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Highlights |
Come Join the Fun and “Celebrate with the Stars” - USA12th Accordion Art Festival, Roseto degli Abruzzi - ItalyZorica Karakutovska, First Accordion Soloist in New MPO Building - MacedoniaDaily Reports/Video: 2018 South Pacific Accordion Championships - New ZealandMusic pdf Now Available, "Valentango" by Renzo Ruggieri - ItalyMasterclass – Prof. Teodoro Anzellotti with Orchestra in Residence - Switzerland
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Gala Concert for World Accordion Day, Skopje - Macedonia
Future events |
Accordion Orchestra Course, Devon – UKDragspelskonsert, Varberg – SwedenEast Antrim Seniors Accordion Orchestra Concerts - UKMuziekpodium Live, Amsterdamse Accordeonvereniging Music, 27 May - Netherlands.Grayson Masefield In New Jersey House Concert on July 7 - USAIshoj Harmonika Festival - Denmark
New and Updated Sites |
Growing up in the (USA) accordion schools: The 1950s through the 1970sUpdated Site: Mika Väyrynen, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) - SwitzerlandNew Site: Grayson Masefield Releases New Website - New Zealand/SwitzerlandNew Ruggieri Work For Free Bass "Il bosco incantato" - ItalyHelp Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
by Rita Davidson Barnea
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 Come join the fun and “Celebrate with the Stars”. For nineteen years Paul Pasquali (picture left) has proudly presented the largest line of Accordion Stars annually in Las Vegas! This year is no exception. The annual Las Vegas International Accordion Convention will be held October 15-18, 2018 at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas. Special 2018 Accordion Stars! Grayson Masefield (Switzerland), and Cory Pesaturo (USA) are returning by overwhelming demand. Grayson is a recent graduate, with a Masters Degree, from University of Music – Lausanne, Switzerland and five-time world champion. Cory is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and first American to win international competitions in three decades. Featured 2018 Accordion Stars! Husband and wife duo Kim & Dan Christian who are are amazing! Mary Tokarski will be performing individually and like Stas Venglevski and Joan C. Sommers is returning by popular demand. And thats not all - check out all the other names on the poster above. Special group room rates are only $39/$47 (Deluxe/Premium) per room Sunday thru Thursday nights (weekend nights $89/$104 a night) with group code A8ACC10. Rates are valid until the block fills or until September 15, 2018. Register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact the Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email paul@accordioninfo.com, or mail - LVAC, 1760 South 450 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. |
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by Harley Jones
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  Reminder for entries for the 12th Accordion Art Festival which will be held on the 16 & 17th June 2018 in Roseto degli Abruzzi, TE 64026. The Accordion Art Festival features: - Italia Award 2018 International Contest - entries close 10th June - Orpheus Award 2018 (Italians only) - entries close 30th May - Italian Selections CMA 2018 President: Claudio Azzaro and Artistic Director: Renzo Ruggieri. The Orpheus Award 2018 is a critics prize, similar to Academy Award (OSCAR), dedicated to productions by Italian accordionists only. Orpheus Artistic Director is famous jazz critic Gerlando Gatto of Rome. There are international solo competition categories for all ages and types of music, as well as categories for concert performers and for group or accordion soloist with new original project. Rules and entry applications for all awards and competitions at: 2018ArtFestival.pdf |
by Anica Karakutovska
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| Prof. Zorica Karakutovska was the first ever accordion soloist to perform in the new building of the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra. This state-of-the-art concert hall of the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra in Skopje was opened last year on May 21st. This year, on May 21st, exactly one year later, on the occasion for a celebration of the 69th anniversary of the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius (UKIM)” - Skopje and May 24th - Saints Cyril and Methodius, Slavonic Enlighteners' Day, the accordionist Prof. Zorica Karakutovska performed as a soloist with the Big Band from the Faculty of Music Arts - Skopje. They performed the popular composition “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla (arr. Fred Sturm). It was an excellent performance of accordion and other instruments in front of an academic audience, and an outstanding promotion of accordion. I hope for many more accordion performances to come! |
by Heather Masefield
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 Daily Reports of the 2018 South Pacific and New Zealand Accordion Championships & Festival, Saturday 2nd June and Sunday 3rd June, including results, photos and video will be online at: 2018SouthPac |
by Harley Jones
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 Video: Valentango performed by the composer Renzo Ruggieri.Renzo Ruggieri writes: "Valentango" is a composition taken from the show 'Valentino è Tango!' dedicated to the myth of Rudolph Valentino and the history of tango. This is the exact transcription (I thank my student Lorenzo Bosica for help) of the performance in the album (Catalog: rruggieri11 Valentino e Tango CD or mp3 album), with improvisations also at the level of the arrangement. The music is difficult to perform but, thanks to a very effective melody, lends itself to both concert situations and international competitions." Music pdf of Valentango is available online - Catalog rrenzo518 and is great value at only 10 Euro. |
by Grayson Masefield
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  Masterclass in Biel, Switzerland: July 15th to 22nd.An accordion course with Teodoro Anzellotti (picture right) for music students, music-teachers and ambitious amateurs that is covering the whole repertoire. Download brochure in English, French and German: 2018Biel.pdf Teodoro Anzellotti has played as soloist worldwide, has collaborated with numerous soloists of his generation and more than 350 works by major composers have been written for him. Masterclass students are expected to prepare two pieces in advance. The repertoire encompasses transcriptions of old masters up to contemporary works, and focuses on a comprehensive styles of interpretation. The lessons will be extended by short lectures and short concerts, contemporary works, a look at literature for teaching, and present your project ‘contemporary playing techniques for accordion’. There will be time to explore and work on pieces for several (ensemble) accordions and perform them in a final concert. From 17th till the 20th of July 2018, the Budweis Philharmonic orchestra will be in residence, and students chosen by their teachers will have the opportunity to perform their pieces with orchestral accompaniment at public concerts on 21st and 22nd July 2018. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
by Anica Karakutovska
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 Picture above: Composer Bete Ilin (conducting) and Zorica Karakutovska (accordion).The international project "May 6th World Accordion Day" (WAD) is supported by the Macedonian Association of Accordionists “Ljubiteli na klasichna muzika” (MAA) – Skopje, with various events and successful concerts at home and abroad. This year for the 10th time, the MAA organized a formal concert to celebrate this international event and birthday celebration of the instrument, the accordion. This project was also supported by the national program of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. The World Accordion Day Gala Concert was held at the Macedonian National Theatre – Skopje, on May 6th, and again was promoted as one of the most prestigious cultural events during the month of May in Macedonia. Extensive photo report at: 2018 Macedonia The concert featured renowned artists from Macedonia and accordion students from the class of Prof. Zorica Karakutovska performing works by Vladimir Zubitsky, Derbenko, Bete Ilin, Franck Angelis, Piazzolla and others. On this year’s concert, the composition "Duellum" by Bete Ilin had its premiere performance by “AkordioM” (Zorica Karakutovska and Filip Stameski), followed by a string orchestra. The culmination of the jubilee concert started with the performance of Disney songs medley, performed by Ognen Janeski (host of the event; most popular TV-host in Macedonia) featured by “AkordioM” and they were accompanied by a students’ choir, in which the PR manager of MAA, Anica Karakutovska took participation and ended with the performance of the composition “Triumphal March" from Verdi’s opera “Aida” by the accordion orchestra consisting of the accordion students from the classes of Prof. Zorica Karakutovska and Prof. Filip Stameski. The students were playing from around the hall and on the stage, among the audience and the entry points of the hall, which was totally unexpected by the audience. The large auditorium was fully occupied with a very enthusiastic audience. The building of the Macedonian National Theatre offers a high-quality venue which the performers fully utilized and the prolonged standing ovations merited the well-deserved efforts of all the performers and organizers who took part in the project for 2018. Pictures below: All the participants receiving a standing ovation |
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Future events |
by Rob Howard
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 An annual Accordion Orchestra Course takes place from Sunday May 27th to Wednesday May 30th at The Ariel Centre, near Ilfracombe, Devon. The four days course, run by the London Accordion Orchestra, ends with a public concert on the last evening in Emmanuel Church, Ilfracombe.The LAO writes: “Players of all levels will be able to enjoy the course this year. We are choosing fewer pieces to learn to give more rehearsal time on each piece. We are also introducing an informal performance opportunity for players on the Tuesday evening, a chance to play your party piece to a very supportive audience of friends. It is always a great few days with a lovely group of players”. For further information email: jnorth72@hotmail.com |
by Rob Howard
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 On Monday May 28th, 7pm, accordionist and teacher Hakan Widar presents a public concert, ‘Dragspelskonsert’, at Rosenfredskolans aula, Varberg, Sweden, featuring his accordion students. Admission is free.Hakan Widar has recently produced an accordion tutor book (text in Swedish) complete with CD, ‘Dragspelsskola.se’, based on playing tunes, suitable for both button and piano accordions. For further information email: info@karlssonsmusik.se |
by Harley Jones
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| Muziekpodium Live on the 27 May at 14:30 hours is being held in the Blauwe Zaal van Theater De Meervaart, Amsterdam, Netherlands. |
by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News
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 Video above: Grayson Masefield performs "a fun light-hearted disco medley created for me by Renzo Ruggieri."On Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 3:PM Leslie and I will host a house concert in our home in West Orange, New Jersey featuring international concert artist, Grayson Masefield. Admission will be $10 per person. Guests may arrive at 3:PM and you will have a chance to meet and talk with Grayson. The concert begins at 4:PM and lasts for about one hour. Please be early! Light refreshments will be served. Grayson is a recent graduate, with a Masters Degree, from University of Music – Lausanne, Switzerland and five-time world champion. He has just released his 3rd album and a new website at www.graysonmasefield.com Grayson Masefield will also perform at a special concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on Monday, July 9th and at the 80th Anniversary of the AAA in Alexandria, Virginia on July 11, 2018 at 4:PM. He will also present a workshop on Friday, July 13 at 1:30 PM. and will be a guest artist at the AAA Gala Concert in Alexandria, Virginia on July 14. Space in our home is limited, so if you wish to attend, it is absolutely critical that you RSVP ASAP. Kindly respond just to me, Ritabelll@aol.com, by June 1 indicating how many people will attend.These reservations will, of necessity, be on a first-come, first-served basis. I will then send details with address, directions, parking, etc. to those who have confirmed they are coming. Thank you, and we hope to see you there to hear Grayson Masefield. |
by Holda Paoletti-Kampl
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| Ishoj Harmonika Festival, details on the poster |
New and Updated Sites |
by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian
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 Rita Barnea, Editor USA News: This is the 5th article in the series by AAA Historian Joan Grauman (picture right) in cooperation with the USA News, to help promote the 80th AAA Anniversary Celebration. An article is planned each month containing a segment of the history of the AAA, from its creation on March 9th, 1938 through to 2018. Thank you very much to Joan Grauman for these articles.---------------------------------------------------------- Growing up in the accordion schools - The 1950s through the 1970s Thank you Joan Sommers, Liz Finch, Joe Cerrito, Mark Yacovone, Linda Soley Reed, Rita Barnea, Karen Malan-Uribe and Marilyn O’Neil for their contributions to this article! Read the full article by Joan Grauman at: Growing up in the accordion schools - The 1950s through the 1970s |
by Kevin Friedrich
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 Mika Väyrynen site has been updated. The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) welcomes Mika Väyrynen as new accordion lecturer starting in the academic year 2018/19. Students are invited to apply now for studies at ZHdK for the upcoming academic year of studies. Potential students may see the state of the art facilities at https://www.zhdk.ch/en/dmu. The Department of Music offers programs in the creation, teaching, and interpretation of classical music, jazz, pop, and church music. Two BA and four MA degree courses provide professional training for future orchestra and school musicians, orchestra and choir conductors, soloists and chamber musicians. The application deadline is 31st of May 2018 with the examination date set for the 4th of June 2018 with additional information being found at : https://www.zhdk.ch/en/accordion-6494. For more information, questions and application details, please contact: barbara.portmann@zhdk.ch. |
by Harley Jones
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 On World Accordion Day, Grayson Masefield released his 3rd CD titled Baroque Transcriptions and also released of his newly designed website at: www.graysonmasefield.comThe new site designed to be phone/screen size responsive and promote the 3 albums that Grayson Masefield now has available. Grayson01 'Concert Accordion Music' CD or download mp3 album Grayson02 'Symbols of Semionov' CD or download mp3 album Grayson03 'Baroque Transcriptions' CD or download mp3 album Baroque Transcriptions Track List Click on the links to play a sound sample 1. Chaconne in F minor, (P.43), Pachelbel, Johann 2. Sonata in D minor (K.9), Domenico Scarlatti 3. Choral Prelude "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," (BWV 659), Johann Sebastian Bach 4. Sonata in D Major (K.29), Domenico Scarlatti 5. Sonata in B minor (K.87), Domenico Scarlatti 6. Sonata in B Major (K.262), Domenico Scarlatti 7. Sonata in B minor (K.27), Domenico Scarlatti 8. Passacaglia in C minor (BWV 582), Johann Sebastian Bach 9. Fugue in C minor (BWV 582), Johann Sebastian Bach |
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by Harley Jones
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  Video above: "Il bosco incantato" premiere on 26th April performed by Marco Gemelli. This video does not include the intro of the work.Renzo Ruggieri has released "Il bosco incantato" the first piece he has composed for free bass accordion. Renzo writes: "I wrote the melody for a theatrical show by Marco Goldin - to whom the piece is dedicated - on the famous painter Edward Munch. In fact, the title recalls one of his paintings "The Enchanted Forest" of 1903. Then the simple melodic idea was reworked, arranged and used for "the guided solo", a moment that the soloist can freely interpret and personalize." Available online, also view sample page, at catalog No: rrenzo517 Other works and tutor books released in recent months by Renzo Ruggieri are: rrenzo401 - 10 Approaches to Jazz Improvisation eBook - English rrenzo421 - 10 Approcci all'Improvvisazione Jazz eBook - Italia rrenzo510 - Grande Jo (Solo) rrenzo511 - Figaro (Solo) or (Solo with string orchestra) rrenzo512 - Accordion Kids (10 pieces) simple and modern compositions rrenzo514 - La Vita Delle Cose (The Life of Things) rrenzo515 - Peccatum et Gratia for electronic (hybrid) accordion rrenzo516 - Lo Scuro e il Chiaro (accordion duo) rrenzo518 - Valentango |
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