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Highlights |
5th International Accordion Culture and Art Festival Shanghai Spring 2023 – China
Agora International Summer Academy 2023 - Switzerland
Inaugural concert by Prof. Heidi Luosujärvi - Austria
Drostdy Theatre World Accordion Day Concert – South Africa
CNIMA Accordion Workshops in New Orleans – USA
Claudio Jacomucci April Masterclass – Italy
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Australian Accordion Teachers Association Inc. Competitions & Festival - Australia
Diatonic Accordion Course for Beginners with Valérie Aubart – France
13th International Music Festival - Montenegro
Video: Gorka Hermosa Performs for Basque President - Spain
Online: 2023 Accordion Star Video Competition – USA
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day? - International
Future events |
Fisorchestra Aquilana Performance: Musica in Tour 2023 - Italy
Piaf - A Tribute: Concert at Paris Cat Jazz Club – Australia
"Fortunato & Valentina" Easter Concert – Italy
Accordion Variety Concert Celebrates 150th Anniversary - Scotland
Accordionists Entertain at Bal des Narcissus Event - France
“Airboxes” April Concerts - Belgium
Ville Hiltula April Concerts – Japan
2023 Chamberlain and Haywood Concert Tour - Scotland
Concertina Spring Meeting at Kapfenburg Castle - Germany
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Highlights |
Accordion Week, a Cultural Bridge between Modena and Castelfidardo - Italyby AWW |
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 In 1998, commendator Giuseppe Panini, the well-known 'king' of Modena's figurines and a great accordion enthusiast, decided to donate some eighty models from his personal collection to our International Museum Castelfidardo. Twenty-five years later, some models have made the reverse journey, thanks to the 'Accordion Week' that took place in recent days at the Vecchi-Tonelli Conservatory of Modena.An idea of Maestro Alessandro Mugnoz, director of the Museum Castelfidardo and also a teacher at the Vecchi-Tonelli, supported by the respective municipal administrations, which opened an important cultural and promotional window about Castelfidardo. In addition to the temporary exhibition of antique instruments, the initiative was in fact structured around a series of workshops, presentations and concert-lessons aimed at highlighting all the expressive potential of the accordion. "In Modena, as in the whole of Emilia Romagna, there has always been a significant tradition, nurtured by Commendator Panini, ballroom dancing and popular music: with this initiative, we intended to recover and re-launch this feeling by making the contemporary accordion known 360 degrees. A bridge between Modena and Castelfidardo, and a bond on the notes of the reed that aroused the interest of students, teachers and enthusiasts, who participated with interest in the musical, didactic and formative moments proposed by the teachers of the Soprani Civic School of Music, invited to this special occasion,”explains Maestro Alessandro Mugnoz. Performing were the two accordion ambassadors Roberto Lucanero and Antonino de Luca with their respective approaches to ethnic and jazz accordions. Tutor Luigino Pallotta will be joined by students Elena Merli, Michele Alessandrini, Cristian and Nicolas Chiaraluce (Fisitalia family), Emma Burini and Alessia Catena who have put a lot of effort into the preparation for this concert. Download poster for details. 2023SchoolPS.pdf |
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5th International Accordion Culture and Art Festival Shanghai Spring 2023 – Chinaby Christine Johnstone |
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  Tekla Klebetnica (Poland) which includes accordionist Zygmunt Czupryn (picture top and left) performed this week at the 5th International Accordion Culture and Art Festival Shanghai Spring 2023 in ChinaThe group were honoured to “appear on stage next to such outstanding figures as Mirco Patarini (picture above right) and Alexander Selivanov, as well as Gustavo Almeida, Rodrigo Erbs nd Dragoslav Vasiljevic.” The following day Tekla Klebetnica performed a series of outdoor concerts (picture below) aimed at promoting the accordion among the residents of Shanghai. Everywhere they played “there was very good atmosphere and a warm reception of our music among Chinese.” |
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Agora International Summer Academy 2023 - Switzerlandby Rob Howard |
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 The Agora International Summer Academy 2023 will be held in Adelboden, Switzerland from July 16th to 22nd, 2023.A highly experienced pedagogical team will welcome students: - Klaudiusz Baran (Chopin Music University Warsaw, Poland) - Marie-Andrée Joerger (Strasbourg Conservatory, Music Academy, France) - Vincent Lhermet (Paris Conservatoire CNSMDP, France) - Philippe Thuriot (Gand Royal Conservatoire, Belgium) - Sylvain Tissot (Fribourg Conservatoire, HEMU Lausanne, Switzerland) The Agora association, created by Marie-Andrée Joerger, Vincent Lhermet and Sylvain Tissot, aims to promote the accordion and participate in its dissemination internationally. Agora courses are for all accordionists, of all ages, all levels and evolving in all musical styles. Classes may be given in French, German and English. The friendly atmosphere of the workshops will allow everyone to have fun with their instrument, to share moments of targeted work and to cause many musical encounters. Registrations close on May 31st, 2023. Download event and tutor information and registration form here: 2023Agora.pdf |
Inaugural concert by Prof. Heidi Luosujärvi - Austriaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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 In her inaugural concert in the small hall of the Bruckner Private University of Music in Linz, Austria, Prof. Heidi Luosujärvi not only impressed with the perfect selection of her repertoire, but also with her nuanced playing and exemplary intonation.Heidi Luosujärvi studied accordion at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki with Matti Rantanen and at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen with Mie Miki. She has won several prizes at international music competitions in Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg and Japan. She premiered numerous works and collaborated with many composers. She is a regular guest with contemporary music ensembles such as the E-MEX-Ensemble, the Oh Ton-Ensemble and the Notabu Ensemble new music. Her busy concert career, documented by numerous radio and television recordings, with recitals and as a chamber musician, has taken her throughout Europe, to Asia, the Middle East and the USA. As a soloist she has performed with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, with the Kurpfälzisches Kammerorchester Mannheim and with the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland. From 2013 to 2021, Heidi Luosujärvi was a lecturer for accordion at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. Since October 2022 she has been a university professor of accordion at the Anton Bruckner Private University in Linz. Together with accordionist Petteri Waris, she presented a demanding program from the Baroque, Romantic and contemporary eras entitled "Black Birds" with works by Domenico Scarlatti, Edvard Grieg, Kalevi Aho, José María Sánchez-Verdú and John Zorn. PROGRAM Domenico Scarlatti (16 85 – 1757) Sonata in B minor, K.27 Sonata in B minor, K.87 Sonata in D major, K.33 Kalevi Aho (*1949) Accordion Sonata No. 2 ”Black Birds” (1990) I. Birds of light II. Birds of the night III. Strange birds IV. Birds of desolation V.Blackbirds José María Sánchez-Verdú (*1968) Arquitecturas de espejos (2008) for two accordions Edvard Grieg (1843 – 1907) from "Lyric Pieces" Album leaf, op.12/7 Waltz, op. 38/7 Butterfly, op. 43/1 Homesickness, op. 57/6 Grandmother's Minuet, op. 68/2 Goblin, op. 71/3 John Zorn (*1953) Road Runner (1986) for accordion |
Drostdy Theatre World Accordion Day Concert – South Africaby Christine Johnstone |
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  Accordionists Stanislav Angelov (picture left) and Louis Verwey (picture right) have organised a World Accordion Day Concert at the Drostdy Theatre in Stellenbosch, South Africa on May 7th, 2023.Attendees will “experience the versatility and beauty of the accordion with an enchanting mix of music from various genres, performed by students and professional accordionists. Get ready to be wowed by their skill and passion for music.” “This event is perfect for anyone who loves music, culture, and community. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon of beautiful melodies and performances.” For details email: info@drostdyteater.co.za |
CNIMA Accordion Workshops in New Orleans – USAby Christine Johnstone |
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| CNIMA directed by Nathalie Boucheix will run two Accordion Workshops for accordionists of all levels, ages and styles (button and piano accordion) this May at the Maison St Charles Hotel, New-Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Dates for the five day workshops are: May 22nd to May 27th May 29th to June 3rd The CNIMA (Centre National et International de Musique et d'Accordéon) is an internationally renowned French based accordion school founded by esteemed professor Jacques Mornet and award-winning accordionist, co-founder and director, Nathalie Boucheix. The school has trained several generations of famous French accordionists: Alain Musichini, Domi Emorine, Félicien Brut, Vincent Lhermet, Christine Rossi ... to name a few. CNIMA students have enjoyed multiple successes, including having won a record 123 awards at international competitions. Jacques Mornet has taught workshops in Russia, China, Italy, Great Britain, Denmark, Bulgaria, Spain, Serbia, Belgium, Canada and Czechoslovakia. He is the recipient of the Gus Viseur Prize and the Russian Gnessin Academy Silver Disc. (See picture below). Nathalie Boucheix is the winner of international accordion contests such as le Trophée Mondial and Klingenthal. The secret of Mornet's technique lies in approaching the accordion as a wind instrument rather than a keyboard instrument. The proper use of the air flow combined with the appropriate touch of the keys, creates outstanding results that transforms one's playing and frees musicality. For further details email: cnima@orange.fr |
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Claudio Jacomucci April Masterclass – Italyby AWW |
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| Claudio Jacomucci will hold a Masterclass at the Scuola Civica Paolo Soprani (Paolo Soprani Civic School) in Castelfidardo, Italy from April 26th to 29th, 2023. For details phone: 391 1882600 |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Duo Vildá Joint Concert Series with Sointi Jazz Orchestra - Finlandby Christine Johnstone |
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 Duo Vildá which includes accordionist Viivi Maria Saarenkylä (picture right) and indigenous Samí singer Hildá Länsman (Finland) have just completed at joint jazz concert series with the Sointi Jazz Orchestra (artistic director, Rasmus Soini) in Finland.Their first concert was held at the Vuotalo Cultural Centre in Helsinki on March 16th. On March 17th, they performed at the Kangasala-talo in Kangasala with a final concert at the Porvoo Taidetehdas Konstfabriken (Art Factory) in Porvoo on March 18th. The concert program was described as “Hildá Länsman's impressive vocals, Viivi Maria Saarenkylä's expressive accordion and Sointi Jazz Orchestra's airy and grandiose expression create a dialogue that takes the listener on a journey to the northern fells, to the whispering of the Sami winds.” This year 2023, celebrates the Sointi Jazz Orchestra's 10th anniversary. |
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Australian Accordion Teachers Association Inc. Competitions & Festival - Australiaby Christine Johnstone |
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 The Australian Accordion Teachers Association (AATA), will hold their 2023 Australian National Accordion Championships and Gala Concert on May 28th, 2023 in Sydney, Australia, led by President Tatjana Marx (picture right).After several years of holding very successful online events, the AATA is pleased to recommence face to face competition for 2023. This year’s event is focused on giving our local Australian accordionists the opportunity to gain valuable performance experience. Because of this, and the ongoing challenges of international travel costs and schedules, the competition will be open to Australian residents only for this year. International Artists are still invited to attend as guest performers for our Gala Concert to be held in association with friends from the ASA. For entry information and further details: AATA |
Diatonic Accordion Course for Beginners with Valérie Aubart – Franceby Christine Johnstone |
 Valérie Aubart (picture left) will run a Diatonic Accordion Course at the Hamlet of Chalap in Senechas, France from July 9th to 15th, 2023, organised by Balagan Company.The course is for beginners and will cover: - holding and understanding of the instrument - basic scales and chords - accompaniment and rhythms - air column - valve technique - keyboard learning - coordination of both hands - ensemble playing Valérie “will approach this technical work from a varied repertoire of world music. No need for prior musical knowledge, we will work by ear but scores and tablatures will be made available. We will also discuss a fanfare repertoire that will allow everyone to work on collective play and share the pleasure of playing together!” For details email: compagniebalagan@gmail.com |
13th International Music Festival - Montenegroby Christine Johnstone |
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| The 13th International Accordion Music Festival "Harmonica Fest" will be held in Tivat, Montenegro from May 25th to 27th, 2023. The event will include a competition, concerts, a masterclass and lectures. For details email: harmonikafest.mne@gmail.com |
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Video: Gorka Hermosa Performs for Basque President - Spainby Christine Johnstone |
 Video: Gorka Hermosa (picture left) performed a traditional Aurresku with Garikoitz Mendizabal (whistle) and Kukai (dancers) video released March 14th, 2023.The event was held in the presence of the lehendakari (Basque President), members of the Basque Government and businessmen during the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Basque employers' association ADEGI. |
Online: 2023 Accordion Star Video Competition – USAby Christine Johnstone |
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| Applications for the online 2023 Accordion Star Video Competition will open in early April, 2023, organised by Sergei Teleshev. The 2023 competition will take place from June 23rd to 30th. This year, entries will be judged online by an international jury and also by YouTube and Facebook audiences with an additional "Public Favorite" prize. A new category this year will be the Best Music Video nomination, which is open to soloists and ensembles of all ages. No restrictions, just make sure the accordion is present. Both acoustic and digital accordions are welcome in this category. The music selection is a popular piece of music in any style up to 5 minutes. Other categories include: Nomination for “The Best Performance” Category 18+ Professionals (no age limit) Category 18+ Amateurs (no age limit) Category Ensembles (any size, any combination, no age limit, must include at least one accordion of any kind) Youth Category 15-17 Youth Category 12-14 Youth Category 11 and under For further details email: accostarfest@gmail.com |
What Are You Doing For May 6th World Accordion Day? - Internationalby Harley Jones |
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 What are you doing for World Accordion Day (WAD) to promote the accordion in your country? World Accordion Day (WAD) is on May 6th, which is the day the accordion was patented in 1829.WAD was started in 2009 by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. A key part of this event is the WAD website. Every association, group, orchestra, performer and teacher, is asked to actively support WAD by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on this day or the weekend either side of WAD if that should be more convenient. Everyone can register their WAD activity on the WAD website and send a report of their event after, for that website. No event is too big or too small. ALL accordion events celebrating WAD are welcome. This is a CIA promotion for the accordion in which every accordion enthusiast can participate and help bring our accordion world together as well as strongly promote the accordion. |
Future events |
New England Music Festival Celebrates 61st Anniversary - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
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 The Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts (ATAM) will sponsor one of their biggest events in years with over 1,500 entries. This 3 day festival will take place from March 31st to April 2nd, 2023 at the “Boston Newton Marriott” in Newton, Massachusetts, USA.President Frankie Coelho, is happy to announce that the ATAM will recognize Joseph Natoli from Ohio, “Internationally Famous Accordionist”, Concert Artist, Educator, and Adjudicator. The award as “Honorary Lifetime Member” will be presented at the Saturday evening annual Awards Banquet. ATAM President Frankie Coelho shares, “This is a well-deserved honor!” The Contest Co-Chairmen Michael Falcetti and President Frankie Coelho (Miguel School of Music), will be taking over for Chairman Peggy Falcetti after her 43 years tenure. The 3 day event includes music students from all of the New England states participating in accordion, bass guitar, drums, guitar, piano, violin, and voice categories. Students may compete in solo, duet, ensemble, battle of the bands, and orchestra categories. There are over 800 entries in solo, duet, and band categories, which span all age groups and skill levels. Adult categories were introduced in 2019, and the 2020 pandemic was the catalyst for its new virtual competition, which is open to anyone, including those outside the New England area. Over $5,000.00 in cash awards and scholarships will be given out. All events are free and open to the public. Both live and virtual categories will take place during the weekend. The Battle of the Bands can always be counted on to showcase exceptional talent, and Sam Falcetti's New England Digital Accordion Orchestra, which usually closes the event, is sure to be quite entertaining. There also will be workshops, a vendor station, and a Saturday night banquet, where all New England Cup categories will be awarded. 2023's Festival co-chairs are Michael Falcetti and Frankie Coelho (Miguel School of Music). For more information email: atamnemusicfestival@gmail.com |
Fisorchestra Aquilana Performance: Musica in Tour 2023 - Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Fisorchestra Aquilana (picture below) directed by Sergio Petronio will perform a concert as part of the Musica in Tour 2023 on April 2nd, 2023 at 5pm, in Navelli, Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. Their program will include works by Gershwin, Morricone, Piazzolla, Caccini, Cocciante, Galliano, Webber, Mancini, Foppe and Helmuth. For details email: fisorchestra.aquilana@gmail.com |
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Piaf - A Tribute: Concert at Paris Cat Jazz Club – Australiaby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
  In a tribute to Piaf, acclaimed French chanteuse Noria Letts (picture left), brings back the songs of Piaf to the stage and takes her audience on a journey from Belleville’s gritty trottoirs to the nightclubs of the Champs-Elysées and Broadway. The concert will be held at the Paris Cat Jazz Club in Melbourne, Australia on April 8th, 2023. Noria will be accompanied by Dave Evans (accordion – picture above right), Steve Sedergreen (piano), Mark Elton (double bass and Phil Collings (drums). Their program will include Non, Je ne Regrette Rien, La vie en Rose, Hymne a l’amour, Sous le ciel de Paris and a host of other beloved chansons from the Piaf songbook. For details email: info@pariscat.com.au |
"Fortunato & Valentina" Easter Concert – Italyby Christine Johnstone |
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| The Fortunato & Valentina duo, which features accordionist Valentina Donato and Fortunato Stillittano, will perform an Easter Concert at the Ristorante L'europa in San Marco Argentano, Calabria, Italy on April 10th, 2023. The evening will include guest performers, “lots of fun, good food and especially lots of tarantella!" See poster for details. |
Accordion Variety Concert Celebrates 150th Anniversary - Scotlandby Rob Howard |
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| The Cowdenbeath Baptist Church in West Fife, Scotland, will celebrate their 150th anniversary with an Accordion Variety Concert on April 11th, 2023 at 7.30pm. All proceeds will go to the Cowdenbeath Food Bank. See poster for details. |
Accordionists Entertain at Bal des Narcissus Event - Franceby Christine Johnstone |
 Accordionists Claude Caron and Rudi Beauprez will entertain at the Bal des Narcissus music event held at the Winnezeele Oasiswinnezeele Restaurant in Dunkirk, France on April 13th, 2023, from midday to 7.30pm.See poster for details. |
“Airboxes” April Concerts - Belgiumby Christine Johnstone |
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| “Airboxes” will perform two concerts in April in Belgium. The duo, which consists of Bert Leemans and Guus Herremans, solely play their own compositions. Concert dates as follows: • April 17th, 2023: concert at Trefpunt in Gent, Belgium • April 21st, 2023: concert at the OC Lange Munte (meeting centre) in Kortrijk, Belgium. For details email: info@airboxes.be |
Ville Hiltula April Concerts – Japanby Christine Johnstone |
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 Ville Hiltula will perform the following concerts in April:• April 23rd, 2023: “Tango Standards and Beyond” concert by trio of Ville Hiltula (bandoneon), Hanako Tanimoto (violin) and Satoko Tsutsumi (piano) at Guggenheim House in Kobe. Their program will include classical tango to Astor Piazzolla and beyond. See poster above. • April 28th, 2023: “Classic Meets Tango” concert with the Japan Christian Group (Kazuhiro Takagi – violin, Janne Tateno – violin, Yuko Tanaka – viola and Sari Nakajima – cello) at the Salon de Sasanoha, Shimanouchi Church, Osaka. Their program will include works by Dvorák, Ginastera, Piazzolla, Mosalini, Beytelmann & Schwarz. See poster left. • April 30th, 2023: “Tango Standards and Beyond” concert with Hanako Tanimoto (violin) and Satoko Tsutsumi (piano) at the Myofukuji Tempelhalle in Kyoto. Their program will include classical tango to Astor Piazzolla and beyond. See poster below. |
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2023 Chamberlain and Haywood Concert Tour - Scotlandby Christine Johnstone |
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| Video: Chamberlain & Haywood in Concert - Bowden August 2019. Paul Chamberlain (accordion) & Michael Haywood (clarinet) will begin their 2023 concert tour on April 23rd at the Cowal Music Club in Dunoon. This will be followed by a performance on June 2nd in Ross Priory on the shores of Loch Lomond. On June 9th, the duo will play in Bowden Village Hall, in the Scottish Borders (where Paul grew up). The following afternoon on June10th they will perform in Glasgow as part of The Spire Concert Series in St Andrew's West Church. Their final two concerts will be held in Yorkshire in a beautiful church called St James's in the villa of Baldersby, just outside Thirsk on June 29th and then in Edinburgh at St Andrew's and St George's West Church on George Street on August 11th, where they have played annually for many years as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their program will take their audience on “an international tour where they will hear the sultry sounds of the tango, the rhythmic drive of the Balkans, along with rip-roaring tunes from Russia and Scotland.” |
Concertina Spring Meeting at Kapfenburg Castle - Germanyby Christine Johnstone |
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 The KonzertinaNetz Spring meeting will be held from May 5th to 7th, 2023 at Kapfenburg Castle (picture above) in Aalen, Germany.The musical director is the co-founder of the KonzertinaNetz-Treffen, Jochen Riemer (picture right). The meeting will include 15 to 20 participants, who will focus on making music together. The event has also developed into a contact point for beginners, so that they can offer start-up help for German concertina and Anglo if necessary. Attendees can see, hear, test and get advice on the different types such as German concertina, Anglos, English and duet which are the most common instruments on display, but Chemnitz, Carlsfeld and bandoneons are also regularly represented. The meeting will begin with an evening of getting to know each other, followed by free music-making. During the weekend, the group will play pieces submitted by the participants under the guidance of Jochen Riemer, partake in a guided tour of the castle, have practise sessions and take part in a final "castle concert". |
Links to Previous News Still Current |
List of Linksby AWW |
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Information 2023 World Accordion Day, 6th May each year |
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Release of 2023 Coupe Mondiale Rules and Regulations 2022 Coupe Mondiale, October 04 - 09, Switzerland Daily Reports from 05 October |
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PIF Castelfidardo 2022 Daily Reports |
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XXXIV International Festival, Moscow Daily Reports |
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2023 Accordion Cruise, Finland Information, News article |
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Accordion Reed Production Article Link |
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Chronology of Production of Italian Accordions Article Link |
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Serenellini Know the People Interview News Link |
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2022 AAA Recent publications, USA News Link and Article |
New and Updated Sites |
World Accordion Day (WAD) Festival at A World of Accordions Museum - USAby Christine Johnstone |
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| A World of Accordions Museum will hold the Dr Willard Palmer Festival at the Harrington Arts Centre in Superior, Wiscomsin, USA to celebrate World Accordion Day (WAD). The festival will run from May 5th to 7th, 2023 and include a variety of concerts, seminars, exhibits and a museum visit. See poster for details. The first WAD was held on 6th May 2009, marking the 180th birthday of the accordion - 6 May 1829, the date the accordion patent was filed. WAD is organised by the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) and has been very successful, generating a lot of positive publicity for the accordion. Every accordionist is asked to actively support this event by encouraging national and local accordion activities to happen in their country on 6th May or the weekend either side of WAD if that should be more convenient. Register your WAD event at: World Accordion Day |
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