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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Dee Langley Elected new ATG President
Guy Klucevsek Performs in Memorial Tribute to Teiji Ito.
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Victor Prieto performs with Yo-Yo-Ma
New Book! "The Giulietti Sound"
Future events |
Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra Present December Holiday Concert
The Potomac Accordion Ensemble Play for the Holidays
2007 Coupe Mondiale Champion Alexander Sevastian to perform with Quartetto Gelato
Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society to Present Holiday Concert
Stas Venglevski in December Concerts
December Holiday Performances by Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini
Alabama Accordionists’ Association celebrates their Tenth Anniversary!
Connecticut Accordion Orchestra presents Holiday Concert
CD Reviews |
Highlights |
Submit Your News Story Today!by Rita Barnea |
| We invite you to send your news items for inclusion in the all new updated United States National Accordion News. Please send all your news items to Rita Davidson e-mail ritabelll@aol.com for inclusion in the forthcoming editions. Please include all information and feel free to include one or two pictures in .jpg format to be included with the article. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me, or contact me by phone at: (201) 675-4861. We look forward to sharing your news with our readers. |
Dee Langley Elected new ATG Presidentby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
  Minneapolis based accordionist and teacher Dee Langley has been elected the new President of the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG), one of the USA members of the Confédération International des Accordéonistes (CIA), IMC-UNESCO.Taking over from the immediate past President Joan C. Sommers, Dee has been a long time member of the ATG Executive Board, and brings with her a long association with the ATG. The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) was established in 1940 by a group of 29 founding members (including ATG President Emeritus, the late Anthony Galla-Rini, with the purpose of furthering the progress of the accordion by improving teaching standards, music, and all phases of music education. In 1951 Anthony Galla-Rini successfully petitioned the ATG as a member the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) during the General Assembly in Paris, France. Since then, the ATG has sent many participants to the CIA Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships including three who won this prestigious competition. They are Donald Hulme in 1961, John Torcello in 1972 and Peter Soave in 1984. The ATG has sponsored the Accordion Conference Week at the famous National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan and has worked with the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) which is part of the National Association of Education. In addition, the ATG has sponsored several International Competition for Accordion Soloists as well as composition competitions. The ATG has also commissioned numerous compositions for the accordion by such composers as Alan Hovhaness, Ole Schmidt, Torbjorn Lundquist, Francis Pyle and Ernst Krenek. When Dee Langley first played the accordion at the age of four, she could not have known that her love for the instrument and her passion for music would eventually reap her numerous first place honors, take her to Europe, and earn her several guest appearances as accordionist with the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and now take the Presidency of the ATG. As a professional, Dee has participated in seminars and symposiums on accordion styles and techniques in Chatel, France and Klingenthal, East Germany. She also has performed with the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers and Ethnic Dance Theatre as well as officiating as Director of The EDT Folk Orchestra. Concert tours of Poland, France and the Czech Republic, respectively, being a few of the highlights of her tenures with these companies. On several occasions, Dee has been asked to perform accordion works not only with the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, but also the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Philomusica, The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra and the Northwoods Classical Players (members of the Chicago Symphony). She has also premiered compositions with the Ancia Quartet, the Minneapolis Philharmonic and Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra and has worked with contemporary composers including, Peter Blauvelt, Mary Ellen Childs, Becky Dale, Shelley Hanson, Mark Hellem, Carleton Macy, Carole Saline and Kim Sherman to expand the visibility of classical accordion with other instruments. Dee Langley currently lives in Minneapolis, performs with Orkestar Bez Ime (OBI) and the Greybach Trio. Ms. Langley is also co-founder the Minnesota Accordion Club and recipient of their 2002 Lifetime Accordion Award. She also teaches accordion in the Metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Other newly elected ATG Executive Officers include First Vice President Liz Finch (California) and Second Vice President is Mary Tokarski (Connecticut) and Executive Secretary Joanna Arnold Darrow (New Jersey). Plans are underway for the 2009 ATG Festival in Minneapolis, MN from July 9-12, 2009. The ATG website will updated in the near future with the latest festival information and the full slate of elected Officers and Board of Directors. |
Guy Klucevsek Performs in Memorial Tribute to Teiji Ito.by Rita Barnea |
 On Friday, December 12, 7:30PM to 11PM Guy Klucevsek will perform in a tribute to Teiji Ito. The performance will take place at the Japan Society.Location: 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017 Phone: (212) 832-1155, Box Office: (212) 715-1258 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 6 pm, Weekends, 11 am - 5 pm. Membership: (212) 715-1270 Toyota Language Center: (212) 715-1256 The late Japanese American composer Teiji Ito (1935–82) was known as the founding composer of the experimental new music scene and for his scores for the avant-garde films by his former wife, Maya Deren. The fourth in the Tzadik Music Label series curated by John Zorn, this is the first ever large-scale tribute to the music of Ito, one of the pioneering composers who incorporated musical instruments from many world cultures into his work. Creating an innovative combination of sounds, Ito had a diverse career composing music for stage and film, including the original Broadway production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The evening will be divided into three programs, music for theater, film and dance, exploring the range of Ito’s music as studied, arranged and performed by Guy Klucevsek and Steve Gorn and their ensembles. The marathon concert will also feature a discussion with John Zorn and the musicians who worked with Ito himself. The concert is presented in association with Tzadik. The concert program will be as follows: -Music for Theater - The Coach with the Six Insides (Music from King Ubu both performed by Guy Klucevsek and ensemble) -Music for Film - Lifelines (Ed Emshwiller, 1960) -Meditation on Violence (Maya Deren, 1948) -Arabesque for Kenneth Anger (Marie Menken, 1961) -Moonplay (Marie Menken, 1964–66) -Music for Dance - Watermill (performed by Watermill Ensemble and directed by Steve Gorn) Tickets: $35/$30 Japan Society members. Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Monday - Friday 11 am - 6 pm, Weekends 11 am - 5 pm. The event on December 12 at Japan Society will be a memorial tribute to Teiji Ito. For more information on Teiji, please refer to: http://www.japansociety.org/content.cfm/event_detail?eid=298be318 or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teiji_Ito. Guy Klucevsek, a Staten Island resident for 20 years now, is a composer who’s created a unique repertoire for the accordion through his own work and by commissioning over 50 works from noted composers. He’s worked with groups and individuals as diverse as John Zorn, the Kronos Quartet, Anthony Braxton, Relâche, Pauline Oliveros, and Jubilant Sykes. In 1987, he instigated a project called Polka From the Fringe, for which he invited 30 composers to contribute. The band version was presented on the 1988 Next Wave Festival at BAM, and was recorded in two volumes, which were named “Best Recordings of 1992” by John Schaefer of New Sounds, WNYC-FM. In all, Klucevsek has released 19 recordings as soloist/leader. Transylvanian Softwear was cited as a 1995 Recording of Special Merit in Stereo Review. He’s also performed on John Williams's scores for the Steven Spielberg films The Terminal, Munich and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, as well as on Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof, Victor/Victoria and Piaf. Highlights of Ito’s career include: "Watermill," written for a Jerome Robbins ballet of the same name, still in the repertoire of the New York City Ballet; music for the Broadway production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and the music for numerous films by the pioneering avant-garde film-maker, Maya Deren, who was his wife. Guy is arranging music for his score to "The Coach with the Six Insides," which was a music theatre work inspired by James Joyce's "Finnegan's Wake," conceived, choreographed and directed by Jean Erdman. It ran for over a year in it's original production in 1962; the show won an Obie Award. Guy played in the 1979 revival, with Teiji in the band, which also ran for more than a year. Because of the setting in Dublin, the "Coach" score is heavily influenced by Irish music, with waltzes, jigs, and hornpipes. The original band was a trio of multi-instrumentalists who between them played over 25 instruments, including clarinet, flute, percussion, guitar, accordion, banjo, piano, fiddle. One of the innovations of the score is Teiji's inclusion of instruments from outside the Irish tradition, e.g., Japanese taiko drum and hichiriki (double reed), steel drum, marimbula (a gigantic thumb piano that you sit on like a shoe box to play). Guy’s other contribution is a suite from "King Ubu," which Teiji created as a tape score for a 1961 theatre production, for which he won an individual Obie Award. Teiji played over 20 instruments to create the score, recording layer-on-layer, way before that kind of thing was common. Unlike "Coach," none of the music for "King Ubu" is notated, so I am transcribing and arranging 20+ minutes of music for an ensemble which includes voice, clarinet, soprano sax, flute, music box, midi keyboard, steel drum, marimbula, djembe (African drum), guitar, xylophone. The range of Ito's music is wide and deep. He was an innovator without trying to be one, and he was seemingly incapable of writing an unoriginal piece.”He was a close and dear friend, and one of the most amazing and wonderful human beings, as well as musicians, I have ever met. He is sorely missed. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear the music for theatre, dance and film played live.” said Guy Klucevsek, Established in 1907, New York's Japan Society has evolved into North America's single major producer of high-quality content on Japan for an English-speaking audience. Presenting over 100 events annually through well established Corporate, Education, Film, Gallery, Lectures, Performing Arts and Innovators Network programs, the Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia. Among the premier institutions in the U.S. for the presentation of Japanese art, Japan Society organizes three world-class exhibitions annually. Every season, the Society presents over 30 performances of Japan's traditional performing arts and cutting-edge contemporary dance, music and theater in its 262-seat auditorium. Film screenings range from classics series to festivals of today's most popular new cinema. In addition, high-profile conferences, symposia and receptions offer unparalleled access to international business and policy leaders. Further educational programs include cultural lectures, student and teacher workshops, family programs that explore Japan's culture and customs, and language classes at the world-renowned Toyota Language Center. One of Japan Society's newest endeavors, the U.S.-Japan Innovators Network, identifies and connects leading social entrepreneurs from every sector to improve mutual understanding and the quality of life throughout the world. The Japan Society was founded on May 19, 1907, by a group of prominent New York business people and philanthropists, many of whom shaped the policies of exchange and collaboration that guided it through the 1930s until the outbreak of World War II. After the war, activities slowly resumed, and the stewardship of John D. Rockefeller 3rd from 1952-78 led to a unified vision and a firm financial foundation with a revitalized mission "to bring the people of the United States and Japan closer together in appreciation and understanding of each other." Built on land donated by Rockefeller, Japan Society's landmark building was designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura and opened in 1971 as the first building by a leading Japanese architect in New York City. Located near the United Nations on 47th Street and First Avenue across the street from Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza park--just a short walk from Grand Central Station--activities at Japan Society are set against a stunning backdrop of indoor gardens, a reflecting pool and a waterfall. Furnished with a superb collection of tables, chairs and benches designed by master woodworker George Nakashima, the facilities include a 262-seat theater, art gallery, language center, library, conference facilities and over three floors of administrative space. The classic elegance and simplicity of Yoshimura's original vision has been preserved even as the building has been enhanced by a substantial renovation completed in 1998. In 2006 the Society opened a high-end boutique shop nestled on the second floor next to the gallery. |
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USAby Heather Masefield, Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
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  I am writing this on the plane flying internationally to Las Vegas for the Octoberfest Las Vegas International from 15th to 18th October at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Paul Betken & Jerry Cigler are newly added to a great line up of stars (list below) with lots of great seats still available! Want to hop a plane to come and enjoy this exciting festival? Newsletter (picture right) with full information: 2018LVACnews.pdf Picture left: Event organizer Paul Pasquali The lineup starts with visionary accordionist Cory Pesaturo and bookends with a grand finale starring Grayson Masefield and the International Accordion Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Prof. Joan Sommers. You can register online at www.AccordionStars.com or contact Paul Pasquali, event organizer, by phone at 1-800-472-1695 or (801) 485-5840, email: paul@accordioninfo.com. |
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Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Dr. William Schimmel in Kurt Weill's Marie Galanteby Dr. William Schimmel |
 Dr. William Schimmel received special mention in the New York Times for his performance in Marie Galante by Kurt Weill. Anthony Thomasinni of the New York Times singled out Dr. Schimmel as the “nimble accordionist” along with the stylish performances of the other fourteen musicians. This is the first time since 1934 in Paris, that the piece (basically a play with music) has been performed in its entirety. The performances took place on November 13, 15 and 16 at the Florence Gould Theatre at the French Alliance in New York. Dr. Schimmel is no stranger to the music of Kurt Weill, having performed and recorded all of the music of Weill that includes accordion. He also has conducted two Weill masterpieces on Broadway as far back as the Seventies: Three Penny Opera starring Raul Julia and Happy End starring Meryl Streep. Also, William Schimmel has a series of new recordings that he appears on that were released this year, or are pending release in early 2009. They are: Latvian Drinking songs (Laila Salins), Pinsk and Blue (Alla Borzova), Lauren Kennedy (cabaret), Gay Marshall (Piaf Songs), Ljova and the Kontraband, Weatherwatch (with Dr. Mark Birnbaum), Highway (solo) and Portrait in Seven Shades (Ted Nash). Also, Dr. Schimmel has announced that his yearly Masterclass and Concert Series, The Seminars, will take place on July 24, 25 and 26 at the Tenri Cultural Institute of New York. It is moving into its fifteenth year. The title of the seminars is: Welcome Home Skinny! The event is sponsored by The American Accordionists' Association. TO REACH THE INFO ON THE SEMINARS: www.billschimmel.com - click 2009 seminars |
Victor Prieto performs with Yo-Yo-Maby Rita Barnea |
  Victor Prieto performed recently with Yo-Yo Ma, and Cristina Pato at the Colbert Report, presenting his new CD “Songs of Joy and Peace” Sony Records BMG Masterworks. You can see the performance here at the Colbert Report website. http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/189590/october-27-2008/yo-yo-ma-pt--2Musicians: Carlo De Rosa, bass. John Hadfield, percussion,. Shane Shanahan, percussion Accordionist and composer, Victor Prieto is revolutionizing the way that the accordion is played by creating new sounds and techniques for this instrument. His music embraces different tendencies that come from Jazz, Tango, Classical and Celtic Roots enriched with new rhythms and colors. He is the creator of a new technique for the accordion called “chord approach on both hands”, which creates rich and elaborate harmonies. Victor Prieto was born in Orense (Spain) in 1975. At the age of nine, encouraged by his mother, Victor began to play the accordion. He pursued his studies in Classical accordion at the Orense Conservatory (Spain), while taking harmony, arranging and improvisation classes at Estudio Escola de Musica (Santiago de Compostela, Spain). After receiving a scholarship by the highly respected Jazz schoo, Berklee College of Music,Victor decided to pursue the performance major under the direction of Joanne Brackeen. Victor studied accordion at Berklee College of Music. During his stay at Berklee, Victor became friends with one of his mentors, Oscar Stagnaro. In 2002 Victor moved to New York where he quickly established himself as one of the most prolific and versatile accordionists on the music and Jazz scenes. As a leader, Victor has performed at many prestigious venues and events such as Berklee Performance Center, Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Blue Note NY, New Jersey Performance Art Center, Three Rivers Musical Festival, Williamsburg Jazz Festival, Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. Victor has shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma, Jeff Ballard, Chris Cheek, Paquito D’Rivera, Regina Carter, Donny McCaslin, Lionel Louke among others and is involved in projects such as Pablo Aslan’s Avantango, Emilio Solla’s NY Jazz Tango Project, Alexis Cuadrado’s Trio Iberico and Fernando Otero X Tango. He teaches Master Classes in Spain, Italy, Portugal, USA and has headed the jazz accordion studies at the Brooklyn Conservatory (2003 – 2004). Victor is a recipient of numerous awards and prizes for excellence in accordion performance and composition, among them are: the Creative Performer award from the Spanish Association of Artists and Performers, and the first prize at CMZK’s Concourse of Composition (Argentina). Victor now lives in New York City dividing his time between performing, teaching and recording. He has recently introduced his new CD, "Persistencia" with Foxhaven Records. For a full schedule, visit www.victorprieto.net |
New Book! "The Giulietti Sound"by Steve Navoyosky |
 This new book offers a glimpse into the world of Julio Giulietti and his line of accordions. Visit the early factory where this accordion was developed and view those improvements shown by the many photographs included and design drawings.As one of the contributors, I am pleased to announce the first book about the Giulietti accordion entitled "The Giulietti Sound" which was written and designed by Sander Neijnens of the Netherlands. Join Sander Neijnens in his relentless search to discover how its unique sound was developed, his gaining inside information about Julio Giulietti, and why Giulietti artists are reluctant to part with their instrument. This book tells the story about a search for the secret of the special sound of the Giulietti accordion. It contains interviews with the people who built the instruments in Castelfidardo, Italy, as well as with people who play the Giulietti accordion for many years, and people who knew Julio Giulietti (1910-1996). The book also contains a CD with twelve pieces played on the Giulietti accordion, ranging from 1965 to 2005. In addition to this 95 page hardbound book, a very high quality CD is provided which features the 'Giulietti Sound' by Giulietti artists. Listen to Leon Sash, Bill Cosby, Karen Street, John Torcello, Joseph Macerollo, Guy Klucevsek, and Todd Hildreth. This is a 'must have' addition to every accordionist’s library and CD collection, and I highly recommend it. For further information or to order, email giulietti@letterbeeld.nl |
Future events |
Guy Klucevsek and Alan Bern to perform at First Night, PAby Rita Barnea |
 On Dec. 31, Guy Klucevsek (accordion) and Alan Bern (accordion/piano) will perform at First Night®, Oil City, PA.,an alcohol-free, family-oriented celebration of the arts, which has been held annually since 1998. Klucevsek and Bern will perform selections from their two recordings, "Accordance" and "Notefalls". The sets will be at 8, 9, 10 and 11 PM on December 31st.Klucevsek and Bern first played together in the 1998 project, Accordion Tribe II: Four Accordions of the Apocalypse, which also included Pauline Oliveros and Amy Denio. The duo debuted at The Kitchen (NYC) in 1999, and have since performed throughout Europe, including a performance at the Vienna International Accordion Festival. Guy Klucevsek, a Staten Island resident, is a composer who’s created a unique repertoire for the accordion through his own work and by commissioning over 50 works from noted composers. He’s worked with groups and individuals as diverse as John Zorn, the Kronos Quartet, Anthony Braxton, Relâche, Pauline Oliveros, and Jubilant Sykes. Musician, ethnomusicologist, composer, pianist, accordionist and musical director, Alan Bern is the leader of the outstanding klezmer ensemble Brave Old World . The group's most recent CD, Song of the Lodz Ghetto, on the Winter & Winter label, was named best classical CD of 2005 by Newsday and one of the 10 best classical/world CD's by Billboard. Since 1987 Mr. Bern has been based in Berlin, Germany, where he composes and directs music for theater, dance and film projects. Since its debut in 1997, First Night® has received high praise for the quality and variety of entertainment and experiences it offers. First Night® has welcomed a steady stream of between 3,000 to 5,000 people who have come despite frigid weather. Shuttle buses transport people throughout the town to indoor sites where performances are scheduled. Revelers wishing to brave the cold are warmed at the bonfires throughout the city. People wear crazy, decorative hats, walk through rooms filled with balloons, parade down the street making noise, view two fireworks displays, visit their choices of entertainment options, and sample great food. For further info please email: gklucevsek@si.rr.com |
Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra Present December Holiday Concertby Joanna Arnold Darrow |
 The Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra (WPAO) announces its annual Winter Concert, 1:30 PM Saturday December 6, 2008. This concert is sponsored and will be held in the William G. Rohrer Library on MacArthur Blvd, Haddon Township, NJ 08108The concert is open to the public and free of charge.Donations will be graciously accepted. All proceeds of the concert will be directed toward the Concert Fund, which helps the orchestra to perform free cultural concerts for residents of the South Jersey area. The orchestra's repertoire is diverse. The WPAO is an accordion ensemble that is devoted to performing music of great masters as well as ethnic, original, and popular compositions. The ensemble achieves a symphonic sound by the use of multiple reeds registers and accordionists performing individual parts, much like a symphony orchestra. Compositions being performed in this program include: Pachelbel, Mancini, Balkan and Russian Ethnic Music and more. In 1976 and 1992, the orchestra was recognized as a serious ensemble that has added to the cultural aspect of the community of Haddon Township, N.J. For additional details about this concert please call 856-854-6628 or www.wpao.org The publicity chairman is Raymond E. Haines |
The Potomac Accordion Ensemble Play for the Holidaysby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
 The Potomac Accordion Ensemble is a group of nine accordionists from the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society. Under the direction of Joan Grauman, conductor and arranger, the group enjoys learning new material, learning to work together as a group, and they enjoy bringing their music to the public. On Saturday evening, December 13, the ensemble will perform in the auditorium of the beautiful Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD. After the performance, the audience will tour the magical holiday light show that features 700,000 lights depicting garden scenes – an annual holiday favorite in Maryland. |
2007 Coupe Mondiale Champion Alexander Sevastian to perform with Quartetto Gelatoby Rita Barnea |
 On Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM, the Quartetto Gelato will present their holiday concert, Christmas From Around The World, at theWashington Center for the Performing Arts 126 Newberry St. SW Aiken, SC Their delightful holiday program is inspired by the full range of emotions we enjoy at this special time of year, and features music from England, USA, Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, Romania, Germany, Canada, Israel, and France. Since its debut in 1994, the quartet's unique blend of sparkling technique, musical variety and wit has won over sold-out audiences from New York to Los Angeles and from London to Tokyo. National Public Radio recognized the group with its 1996 “Debut Artist of the Year” award and its latest release, "Neapolitan Café," remains a fixture on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart since its release in April 2001. Classical in intent, eclectic by design, Quartetto Gelato programs are filled with an intriguing mix of traditional masterworks, operatic arias, tangos and folk songs from around the world. The quartet's lineup includes: Shalom Bard, clarinet; Peter DeSotto, tenor, violin and mandolin; Carina Reeves, cello; and 2007 Coupe Mondiale champion Alexander Sevastian on accordion and piano. Alexander Sevastian was born on October 2nd, 1976 in Minsk, Belarus. He started playing the accordion at the age of seven. After finishing the musical school in 1991 he entered the Glinka Musical College in Minsk where he was taught by Myron Boula. After finishing the college, he entered the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow in the class of Professor Friedrich Lips. In July 1998, Alexander was trained by Professor Elsbeth Moser at the Sofia Goubaidulina Master Class in Avignon, France. In 1996 - 2001 he was working in the Russian TV and Radio orchestra (art director Nickolai Nekrasov). With this orchestra he recorded many TV performances and radio archive tapes. Since April of 2001, Alexander has been living in Toronto, Canada. He has been playing with Toronto Woodwinds, an ensemble that was awarded the first prize at “The Golden Accordion International Competition” in December 2001 (New York). In May 2002 he completed his post-graduate course in Moscow (class of Professor Friedrich Lips). At present he is taking an Advanced Certificate in Performance program from the University of Toronto (class of Professor Joseph Macerollo). He has performed concerts in 30 Russian cities as well as concerts in Belarus, Ukraine, Germany, Italy and Japan. He has given several premier performances, including the works of Berinsky, Bronner, Korolchuk, Zelenski and Khondo. Since September 2002 Alexander has been playing with an internationally recognized group “Quartetto Gelato” www.quartettogelato.ca. He has been touring regularly in both the United States and Canada with this ensemble. His International Accordion Competition Awards are: 1995 - Klingenthal (Germany) - 2nd prize 1995 - Moscow (Russia) - 4th prize 1996 - Castelfidardo (Italy) - 3rd prize 1997 - Mondragon (Spain) - 2nd prize 1998 - Moss (Norway) - Winner 2000 - Cherepovets (Russia) - Winner 2001 - San Antonio (USA) - Winner 2007 - CIA 60th Anniversary Coupe Mondiale - Winner Alexander is most recently the winner of the "ATG Anthony Galla-Rini International Competition for Classical Accordion"San Antonio, Texas, USA and the 2007 CIA Coupe Mondiale in Alexandria, VA (Washington DC) More Info at: http://www.aikenperformingartsgroup.org http://www.accordions.com/sevastian/#bio |
Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society to Present Holiday Concertby Rita Barnea |
  You are invited to the 5th Annual Holiday Concert of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS). Joan Grauman directs and conducts the orchestra of approximately 25 accordionists from the club, and solos are interspersed in the festive, popular event that always includes a holiday sing-along.The concert will be followed by a potluck supper for musicians and audience members . The concert will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2008, 4 p.m. Tickets will be a $7 donation (members & children under 12 free) The concert takes place at the Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church located at 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road ,Falls Church, Virginia 22044. Please bring a dish for the potluck dinner following the concert. For more information please check www.washingtonaccordions.org, or call(703) 671-5395 or wmas2002@cox.net |
Stas Venglevski in December Concertsby Rita Barnea |
 Accordion virtuoso, Stas Venglevski, has a busy concert season ahead. On December 4 at 7:30 PM he will present a concert at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. On December 6 at 9 AM, he will perform at the Northeast Wisconsin Accordion Club in Green Bay. For more information about future concerts, please check his web site: www.accordions.com/Stas.His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought "Stas" Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. A two-time first prize winner of bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. He is a regular participant of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced numerous recordings including transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. Stas also performs as a member of the A Sta_Sera Duo where he combines talents with accordionist, John Simkus, known primarily for his smooth jazz renditions. Their musical partnership has resulted in a unique repertoire and as a duo they have toured the United States and Europe extensively and collaborated on a CD of original compositions, Seasonings. Stas is a past President of the prestigious Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) which was established in 1940 with the purpose of furthering the progress of the accordion by improving teaching standards, music, and all phases of music education. The ATG is a member of the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes (CIA) International Music Council (IMC-NESCO) which holds an annual competition and festival in various cities around the United States. The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas afford an expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical adventure to the audience. |
December Holiday Performances by Mario Tacca and Mary Manciniby Rita Barnea |
 Renowned accordionist Mario Tacca and his wife, International Vocal Artist Mary Mancini, have a very busy holiday concert season planned. Mario Tacca was born in Italy. During his childhood, his family moved to the Alsace Lorraine region of France where he began his musical studies. This is where his love and intense desire to play the accordion began. He loved the sound! He would pick up the accordion and imitate some of the songs his mother used to sing. The desire and love never diminished, despite having to walk three miles weekly to his teacher with his instrument strapped to his back! While in France, he was the winner of many regional and national accordion competitions. He went on to become a world champion, winning the World Cup of Italy, the Grand Prix of Paris, the US National Competition and the International Accordion competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Mario Tacca dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his unmatched virtuosity on the accordion and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics, and pop. Mary Mancini, Internationally Acclaimed Vocal Artist with GIOIA Productions, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of musical performance. Mary Mancini is known and acclaimed nationally and internationally for her vocal versatility and command of all styles of music. She is trained to sing in eight languages. From performing our National Anthem for the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers to singing in concert halls and theaters across the US, Canada, Europe and China, Mary Mancini consistently brings audiences to their feet with her musical interpretations of international favorites, Broadway music, opera, classics and pop. In addition, her inspiring renditions of music from the sacred music repertoire have touched the hearts of people around the world. She has been called "the woman with the golden voice." Her continuing list of achievements and honorary recognition awards include: The International Festival of the Arts (Canada), The Chinese Government, The American Song Festival, The American Cancer Society, Guardia Lombardi Society, Circolo da Vinci Society, Westchester Community College - Il Club Italiano, and recently the Lifetime Award for Achievement in the Arts presented by the Order of Sons of Italy in America, NYS Grand Lodge Foundation. Along with her husband Mario Tacca, a world renowned accordion virtuoso, Mary co-owns a music production company and recording studio through which they have released eight CDs. In the future, she aspires to continue sharing her musical gifts with audiences around the world. Cambridge Who's Who is an exclusive membership organization that recognizes and empowers executives, professionals and entrepreneurs throughout the world. From healthcare to law, engineering to finance, manufacturing to education, every major industry is represented by its 250,000 active members. Cambridge Who's Who membership provides individuals with a valuable third party endorsement of their accomplishments and gives them the tools needed to brand themselves and their businesses effectively. In addition to publishing biographies in print and electronic form, Cambridge Who's Who offers an online networking platform where members can establish new business relationships and achieve career advancement within their company, industry or profession. For more information, please see http://www.cambridgewhoswho.com Their concert dates for December are: December 5, Candlelight Christmas Concert at the Church of Assumption, Peekskill, NY, 7 PM December 6, Mario appears at the Maganini Winery Walkill, NY, 7-11 PM December 7, Mario and Mary Mancini at the Maganini Winery for their Christmas Festival. They will perform in Florida at the following places: December 12, Mary and Mario at Kings Point in Tamarac December 13, at the Platina Club in Boynton Beach (Phone: 561-369-1435) December 13, Delray Villa,Delray Beach (Phone: 561-495-5595) December 14, Olympic Heights High School, Boca Raton, 2 PM December 14, Rainberry Bay, Delray Beach, 8 PM December 19, Sounds of Christmas, Walton, N.Y. 7:30 PM December 21, Notre Dame HS, Stroudsberg, PA. December 31, New Year’s Eve, Maganini Winery, 9-1 AM For more information about their concerts and availability go to www.gioiaproductions.com |
Alabama Accordionists’ Association celebrates their Tenth Anniversary!by Rita Barnea |
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 The Alabama Accordionists Association is celebrating their tenth anniversary at their January 3rd meeting at 10 AM. They will celebrate this happy occasion with the theme “The Accordion’s Ethnic Roots." President Jim Bossert encourages all members to join in the party by playing selections representing diverse ethnic backrounds. The meeting will take place at Petals from the Past which is near Jemison, Alabama.The Alabama Accordionist’s Association is hosting a special event, the appearance next April 18th of Frank Marocco. He will perform at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church. This concert will be the April meeting for 2009. Frank is an internationally known accordionist who is a studio recording artist in Hollywood and one of the best, if not THE best, jazz accordionists in the world today. If you have ever heard an accordion on a movie soundtrack, you were undoubtedly listening to Frank, who is on “first call” at all the Hollywood studios. He will perform a variety of styles of accordion music and talk to us about jazz accordion technique, and the studio musician’s professional life. Tickets will be available for sale at the January meeting and a limited numbers of posters. Tickets will once again cost $15.00. To order tickets, contact: Jim Wadowick at 334-566-1664 E mail: wadowick@troycable.net OR Betty Bridges 205-733-1524 or e mail: bmt_bridges@hotmail.com Location: Bluff Park United Methodist Church Address and Directions: 733 Valley St., Hoover, AL Take I-65 to the Exit 254 (Alford Avenue), go West on Alford Avenue for 2 miles to the end of the road. At the stop sign, turn right, then turn left at the end of that road. |
Connecticut Accordion Orchestra presents Holiday Concertby Rita Barnea |
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| The Connecticut Accordion Association Orchestra Presents their holiday season concert entitled "Seasonal Melodies and Other Favorites" The concert will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 2:00PM at the Blackstone Memorial Library located on 758 Main Street, Branford, CT. The conductor will be Linda Soley Reed who is the President of the American Accordionists' Association. This concert will feature an accordion orchestra consisting of over twenty performers. The group has performed in and out of state and includes some of the finest musicians in the USA. Come, listen, and be charmed by this beautiful instrument! Connecticut Accordion Association Orchestra Concert Poster 2008. For further information contact Linda Soley Reed, email: AAA1938@aol.com Directions to Blackstone Memorial Library: I95 Exit 54 Cedar street. Turn right onto Cedar Street. Follow through the light and past one (1) stop sign. The Library is up the hill on the left. |
CD Reviews |
Dr. Carmelo Pino’s Piano Accordion CD - A TRUE MASTERPIECE!by Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
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 "Carmelo, Celebrating the Accordion"Reviewed by Joan Grauman Four years in the making, this magnificent compilation celebrates not only a technically and musically flawless accordion performance, it also showcases the amazing composing and arranging skills of this accomplished and acclaimed accordionist, Dr. Carmelo Pino. The album features twenty-one musicians considered by Carmelo to be among the finest, and includes his award-winning composition, "Concertino for Accordion and Strings", which has been performed by several symphony orchestras. There are a number of beautifully arranged jazz pieces featuring the accordion with solos by the well-known trombonist, Dave Steinmayer, plus Carmelo's celebrated medley of Gershwin tunes, "Gershwiniana", and David Diamond's "Night Music", a composition for accordion and string quartet commissioned by the American Accordionists' Association. The CD also includes three very lovely and uniquely different Italian dance tunes, which were composed by Carmelo for the Italian film, "54 Roses". Accordion great, Peter Soave, is featured in Carmelo's jazz arrangement of J.S. Bach's "Two Part Invention in A Minor". This piece is just wonderful. The entire CD is truly a gem. It flows seamlessly from one mood and musical style to another. Dr. Carmelo Pino has taken our beloved instrument to a new level. This CD is a real masterpiece. BRAVO! -- Joan Grauman is on the governing board of the American Accordionists' Association, is vice president of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society, and co-directs the annual Frank Marocco Accordion Event with her husband, Dan. This CD review was originally released in 2007. Dr. Pino has since been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is now residing in a convalescent center in Maryland. His CDs are now handled by his close friend and student, Joan Grauman, and all proceeds will be turned over to the Pino family. To obtain a CD, please contact Joan Grauman by phone (301) 279-8716, via email: joangrauman@comcast.net, or by mail at POB 2001, Rockville, MD 20847-2001. CDs are $15 each, plus $2 shipping (within the US). Please make checks payable to Joan Grauman. |