![Jacques Mornet's [non] Method Book with Video Support](http://www.accordions.com/index/squ/graphics/jmornet-en.jpg)
Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
ATG Celebrates their 80th Anniversary Festival in Grand Style
Celebrating the 101st Birthday of the Great Accordion Legend, Carmen Carrozza
Video: Michael Bridge Concert at A World of Accordions Museum
Alex Meixner Chosen for International Polka Hall of Fame and 2022 "Best Local Live Band/ Musician"
Joseph Natoli Performing John Williams Composition with the Packard Band
“Duo TWO ACCORDIONS” Blazes West Coast with Far Reaching Impact New CD
Rob Curto Performs at the Philadelphia Phillies Game!
Hector Del Curto Performs with the 2022 Stowe Tango Music Festival
International Music on the Porch Day!……. With Your Accordion!!
Cotati Festival August 20-21 in California
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Twenty-eighth Annual Accordion Master Class and Concert Series, Dr. William Schimmel, Director, Continued Great Success
Duo Two Accordions Entertains at World Athletic Championships
2022 Not Just Oompah! Announces New Fall Workshop/Concert with Matt Tolentino
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Chemainus Accordion Festival on August 13
Cotati Festival Student Scholarship Fundraiser
Future events |
NorthEast Squeeze-In 2022: September 16-18
Sign up for Powell River’s Second Annual Accordion Fest
Highlights |
Editor's Noteby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 During this hot summer, try lowering the temperature with some cool accordion music! Where is that happening? Everywhere. Read the August news for fascinating information on concerts, events, festivals, and competitions. How about playing some accordion music on the porch, alone or with friends? There are many more live events for you to attend. Happy accordion days are here again.Please continue to submit your ideas for future articles. Send all to Ritabelll@aol.com |
ATG Celebrates their 80th Anniversary Festival in Grand Styleby Kevin Friedrich |
 |
 Founded in 1940 in Chicago by President Emeritus Anthony Galla-Rini, the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG), while 82 years old as an organization, after Covid related delays, was finally able to reunite in person and celebrate their 80th Anniversary Festival in Lisle (Chicago), Illinois from July 20th to 24th, 2022.Featuring a line-up of artists representing diverse musical genres, guests and activities included: Michael Bridge (Canada), Stas Venglevski (USA), Mirco Patarini (Italy), Nikolay Bine (Canada), Murl Allen Sanders (USA), 80 member ATG Festival Orchestra (picture above), University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC) Community Accordion Ensemble, an Accordion Petting Zoo, competitions, educational workshops, social activities, exhibits and much more! ATG President Mary Ann Covone and the Board of Directors welcomed attendees from as far afield as Austria, Italy and throughout the USA and Canada to the four-day festival which showcased the accordion at its finest. Paying homage to their founder, the ATG released a new CD showcasing the Concerti of Anthony Galla-Rini. "Concerto No. 1" features US Champion soloists Karen Fremar, Robert Sattler and Jeff Lisenby each performing a movement with the UMKC Accordion Orchestra under the direction of Joan Sommers; "Concerto No. 2" features Stas Venglevski with the Racine Symphony Orchestra on the direction of Pasquale Laurino and the CD includes an incredibly rare bonus track of Galla-Rini himself performing the World Premiere of his "Concerto No. 1" with the Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra under the direction of James Neilson, recorded in 1941. To celebrate the new CD and the 80th Anniversary, Stas performed the "Concerto No. 2" at the Gala Closing Concert with William Morse conducting the Racine Symphony Orchestra. New this year was the popular “Petting Zoo” where the general public was invited to get some first-hand experience with the accordion. Popular entertainer Jane Christison performed popular children’s pieces while volunteers with 12 bass instruments assisted the public with their introduction to the accordion. The festival culminated with the magnificent 80 piece accordion orchestra in honor of the 80th anniversary. The orchestra presented a spectacular program of works by Jarre, Galla-Rini, Sibelius, Kabalevsky, Hardiman and Rodgers and Hammerstein in the Armerding Concert Hall at Wheaton College, under the direction of world renowned conductor and past ATG President Joan Cochran Sommers. Mirco Patarini, President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) was in attendance to offer his congratulations to the ATG. Galla-Rini himself was a former CIA Vice President and successfully petitioned the ATG’s CIA membership more than 70 years ago at a General Assembly in Paris, in 1951. Further information including purchasing the new Galla-Rini CD and Concert and event videos will be available at the ATG website soon. Download the ATG program booklet here: 2022ATGProgram.pdf Additional photo report: 2022ATGreport |
 |
Celebrating the 101st Birthday of the Great Accordion Legend, Carmen Carrozzaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
  Video 1: This is rare video of the great classical accordionist, Carmen Carrozza, introducing accordion legends like Charles Magnante, Eugene Ettore , Charles Nunzio and more...Video 2: Carmen Carrozza performs "Malaguena", Lecuona, 1995 Video 3: Carmen Carrozza performs "Adagio from Organ Toccata in C Major, J.S. Bach", 1996 performance in Philadelphia. This arrangement is by renowned American composer, Paul Creston. Organ works suit the accordion well, especially when performed by a master. Video 4: Carmen Carrozza 1996: “Omaggio Pietro”, FrosiniCarmen Carrozza, a legendary USA concert accordion virtuoso, performs for a crowd in Philadelphia USA in 1996. Carmen was a student & prodigy of Pietro Deiro, the "Daddy of the Accordion". This composition is dedicated to Deiro, by Pietro Frosini, another great contemporary. Carmen Carrozza passed away on June 17, 2013. On that day, the accordion world lost a great musician and friend who educated, entertained and inspired generations of accordionists. Let’s celebrate his 101st birthday by learning about his remarkable life: Legendary USA concert accordion virtuoso, Carmen Carrozza, was born in a small town Solano in Calabria, Italy on July 20, 1921. Carrozza emigrated to the USA with his family when he was nine years old. The family settled in the town of Chappaqua in Westchester, NY, where Carrozza soon began studying music, becoming proficient on the violin, piano and accordion. It wasn’t long before his love for the accordion became obvious and he found himself concentrating solely on mastering this instrument and master it he did! Although the piano accordion was developed around the turn of the century in 1909, it was stated by one of Carrozza’s early professors that "the accordion wasn’t given birth until the young Carrozza placed his hands on the instrument." In 1937, he graduated from the Pietro Deiro Accordion Conservatory in Greenwich Village, NYC where he was awarded the highest honors and a gold medal for his performance. He furthered his studies at the New York Academy of Music specializing in theory, harmony, counterpoint and composition. Carrozza’s professional debut took place in 1947 at the Philadelphia Academy of Music launching what was to be one of the greatest careers of the century. He went on to triumph with appearances throughout the concert halls in the United States ? (Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Times Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center Music Hall, Philadelphia Academy of Music, just to name a few) Canada, and Europe - (France, Germany, England, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Italy). Carrozza was presented with a gold medal by the E.A.L., an agency of the Italian Government, after an outstanding performance at the Theatro di Pavia. Carrozza was the first accordionist invited to perform as featured soloist with major symphony orchestras: The Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler premiering Paul Creston’s Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra; National Symphony and New York Philharmonic under the direction of Andre Kostelznetz, premiering Alan Hovanhess’ Rubaiyat; Cincinnati Orchestra, under the direction of Thomas Schippers; The Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Pops Orchestra, The United States Navy Band, and the list goes on and on. A legendary composer, arranger and world renown concert artist and educator, Carrozza was a true inspiration to humanity. Carmen and his close friend, renowned composer, Eugene Ettore, were known as ‘The Concert Duo” and presented many virtuoso duet performances throughout the years all over the country. Carrozza retired from touring in the 1980s, but in the summer of 1994 he was called back to the road, playing three weeks of festivals with Jörgen Sundeqvist in Sweden. He was surprised they knew so much about him. Carmen said, ”They had music I wrote when I was knee-high and recordings I had forgotten about myself." Carrozza’s success on the concert stage was matched only by his contribution to the development of accordion literature. In this area, he collaborated with outstanding American composers: Robert Russell Bennett, Henry Cowell, Paul Creston, Alan Havanhess, George Kleinsinger, Otto Leuing, Paul Pisk, Wallingord Riegger, Elie Seigmeister, William Grant Still, Carlos Surinach, Virgil Thompson, & Russian composer, Alexander Tcherepnin. Carrozza considered solo concerts in Town Hall, New York City, as one of the high points in his career. At these concerts, he performed and premiered all original accordion works by the forementioned composers. It was a milestone in the history of the accordion. His performances of the works of these composers opened a new field for the generations of accordionists to follow and gives to composers a new instrument to use as a vehicle of musical expression. Concert accordionists of the future owe a debt of gratitude to Maestro Carrozza for paving the way for them to the concert platform. Throughout the years Carrozza received numerous awards and honorees from many different organizations, associations and clubs. On March 17, 2002 Maestro Carrozza was honored by the American Accordionists Association and was the first recipient presented with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Shortly after this gala event, The Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund, (a fund for the advancement of promising young accordionists and the commissioning of new works for the accordion) began in the spring of 2002. Carrozza was president of the AAA three times:1965-66, 1977-78, 1989-91 and an active governing board member of the American Accordion Association (AAA), a national organization dedicated to the development of the accordion. He continued to promote the accordion through educational workshops at schools, universities and private music studios. The Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund was founded in 2002 with a $2,000 donation by long-time AAA sponsor, the late Steve Stolaruk. The purpose of the fund is to grant a music scholarship to deserving young accordionists who participate in the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Solo competition at the AAA Festival. In 2020, Gia Ciccone and Nathan Chapeton were recipients. Much has been written about the unique artistry of Maestro Carrozza and much more surely will be written in the future, but one critic apparently established for all times Carrozza’s esteemed position in the world of the concert accordionist when he proclaimed, “the violin has its Pagannini, the piano its Chopin – the accordion its Carrozza” Carmen’s musical tradition and talent continues in his family. His nephew, Dr. Joseph Ciccone is the current President of the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA). Joe’s daughter, Carmen’s great niece, Gia Ciccone, is a talented award winning accordionist whose first teacher was Carmen Carrozza. For information about the 2018 Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Dinner: http://www.ameraccord.com/carrozzascholarship2018.php Please read this article to learn about the Carrozza family musical legacy, “The Accordion. A Bridge from One Generation to Another - Carmen Carrozza” from Oct. 1, 2012: http://www.accordionusa.com/?d=01-Oct-2012&lang=en#art1182 If anyone would like to share their personal experiences knowing Carmen, or have photos/videos, please all info to Ritabelll@aol.com This information will be greatly appreciated. Photo up: Carmen Carrozza and his nephew, AAA President Dr. Joseph Ciccone Photo Down Top: Joe Ciccone, Carmen Carrozza, Cousin Dominick, Cousin John on drums Photo Down Bottom: Joe Ciccone with Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble |
 |
Video: Michael Bridge Concert at A World of Accordions Museumby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
 Video: Michael Bridge performance at A World of Accordions Museum in Superior, Wisconsin, USA on Monday, July 25, 2022.A World of Accordions Museum was proud to present Canadian accordionist Michael Bridge in concert in the beautiful Hanni Strahl Concert Hall, located in the historic A World of Accordions Museum. Michael Bridge is a virtuoso performer on both the acoustic accordion and the digital accordion. Michael’s concerts capture the energy and panache of stadium rock with the elegance and discipline of chamber music. He was named one of CBC’s 30 under 30 classical musicians. Michael Bridge is a musical maverick. He’s a virtuoso performer on both the acoustic accordion and its 21st Century cousin, the digital accordion. His concerts capture the energy and panache of stadium rock with the elegance and discipline of chamber music. He has won numerous competitions in Canada and abroad and was named one of CBC’s 30 under 30 classical musicians. Michael recently received a doctorate in performance from the University of Toronto and became a Rebanks Fellow at the Glenn Gould School. He gives over 100 concerts a year as a soloist and as a member of both the “Bridge & Wolak” duo and “Ladom Ensemble”. He’s in huge demand for masterclasses around the world. Bridge embraces a musical aesthetic that is alternatively irreverent, deadly serious, meticulously prepared and completely in-the-moment. He’s at home with jazz, folk and classical music and has premiered 53 new works. Ultimately, he aims to make your world more bearable, beautiful and human – even if only for the length of a concert. www.MichaelBridge.ca A World of Accordions houses the world’s largest collection of accordions, from the very oldest dating back to the 1800’s to the newest digital instruments. Part of the museum’s mission is to provide concerts to better acquaint the public with this incredibly versatile instrument. Visiting A World of Accordions Museum is an amazing experience! Please help support A World of Accordions Museum at their GoFundMe link. https://gofund.me/12eb1ebd |
Alex Meixner Chosen for International Polka Hall of Fame and 2022 "Best Local Live Band/ Musician"by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 Alex has been inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement!! The Alex Meixner Band is voted "Best Local Live Band/ Musician" by readers of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung Newspaper in Texas. Alex says “It's an awesome feeling to be a new resident in town and feel all the love!!!”Alex leads the Alex Meixner Band which performs approximately 180 times a year across the country for venues ranging from intimate events and clubs to massive festivals. Excerpts from his website: The Alex Meixner Band is a regular headliner at Wurstfest (New Braunfels, TX), German Fest (Milwaukee, WI), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square, NY), Creative Alliance (Baltimore, MD). Alex has performed on over 50 albums, including 17 as a leader or soloist. His performance with his Father on Canadian Polka King, Walter Ostanek’s, “Music and Friends” won a Grammy Award. His album Polka Freak Out, a collaboration with Bubba Hernandez, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007. He has also recorded with a vast number of diverse artists as a soloist or sideman including avant-garde accordionist/ composer- Guy Klucevsek, Grammy winners- Brave Combo, TexMex Rock icons- The Krayolas and Irish entertainer- Seamus Kennedy. Upcoming August 2022 performances: 01 AUG: MILWAUKEE ACCORDION CLUB: ALEX MEIXNER - SOLO PERFORMANCE; 7220 W. Rawson Ave, Franklin, WI 03 AUG: THE BAKER HOUSE; ALEX SOLO - UNPLUGGED AND STROLLIN’!: 327 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 04 AUG: LAKE GENEVA CONCERTS IN THE PARK; 201 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 05 AUG: DAS FEST USA: NEW FESTIVAL - ELKHORN, WI; 411 E Court Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121 06 AUG: DAS FEST USA:NEW FESTIVAL - ELKHORN, WI; 411 E Court Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121 07 AUG: DAS FEST USA: NEW FESTIVAL - ELKHORN, WI; 411 E Court Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121 08 AUG: DOUBLE CLUTCH BREWING COMPANY; 2121 Ashland Ave, Evanston, IL 20, 21 AUG: COTATI ACCORDION FESTIVAL; ALEX SOLO; Cotati, California 28 AUG: KRAUSE'S INTERSECTIONS JAM BAND: Alex is appearing as part of the band:148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 For further information: info@alexmeixner.com |
Joseph Natoli Performing John Williams Composition with the Packard Bandby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
 Joseph Natoli performs on Sunday August 7, 2022 at 7:PM with the Packard Band in Warren Ohio, and SFC Aaron D Scott, clarinetist with the U.S. Army Band. Joseph will be performing the accordion part for the John Williams composition entitled "Viktor’s Tale for Clarinet, Accordion, and Orchestra" and will be accompanying the clarinet soloist SFC Aaron D. Scott in the performance. Joe shares, "Viktor’s Tale" is a very intriguing composition by John Williams which he wrote for the 2004 Tom Hanks movie The Terminal and it presents a very memorable, tuneful, and challenging integration between the clarinet and the accordion part. For those of you who have not heard this wonderful selection, you can watch the John Williams BBC Proms 2017 performance: Joseph was also asked to play a solo selection, which he will do immediately following “Viktor’s Tale”. It was exactly 50 years ago that he performed with the Packard Band, doing a big band arrangement of “Donkey Serenade”, by Rudolf Friml and arranged by Edmud Cifani. It has been years since Joseph performed this piece, so it seemed only fitting to dust off the cobwebs and perform it again 50 years later, but this time, doing both the big band and the accordion parts himself on digital accordion! A footnote about the Packard Band. They have been in existence since 1955 and are affiliated with the famed Packard Music Hall in Warren Ohio, which was in turn named as such because of its endowment support from the Packard Brothers who developed the famous Packard automobile and ultimately the Packard Electric Corporation, which was the electronic components division of many different automobile brands, but especially General Motors. It’s even more fitting that Joseph worked at Packard Electric for about 12 years. Packard Music Hall was also the home of Warren performances of the famed Kenley Players who did off Broadway performances of musicals and theater all over the country. It is definitely a small world however, especially since Army clarinetist SFC Aaron D Scott performed for many years with Manny Bobenreith, AAA Board Member who is also good friends with Joseph Natoli! If you are local to the area, come out and enjoy this outdoor performance. Joseph Natoli makes his home in central Ohio with his wife JoAnn and has been a performer and advocate of the accordion since the age of seven. Joe started his studies with prominent Ohio accordion teacher, the late Mickey Bisilia of Youngstown, Ohio. Joe later attended and achieved Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music where he also studied free bass accordion as his applied major instrument with renowned Canadian virtuoso, Joseph Macerollo. Joe is a past president of the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) as well as co-founder and director of the International Digital Electronic Accordion Society (IDEAS), which holds its annual Symposium in November each year. Joe has released 5 CDs, including Omaggio, Waltz For Ron, Merry Christmas, Chameleon Vols 1 & 2, with Vol 3 on its way in early 2022 (to include his latest compositions including Alone…, Homage & Offspring to the Bumblebee, Fantasy On a Well-Known Melody, & Remembering Ennio, along with many others). Joe tries to use his orchestrational knowledge to exploit all the best coloristic possibilities on digital accordion. Joe’s compositions and arrangements traverse a diverse set of musical styles (including classical, light classical, jazz, ethnic, avant garde, and cinematic). For any information about IDEAS and/or his publishing company JANPress Music, you are invited to send any requests to josephnatoli@ymail.com or to janpressmusic@yahoo.com. |
“Duo TWO ACCORDIONS” Blazes West Coast with Far Reaching Impact New CDby Pamela Tom |
 |
| Oregon 2022 World Athletic Championships • Cotati Accordion Festival • And More! This year “Duo TWO ACCORDIONS” (world-class father and daughter champions, Maria and Sergei Teleshev) have been in hot demand along the West Coast from California to Washington while reaching across to US and international audiences. The talented duo act is known for outstanding solo and duo performances. “Duo TWO ACCORDIONS” were contracted performers at the Oregon 2022 World Athletic Championships (WAC) featuring the world’s best athletes from over 200 nations. This was the first time that the WAC (inaugurated in 1983) was hosted in the US. On July 18th, 20th, and 21st, 2022 “Duo TWO ACCORDIONS” gave open-air concerts of international classical and contemporary music totaling 5-1/4 hrs. The Teleshevs were issued a special uniform and had access to all the areas and events. As artists, they performed in concert attire. Sergei noted that “We met many international athletes and made news fans among the general public at our performances.” Many of the selections performed at WAC included highlights from “Duo TWO ACCORDIONS”’ newly released recording, “In Any Style” which includes 14 classical and contemporary favorites including: “Firedance,” “Indifference,” “Schindler’s List Theme,” “Tango La Cumparsita,” “Karleks Waltz,” “Lullaby of Birdland,” “Thunderstruck,” “Libertango,” “Tico Tico,” etc. Watch a CD release of the video. To order this exciting new CD or digitally download the recording, email your interest to: accostarfest@gmail.com. Proceeds from this recording support the Accordion Star International Competition/Festival (organized by Maria and Sergei Teleshev), an annual event that joins together professional players and accordion lovers worldwide. It’s been a banner accordion year for the Teleshevs. In addition to conducting the 2nd annual Accordion Star International Competition/Festival in May, they were guest artists at the March Zoom meeting of the San Francisco Accordion Club, and played to a filled auditorium at the June Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in Washington. Both venues included audiences spanning both the West and East Coast, and beyond for the LVIAC. The accordion needs more ambassadors like Maria and Sergei Teleshev! Keep up the great work! |
Rob Curto Performs at the Philadelphia Phillies Game!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The accordion at a major league baseball game? Yes, it did happen! Accordionist Rob Curto and trombonist Dan Blacksburg performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Phillies game for Jewish heritage night in July 2022. Rob happily shares, “The announcer called the accordion and trombone “awesome instruments”. Rob Curto is an accordionist, composer, and pianist based in Philadelphia and New York City. Excerpts from his website: Curto has a prolific career touring and composing, gaining notoriety for his mastery of the piano accordion, exciting harmonic blends, and general musicianship across genres and musical boundaries. He is a founding member of the "Brazilian Bluegrass" band Matuto,which gained a following across the US and Canada, was selected to showcase at WOMEX, and toured extensively across Africa, Asia, Europe, and other areas, chosen to represent the US State Department overseas. He has released several CDs and EPs as a band leader and is a prolific composer/arranger, including his latest musical project, the unabashedly accordion-centric American roots band, Fish Harmonics, featuring smokin' accordion along with bass fiddle, groove-oriented drumming, and old-timey strings. Fish Harmonics' debut EP, ONE, is available streaming in all the places. Since relocating to Philadelphia, Curto has developed an interest in Irish button box, adding B/C button accordion to his repertoire. He studies with NEA National Heritage Fellow and multi-All Ireland Champion, Billy McComisky, and occasionally with John Whelan and PJ Hernon. Curto is profoundly interested in the (relatively) recent history of accordion in traditional Irish music, a passion that has brought him zig-zagging around West Kerry and Co. Sligo, joining sessions and absorbing tradition and tunes. Curto has many compositional credits, including his own albums as well as TV (Bear in the Big Blue House), documentaries (The Same Heart), independent compositions, and other commissions for theater, film, and commercials. Rob is available for virtual lessons on reading music, improvisation, composition, development of repertoire and more. Rob has over 20 years of experience as an educator. During his rich career as a world-class performer, Rob has also shared his musical knowledge through private lessons in Accordion and Piano, and workshops for students on both amateur and professional levels. Through teaching, Rob strives to give students not only first-hand information and insight, but the tools to then go and learn on their own. Skills such as how to organize one’s practicing, how to work on technique, how to play by ear and master new repertoire are emphasized. There are so many places that you can play your accordion! |
Hector Del Curto Performs with the 2022 Stowe Tango Music Festivalby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
  Video: 2022 festival artist information.Tickets are almost completely sold out for the 2022 Stowe Tango Music Festival which will be held at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, Vermont, USA from August 19th to 21st, 2022. The Artistic Director is bandoneonist. The festival is open for bandoneon students of all levels and includes the final round of the 2022 Che Bandoneon International Competition where finalists will perform solo and orchestral works. Hector Del Curto will hold a Bandoneon Intensive Workshop for all levels of bandoneon students, which will feature daily technique classes, workshops, bandoneon orchestra, private lessons and performance opportunities. Praised by the New York Times as a “splendid player,” Grammy-winning musician, composer, recording artist and educator Héctor Del Curto is one of the world’s most sought after bandoneonists. He has performed with many renowned artists across musical genres, and appeared with the world’s leading orchestras, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Del Curto’s recent engagements include a recorded performance of Piazzolla’s bandoneon concerto “Aconcagua” with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Thomas Wilkins, a performance of Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and a performance with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, which included Del Curto’s composition, Paris to Cannes. Buenos Aires-born Del Curto is a fourth-generation bandoneonist who won the title “Best Bandoneon Player Under 25” in Argentina at age 17, and was subsequently invited to join the orchestra of the legendary Osvaldo Pugliese, the “Last Giant of Tango”. In 1998, Mr. Del Curto became music director of “Forever Tango”, a Broadway hit that continues to tour the world. Soon after, he founded the Eternal Tango Orchestra, a ten–piece ensemble that debuted at New York’s Lincoln Center, as well as the Hector Del Curto Tango Quintet. Both are featured on his self- produced albums, “Eternal Piazzolla” and “Eternal Tango”, which were produced by BBC News and Public Radio International. Mr. Del Curto has appeared on recordings with such artists as Osvaldo Pugliese, Astor Piazzolla, Paquito D’Rivera, Tito Puente, and Plácido Domingo. As part of the Pablo Ziegler Trio, he received a 2018 Grammy award for Jazz Tango. Dedicated to the education, outreach, and the preservation of tango, Mr. Del Curto co-founded the Stowe Tango Music Festival in 2014, and continues to serve as its artistic director. The premier tango music festival in the United States, it draws the most talented tango musicians and dancers, as well as fans, from all over the globe. He also produced the festival’s awarding-winning album: “Live at the 2016 Stowe Tango Music Festival”. Héctor Del Curto´s recordings include performances with Osvaldo Pugliese and his orchestra and Astor Piazzolla and the New Tango Sextet on "Finally Together" (Lucho Records), Pablo Ziegler on the albums "Asphalt" and "Quintet for the New Tango" (BMG), "Tango Magic" (Sony MusicUSA) on video and DVD and "Tango and All That Jazz" (Kind of Blue Records), Fernando Otero X Tango on the album "Plan" and Luis Borda Cuarteto on "Linea de Tango" (Jazz and Fusion Records). Mr. Del Curto was a guest artist in numerous recordings such as Latin music legend, Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri´s Grammy Awardwinning collaboration "Masterpiece" (RMM), renowned mezzo-soprano, Denyce Graves´ "The Lost Days" (BMG), Paquito D´Rivera´s "Funk Tango", Manhattan Transfer´s "Vibrate" (Telarc), Roy Nathanson´s "Fire at the Keaton´s Bar and Grill" (featuring Elvis Costello, Cyrus Chestnut and Deborah Harry, on the label Six Degrees), Ricardo Arjona´s "Santo Pecado" (Sony International), and Shakira´s "Laundry Services" (BMG) For further information: hectordelcurto@gmail.com For details festival information: stowetangomusicfestival@gmail.com |
International Music on the Porch Day!……. With Your Accordion!!by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
| Video 1: About Play Music on the Porch Day What if for one day everything stopped.....And we all just listened to the music? Music on the Porch Day is an international day of music. Save the date! August 27, 2022. Every year (Since 2017) on this date (the last Saturday of the month), musicians gather and perform mini concerts in the comfort of their porch, providing entertainment for the local neighbors. Consider bringing out your accordion and participating, sharing your talent with others. Participation is easy. Just gather friends, go outside and play music together and you don't even need a porch to join in. Share a video on your favorite social media with #playmusicontheporchday. In 2020 thousands of musicians from at least 76 countries and over 1600 cities from around the world participated! Since 2018, thousands of musicians from over 59 countries and 675 cities from around the world participated. What city and country are you participating from! This information is only for us to demonstrate how many people from around the world are participating. Register to be on the official worldwide map of participants at https://tinyurl.com/2019-register4PMOTPD. View map at https://tinyurl.com/2019-PMOTPD-Map The accordion is the perfect instrument for Music on the Porch Day! Send your photos/videos of you on your porch or front lawn playing your accordion, perhaps with musical friends who sing or play. Send to ritabelll@aol.com Let’s tell everyone about Music on the Porch Day by doing these things: • Tell any neighborhood groups • Reach out to any musicians you know • Many libraries have been hosting events - Tell your local Library • Invite the local High School Band • Many Coffee Shops are hosting events – Tell your local coffee shop • Tell your local Paper • Tell your local Music Stores • Post a flyer in any local community groups • Use the Facebook Event to invite your friends Please share any other ideas you may have. Also share any plans you are making. Your ideas will help others get involved! Let's build a better world through music! I will post in a future publication of the USA news! For further information: info@playmusicontheporchday.com Send photos and videos to: Ritabelll@aol.com |
Cotati Festival August 20-21 in Californiaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
| Tickets are on sale for the 31st annual, multicultural, nonprofit, Cotati accordion Festival taking place August 20 & 21 2022 in La Plaza Park in downtown Cotati, Ca. Music at the festival will range from Conjunto, folk, jazz, Irish, Venezuelan, rock, classical, zydeco, western & more. The event will include a Jam Tent, a Zydeco Dance Party, a Student Stage, the Ray's Deli Stage, and two main stages, along with over 60 vendors including crafts, accordions, food, wine and beer. Performers include: the long awaited return of Alex Meixner; Cory Pesaturo, Ginny Mac, the rocking Mad Maggies; Motordude Zydeco, Matthias Matzke of Germany; Sergei and Maria Teleshev, the international duo of Sam Reider and Jorge Glem and the Free Reeds featuring Rob Curto and Corey Purcell and more. Tickets prices: $19.00 for one day ticket purchased in advance. $28.00 for two day ticket purchased in advance. $23.00 for a one day ticket at the gate. $32.00 for a two day ticket at the gate. $17.00 for one day senior discounted ticket purchased in advance. $21.00 for one day senior discounted ticket purchased at the gate. All the proceeds go to local nonprofit youth organizations, funding their music programs and outdoor education. If you sign up as a volunteer you will receive a weekend pass to the festival, along with a ticket to the hospitality tent. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Halfway Point Reached on Project to Update and Enhance the 22 Articles on the History and Description of the First 35 Commissioned Works of the American Accordionists’ Associationby Dr. Robert Young McMahan Chair, AAA Composers Commissioning Committee; Professor Emeritus, The College of New Jersey, Music Department |
 |
 I am happy to report that I have reached the halfway point since beginning this project a half year ago of updating and expanding my 22 articles on the histories and descriptions of the AAA commissioned contemporary classical works which I had the privilege to research and write about for the annual AAA Festival Journal between 1997 and 2019. The newly enhanced versions include 1) additional new research, 2) extra photos, and, for the first time, 3) expansive musical examples with brief accompanying analyses. I hope one or more of these features will pique the reader’s interest in New Music for or including the accordion and inspire artists everywhere to add some of these important, diverse, and unique works to their concert repertoire. I also hope that the series will draw attention and interest from the world-wide contemporary music community in general. The Journal publication dates and works discussed in the newly revised articles are listed below. To peruse or read them, one may upload the articles directly from the table by clicking on any of the items appearing in red. Titles of compositions which are followed by green asterisks (*) have been recorded and the reader may listen to them by clicking on the links provided on the list of titles on the AAA website’s Commissioned Works home page at http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions.php AAA Festival Journal Publication year. Title of Updated and Expanded Article and its Present Print Format(s) The formats are: “pdf” plus year of publication; sometimes preceded by “original.” These are pdfs of scans of the original articles in the print copies of the Journal and are mainly of “nostalgic” interest prior to their updated, expanded improvements. This initial version will always be retained alongside its update when the latter has been completed. “updated pdf” plus year of update. This is the final updated and expanded edition I have created of the article (and thus an improvement over the original version described above). The only projected change would be its eventual conversion into html format when time allows. (Presently, only the 1998, 2020, and 2011 articles have been recast in html format.) 1998 “The First [AAA] Commission: Prelude and Dance, by Paul Creston”* (html format; pdf of its original print version may be added later) 2001 “The 8th Commission: William Grant Still: Aria* original pdf2001 updated pdf2022 2006 “The 19th Commission: George Kleinsinger: Prelude & Sarabande"* original pdf2006 updated pdf2022 2008 “The 20th Commission: Ernst Krenek: Toccata”* original pdf 2008 updated pdf2022 2010 “The 22nd Commission: Normand Lockwood: Sonata-Fantasia” pdf 2010 & updated pdf2022; but now also in final html format 2011 “The 23rd Commission: Nicholas Flagello: Introduction & Scherzo” * pdf 2011; but now also in final html format 2014 “The 25th and 31st Commissions: Alexander Tcherepnin: Invention and Tzigane” pdf 2014 updated pdf2022 2015 “The 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th Commissions: Carlos Surinach: Prelude of the Sea; * David Diamond: Introduction & Dance; * José Serebrier: Danza Ritual; William Grant Still: Lilt” * original pdf2015 updated pdf2022 2017 “The 32nd Commission: Paul Creston: Embryo Suite, * and a Personal Appreciation of the Composer’s Contribution to the Classical Accordion” original pdf 2017 updated pdf2022 2018 “The 33rd Commission: Joel Brickman: Prelude & Caprice” * pdf 2018 updated pdf2022 completed and will soon be available online at http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php, if not already there when you see this. 2019 “The 34th and 35th Commissions: William Schimmel: Fables; * John Franceschina: Scaramouche” * pdf 2019 updated pdf2022 completed and will soon be available online at http://www.ameraccord.com/aaacommissions2.php, if not already there when you see this. So that’s it for now: 11 down and 11 to go, namely the 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002-2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2016 AAA Festival Journal issues, containing a total of 19 more works! This endeavor will hopefully reach completion sometime during early spring 2023, after which I plan to commence writing similar articles on the remaining titles beyond these of the AAA commissioned works list (totaling 26 as of this writing, but still growing—a race with time!). We’ll keep you posted. |
Twenty-eighth Annual Accordion Master Class and Concert Series, Dr. William Schimmel, Director, Continued Great Successby Robert Young McMahan CCC Chair, Professor Emeritus, The College of New Jersey Music Department |
 The very unusual and highly regarded annual mid-summer New York event, Accordion Master Class and Concert Series, or simply “the seminars,” as participants call it, enjoyed its twenty-eighth anniversary this year at the usual time (last weekend of July) under, as always, its creator, moderator, and active performing participant, New York accordion celebrity, composer, and unique musical thinker, Dr. William Schimmel. The event was a creative project by the Accordion Global Association and Studio Muse - William Schimmel/Micki Goodman - Benjamin Niemczyk, ProductionAs always, the seminars ran for three days and were evenly divided each day into a seminar/workshop segment and a subsequent concert. What is unusual, however, is that it has been presented virtually since 2020, instead of live at the Tenri Center, as in the past, due to the advent of Covid. Nevertheless, the quality of the programming and the esprit de corps of all involved has remained as high as ever, and has even spawned some new, exciting trends. As in all past seminars, there was a large roster of performers and composers in this summer’s installment, offering a very diverse program of music of all ilks (popular, jazz, classical, contemporary, etc.) and discussion topics. Many of the participants, including myself, have given talks, performed, and composed works for the seminars every year since its beginning in 1995, but there is an increasing number of younger, energetic contributors with fresh ideas and creations, particularly in the area of electronic media, who have come aboard in recent years. Here is a sampling of this year’s participants and their contributions: PERFORMANCES: (see also list of videos below): Rita Davidson Barnea: four works by Eugene Ettore Benjamin Ickies: “We All Fall Down” Denise Koncelik: “1-11” (by Denise Koncelik) Robert McMahan: “Three Tidbits,” for accordion, by McMahan; “Introduction & Dance”, by David Diamond; “Prelude of the Sea”, by Carlos Surinach; (all are parts of seminars by McMahan) William Schimmel and wife, dancer Micki Goodman, performing “Kinesis”, by Bill Schimmel; Bill Schimmel performing “TMI”, by Gene Pritzker; arrangement by Dan Cooper of Schubert’s “Gute Nacht;” “The Old Lady that Swallowed a Fly”, by Milica Paranosic; “Revolution Tropes”, by David First; with Godfrey Nelson and Lorraine Nelson, “Break the Rules”; improvisations on songs of Jerome Kern, Rodgers and Hart, and Cole Porter PRESENTATIONS: Will Holshouser: Discussion on Percussion Technique Robert McMahan: Discussion of American Accordionists’ Association Commissioned Works at Intermediate Level; Discussion of McMahan’s own recent intermediate level composition, Three Tidbits William Schimmel: brief intermittent discussions on the accordion as “homing pigeon;” clever choices in the naming of an ensemble for promotional purposes; the drone as a useful compositional device; proper facial expressions while playing different types of music; unusual gigs. Paul Stein: Advice on Playing at Weddings (Including One’s Own!) HIGHLY CREATIVE VIDEO COMPOSITIONS. In many cases, the visual element vied wonderfully in importance with the accordion composition soundtrack. Some are deep and serious while others are highly humorous. All are extremely inventive and entertaining. Robert Goldberg: “Some Regular Trees”, for 5 accordions. Mary Spencer Knapp: “Yoga Positions While Wearing Accordion; and Nervous Flyer” Main Squeeze Accordion Orchestra, video produced by Denise Koncelik: “Royal Twilight Crystals”, by William Schimmel. Doug Makofka: “Introduction and Song” Dean Olsher: “Waiting to Be Born” Jeanne Velonis: “Three Songs of Bellows, Buttons, and Keys”, by Melana Watras Discussion on arranging early music for the accordion, using John Dowland’s popular “Lachrimae” (1604), as an example. Includes Velonis arrangement for 2 accordions, both parts played by her via split screen. (Some typical “Velonian” humor involved here as well.) Duet with Denise Koncelik of Kemp’s “Jig” in humorous kitchen scene Brief Consultations with Developing Accordionists Sari Kalin and Jack Benedetto I hope that more people will consider joining the 2023 session next July especially since necessity has now made the seminars easily available to the entire world online. The program addresses all facets of the accordion and warmly welcomes all who are interested in one way or the other in the accordion whether they are amateurs, professionals, or just simply engaged listeners. For more information: accordionbill@gmail.com |
Duo Two Accordions Entertains at World Athletic Championshipsby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
 Duo Two Accordions (Maria and Sergei Teleshev) were in the official entertainment group at the 18th World Athletics Championships giving concerts on July 18th, 20th and 21st, 2022. The event was held at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA from July 15th to 24th and included over 2,000 athletes representing more than 200 nations. In addition the championships were televised in many countries around the world.Maria Telesheva was six years old when she started to play the accordion. Maria’s teacher is her father, Sergei Teleshev. Two months after Maria started playing, she won her first International Competition. Since then, she has won several International Competitions in the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and Belarus. Maria’s talent is not limited to her exceptional duet and solo accordion performances. She’s also a talented singer. She sings in both Russian and English. In November 2021, Maria got the title "Prodigy of the Year" and was selected to grace the cover of the "Accordion Stars Illustrated" Magazine, Time Press, New York (December/January Issue). Mario is now 14 years old and in 8th grade. Classically trained at the Academy of Music in Voronezh, Russia, Sergei Teleshev is a winner of many International Accordion Competitions and the US V-Accordion Champion of 2013. Being founding member and accordion player of Trio Voronezh (Russia/USA), Classic Klezmer Trio (Sweden), Valinor Quartet (USA/UK), East-West International Project (USA/Japan), Sergei & Nati (USA/Russia) and Duo Two Accordions (USA), he collaborates with many internationally recognized artists, ensembles, and orchestras, composing and arranging music, participates in recording projects of different genres. Sergei is a jury member at International accordion competitions in Russia, Canada, USA, France, Italy. He is also the Founder and President of the Accordion Star International Competition and Festival based in the USA. Sergei is providing online accordion lessons, master classes and educational school programs. For further information: steleshev@yahoo.com |
2022 Not Just Oompah! Announces New Fall Workshop/Concert with Matt Tolentinoby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Not Just Oompah! announces an exciting new Fall Workshop & Concert with Matt Tolentino and “The Music of the Golden Age: Ragtime, Early Jazz, Early Swing”. The online ZOOM workshops are scheduled for September 12 & 13 from 7:00 - 9:30 pm Central Time and the Free Facebook Concert is scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm Central Time. Join us at Not Just Oompah! for this exciting workshop with this special presentation with Matt Tolentino! For more information, please view the flier: 2022TolentinoFlyer.pdf Matt Tolentino is a multi-instrumentalist, band leader, vocalist, preservationist, and music historian. Born in 1985, Matt shares his birthday with Fred Astaire, and some say Matt was born 80 years too late, but he will argue this is not the case. Tolentino has made it his life’s mission to perform and preserve pre-swing American popular music- hot jazz, ragtime, and the roots of swing, as well as traditional German, Czech, French, and Italian music for the modern audience to appreciate for years to come. As a true multi-instrumentalist, he plays accordion, piano, banjo, guitar, tuba, clarinet, saxophone and vibraphone. He can be found working in solo, trio, quartet, as well as his larger band, the 17-piece “Singapore Slingers,” a unit specializing in the music of 1900 - 1935, and “The Royal Klobasneks” - a traditional “old-time” polka band. His presentation style is educational and lively, with additional humor, just for fun! Matt makes his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, sharing his 1890 Victorian home with his wife Danielle, their Chihuahua “Doo-Dad”, and a 1952 Kaiser DeLuxe. |
Edmonton Folk Music Festivalby Christine Johnstone |
 |
| Video: Short video on the festival. The Edmonton Folk Music Festival will be held in Gallagher Park, Edmonton, Canada from August 4th to 7th, 2022. The festival will include a variety of musical entertainment by soloists, groups and dancers. For details email: admin2@edmontonfolkfest.org |
Chemainus Accordion Festival on August 13by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
| The Chemainus Accordin Festival takes place in Chemainus, Vancouver Island on Aug 13 2022 from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Each year, Jim Hamilton brings together a wonderful group of accordionists to perform at the Chemainus Accordion Festival. After a few years break due to COVID, the accordion fest will be back again in 2022. CVCAS is very pleased to bring this happy event back to Waterwheel Park, and accordion enthusiasts are invited to come and join the fun. The picture shows Jim Hamilton and Lynda Little performing at a past Chemainus Accordion Festival. When playing as a duo, Jim and Lynda are known as “Heart and Soul.” The location is Waterwheel Park Bandshell 3828 Croft Street, Chemainus, B.C. Connecting communities through the arts has been the mandate of the CVCAS since it was incorporated as a non-profit society in July 2001. During that time hundreds of volunteers have brought together artists and an appreciative community with music and art. The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society operates within the framework of its mission and bylaws. The CVCAS is run by volunteers, supported by people who appreciate live arts in their own communities, and dedicated to encouraging artistic expression in all forms and disciplines. If you have any questions about the CVCAS or the arts in the Chemainus Valley: CVCAS, PO Box 196, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 or Email: membership@cvcas.ca |
Cotati Festival Student Scholarship Fundraiserby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 The Cotati Accordion Festival presents the Student Scholarship Fundraiser on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 4:PM to 6:PM. Come out to hear Paul Betken, Pd Tom, Mike Zampiceni and Lou Di Maggio. This is an all acoustic, intimate setting that takes place at the Church of the Oaks. Donations at the door.Performers include: Paul Betken, Pamela Tom, Lou Di Maggio, and Mike Zampiceni. |
Future events |
8th Annual Polish Festival in British Columbiaby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
| The 8th annual Polish Festival will be held at the Shipbuilders’ Square & Pipe Shop in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on September 4th, 2022 at 1:PM. Organised by the Belweder North Shore Polish Association, attendees will join in celebrations of Polish culture, folklore, music, cuisine, and more. The festival features the group “Parno Drom” which includes accordionist Bob Kozak (pictured below) who will entertain with a variety of Eastern European Romani (Gypsy) music. For details email: belweder.org@hotmail.com  |
 |
NorthEast Squeeze-In 2022: September 16-18by Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
 |
 Registration is still open for the NorthEast Squeeze from September 16-18, 2022. Registrations close on August 10th, 2022. For further information email: lynnh1947@gmail.com. This year’s NESI at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield, CT. Wisdom House. Everything is in 2 adjacent buildings: the Main Building and the Farmhouse. Both contain bedrooms and meeting rooms as well as several porches. There is a large auditorium suitable for the concert and contra dance in the main building.There are many heated, well-ventilated indoor spaces for workshops and jamming that offer excellent sound separation and comfortable seating. Responsible consumption of your own alcohol is permitted.There are gardens and other outdoor spaces in their well-kept grounds. Topsmead State Forest is within walking distance and offers many natural trails. (Admission is free.) FAQ about NESI: 1. What workshops are offered?: This is a free-form gathering that evolves throughout the weekend. People post workshop offerings on the Big Board located in the registration room. People also post requests for things they hope someone else might agree to lead. Some “workshops” are really tune swaps, often focused on a particular genre, such as Morris tunes or Scandinavian waltzes. Some are for specific instruments, such as Hayden duet concertinas. Sometimes there is a “slow jam” for people who are just learning the tunes or their instrument. There is usually one that is a rehearsal for the pick-up band that plays for Saturday night’s contra dance, and that may happen just for fun even if we don’t have a dance. If you have a request or if you want to find out if there is interest in a workshop you’d like to offer, you can post it on Si-Talk ahead of the weekend. 2. Do I have to go to the workshops?: Definitely not. Some people never go to any and just join in the many jam sessions that spring up in every available corner. This is a weekend for fun and camaraderie, and nothing is required except your presence. I’m a first-timer. 3. Can I offer a workshop?: Of course. All you have to do is post it on the Big Board in the registration room. Write a brief description on a post-it (provided on the table) and put it in an available location and time slot on the schedule on the bulletin board. You don’t necessarily need to be a teacher – you might just want to be a facilitator for something that interests you, such as an Irish tune seisiún. Post it, and they will probably come. 4. There's something I'd like to learn; will there be a workshop for that?: If what you want is not listed on the Big Board, you can post a request there. It’s quite possible that someone will decide to lead such a workshop or offer to give you some one-on-one help. You could also post a request ahead of time on Si-Talk. 5. I don’t play a free-reed instrument yet, but I’m interested in starting. Will there be anything for me to do?: Absolutely. First, you’ll be able to hear, see, and try out everything from big piano accordions down to a 20-key Anglo concertina. You’ll be able to find people who will talk with you about what they play and why. You’ll hear all kinds of music being played on free-reed instruments and consider which ones seem to relate best to your own musical interests. You might be able to find a teacher who lives in your area. Some workshops are quite suitable for absolute beginners. This is an excellent way to take the first steps toward becoming a player. 6. I have a free-reed instrument that needs to be fixed. Is there someone there that can help?: You can ask around -- many attendees are quite knowledgeable about instrument repair. 7. My partner plays the fiddle (guitar, ocarina, nose flute, etc.) – can they take part?: For workshops, it would be good manners to ask the workshop leader. Generally, there will be no objection as long as your partner is aware that the activity is primarily for the free-reeders and is probably not the time to ask for advice on bowing technique. Finding a jam session to join is often a better option. All instruments are welcome in those, and they happen just about continuously. 8. Should my non-playing partner/spouse come along?:If your partner likes music, there is a lot to listen to, and some non-players decide to take up an instrument after a weekend of free-reed saturation. There are lovely grounds for walking onsite, and Topsmead State Forest is about a mile away. The Young Player Award provides full registration for accommodation in our least-expensive 2-person housing, including meals, for the upcoming NESI event. If the award winner is under 18, we will also provide the same accommodation for the required accompanying adult. The NESI Young Player Award is intended to find and encourage a young player who demonstrates a growing interest and engagement in music with a free-reed instrument. Commitment to becoming a better player is the primary criterion for selection. Advanced proficiency on the applicant’s instrument is not required. The applicant must: * be 25 or under by Sept. 1 of the year of the NESI event for which the award is given; * be a player of concertina, button accordion, or piano accordion * be identified in writing by a teacher or other adult free-reed player as serious about his/her advancement as a player of his/her instrument * if under 18, be accompanied to the event by a responsible adult who will remain on site for the duration of the event Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2022. All applications will be reviewed by an individual or committee comprised of or appointed by the NESI organizers. One applicant will be selected and notified no later than July 5th of the current year. The award winner must confirm his/her intention to accept the award by July 31st, or another winner will be selected. Please note that all participants must be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. For information on registration and more: lynnh1947@gmail.com |
Sign up for Powell River’s Second Annual Accordion Festby Rita Davidson Barnea, Editor USA Accordion News |
  Video: From Powell River’s First Accordion Fest with Nikolay Bine, Karen Inkster, Walter Martell performing Astor Piazzolla’s “Libertango”Powell River’s Second Annual Accordion Fest takes place from May 5-6, 2023 directed by Walter Martella and Karina Inkster. In 2021, Walter Martella came up with the idea for our Accordion Fest, and Karina Inkster eagerly jumped on board. Karina has been studying accordion with Walter since 2018. For several years they've worked together to expand the stereotype of accordion music, including performing diverse pieces by Astor Piazzolla and Richard Galliano, teaming up with other instrumentalists, leading accordion workshops for beginners, and coaxing local closet accordionists out of the woodwork. An Accordion Fest seemed like the next logical step to combine these endeavors into one weekend of serious squeezebox shenanigans. On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 Accordion 101 Workshop for beginners will be directed by Walter and Karina. Save the date! No musical experience necessary. About Walter Martella and Karina Inkster, Festival Co-directors: Musician, conductor, instructor, Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music (PRAM). Recorded 6 studio albums. Bench presses your body weight and makes a mean apple cider. Walter is an accomplished pianist, accordionist, and trumpeter. He earned a Diploma in Jazz Trumpet from Malaspina College (VIU), a Bachelor of Music Degree from UVic, and attended the Banff School of Fine Arts.Conducting became a significant part of Walter's life and career when he returned to Powell River to study at PRAM under Don James. He has participated in the British Columbia Choral Federation's conducting program and has collaborated with world-renowned conductors. He has led noteworthy works like Holst's Rig Veda for choir and harp, the Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, and Vivaldi's Gloria. He conducts the Academy Chamber Choir, Chor Musica Men's Choir and the Powell River Chorus as well as currently maintaining a full private teaching schedule.Walter is a strong believer in the power of music as an important part of community, and has been an adjudicator for instrumental and choral festivals throughout British Columbia. He has recorded five jazz CDs, performed provincially with many well-known musicians in multiple genres, and continues to be in demand all along the West Coast as a trumpet soloist and jazz pianist. Karina Inkster is a fitness and nutrition coach, author of 5 books, magazine writer, and host of the No-B.S. Vegan podcast. Founder of K.I. Health & Fitness, she and her online coaching team work with vegan clients all over the world. Karina holds a Master's degree in Gerontology, specializing in health and aging. What does all this have to do with music? Well, nothing. When she's not working (or working out), Karina attempts to make time for her musical pursuits. She started taking piano lessons at the age of 5, has been playing Australian didgeridoo for over 2 decades, and picked up the accordion in 2013. She's been studying accordion with Walter Martella since 2018 after moving from Vancouver to Powell River. For further information: karina@karinainkster.com |