Sponsors
Books (Text)
eSheet (pdf file)
eTracks sound files
Sponsors
Free Services
Books (Text)
Statistics
Sponsors
Share
Link to share - cut and paste:
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=22-May-2009&lang=fr&s=956
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=22-May-2009&lang=fr&s=956
22-May-2009
by Rob Howard
|
 |
  ‘Accordions International 2009’, organised by Heather Smith, took place from May 8th to 12th at Pontins, Blackpool. This year’s chief guests included young Italian accordionists Pietro Adragna and Claudio Recchia (late stand ins for Pino di Modugno and Giancarlo Caporilli, who withdrew through illness), and Alexander Dmitriev and Vitali Dmitriev - Russia.Pietro Adragna, a 20 year old from Sicily, charmed everybody with his personality, brilliant technique and large repertoire. Many will long remember his impromptu late night concert in the bar, including his complex variations on ‘The Carnival of Venice’. Claudio Recchia, from Rome, similarly demonstrated a high standard of technique and love for playing in his performances. There were marvellous performances from Alexander Dmitriev and Vitali Dmitriev, and UK-based artistes Stefan Andrusyschyn and vocalist Denise Leigh, Romano Viazzani, Bert Santilly and Harry Hussey David Vernon, from Edinburgh, arrived on Sunday, and his Scottish music and humour quickly endeared him to his audiences. His entrances, in full kilt and playing bagpipes, were spectacular and memorable. Romano Viazzani’s ‘Big Band’ workshop was memorable for a superb rendition of Glenn Miller’s ‘String of Pearls’, which included a trumpet solo from Marj Howard, and Pietro Adragna playing the piano part on a Roland FR7. Brian Jenkins, Peter Whiteley, Jean Hanger and Bert Santilly capably led orchestral/band workshops. Adrienne Sharpe organised the daily ‘Free n Easy’ concerts and also the ‘Songs of Praise’. The festival will also featured the release of Rob Howard’s new book, ‘An A to Z of the Accordion, Volume 4’, which sold well. For further information email: heather@accordions.karoo.co.uk |