left to right: Alexander Veretennikov (Russia), Petar Maric (Serbia), André Natanael Texeira (Portugal), Matthias Matzke (Germany), Julien Gonzales (France), Julie Blocher (France), Alexander Shirunov (Russia). |
 |
Panagiotis Andreoglou Recital, Veroia – Greeceby Rob Howard |
 Danish-based Greek accordionist Panagiotis Andreoglou returns to Greece this weekend to perform a recital with accordionist Stamatis Pasopoulos on Saturday June 23rd, 9pm, at Laografiko mouseio, Arxontiko Sarafoglou, Veroia. The program includes works by J. S. Bach, D. Scarlatti, Nordheim, Schmidt, Farmakis, and Piazzolla.Panagiotis Andreoglou completed his postgraduate studies on the classical accordion at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen (with Geir Draugsvoll and James Crabb) in June 2011, with the highest grades and having obtained the Ellen and Erik Valdemar Jensens scholarship. Born in Kavala, Greece in 1980, he studied accordion, music theory and piano at the Municipal Conservatory of Kavala and at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and the University of Helsinki, Finland. He has performed as a soloist and within chamber music ensembles in many European countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden). For further information email: andreogloup@hotmail.com |
Kviv Classic Duo Concert, West Midlands – UKby Rob Howard |
 |
| Igor Sayenko and Oleksiy Kolomoeits - The Kviv Classic Duo - on tour from Kiev in the Ukraine, perform in concert on Monday June 25th, 7.30pm, at the Black Country Accordion & Music Club, Rowley Regis Disability Centre, Rowley Regis, Birmingham B65 9AT. This is a special charity night, with all profits donated. For further information email: lumicprod@aol.com |
Mirjana Petercol and Helmuth Vivell Concert, Kassel – Germanyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Mirjana Petercol (accordion) and pianist Helmuth Vivell perform in concert on Tuesday June 26th, 8pm, at the University of Kassel, Mönchebergstrasse 1, 34125 Kassel, Germany. The concert will include the music of Leo Janacek, on a theme by Ulrich Holbein. For further information email: miripetercol@gmx.de |
Alex Meixner Concerts – USA, Canadaby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Alex Meixner performs this summer as follows:June 29th, 8pm – Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant, Franklin Square, New York June 30th, 8pm – Pilsener Haus, Hoboken, New Jersey July 1st, 8pm – Reading Liederkranz, Reading, Pennsylvania July 3rd, 8pm – The Old German Beer Hall, Milwaukie, Wisconsin July 4th, 8pm – Golden Mast Inn, Okauchee Lake, Wisconsin July 5th, 8pm – World of Accordions Museum, Superior, Wisconsin July 7th, 8pm – Ken Nichol Recreation Centre, Beaumont, Alberta, Canada July 8th, 8pm – Confederation Park Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada July 9th and 10th, 12pm (both days) – Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships, British Colombia, Canada For further information email: alex@alexmeixner.com |
Roman Jbanov Concert, Auvergne – Franceby Rob Howard |
 Russian-born French-based accordionist Roman Jbanov performs a solo classical recital in the Church of St. Julien-Puy-Lavèze (63820), Puy-de-Dôme, in the Auvergne, on July 3rd at 9pm.The program includes works by J.S. Bach, D. Buxtehude, D. Scarlatti, and M. Mussorgsky. Entry is free. For further information email: roman.jbanov@sfr.fr |
11th National Accordion Festival, Santa Fe – Argentinaby Rob Howard |
 The 11th National Accordion Festival takes place on July 7th at the Sociedad Italiana Fraternidad, San Jorge, Santa Fe, Argentina. The event is organized by the Association Marchigiana of San Jorge, Province of Santa Fe. The competition begins at 2pm, and the evening festival concert at 7pm. The senior championship first prize winner will be sponsored to compete in the International Festival in Castelfidardo, Italy, later in the year. |
Teodoro Anzellotti Master Classes, Atri (TE) – Italyby Rob Howard |
  Teodoro Anzellotti will lead accordion master classes, August 16th to 20th, at Atri, Pescara (TE), Italy.Born in Italy, Teodoro Anzellotti grew up near Baden-Baden, Germany, and having studied accordion at the Hochschulen in Karlsruhe and Trossingen, subsequently achieved first prizes at various international competitions. Since the 1980s he has been a regular guest at festivals and with leading orchestras, and has significantly contributed to integrating the accordion into the sphere of classical music through his service to New Music. Since 1987 Teodoro Anzellotti has taught at the Hochschule der Künste Bern, and since 2002 at the Musikhochschule Freiburg im Breisgau. His discography includes music ranging from Bach and Scarlatti to Janácek and Satie to John Cage and Matthias Pintscher. For further information email: teodoro@anzellotti.de |
‘Super Orchestra Day’, Surrey - UKby Rob Howard |
 On October 28th Ian Watson and Julie North once again organize ‘Super Orchestra Day’, to be held at The Village Hall, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6AF. Ian writes: “Calling all accordionists! Following the success of last years event we are back with ‘Super Orchestra Day – 2012’. We will work on 3 pieces during morning and afternoon rehearsals and then perform in the evening concert with our West End percussionists. Ian Watson will again be your conductor and Julie North will lead the orchestra. It’s amazing what you can achieve in a day – the concert last year was a triumph. If you’ve never played in an accordion orchestra before this is your perfect opportunity. Last year there were 70 players – how many will we be in 2012….? These days are really a resurrection of the Graham Romani Orchestra days that were popular in the 1980s. It's a great format and one that I'd love to take further north - perhaps Birmingham or Manchester. We certainly found it great to get all of the local accordionists together - not just to socialise but actually to play in one big orchestra. It's also a great way to recruit new members as we encourage those who have never tried playing with others to get involved. We found once they'd tried it they wanted to join a local regular group. The first half of the evening is provided by the different groups that are participating and the second half is dedicated to the 'Super Orchestra'”. The ‘Super Accordion Orchestra Day’ finishes with a massed bands concert, performing together with 2 West End theatre drummers! Involved are the Morley Accordion Orchestra, Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra, Watford Accordion Band, Shona Holmes, Ian Watson and Julie North. For further information email: i.watson99@googlemail.com |
2013 Wazemmes International Accordion Festival, Lille - Franceby Grayson Masefield |
| Released a few days ago was the promotional video for the 2013 Wazemmes International Accordion Festival, 8th to 19th May, Lille, France. |
New and Updated Sites |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Alexander Dmitriev Now Online – Internationalby Alexander Dmitriev |
  The eTracks part of the MusicForAccordion.com website has already grown to over 943 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: 2 albums by Alexander Dmitriev Images Contrasts Moods Paganiniana |
eTracks MP3 Albums by Alexander Dmitriev Now Online – Internationalby Alexander Dmitriev |
  The eTracks part of the MusicForAccordion.com website has already grown to over 919 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 Alexander Dmitriev Pathes Of Centuries Enigmatic Russian Soul Fanfare Divertimento |
CD Reviews |
Fantasia CD by Alexander Sevastian, Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommersby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Fantasia CD by Alexander Sevastian, in English languages, reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers. |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Generated in 6.4020988 / 0.0010021 / 0