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Highlights |
2011 AAA Festival: Fun, Good Music and Good Times in Charleston - USA
"Cowjunto Music" Austin Cow Parade, Play In Party - USA
Mika Väyrynen to Present World Premieres, Alcobaca - Portugal
New Accordion Department for ArtEZ Conservatory, Arnhem – Netherlands
Last Chance to Participate in the Digital On-Line “MusicTech Festival” - Italy
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Julien Labro’s Recent Accordion Activities – USA
‘14 Years Ago’ – Lars Holm en route to Japan in July 1997…
Future events |
Bristol Cajun & Zydeco Festival 2011 – UK
Joseph Grima Entertains at Feast of St. Anna Celebrations, Mgarr – Malta
Dunloy Accordion Band Annual Festival & Parade, Ballymoney - Ireland
Akkordeon Akut Festival, Halle – Germany
'London Sinfonietta Academy 2011' Course, London – UK
Marco Lo Russo Concerts, Formia, Fondi, Sermoneta – Italy
New and Updated Sites |
Zevy Zions releases new music
Gary Dahl updates music
Franco Cambareri Releases a New Composition
Peter Piccini Releases a New Composition
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
Random video 4UWatch the video |
Highlights |
French National Qualifications for the CMA & CIA Competitions - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| The team of Hohner Conservatory in Trossingen, Germany, and the team of Frédéric Deschamps are preparing for the 2011 CIA Coupe Mondiale, which this year will be held in Shanghai, China. Photo above of the masterclass in Trossingen. Rear row, left to right: Frédéric Deschamps, Eric Dann (Germany), Daniel Franz (Germany), Grayson Masefield (New Zealand), Radu Laxgang (Moldavia), Dorin Grama (Moldavia), Aleksandar Kolovski (Macedonia), Philipp Haag (Germany). Front row, left to right: Lina Zeiss (Germany), Christel Sautaux (Switzerland), Guillaume Fric (France), Alexander Cargenelli (Italy). The French qualifying stages for both the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) Coupe Mondiale and the Confédération Mondiale de l'Accordéon (CMA) Trophée Mondial takes place, July 24th, in La Selle-sur-le-Bied, Loiret near Paris. During the day, the public can also attend two major international concerts, one being a classical concert in the local church and the other, a variety concert in the local hall. There will be players from 10 countries performing! The Jury members include: Jacques Mornet and Frédéric Deschamps (France), Crystal Wang (China), Loui Herinx (Austria), Raymond Bodell (UK), and Antonio Spaccarotella (Italy). The concert in the church at la Selle sur le Bied takes place from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, and includes students of Frédéric Deschamps: Vincent Gailly (Belgium), Christel Sautaux (Switzerland), Natanael Teixeira (Portugal), Evin Keli (Ireland), Augustinas Rakauskas (Lithuania), and Grayson Masefield (New Zealand). Also performing will be the Hohner International Quintet of Grayson Masefield, Christel Sautaux, Natanael Teixeira, Evin Keli, and Augustinas Rakauskas. From 3pm to 6pm, the qualifying stage for the French Variété competitors takes place in the local hall plus a Variété concert involving the following international students of Frédéric Deschamps: Jose Dias (Portugal), Yizhong Wan (China), Shengji Zhuo (China), Xuan Shi (China), Zhiyuan Zhang (China), Simone Sciamarella (Italy), Simone Mannarino (Italy), Ernesto Calderon (Chile), Loui Herinx (Austria), Natanael Teixeira (Portugal), and Grayson Masefield (New Zealand). For further information email: ratinachampeix@gmail.com |
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2011 AAA Festival: Fun, Good Music and Good Times in Charleston - USAby Mary Tokarski |
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| The very successful 2011 AAA Festival held in Charleston, South Carolina, July 13-17, attracted people from all over the USA and Canada. Joan Sommers was presented with the AAA Lifetime Achievement Award during the Saturday evening Banquet. The 2011 AAA Festival featured a new idea: Young talented Charleston musicians who play other instruments performing with young accordionists! It was organized by Marilyn O' Neill, Joan Grauman, Manny Bobenrieth, Lenny Feldmann, Rita Davidson and Eddie Monteiro. Led by Eddie, they performed on Saturday afternoon to a delighted audience. Many informative and entertaining workshops were creatively presented by: Ian Fries, Rita Davidson, Joan Grauman, Gabe Hall-Rodriguez, Karen Malan-Uribe, Randy Martin, Robert McMahan, Joe Natoli, Ray Oreggia, Joan Sommers and Mary Tokarski. Various prestigious competitions were held with the following results: U.S. Virtuoso Solo Champion: 1st - Andre Fry, Annapolis, MD; 2nd - Katrina Cheung, Fullerton, CA; 3rd – Quinn Collins, Tempe, AZ. Quinn Collins, Liam Collins and Rachel Quirbach were each presented with monetary “Incentive Awards” for their presentations in the U.S. Piano Accordion Competition and the Maddalena Belfiore Entertainment Competition for Female Accordionists. Elsie M Bennett Composition Competition: 1st – Andre Fry, Annapolis, MD; 2nd – Peter DiGiovanni, Oakton, VA; 3rd – Emmanuel Gasser, St. Charles, Ontario, Canada. Adult divisions winner Shao Ying of Cheng Du, China was a hit at the Awards Concert. The International Accordion Orchestra Competition adjudicators (Joan Sommers, Robert McMahan and Frank Busso, Sr.) awarded the Martin Music School Accordion Orchestra 1st place, and cash award for the orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony (Finale) as part of the Classical Program and a collection of Southern Melodies arranged by Randy Martin as the Entertainment portion of the program. Featured guest artists and ensembles included: Donna Dee Ray, Walt Kasprzyk, Dr. Robert Young McMahan and soprano,Joy Bechtler, Ocotrillo featuring Frank Petrilli, Gabe Hall-Rodriguez the AAA 2010 US Virtuoso Solo Champion,Joe Natoli, The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by Linda Soley Reed, The Martin Accordion Orchestra conducted by Randy Martin, special reunion appearance of the K Trio, Roland Corp. U.S. V-Junior Champion Alicia Baker, Nashville multi-talented Jeff Lisenby, jazz accordion great Eddie Monteiro, Randy Martin, AAA Massed Band conducted by Frank Busso, and the 2011 AAA Festival Orchestra conducted by Joan C. Sommers. President Linda Soley Reed and Contest Chairperson, Mary Tokarski invite all accordionists to attend the 2012 AAA Festival next summer in Baltimore, Maryland. Fuller reports of the 2011 AAA Festival will be published on the AAA website and in the Accordion USA News 1st August edition. |
"Cowjunto Music" Austin Cow Parade, Play In Party - USAby Bess Sullivan |
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| Bess wrote: I have designed and painted a cow for the Austin Cow Parade and it is called "Cowjunto Music". The photo shows me and "Cowjunto Music" with the piano accordion side - the other side has a button accordion. On Wednesday July 27, 7 pm to 9 pm at the Long Center in Austin is the Cow Parade Preview Party. All the cows (55 of them) will be unveiled. I would like to have as many accordion players as possible come to the party, and join around my cow, and at a given signal play "viva Seguin" or "Jesse Polka" or "Hey Baby Que Paso." It will be fun. The party is free, but you have to pay to park at the Long Center. Editor: Could this only happen in Texas!? Photo below is the partially painted "Cowjunto Music" left side showing the button accordion artwork. |
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Mika Väyrynen to Present World Premieres, Alcobaca - Portugalby Kevin Friedrich |
 After recently returning from a concert and master class in Kragujevac, Serbia, Finnish accordionist Mika Väyrynen will this weekend, travel to Alcobaca, Portugal to perform and teach at the ‘Cistermusica’ Festival where the artistic director is one of most famous Southern European composers, maestro Alexandro Delgado.As part of the festival, Mika Väyrynen will perform a solo concert on July 23rd, with works by Bach, Couperin, Sallinen, Rydman, Väyrynen, and Angelis. Mika will give the World Premieres of two new works as part of this concert including ‘Un Moment Amoureuse,’ for solo accordion, a work by renowned Finnish composer Kari Rydmans, and Mika’s own ‘Three Finnish Folk Songs’ (using three folk melodies, one in each movement), each folk song being dedicated to important people in his life: his children, "In memoriam" of a friend, and to his wife. To conclude his festival activities, Mika will conduct a master class on July 24th for accordionists at Alcobaca. |
New Accordion Department for ArtEZ Conservatory, Arnhem – Netherlandsby Harley Jones |
  The ArtEZ Conservatorium in Arnhem, Netherlands, has announced the establishment on September 1st of an Accordion Department for Jazz and Pop, which the Dutch-based Bosnian composer and concert accordionist Nihad Hrustanbegovic has been appointed as the tutor.Also, on September 1st Nihad Hrustanbegovic releases his third solo CD ‘Live in Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam’. This album will include improvisations, and arrangements by Nihad Hrustanbegovic of the music of Claude Debussy, Miles Davis, Astor Piazzolla and others. Nihad Hrustanbegovic received his Bachelors degree in 2000, and in 2002 his Master of Music degree with Cum Laude at the ArtEZ Conservatorium in The Netherlands. He has performed in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, and has performed with many artists, such as Al Di Meola, Grace Jones and The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. For further information email: info@nihad-accordeon.com |
Last Chance to Participate in the Digital On-Line “MusicTech Festival” - Italyby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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 With an entry closing date of 31st July, there are only a few days left to enter in the “MusicTech Festival” competition. This is an online digital public vote competition/festival and to be eligible, competitors must play a MusicTech digital accordion or an accordion fitted with MusicTech Midi.MusicTech Director Claudio Sabbatini (picture right) explains that "There is no jury. Instead, the online audience vote, with each person given 1 vote for each category. Voting is from 16th September to 15th October 2011. Get inspired and let your musical creativity be seen by a large online-audience and present yourself on stage to the whole world." There are three categories: - Classical (concert music) - Jazz/Pop - Traditional (all traditional accordion numbers, of any type, published or un-published). The rules are online at www.musictechfestival.com - Entries close 31 July 2011 and videos must be in hand by 15 September 2011. - The music must be played live. - Backing tracks are allowed but not pre-recorded audio backing tracks. - Time limit 5 minutes. - Each competitor must send a video containing a single own choice peice. For further information, go to www.musictechfestival.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Maurice Jones Appears on New Zealand and French TV for Rugby World Cup - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
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| As part of the buildup to the Rugby World Cup 2011 being held in New Zealand, accordionist Maurice Jones of Accordion House Importer/Retailer was invited to Napier to appear on the TV1 Good Morning Show for the part hosted by Tamati Ellison (picture above). Also filming the event was the French TV station TF1 (picture below). Being featured was the Rugby World Cup 2011 Roadshow display, the World Cup trophy promoting the French rugby game in Napier in September. For the Roadshow visit to Napier, Hawke's Bay residents were asked to "adopt a second team" and support France. To honor the French national rugby team’s participation, the early morning crowd sang the French National Anthem ‘La Marseillaise’, accompanied by Maurice Jones on the accordion and the French and New Zealand TV stations broadcast that. Maurice then performed background music to the Napier portion of the TV1 Breakfast Show. A profiterole Eiffel Tower, French singer and accordion players, and face painting for the kids, helped build excitement for the region's international guest teams. Maurice Jones will return to Napier on September 18th for the rugby game France versus Canada, where he will provide a "French flavor" for the event. The Rugby World Cup 2011 takes place in New Zealand from September 9th until October 23rd, with the final to be played at Eden Park, Auckland. |
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Julien Labro’s Recent Accordion Activities – USAby Harley Jones |
 French-born American-based accordionist Julien Labro performed in some of the most beautiful areas of the USA during the month of June. His travels took Julien to California, the Midwest, New York, and Colorado, including performing and leading a workshop at DjangoFest in California. After a lengthy Midwest tour with the ‘Hot Club of Detroit’, Julien headed to the festivals Jazz Aspen Snowmass and Dazzle in Denver, which was an amazing trip. It was his first time in Colorado, and the performances were well received and positively reviewed by the Aspen Times. In July, Julien had the pleasure to reconnect with guitarist Frank Vignola for some shows at the Blissfest Music Festival in Northwest Michigan and more recently in Long Island (NY). Julien Labro and the world-renowned classical guitarist Jason Vieaux have together recorded a new CD, to be released in the autumn by Azica Records. This is an all-Piazzolla recording featuring Julien’s arrangements for guitar and bandoneon, with the Boston chamber orchestra, ‘A Far Cry’. For further information email: julien@julienlabro.com |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Lars Holm en route to Japan in July 1997…by Rob Howard |
 The Accordions Worldwide news for July 18th 1997 included news of a visit to Japan by leading Swedish accordionist and teacher Lars Holm, demonstrating the very international nature of our favourite instrument. Swedish Accordionist To Perform In Japan Contributed by Toru Katou Swedish accordionist Lars Holm will give a lecture and performance on August 2nd, from 2 to 4.30pm, at the Vieplan Theatre, Shinjuku, Tokyo (only a 30 second walk from Shinjukugyoenmae Station of Marunouchi Subway). Lars Holm will play a variety of accordion tunes including Swedish pop music on a chromatic accordion with both free bass and standard bass. In Japan, chromatic and free bass accordions are less popular than piano accordions, which most Japanese accordionists use with standard bass. The admission is 3,200yen. |
Future events |
Oleg Sharov Concert, New Jersey - USAby Rob Howard |
 Oleg Sharov performs in concert on Saturday July 23rd, 7pm, at the Boyd Recital Hall, Wilson Music Building, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey.Oleg Sharov, Professor of Accordion at the Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory in St Petersburg, is an ‘Honored People’s Artist of Russia’, and one of the world’s most experienced concert accordionists. He has performed in dozens of countries, premiered many new works, and is one of Russia’s most accomplished musicians. |
Bristol Cajun & Zydeco Festival 2011 – UKby Rob Howard |
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 The 8th Bristol Cajun & Zydeco Festival takes place from October 14th to 16th at The Folk House, 40a Park Street, Bristol. The festival guests include visitors from France and Holland as well as top UK bands playing a mixture of traditional and modern Cajun and Zydeco:Fri evening: Madame Beau So’ (France) Sat afternoon: Cajun accordion artist Phil Underwood is back from the USA with his new band Colin and the Crawfish (photo above left). Sat evening: Front Row Zydeco (Holland) Sun afternoon: Acadian Driftwood (photo above right) Sun evening: Chris Hall’s Creole Kings (photo left) Also performing are the Whiskey River Boys at the bar on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, dance workshops by Kay Anderson (Zydeco) and Carol Wilson (Cajun), DJs and MCs Carole (Lil' Queenie) and Nigel (Flying Home) of Swamp Rock Club, London; jamming and a licensed bar and cafe - in short, a "A whole weekend of Louisiana-style music, dance, food, drink and meeting people!" And as it worked out so well last year, the festival again features late night sessions at the Folk House Cafe & Bar on both Friday and Saturday. Tickets will go on sale on Monday August 15th - and ticket prices will remain the same! |
Joseph Grima Entertains at Feast of St. Anna Celebrations, Mgarr – Maltaby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Joseph Grima entertains at the Feast of St. Anna Celebrations Barbeque and Buffett, Zebbiegh, Mgarr, Malta, on Saturday July 23rd.For further information email: josephpgrima@gmail.com |
Dunloy Accordion Band Annual Festival & Parade, Ballymoney - Irelandby Rob Howard |
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| The Dunloy Accordion Band Annual Festival takes place on July 30th and 31st in Ballymoney, Antrim, Northern Ireland. The festival starts at 1pm at Castle Croft area, Ballymoney. The main parade starts at 8.30pm at Ballymoney Showgrounds, involving many types of bands. |
Akkordeon Akut Festival, Halle – Germanyby Rob Howard |
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| The second Akkordeon Akut Festival takes place from October 5th to 9th in Halle (Saale), Germany. Guests include The Motion Trio, from Poland, the duo Didier Laloy & S-Tres, from Belgium, the accordion ensemble LAESA (MD Lutz Stark), from Germany, and Attwenger, from Austria. The festival includes a ‘Swing Evening’ with the dancing studio Bela Soso, and the theatre project ‘Accordion Mystery’, featuring well known German actor Thomas Rhümann and accordionist Tobias Morgenstern (picture above). The two have made made a musical drama based upon the novel “Accordion Crimes” by Pulitzer-prize winner Annie Proulx. For further information email: info@akkordeon-akut-festival.de |
'London Sinfonietta Academy 2011' Course, London – UKby Rob Howard |
 The third 'London Sinfonietta Academy' course takes place at the Southbank Centre, July 25th to 29th, involving a week of intensive rehearsals with recent graduates from music colleges on all instruments offering them vital experience in playing in a world famous new music ensemble. For the first time the accordion is integrated into the programme, and Polish-born Rafal Luc (picture right), a graduate from the Royal Academy on Music in London is the accordionist. |
Marco Lo Russo Concerts, Formia, Fondi, Sermoneta – Italyby Rob Howard |
 Accordionist Marco Lo Russo performs this weekend, as follows:July 22nd, 9pm – solo concert at the Olympic Training Centre, Formia July 23rd, 9.30pm – with Marco Grossi – vox, ‘Tale of a nation’s 150 years’ concert, Piazzale Chiesa Regalità di Maria, SS.ma e Pius X, Fondi July 24th, 9pm – Piazzale Chiesa S. Tommaso d'Aquino, Pontenuovo, Sermoneta For further information email: stampa@marcolorusso.com |
New and Updated Sites |
Yuri Shishkin selling new CDby Yuri Shishkin |
 Yuri Shishkin selling his new CD titled 'Libretto', catalog yshishkin06 with sound samples. Music performed by Yuri Shishkin. Purchase online. |
Zevy Zions releases new musicby Zevy Zions |
 Zevy Zions - accordionist,arranger, solo musician, release 1 new music for accordion available for purchase online. 'Hava Nagila', catalog:zzions015. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Gary Dahl updates musicby Gary Dahl |
 Gary Dahl - Author, composer, arranger, recording artist and music educator announces the following updated music titles for purchase on-line. 'Un bel di vedremo (One Fine Day) Madama Butterfly ', catalog:DH0105, 'Something', catalog:DH0124 and 'Tango Of Roses', catalog:DH0162. Samples for this music is now available at the Music For Accordion web site. The music is in eSheet format e-mailed directly to your computer. Easy purchase with credit card. |
Franco Cambareri Releases a New Compositionby Franco Cambareri |
 Franco Cambareri - accordionist, composer, producer, releases 1 new composition for accordion available for purchase online. 'El Gato Negro', catalog:cfranco143. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Peter Piccini Releases a New Compositionby Peter Piccini |
 Peter Piccini - accordionist, composer, arranger, performer, releases 1 new composition for accordion, 'French Lace', catalog:pp291. Samples of the music are available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
Breathbox CD by Antti Paalaneneby Alessandro Mugnoz |
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| CD Reviews Index for the review of “Breathbox" CD, reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz. Artist is Antti Paalanene. |
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