Sponsors
Books (Text)
eSheet (pdf file)
eTracks sound files
Sponsors
Free Services
Books (Text)
Statistics
Sponsors
Highlights |
2019 American Accordionists' Association Festival - USA
2019 Klingenthal International Accordion Competitions – Germany
Report: XIII International Accordionist's Competition "Ascoltate 2019" - Lithuania
Accordionist in Latina Province Promotion - Italy
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
XI International Festival & Competition "Petro-Pavlovsky Assemblies 2019" - St. Petersburg, Russia
Further Report: XI International Festival & Competition - Russia
Steve Albini at Francis Ford Coppola’s 80th Birthday Celebration - USA
Successful Guardamangia Accordion Concert - Malta
Cody McSherry and Fiddler on the Roof, Pennsylvania - USA
“Music from the Movies” Concert - USA
Stockport Accordion Club Guests Entertain – UK
“Chaika Band” Releases new CD - Australia
French Night in Minnesota – USA
Future events |
30th Edition of Musicora – France
Seattle Accordion Club Concert & Social Night - USA
CNIMA Masterclasses with Ludovic Beier – France
Gala Concert "Out of this World" - England
Louise Jallu Quartet Concert at Festival Métis de Saint Denis - France
World Premiere by Duo Aspera – Germany
Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival - England
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
Report: 2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival - Chinaby Harley Jones |
 |
| Video above: Accordion Orchestra of Jiangsu Musicians Association, teacher Sara Jie Wang. Day 15 April of the 2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival is now online. This is the touring part promoting 'Belt and Road' economic policy and enriching the accordion and public cultural services in the Yangtze River Delta region. View the major report online of the superbly organised 2019 Shanghai Spring International Accordion Festival: 2019Shanghai Picture below: 2018 Coupe Mondiale Champion Radu Ratoi "in action" on the Day 15 April report. |
 |
Share
2019 American Accordionists' Association Festival - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
 |
| The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) will hold their Festival 2019 from July 17th to 21st at the Valley Forge Casino Resort (Radisson Hotel) in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The event will include a competition with age group categories for soloists, duets, ensembles and bands as well as ethnic, pop and jazz categories. The closing date for entries is June 1st, 2019. An “Awards Concert” will be held on July 20th for all prizewinners. In addition, the 2019 Elsie M. Bennett Composition Competition will be held along with an AAA Open Meeting on July 21st. Details on these events coming soon. Guest artists include: Petar Maric, Michael Bridge, Sam Reider, Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini, Vesna Mihonovic (guest conductor), Joseph A. Natoli, Nathan Chapeton and Dr Robert Young McMahan. Other activities include: Workshops, Junior and Senior Festival Orchestras, Carrozza Scholarship, Youth involvement Jazz Ensemble. For additional information, competition rules, entry forms and Hotel reservation information visit online at: 2019AAAFestival |
2019 Klingenthal International Accordion Competitions – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
 The 56th Klingenthal International Accordion Competitions will be held in Klingenthal, Germany from May 5th to 11th, 2019. Accordionists of all nationalities and from all countries are invited to attend. The competitions will include categories for soloists, duos and groups. The main closing date for entries was March 31st, but two categories are still accepting entries: Category II: children up to 15 years of age Category VII: World Music (open for bandoneon, accordion and harmonica). This is a new class where entrants can provide a free choice program consisting of original compositions and arrangements connected with folk, traditional and jazz world music. The following professionals have been invited to the jury for the 2019 competition: Stefan Hussong (Germany), Andreas Nebl (Germany), Tobias Morgenstern (Germany), Ulf Seifert (Germany), Stefan Fraas (Germany), Cao Xiao-Qing (China), Tibor Rácz (Slovakia), Frédéric Deschamps (France), Krzysztof Olczak (Poland), Kazys Stonkus (Lithuania), Maria Vlasova (Russia), Claudio Jacomucci (Italy), Geir Draugsvoll (Norway), Veli Matias Kujala (Finland), Iñaki Alberdi (Spain), Jarmila Vlachová (Czech Republic) and Mie Miki (Japan). Click here for competition rules: 2019KlingenthalRules.pdf Click here for competition entry form: 2019KlingenthalEntry.pdf For further details email: info@accordion-competition.de |
Report: XIII International Accordionist's Competition "Ascoltate 2019" - Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
 |
Video 2: Orchestra competition: The orchestra performing first was Panevezys Music School Accordion Orchestra (Lithuania) performing:
1. H. G. Kolz City Moments: I mov. Morning, II mov.. Rush hour
2. K. Jenkins Palladio
 The XIII International Accordionist's Competition "Ascoltate 2019" was held from 5th to 7th April 2019 in Kaunas, Lithuania. The 6th April page is now completed for the Online Report of photos and videos: 2019AscoltateDownload the 40 page program at: 2019ProgramAscoltate.pdf Approximately 300 contestants participated in this very well organised event before an international jury, full details and results at: 2019Ascoltate |
Accordionist in Latina Province Promotion - Italyby Rob Howard |
| Accordion composer, performer and producer Marco Lo Russo is excited to announce his “Made in Lazio Priverno” project is being used as a promotion flywheel for the Municipality of Priverno, in the province of Latina, Italy. The promotion of Priverno town includes music videos with original soundtracks composed by Lo Russo and performed on the accordion, to highlight the historical architectural buildings of the country, as well as the uniqueness of the work of its artisans, its typical products, sought after organic wines and its popular festivals, traditions and social gatherings. Other municipal administrations are already interested in joining the project. Marco Lo Russo is pictured below with the Mayor of Priverno, Anna Maria Libra. |
 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Concert in Memory of Professor the Ural State Mussorgsky Conservatoire Yuri Petrovich Klyukin - Yekaterinburgby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
 |
| On Thursday, April 25 at 18:00 in the small Prokofiev hall of Ural State Mussorgsky Conservatory, a concert was held in memory of Professor Yuri Petrovich Klyukin. Performing were students of the class of the National Artist of the Russian Federation Professor Viktor Romanko. Performers included winners of Russian and international competitions Danil Sharaviev, Timur Shafigulin, Alexander Vokhmyakov, Denis Kushnarev, Maxim Rakhmatullin take part in the concert. The program will include works by composers M. Moshkovsky, A. Shostakovich, A. Repnikova, V. Zolotarev, V. Semenov, V. Zubitsky, E. Derbenko, A. Byzova, F. Angelis and others. Free admission |
XI International Festival & Competition "Petro-Pavlovsky Assemblies 2019" - St. Petersburg, Russiaby Arseniy Strokovskiy |
 |
 The XI International Festival and Competition "Petro-Pavlovsky Assemblies 2019" was held in St. Petersburg from April 10th to 14th. The founder of the competition was the public organisation "Russian Creative Union of Culture Workers".A highly professional jury was chaired by Oleg Mikhailovich Sharov, Professor at the St. Petersburg State Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Dean of the Faculty of Folk Instruments, Head of the Bayan and Accordion Department and acting member of the Petrovsky Academy of Sciences and Arts (St. Petersburg, Russia). Jury members also included Alexander Dmitriev, Vladimir Orlov, Vladislav Pligovka and Semion Shmelkov. The competition was attended by representatives from 27 regions of Russia and 5 foreign countries: Belarus, Latvia, Spain, Norway, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 430 people participated in the event. Winners of the Grand Prizes of the competition are: P.I. Smirnova Accordion Orchestra (named after P.I. Smirnova from St. Petersburg - picture above) P.I. Govorushko - Artyom Tretyakov (St. Petersburg - with his mentor, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Alexander Dmitriev - picture left). |
Further Report: XI International Festival & Competition - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
 This International Festival is for players of accordion, bayan, various types of harmonicas, ensembles and harmonica orchestras.The competition is held to develop and support children's and youth creativity. The competition aims at the preservation and development of folk instrumental traditions of the performing arts of the peoples of Russia. The main objectives of the competition are to identify and support talented children and young musicians who have dedicated themselves to playing folk instruments; to the promotion of creative achievements in the field of the development of performing art on Russian folk instruments and national instruments of the peoples of Russia; the acquaintance with national musical cultures and traditions of peoples of different countries; and the formation and education of artistic taste, positive social attitudes and the interests of the younger generation; the introduction of the largest number of children, adolescents and young people to the best cultural and spiritual traditions. Winner of the solo category for performers aged 13 – 15 years was Mathias Rugsveen. See above for a video of his performance. |
Steve Albini at Francis Ford Coppola’s 80th Birthday Celebration - USAby Rob Howard |
 |
| On April 5th, accordionist and singer Steve Albini (pictured) performed at film director Francis Ford Coppola’s 80th birthday celebration. Steve performed with respected San Francisco pianist and musical director Bill Keck. Mr. Coppola had requested that the music of his maternal grandfather, Francesco Pennino, and his father, Carmine Coppola, be performed, along with a variety of Italian music and jazz and Latin standards. The celebration took place in the Francesco Pennino room at Mr. Coppola’s Inglenook Winery located in Rutherford, CA in the beautiful Napa Valley. Steve has been performing for Francis Ford Coppola since 2013 and plays every Tuesday evening at the restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, CA. Steve also performs as part of the group Il Sole with accordionist Tatiana Semichastnaya. Il Sole will perform April 27 and 28 at Forchini Winery Vineyards in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. |
Successful Guardamangia Accordion Concert - Maltaby Christine Johnstone |
 |
| Accordionist Philip Agius (picture above), organiser of the 1st Guardamangia Accordion Concert would like to thank everybody who helped and supported him to plan such a professional concert at Tal-Pieta. Attendees included the Local Council Mayor of Pieta, as well as a group of European tourists to Malta who saw the Weekly News article about the concert. Successful performances were given by the Santa Maria Accordion Band (Malta), soloists and an accordionist who came from the island of Gozo. Philip Agius says that the Accordion is his golden musical instrument and he believes it should be promoted in Malta, knowing that in his country, the practice of the accordion dates back half a century. He is currently planning a "Directory of living Accordionists in Malta/Gozo" as well as an information booklet on those who played the accordion and unfortunately are not with us anymore. He wants to promote awareness of the accordion, especially encouraging children and youths to learn the instrument. If you can help with information please email: ntia68@go.net.mt |
Cody McSherry and Fiddler on the Roof, Pennsylvania - USAby Pat McSherry |
 |
 Fifteen year-old accordionist Cody McSherry, himself already a veteran of the professional musical theater stage, had his eye on one part that he always wanted to perform. Only, this part was not on stage, but in the orchestra pit. He wanted the chance to play the accordion part of the original Broadway score for the famed “Fiddler on the Roof.” In April, Cody had that opportunity.Several months previously, Cody was contacted by Neal Lutz, the band and orchestra leader for the Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, Berks County Pennsylvania. Mr. Lutz explained that the Conrad Weiser High School would be presenting “Fiddler on the Roof” as their school musical. He also explained the school’s unique approach to creating the pit orchestra. Instead of relying entirely on musicians from the school’s student body, he would form an orchestra that was a combination of students and outside paid musical professionals like Cody. The pairing was a great opportunity for collaboration and learning. Cody lives in neighboring Lancaster County, so his ability to attend practices was somewhat limited. Mr. Lutz’s unique approach alleviated that concern. The combination of professional musicians and students meant the number of rehearsals would be greatly reduced, allowing Cody to take on the commitment. The pit orchestra eventually consisted of eight students from Conrad Weiser High School and seventeen professionals. Many of the professional musicians had commented to him that this was their first opportunity to perform with an accordion in an orchestra. However, some of the students had already had the opportunity, since Cody had been a part of the recent Regional Band festival (which included select students from school districts in a fifteen county area) that was, by sheer coincidence, also held at Conrad Weiser. There, many of the students had their first experience with an accordionist, and many were very interested in the instrument, peppering Cody with questions on how the instrument functioned and was used. The week leading up to the show was hectic as the musicians and actors worked through typical minor issues with full cast dress rehearsals. Cody found himself getting home at 11:30 PM, and then having to study for tests and prepare for the next day’s classes…and the next evening of rehearsal! The show was presented to the public on the April 12 and 13 and was a rousing success, receiving a standing ovation at the conclusion of each show. The cast of students were incredible, and included, in part Kevin Gemmell (Tevye), Maura Malarky (Golde); Christina Rickenbach (Tzeitel), Christina Wagner (Hodel), Gwen Sears (Chava ), Jacob Baum (Motel), Gabby Mulreaney (Yente), Rachel Wawrzyniak (Fruma-Sarah) and Tori Radcliffe (Fyedka). The latter, Radcliffe, already performing another role in the cast, was thrust into the role of Fyedka with only three hours rehearsal as the person originally in the role had to leave to deal with a family emergency just before the opening show. Though his involvement was brief, Cody made many friends in both the orchestra and among the student cast…and he got to reach one of his lifelong goals! In addition, he introduced the accordion to a new group of musicians who got to hear its potential when used skillfully. Cody is grateful to Mr. Neal Lutz and the administration and students of Conrad Weiser High School for the opportunity. |
“Music from the Movies” Concert - USAby Christine Johnstone |
| The Spokane Accordion Ensemble performed an accordion concert entitled “Music from the Movies” on April 26th at St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Spokane. This popular event included a variety of movie themed songs such as “Don’t Cry for me Argentina”, “Lion King”, “My Heart will go On” as well as songs from Abba and the Muppets. The Spokane Ensemble is a unique blend of players of all ages with a common love of music and the accordion. They enjoy entertaining for a wide variety of audiences, from small groups to national conventions, and have performed previously at the National Studebaker convention, Leavenworth Accordion Festival, The Kimberley B.C. Accordion Festival, First Night Spokane and Oktoberfests. |
 |
Stockport Accordion Club Guests Entertain – UKby Rob Howard |
 On April 17th the Stockport Accordion Club hosted special guests Steve Roxton & Jean Dauvin, who entertained with a variety of enjoyable French music.The evening began in fine style with a performance by the Stockport Accordion Band (picture right) who played Alexander’s Ragtime Band (Irving Berlin), Cradle Song (Brahms), All in the April Evening and Bonanza. This was followed by entertainment by “Accordion Spice” and “Scottish Quartet “. Then it was time for the special guests, and Steve Roxton was first on stage for a solo spot that began with the chorus folk song Wild Rover, some lively bier keller songs, a Russian medley, and Luci e Ombre. Jean Dauvin then joined him for the Cuckoo Waltz and the Marche des Accordeonistes Lyonais, after which Jean did his first solo spot that included the Marche des Mineurs, Brise Napolitaine, La Paloma and Tico Tico. Therese Dauvin then came on stage to sing Padam Padam, La Vie En Rose, Kiss Me Honey Honey, and Jean finished the first half with Les Triolets, Reine de Musette and Perles des Crystal. The second half began with Steve playing the Irish Washerwoman and other tunes, and he was then joined by Jean for Fleur de Paris and Adios Sevilla. Jean then played more solos plus duos with Therese. He also gave a brief demonstration of some of the varied sounds from his MusicTech 4-row button accordion. The show concluded with Jean and Steve playing Now is the Hour and Auld Lang Syne. Picture below: Steve Roxton, Rob Howard, Therese and Jean Dauvin. |
 |
“Chaika Band” Releases new CD - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
 “Chaika Band” (which includes accordionist Emily-Rose Šárkova) have just released their new album entitled “Arrow”. They had an official launch over Easter at the National Folk Festival in Canberra and the Anti Folk Festival at Smith's Alternative. The band will give follow up concerts in Avoca, Katoomba and Sydney over the next week.Based in Sydney, Australia, the six-piece ensemble take their name from the Bulgarian word for ‘seagull’. Chaika draws influence from folk traditions, jazz and classical music. The album (picture of cover on left) includes the title track “Arrow” plus 8 other tracks such as “Little Bird”, Colour Song” and “On the Sands”. For further concert and album details email: info@chaikaband.com |
French Night in Minnesota – USAby Christine Johnstone |
 Dan Newton's Cafe Accordion Orchestra entertained at a French Night on April 16th at Vieux Carre in St Paul, Minnesota.The event included lots of French singing as well as Musette, Gypsy Swing, Cajun, Creole, Quebecois and French Traditional tunes. The group's next performance will be at the Loring Bar & Restaurant, 327 14th Avenue, Minneapolis on May 7th. For details email: daddysqueeze@daddysqueeze.com |
Future events |
World Accordion Day Concert – Spainby Rob Howard |
 |
 A World Accordion Day concert will be held at the University of Cervera in Catalonia on May 4th. Ferran Martínez (picture left) will give a performance at this event which will include works by Piazzolla, Rossini, Vivaldi, Rodrigo, Strauss and Semionov. Other performers include Gorka Hermosa, Matthieu Chaussalet and Zero Sette Jai Band. For more information email: ferranbayan@gmail.com |
30th Edition of Musicora – Franceby Rob Howard |
 |
| The 30th Edition of Musicora will be held at the Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt, Seguin Island from May 3rd to 5th, organised by accordionist Stéphane Bonifassi. The event will include three days dedicated to accordion music, musicians and instruments. For further details email: sbonifassi@accordeon-sud-est.com |
Seattle Accordion Club Concert & Social Night - USAby Christine Johnstone |
 |
| The Seattle Accordion Club will host a concert and social night on May 13th at the Senior Centre of West Seattle, 4217 S.W. Oregon Street, Seattle, WA. The event will include a performance by the Northwest Accordionaires Orchestra, who play a variety of music styles from show tune medleys to the classics. All of the music they play is orchestrated by their Director, Cooksie Kramer. Performances will also be given by soloists, duets and groups. In addition they will hold an “Open Mic” session, where accordionists of any age are invited to play 1 or 2 pieces. These socials are held regularly and are open to all accordion players, from students to professionals, their friends, families and to anyone who enjoys music. Entry is by donation of $5.00 and includes coffee and cookies! For further details phone: 206-947-8393 |
CNIMA Masterclasses with Ludovic Beier – Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 |
 CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix will hold Gypsy Swing and Gypsy jazz masterclasses with accordionist Ludovic Beier (pictured) in May and June, 2019.The May 14th and 15th masterclass is entitled "Play and improvise in the Gypsy style Swing" and will cover Jazz improvisation, Gypsy, Balkan, world and current music in terms of phrases, stylistic rendering and improvisation modes. The June 4th to 6th masterclass is entitled “Secrets of Manouche Jazz”. For further details email: cnima@wanadoo.fr |
Gala Concert "Out of this World" - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
| The London Accordion Orchestra will perform at a Gala Concert entitled “Out of this World” on May 18th at the Sacred Heart Church, Edge Hill, Wimbledon in London. The event is being held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the orchestra. Over 60 musicians (including 40 players from the LAO) will entertain at this concert including members of the Sacred Heart Parish on organ, piano, strings and percussion who will play with Katy's Songbird Choir. The program will include “Rhapsody in Blue” (by Gershwin with concert pianist Giles Kennedy), the ever popular “Toccata” (by Widor with organist Robert Rathbone) and the World Premiere of “Black Mountain” by LAO Conductor Ian Watson. The orchestra will be joined by a choir in a dramatic reworking of “Jupiter” from the Planets and violin and cello for the LAO favourite “Danzon No. 2” (by Marquez). Refreshments will be served. Tickets are available from the Sacred Heart Church Office and the concert is expected to be a sell-out! |
 |
Louise Jallu Quartet Concert at Festival Métis de Saint Denis - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
 |
| The Louise Jallu Quartet will perform at the Festival Métis de Saint Denis, Orgemont Music Centre (Pôle Musical d’Orgemont), 1 Rue de la Tete Saint-Medard, Epinay-sur-Seine on May 16th. The festival will include 12 concerts of a variety of music. The quartet includes Louise Jallu (bandoneon), Mathias Lévy (violin), Grégoire Letouvet (piano) and Alexandre Perrot (double bass). They will play pieces from their album “Francesita”. For further information and reservations phone: 01 48 13 06 07 |
World Premiere by Duo Aspera – Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
 |
| Duo Aspera, which includes accordionist Ghenadie Rotari and Valentina Vargiu (piano), will perform the world premiere of Petri Makkonen's "Moldavian Rhapsody" for piano, accordion and string orchestra at the Berliner Philharmonie concert hall in Berlin on May 19th. The duo has participated in numerous international music competitions winning awards, such as the second prize at the “Strumenti&Musica” international competition in Spoleto, the second prize at the “Svirel” international music competition in Stanjel (Slovenia) and at the “Citta’ di Piove di Sacco” music competition. The duo also won the “Sony Classical Talent Scout” and was invited to perform at a concert during the “Madesimo Music Festival” held in Italy. For further concert details email: g.rotari@yahoo.com |
Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival - Englandby Christine Johnstone |
| The accordion competition section of the Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival will be held on June 8th and 9th at Walthamstow Hall Senior School, Sevenoaks as part of the Sevenoaks Summer Festival. The deadline for entries into the accordion categories has been extended for another two weeks so do get your entries in and try to support this festival that encourages the participation of the accordion. Entrants include the Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra who will play in the orchestra section as well as solo, duets and group classes. The Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival began in 1951, and is well known and popular with adjudicators and competitors as friendly and enthusiastic, and draws a large number of entries. A Prizewinner's Concert & Presentation of Awards will be held on June 22nd. For further details phone the Competition Secretary, Tim Daniell: 01732 356738 Picture below: 2018 Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival trophy table |
 |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Generated in 6.0451307 / 0.0010023 / 0