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Accordionists & Teachers Guild International (ATG) Festival July 19-23 - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
The 77th Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Festival will be held July 19-23, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency in Lisle, Illinois. ATG is advertising an exciting line-up of solo and ensemble concerts, workshops and fun activities and ATG President Amy Jo Sawyer (picture right) invites all to attend. Exciting guest artists include Quartette Gelato, the “Alex Meixner Band” from Florida, Jazz accordionist Paul Betken with Phil Gratteau (drums) and Jim Cox (bass). Workshops, Concerts, New Music for accordion Concert, Luncheons, Banquet, accordion vendors, ATG Festival Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joan Sommers, Meet & Greet Party, CDs & Music for sale and new friendships! Amy Jo Sawyer says: "We all love to play the accordion! so please attend the 2017 ATG festival where you are guaranteed a 'Squeezin’ Good Time'." For full details about all the workshops and seminars and the Festival Orchestra, please visit the website: Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) |
Fritz Dobler 90th Birthday Celebration, Trossingen - Germanyby Georg Hettmann |
On the 24th June, the 90th birthday of Fritz Dobler (picture right), the important German association Deutscher Harmonika-Verband e.V. (DHV) organized a reception of over 60 people at the Dr. Ernst Hohner Konzerthaus in Trossingen to celebrate the birthday. Fritz Dobler (a past DHV President) is a “stroke of luck” for the DHV and the worldwide accordion movement according to the current DHV President Jochen Haußmann (picture left). Up to this day, he prescribes "our" music. Not only, his remarkable musical activities during nine decades of life, but also his characteristic deep inner conviction and enthusiasm for the accordion. Fritz Dobler is not only a gifted musician and soloist (1st, 1954 Coupe Mondiale). He is also a gifted composer, conductor, lecturer, music director and former president of the DHV. Fritz Dobler continues to be a pioneer with a deep passion for music and the accordion. The accordion world joins the DHV in congratulating and honoring Fritz Dobler on his 90th birthday. Recently, a new website in German language was launched with biographical data, interviews, music examples of compositions, pictures etc. View at: Fritz Dobler. |
Fisitalia Release Innovative "Bayan-Ergo" Design, Castelfidardo - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
During the 1980's some manufacturers developed free bass only accordions but the feeling of the bass was not the same as the treble, as the bass note-board was not intended for single-note playing with the thumb being designed for standard bass. The accordionists stayed with the converter model. Fisitalia writes: We have developed a completely new "Bayan-Ergo" free bass accordion design with many advantages: - The clearly slanted bass side and larger bass buttons (same as treble) allow the player to have a more natural hand and finger position, facilitating easy use of the thumb; - The thumb can also be used, the same for the left hand as for the right hand; - Easier and freer hand movement and glissandi are possible; - The legato performance is significantly easier; - Greater span of the left hand using the thumb; - With the thumb the player has increased reach; - Five-note chords in the left hand are now possible; - Lowest tone in the bass: Contra-C (in accordance with an organ or a harmonium). - Composers may use the thumb of the left hand for their works;" Full Information with extra pictures: Ergo_English and Ergo_Deutsch |
Acordeones Baffetti "Conoce personas" entrevista, Castelfidardo - Italiaby Harley Jones |
"Conoce a las personas" entrevista con: Genuino Baffetti (foto izquierda) Cinzia Baffetti (foto del medio) Milena Baffetti (foto derecha) De Acordeones Baffetti Editor: Holda Paoletti-Kampl Entrevista "Conoce personas” son sobre personas que han hecho de esta pequeña ciudad de Italia muy famosa alrededor del mundo por la calidad de sus acordeones. Entrevista en: 2017Baffetti |
Composers+ Summer Academy - Lithuaniaby Harley Jones |
Composers up to 36 years and accordionists up to 36 years are invited to the Composers+ Summer Academy — the international event which began in 2014 as a small composers camp in the village of Palendriai (Lithuania) at St Benedict’s Monastery. Now in its fourth year, this young and unique course has not only changed location to the exciting and attractive venue of Raudondvaris Castle near Kaunas but it has also renamed itself as the Composers+ Summer Academy. Dates: 18-26 August 2017 Application deadline: 7 July 2017 Price: Euro 200 The main focus of the Composers+ Summer Academy is to produce new works for accordion, both as a solo instrument and with chamber ensemble. Artistic Director Martynas (picture right) writes: "This year I am proud and happy to welcome Prof. Iñaki Alberdi (picture left) as one of the Academy tutors. Iñaki Alberdi will be leading the masterclasses for accordionists and is one of the most prominent and active modern accordion music performers and initiators worldwide. The course will also provide tuition by composer Dr. Ruta Vitkauskaite and young British composer Ben Lunn — both keen advocates of contemporary accordion music. As usual, the event will host a cycle of concerts alongside the educational activity, including performances of the world premieres of many of the works created during the Composers+ Summer Academy. These new pieces will also be printed and published by the event organiser, PI accoAkademija in Lithuania." For further information email: ask@composersplus.com or Phone: +370 621 62222 |
Noticias semanales de accordions.com tiene nueva App para Android en inglésby Accordions Worldwide |
Las noticias semanales de accordions.com tiene nueva app para Android en inglés. La aplicación fue diseñada para teléfonos android y puedes bajarla gratis desde Google Play Store. Búscala como “AWW Accordions”. Descárgala en tu telefono ahora. Link directo para obtener la app de noticias semanales en inglés: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.accordions.aww&hl=en Pronto viene la app para usuarios de iPhone. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
National Accordion Awareness Month Celebrated in June - USAby Harley Jones |
Since 1989 Nashville Public Radio has designated June as National Accordion Awareness Month. Excerpt from an article by Kara McLeland for Nashville Public Radio. "Chances are, if you’ve ever been around an accordion, it’s difficult to not be aware of it; the instruments (and its many variants) are unique in both physicality and timbre. So why a whole month dedicated to them? While the accordion is commonly known to listeners, many might not be aware of the instrument's versatility and its role in the world of classical music. Many incredible local musicians have performed at Nashville Public Radio, including two of Nashville’s finest accordion players. Earlier this year on Live in Studio C, Jeff Taylor joined guitarist Jonathan Sargent in playing several of Sargent’s original compositions. Sound file above: Track list: Mas que siempre, Tango 4 For You Spanish Sun Blazin' Fuego Evocaion In January, Jeff Lisenby performed a program with Matt Davich and Emily Nelson that included selections from Fiddler on the Roof and Turandot, as well as an original tango by Lisenby. Sound file above. (Jeff Lisenby has CD's and music available at: Jeff Lisenby ) Hear Music from an American composer and accordionist Pauline Oliveros who was always a forward-thinker. Oliveros’s A Love Song for accordion, voice and bass trombone exemplifies her meditative approach to environmental improvisation, and her love of experimenting in highly resonant spaces. She passed away in November 2016." Recording above. |
Gary Dahl Promotion, Any 3 or more eBooks @ 50% off - USAby Harley Jones |
July promotion - Any 3 or more Gary Dahl eBooks @ 50% off. Email your order to: MusicForAccordion@yahoo.com and you will receive the invoice by email, payable online with Paypal (worlds largest) secure server system using your credit card. Your eBooks music is emailed to you after payment. Gary Dahl has released 10 great value eBooks in recent years. Click the links below for further information: DH01-eB - Latin Spectacular! - eBook US$35.50 DH02-eB - Favourite French Standards - eBook US$35.50 DH03-eB - The American Songbook - eBook US$35.50 DH04-eB - Favourite Waltzes and Polkas - eBook US$46.50 DH05-eB - Easy Listening Variety - eBook US$35.50 DH06-eB - Easy Listening Variety - eBook US$57.50 DH07-eB - Traditional Polish Carols - eBook US$16.50 DH08-eB - Italian Spectacular - eBook US$35.50 DH09-eB - Traditional Christmas Carols - eBook US$18.50 DH10-eB - Polka - eBook US$18.50 |
Video: Astor Piazzolla’s Suite del Angel at The London Encounter - UKby Harley Jones |
Video: Published 04 June 2017. Astor Piazzolla’s Suite del Angel – at The London Encounter. The Romano Viazzani Quintet presents the live recording of their debut performance with this line up at The London Encounter in 2016 with Romano Viazzani (accordion), Corinna Hentschel (violin), Jonathan Preiss (guitar), John Bailey (piano), Yaron Stavi (double bass). The ensemble specialises in traditional Argentine and European Tango and other related music and is planning a tour at the end of 2017 and into 2018. Contact is: romanoviazzani@btconnect.com Romano CD's available at: Romano Viazzani |
Kosmos Concert Review, Shropshire – UKby Rob Howard |
The trio Kosmos performed a concert in Shropshire on June 27th, and following review was written by Stuart Spiers for the Shropshire Music Trust. “This concert in the Shrewsbury Music Trust series was at Concord College. Having seen Kosmos previously, I knew that I was in for a treat and they didn’t disappoint! Kosmos is a trio consisting of violin (Harriet MacKenzie), viola (Meg Hamilton), and accordion (Milos Milivojevic). These three virtuosi mix melodies and styles within pieces. Tempo, mood or dynamics can change at the drop of a hat. Throughout, there was a sense of playfulness and humour. Various effects such as ‘chopping’ and playing close to the bridge, or playing percussion on the accordion were heard. The first half opened with ‘Armanaki’, a Greek island tune, which then became Klezmer. The level of precision and togetherness is outstanding. The group play as one. The scene was set and they continued to delight us with music from Ukraine, Serbia, Argentina (Tango), Scotland, Sweden, and Romania, finishing the first set with a classical piece by Sarasate. The second set opened with ‘Liberklezango’, a mixture of ‘Libertango’ by Piazzolla and Jewish Klezmer. It was delivered with perfection and real energy, followed by a Kosmos original in a Japanese style, which was highly evocative. We were then treated to pieces from Serbia and the well-known Brahms ‘Hungarian Dance no 5’, given the Kosmos treatment. The last piece was a mixture of ‘The Lark Ascending’ and Romanian and Hungarian tunes. It was a truly memorable evening!" |
Zoe Tiganouria Performing In Concert Against Drugs in Thiseio - Greeceby Harley Jones |
Video above: Excerpts from a concert in London Millfield Theater, 14 May 2017 with guest singer Elena Hadjiafxenti. On Monday, 26 June, on the occasion of the World Anti-Drug Day, the Center for the Prevention of Dependence and Promotion of Psychosocial Health organized events in Thiseio. Their main purpose was to spread the message against the stigma of exclusion and to give hope to the effort of our fellowmen and their families for a pure life away from dependencies. The events were completed with the concert by Zoe Tiganouria (accordion) and the performer Nadia Karayianni (vocals). Nikos Karagiannis and Pelagia Mylonas also participated. |
Future events |
Martynas' Summer Tour Dates – Netherlands, Germany, Spain, UK, Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
Lithuanian accordion virtuoso Martynas' summer tour started in Germany, directing his ensemble Mikroorkéstra to a full house, with standing ovations and glowing reviews! His busy international tour schedule includes: June 30th - Utrecht International Chamber Music Festival, Utrecht, Netherlands July 2nd - Kissinger Sommer, Bad Kissingen, Germany July 7th – Klosterkonzerte, Maulbronn, Germany July 14th - Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Mestlin, Germany July 15th - MDR Musiksommer, Meiningen, Germany July 16th - Choriner Musiksommer, Chorin, Germany July 18th - Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Haseldorf, Germany July 19th - Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Schenefeld, Germany July 22nd - Teatro del Mediterráneo, Alicante, Spain July 23rd - Gran Feria de Julio, Valencia, Spain July 25th – BARTS, Barcelona, Spain July 29th - Petworth Festival, Petworth, UK August 18th to 26th – Composers + Summer Academy, Raudondvaris, Lithuania August 27th to September 3rd - Accordion Music Week, Lithuania September 2nd - K29, Vilnius, Lithuania |
Leipzig Accordion Ensemble and LIAO Summer Concert, London – UKby Rob Howard |
On Saturday afternoon July 1st, 3.30pm, the visiting Leipzig Accordion Ensemble, from Germany, and the London Intermediate Accordion Orchestra perform in concert at St Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square, Pimlico SW1V 2AD. The programme includes music by Vivaldi, Piazzolla, and original works for accordion ensemble and orchestra. Admission is £8, concessions £6, and under 12s free. The Accordion Ensemble Leipzig Music School was formed in 1999 and currently consists of nine players aged between 16 and 28 years. The ensemble performs a wide range of music, from classical to klezmer. Conductor Valeri Funkner has successfully led the ensemble on several tours, such as the World Music Festival 2013 in Innsbruck and a tour to Syria in 2011. The London Intermediate Accordion Orchestra (LIAO) was formed in 2014. It has around 20 players and is the 'little brother' to the London Accordion Orchestra, which has 40 players and performs all over Europe. LIAO performs original music for accordion orchestra as well as arrangements of pieces written for other instruments. Both of our orchestras have the goal of widening appreciation of this wonderful instrument and LIAO in particular encourages children to participate and experience the joy of playing music with other people. |
Akkordeon Orchester Erbach’s Anniversary Concert, Erbach – Germanyby Rob Howard |
The Akkordeon Orchester Erbach celebrates 65 years since their formation in 1952 with a gala concert on Sunday July 2nd, 5pm to 7pm, at the Stadhalle Erbach, Leopoldsplatz 1, 69412 Eberbach, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The concert will be shared with the Harmonika-Club Schonbrunn-Haag, appearing as special guests. Admission is 8 Euro, 7 Euro for concessions. For further information email: kontakt@akkordeon-eberbach.de |
Christina Felder Bachelor’s Degree Concert, Trossingen - Germanyby Rob Howard |
Christina Felder performs her Bachelor’s Degree concert on Monday July 3rd, 8pm, at the Piano House Hermann in Trossingen, Germany. The program includes: Nicholas A. Huber – ‘On the wings of the harp’ Joseph Haydn – ‘Sonata no. 33 in C Minor’ Johann Sebastian Bach – ‘Viols Sonata no. 3 in G Minor’ Ole Schmidt – ‘Toccata no. 1’ |
International Accordion Competition “City of Albufeira”, 7th & 8th July - Portugalby Harley Jones |
The international competition “City of Albufeira” will take place in a small village near the sea named Olhos de Água. Deadline registration: 6th July. Rules and Regulations: 2017Albufeira.pdf The opening ceremony will be 7th July at 9.30 p.m. with a concert by the Algarve Accordion Orchestra and the Duo Gonçalo Pescada (accordion) and Albano Neto (trumpet). The Winner’s Concert will be 8th July at 9.30 p.m., New Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima – Olhos de Água. Before the International Accordion Competition “City of Albufeira”, from 3rd to 7th July, famous French teacher Frederic Deschamps will give a Masterclass open to accordionists of any nationality and age at Albufeira Conservatory. For further information email: goncalopescada@sapo.pt |
Freiburger Akkordeon Orchester Concerts – Germanyby Rob Howard |
The Freiburger Akkordeon Orchester performs a series of concerts titled ‘Another Night in Argentina’ in July, as follows: July 7th, 8pm - E-Werk, Eschholzstraße 77, Freiburg July 9th, 7pm - Musikakademie, Alois-Schnorrer 10, Staufen July 15th, 8.30pm - Maja-Bühne, Steinstrasse, 2/2, Emmendingen July 16th, 7pm - Rainhof-Scheune, Höllentalstrasse, 96, Kirchzarten |
Accordzeam presents ‘Classique Instinct’, Avignon – Franceby Rob Howard |
The quintet Accordzeam presents ‘Classique Instinct’, a show featuring classical music, such as Schubert's La Truite and Dvorák's New World Symphony, in a visual and musical presentation. The venue is the Theatre De L’Oulle, Avignon, in the south of France, and the shows run nightly at 10pm from July 7th to 30th. Admission is 20 Euro, under 12s 8 Euro. For further information email: patbarth@hotmail.com |
Auckland Accordion Symphonietta (AAS) Concert - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
Auckland Accordion Symphonietta (AAS) conducted by Lionel Reekie has a concert on 8th July. Venue details are on the poster. Guest Performers are: Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin - Soloist Alexandra Reekie Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra by Gary Daverne - Soloist Campbell Bettridge New Zealand Accordion Championships winners: Ave Accordeon Ensemble Owen Fan Angela Chen For further information email: ghia@ihug.co.nz |
Victor Prieto Jazz Accordion Master Classes, Ourense City – Spainby Rob Howard |
Victor Prieto’s International Jazz Accordion and Modern Harmony Master Classes take place at the Marcos Valcarcel, Ourense City, north-west Spain, on July 8th and 9th and July 15th and 16th. The master classes are in English, but French, Spanish and Portuguese are also spoken. There will be a rhythm section (bass and drums) available for both days. On the evenings of July 8th and 15th, 10.30pm, there will be jam sessions in the Café Cultural Auriense, Praza do Correxidor, Ourense. The master classes cover the following subjects: Improvisation: in different styles and understanding scales (pop, rock, bolero) - not only in jazz. -Comping: how to form chords, close position, open position, upper structures. -Poly-Chords: technique "Chord Approach on both hands." -Styles; how to phrase and comp: Jazz, blues, Brazilian, traditional tango, new Tango, and other styles of modern harmony. -How to work and what to do in a recording studio when you get only chord changes. - watch videos and analyse them. How the accordion interacts with other instruments depending on the instrumentation of the groups. (Duo, Trio, Solo, singer, piano) - A book with material will be given to each student for further studies and review (to take home with you). - Practice and perform with a rhythm section (bass and drums). -How to use the registers and voices of the accordion to orchestrate and have a bigger variety of colours and sounds. Victor Prieto is based in New York, where he performs regularly and also leads master classes. He previously studied classical accordion at the Conservatory in Ourense. For further information email: masterclass@victorprieto.net |
Klaus Paier & Asja Valcic Workshops and Concert, Klagenfurt – Austriaby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
The accordion and cello duo Klaus Paier and Asja Valcic hold workshops for their respective instruments from July 10th to 14th at the Viktring Musikforum, Klagenfurt, Austria. On Tuesday July 11th, 8pm, at the Stiftskirche, Klagenfurt, Klaus Paier and Asja Valcic perform in concert, with Russian accordion maestro Friedrich Lips making a special guest appearance. Tickets cost 19 Euro, 14 Euro for concessions. Klaus Paier, Austrian accordionist and composer, studied accordion, jazz and composition at Klagenfurt conservatory. He became interested in other genres, from tango to jazz and world music, in order to fuse them into his own personal style. He works with various ensembles, including as a duo with the highly accomplished Croatian cellist Asja Valcic. For further information email: klaus.paier@aon.at |
Antique Accordion Exhibition @ Hebridean Celtic Festival, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
Caroline Hunt presents some of her extensive collection of antique accordions and memorabilia at this July’s Hebridean Celtic Festival, Stornaway, Scotland. Caroline, who has been collecting accordions for the last 20 years, says: “One of my early Russian accordions was used in the film ‘Anna Karenena’ with Jude Law and Kiera Knightly. There are button accordions designed to look like piano accordions as the American bandleader didn’t want Frosini, who played a button accordion, to look different to the piano accordions! “There are also early examples of accordions made by Paolo Soprani, who founded the Italian accordion industry and also numerous German Hohners – a Hohner Sax that looks like a Saxophone but is played like a cross between a melodeon and a mouth organ! "And I also have a Hohner Shand Morino which was designed by Sir Jimmy Shand with Morino at the Hohner Factory in Germany, specifically for Scottish music.” Caroline Hunt’s exhibition of antique accordions is at The Masonic Hall, 55 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, on Friday July 21st and Saturday 22nd, from 10am - 4pm. Car parking and refreshments are available. For further information email: accordionbook@huntc.fsbusiness.co.uk |
New and Updated Sites |
Updated Site: Prof. Vladimir Besfamilnov Passed Away, 14th May 2017by Harley Jones |
New video about life added to obituary article about Prof. Vladimir Besfamilnov passing away. http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=19-May-2017&lang=en#art13105 Read about the life of this great educator and musician at: Vladimir Besfamilnov This site has has been updated and will be updated further. Besfamilnov is sadly missed and our deepest condolences to the family. |
Updated Site: Franco Cambareri Two New Compositions Released - Australiaby Harley Jones |
Franco Cambareri has released two new compositions: cfranco226 - Guitar Romanca Guitar Romantica is a Pleasant Sweet Samba. Sound sample .mp3 file and sheet music sample online. cfranco227 - For Little Chiara For Little Chiara is a sweet melody written for my new grand daughter. Sound sample .mp3 file and sheet music sample online. These works are eSheet (pdf file, able to be emailed to you) and can be purchased online with secure server credit card. |
Updated Site: Grayson Masefield, New Pictures, Qualifications and Text - Switzerlandby Heather Masefield |
Updated Site. The site of Grayson Masefield has been updated with new pictures and text and also to list his Master of Arts degree qualifications. |
Updated Information: Osvaldo (AKA Ossie) Mazzei (1913 - 2017), Brisbane - Australiaby Heather Masefield |
A video with a lot of historic information about Ossie Mazzei including some music, has been added to the obituary published in April. http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Apr-2017&lang=en&s=12957 Thank you to Leo Mazzei and family for the video. |
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