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Highlights |
Giemme Bellows "Know the People" Interview, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
"Know the People" Interview at: 2017Giemme with: Giemme Bellows, Gianfranco Marincioni (Owner) and Sabrina Alba (Owner). Editor: Holda Paoletti-Kampl "Know the People" of Castelfidardo who have made this small city so famous around the world for their quality accordion products. Interview at: 2017Giemme Picture below: Gianfranco Marincioni and Sabrina Alba. |
Hotel Almost Sold Out for Las Vegas International Accordion Convention - USAby Paul Pasquali Event Organizer |
This year the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention (LVAC) hotel is actually sold out - BUT what I was able to do, was hold a group of rooms in my name - so there are a limited number of rooms available directly from me. If you contact me direct, I can book the room for you at the convention rate of $39/$47 - deluxe/premium room. This small block of rooms is available until they are sold, so I am urging those who want to come, to contact me immediately at: 1-800-472-1695 (+01 486-1695) or email me at: paul@accordionstars.com There is going to be an amazing "Tribute to Dick Contino" and you can read all about that at: www.accordionusa.com/#art3111 and see how three stars, Grayson Masefield, Stas Venglevski and Cory Pesaturo are also part of this exciting tribute arranged by Joan Sommers (picture right) as the Finale of the 2017 Convention. The stars listed in the banner above include Gordon Kohl who is to be presented the 2017 Honorary Director Award. He joins a renowned family of musicians in this exclusive club that includes Art Van Damme, Dick Contino, Myron Floren, Gina Brannelli, Joan Sommers, Peter Soave, Iona Reed Pukara, Walter Ostanek, Carl Fortina, Pete Barbutti, Frank Marocco, Angelo Di Pippo, Jeff Lisenby, Joey Miskulin, Stas Venglevski, Mary Tokarski, and Mario Pedone. For more information about the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention, please visit: www.accordionstars.com " |
Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) Board Elections - Germanyby Georg Hettmann |
The Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV), one of the largest accordion associations in the world, had their General Assembly last Saturday 23rd September in Trossingen. There were elections for the whole board of the DHV and Jochen Haußmann was again elected to be the President of the DHV for the next 4 years. Hedy Stark-Fussnegger has been elected Vice-President and her CEO position has been tranferred to Corinna Probst since March 1st 2017. DHV – Board-Members President: Jochen Haußmann 1st Vice president: Hedy Stark-Fussnegger Vice president: Manfred Kappler Vice president: Ingolf Schneider Vice president: Volker Gerlich Treasurer: Heike Braun-Staufenberger National Chairman of Conductors: Stefan Hippe Federal Youth Leader: Susanne App Board member: Dietmar Fink Board member: Georg Hettmann Board member: Matthias Hennecke Board member: Manfred Baudisch Chairman of Music Advisory Board: Hans-Günther Kölz Spokesperson of conductors: Johannes Baumann Spokesperson of conductors: Silke D’Inka CEO since 1st March 2017: Corinna Probst Heiderose Riefler and Isolde Alka have been appointed honory member of the organization. The DHV is the German member of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and was a founding member of the CIA in 1935. The DHV will be hosting the 74th Coupe Mondiale International Accordion Competitions in Germany in 2021. |
New Book ‘Stockport Accordion Club Through the Years’, Cheshire – UKby Rob Howard |
‘Stockport Accordion Club through the years’ is a unique book by author and musician Rob Howard (picture below) that tells the story of an accordion club based in the North West of England, whose history goes all the way back to October 1937, when the accordion teacher Jack Ridings formed the first club. Closed down during WW2, the club has had revivals in 1948, 1956, 1987, and 1994. Many international-class accordionists have performed at the current Stockport Accordion Club, including Jörgen Sundeqvist, Gervasio Marcosignori, Mario Conway, Pearl Fawcett-Adriano, Roberto Enzo, Janusz Zukowski, Danielle Pauly, Dermot O’Brien, Barbara Ann Martindale, Jack Emblow, Vladimir Ushakov, Oleg Sharov, Alexander Korbakov, Mauro Carra, Oivind Farmen, Zhang Guoping, Jean Dauvin, etc. This limited edition souvenir book, a high quality near A4-sized hardback, includes lots of illuminating and often humorous articles from present and past members that make interesting reading. There are over 200 photographs, including several accordion band line-up photos from the 1950s to 2017. Published as a near A4 sized hardback, it costs £15 + £3p/p (UK) from Rob Howard, 42 Avondale Rd, Edgeley, Stockport, Cheshire, UK SK3 9NY. Overseas: EU 27 Euro, $37 US, both include postage. Paypal accepted. For further information email: robaccord5@hotmail.com |
Guardia Nueva Autumn Tour - Finlandby Raimo Vertainen |
The Guardia Nueva Tango-orchestra conducted by Raimo Vertainen (picture left) starts its autumn tour. 30 September, Brahe Classica series 18:00 hrs, Raahe Concert Hall. Solist Teemu Roivainen. 14 October 2017 Entertainment Concert in Kangasala Hall, 19:00 hours 15 October 2017 Musical and Tango, Vaasa City Theater 18:00 hours All the concerts celebrate the Finland 100 Years theme, with the program including the most memorable Finnish evergreen pieces specially arranged for Guardia Nueva. Solists in these concerts are Teemu Roivainen (vocals), Heidi Kumpula (violin), and Raimo Vertainen with vibrandoneon. CD's for sale online at: Guardia Nueva Further concert information at: www.guardianueva.net |
Renzo Ruggieri New Release: Accordion Kids (ten pieces) eBook - Italyby Harley Jones |
Renowned accordionist, teacher and composer Renzo Ruggieri has just released a new eBook (.pdf file able to be sent to you by email) titled Accordion Kids Catalog rrenzo512 Renzo Ruggieri writes: "Accordion Kids features progressive songs for young accordion students. From first notes, to small imitations of animals, to singular genres such as Disco, Baroque and Blues. The use of the left hand loses regularity in the accompaniment (march / waltz / tango) to bring the young player closer to the new rhythms of the present times." Price is only 10 Euro (or USD$ equivalent) for these exciting young childrens compositions that are a "must have", for every teacher of young children. Available online at Catalog: rrenzo512 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Video: Coupe Mondiale Category Winners, Round I - Italyby Harley Jones |
The 2017 Coupe Mondiale category results were: 1st Vladimir Stupnikov (Russia) 2nd Ma Qi (China) 3rd Alexey Murza (Ukraine) This competition was in three rounds. Above is video of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed players. You can view all the Coupe Mondiale contestants videos at: Round I: 2017CoupeRI Round II: 2017CoupeRII Round III: 2017CoupeRIII The Scandalli Accordion Factory is the sponsor of the 2017 Video Archive and Education Project. |
Video: Paolo Miles Demonstrates the MusicTech Digital Accordion at Coupe Mondiale - Italyby Harley Jones |
Video: Paolo Miles Performance at Coupe Mondiale Digital Accordion Concert. On the last Sunday of the Coupe Mondiale in Osimo, manufacturers of digital accordions had been invited by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) to contribute a performer for a concert of "expert and high level digital accordion performance". MusicTech Owners Claudio Sabbattini and Maria Rita Bartomeoli had announced that Paolo Miles would perform with the MusicTech Digital Accordion. Paolo Miles graduated in Classical Accordion at the Niccolò Piccinni Conservatory of Bari (Italy), under the guidance of Prof. Francesco Palazzo. He has an intensive performance schedule as a soloist and also as part of various chamber music and orchestral formations, both as an accordionist and bandoneonist, with successful results. "Know the People" Interview Claudio Sabbattini and Maria Rita Bartomeoli at: 2017MusicTech |
Video: Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment Winners - Italyby Harley Jones |
The 2017 Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment category results were: 1st Andrea Di Giacomo (Italy) 2nd Gustavo Aliandre De Almeida (Brazil) 3rd= Egle Bartkeviciute (Lithuania) 3rd= Nikolay Ovchinnikov (Russia) This competition was in two rounds. Above is video of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed players Round I performance. You can view all the Coupe Mondiale Virtuoso Entertainment contestants videos at: Round I: 2017VirtuosoRI Round II: 2017VirtuosoRII The Scandalli Accordion Factory is the sponsor of the 2017 Video Archive and Education Project. |
Video: “Tutto a Dio” Win PIF Castelfidardo Category F - Italyby Harley Jones |
Video: Castelfidardo PIF Category F Chamber Music winners were “Tutto a Dio”: Augustinas Rakauskas (accordion) and Greta Staponkute (viola) from Lithuania. This was their performance at the Prize Giving Concert. The regulations for Category F require a chamber music group with accordion and other instruments – no age limit (from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 12 participants). Entrants must present a program of their choice with a maximum length of 20 minutes. |
Video: Ksenija Sidorova Performs Fantasie on Astor Piazzolla's Chiquilin de Bachinby Harley Jones |
International accordionist Ksenija Sidorova performs Franck Angelis Fantasie on Astor Piazzolla's theme Chiquilin de Bachin. This new composition for ensemble of a favorite solo piece for accordionists, is sure to be popular too. |
Future events |
Karen Tweed’s October Dates – Irish Republic, UKby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Karen Tweed performs during October, as follows: Monday October 2nd - teaching at Newcastle University Folk Degree Course Saturday October 7th - Karen Tweed & Tom McElvogue, Strokestown, County Roscommon, Irish Republic; CD launch: 'Luckpenny' (4pm - 6pm) and also appearing as part of the Tribute to Frank Kelly Concert (8pm). Monday October 16th to Thursday 19th – teaching at Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley's Fiddle and Guitar School and Festival 2017 Orkney Isles, UK Karen Tweed, born in England but now resident in Ireland, is steeped in Irish traditional music and has recorded and performed in this genre for many years. She also performs in other genres, and has featured on over 30 CDs. She won 5 All Ireland titles on piano accordion and melodica in the late 1970s/early 80s, performed with the Poozies, and is the main piano accordion tutor at the World Music Centre, University of Limerick, and a regular tutor for the Bmus Degree in folk and traditional music at Newcastle University and at The Sage, Gateshead. For further information email: info@karentweed.com |
Sharon Shannon’s Concert Tour Dates – UK, Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
Irish diatonic accordionist Sharon Shannon and her band perform as follows during October: October 3rd, 8pm – Irish World Heritage Centre, Manchester, England October 4th – Birmingham Irish Centre October 5th – Colchester Arts Centre October 6th – The Cube, Corby October 7th – London Irish Centre October 15th, 7pm – Spiegeltent, Paisley, Scotland October 28th, 8pm - Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo, Irish Republic Sharon Shannon’s latest CD, ‘Sacred Earth’, is an eclectic recording of arrangements of traditional Irish tunes and Irish-influenced compositions, mixed in with styles from around the world, including Blues, North and West African music and reggae. On this recording she works with various other musicians such as Finbarr Furey, six Shetland fiddlers, and kora player Seckou Keita. Sharon Shannon, from County Clare but now living in Galway, plays the diatonic 2 row button accordion, melodeon, fiddle, and tin whistle. Originally a competitive show jumper, she switched to playing music professionally in the mid-1980s, and has since enjoyed a very successful international career. She was briefly a member of The Waterboys, but plays mainly as a soloist with her own backing musicians. Sharon Shannon is especially popular with younger audiences, and is well-known as an innovator who incorporates other styles such as French-Canadian, Portuguese, Cajun, and Reggae into Irish traditional music. |
Marc Perrone Concert, Paris – Franceby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Marc Perrone performs in concert on Wednesday October 4th, 7.30pm-10.30pm, at La Generale Nord-Est, 14 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris. Marc Perrone was born in 1951 in Villejuif, France. In addition to being a musette accordionist and recording artist, he is a composer and actor, known for appearing in the French-made movies ‘La trace’, ‘Le stelle inquiete’ and ‘Un dimanche à la campagne’. For further information email: contact@lagenerale.fr |
Royal Academy of Music Events, London – UKby Rob Howard |
Thursday October 5th - Accordion Department Open Day – free admission, no tickets required. There will be a lunchtime concert by students in the David Josefowitz Recital Hall at 1.05pm followed by a talk by Owen Murray on the work on the Accordion Department. At 3.30pm to 5pm there will be an opportunity for young accordionists to play and receive advice on further development. Anyone wishing to play should contact the Accordion Department administrator Karen Ingram (k.ingram@ram.ac.uk) giving details of age, some examples of pieces in your repertoire, and the title of a composition to play in the session. Friday October 13th, 10am until 1pm – master class with Peter Katina The Royal Academy of Music is situated at 100 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5HT. Founded in founded in 1822 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1830, the RAM is one of the leading conservatoires in the world, coming top of the Complete University Guide for 2018 and Guardian University Guide for 2018. Famous Academy alumni include Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Sir Elton John and Annie Lennox. The Accordion Department was founded in 1986, and its graduates include James Crabb, Neil Varley, Ian Watson, Murray Grainger, Martynas Levickis, Ksenija Sidorova, Milos Milivojevic, Rafal Luc, and many more. For further information email: K.INGRAM@ram.ac.uk |
Zoltan Orosz Concert, Budapest - Hungaryby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Zoltan Orosz performs a solo concert on Thursday October 5th, 7pm, at Obudai Tarsaskor, Budapest. The programme includes French musettes, Balkan music, American music, and Argentinean tangos. Zoltan Orosz studied the accordion and the organ at the Bela Bartok Conservatory in Budapest and at the Franz Liszt College, Budapest. He performs internationally, and has made several recordings. For further information email: mks.nesvady@post.sk |
Frank Gavigan Memorial Concert, Westmeath – Irish Republicby Rob Howard |
Accordionist Mick Foster, of Foster & Allen fame, is one of several musicians performing in the annual Frank Gavigan (picture left) Memorial Concert on Friday October 6th, 8pm, at Milltown Community Centre, Westmeath, Irish Republic. The late Frank Gavigan, an All-Ireland Champion, was once Mick Foster’s accordion teacher. Others performing include button accordionist Darren Breslin, the Bridge Ceili Band, button accordionist Annette Owens, flautist Siobhan Ni Chonarain, harmonica player and guitarist Noel Battle, the Ballynacargy Set Dancers, accordionist and pianist Moyra Fraser, banjo player Willie Kavanagh, accordionist Brendan Doyle, and more. |
Ferran Martinez Concert, Barcelona – Spainby Rob Howard |
On Sunday October 22nd, 7pm, Spanish accordionist Ferran Martinez performs a solo concert at the Auditori Pepita Selles, c/entença, 218, Barcelona. Programme: ‘Under Paris Skies’ – Hubert Giraud, ‘Carnival of Venice’ - Pietro Frosini, ‘Tango for Claude’ – Richard Galliano, ‘Concert de Aranjuez’ - J. Rodrigo, ‘Tritsch-Tratsch Polka’ - J. Strauss, ‘Voices of Spring’ – J. Strauss, ‘Summer’ from the ‘Four Seasons’ – A. Vivaldi, ‘Romance’ - F. Angelis, ‘Topic and variations of an Ukrainian theme’ – A. Kazakov, ‘Don Rhapsody’ - V. Semionov Ferran Martinez, born in 1971, is a graduate of the Barcelona Conservatory. He plays solo classical concerts and is a member of the Cavall Bernat group, performing Catalan popular music. He is also both an accordion and computer teacher. For further information email: ferranbayan@gmail.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Gary Dahl Releases El Choclo Tango Arrangement - USAby Harley Jones |
Gary Dahl has released an arrangement of the very famous tango El Choclo composed by Ángel Villoldo. Catalog: DH0262 El Choclo is one of the most popular tangos in Argentina and worldwide. The music has been performed and recorded by numerous bands, orchestras and accordion soloists all over the world. You can view a sample page at: Catalog: DH0262 Also, Gary Dahl announces an update of the arrangement of Ashokan, made famous from the PBS Series Soundtrack, The Civil War. Further information about Ashokan (US$5.95) including a sample page is at Catalog: DH0257 Gary Dahl now has released 218 arrangements and 10 great value eBooks in recent years with information at: Gary Dahl |
Franco Cambareri Composition Tristesse Available Online - Australiaby Harley Jones |
Franco Cambareri has released online his composition Tristesse (Tristezza) which he describes as a "Beautiful Sentimental Bossa Nova" of grade 3 level. Listen to a sound sample of the music and view sample page at: Catalog cfranco231 |
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