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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Breaking News: Joe Morelli Passes Away - Canada
Mary Tokarski Introduces New CD in a Free Concert
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
Roland Accordion: Vision Becomes Reality
Texas Folklife's 2009 "Big Squeeze" Accordion Contest
Juha Silfverberg Features at Charlemagne’s in Weston, MO
Joe Soprani In-House Accordionist on the Don Giovanni Radio Show
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Grammy Award Winners, Los Angeles - USA
"The Big Squeeze" Documentary Premieres at South by Southwest Film Festival 2009
Frank J. Busso Jr. Performs on Inauguration Day
Online Radio Station Features Zydeco Music!!
Future events |
American Acccordionists’ Association: Open March Meeting
Joanna Darrow in March Performances of “Wozzeck”
Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin in March Concert
Manny Bobenreith Performs with The U.S. Army Strings in March
Lorin Sklamberg and the Klezmatics in March Performances
Dr. Schimmel's Tour Schedule
Joseph Petric in March Concerts
Dr. Robert McMahan in March Performances
New England Music Festival in April
Lidia Kaminska in March Concerts
Alabama Accordionist’s Association Presents Frank Morocco in April
Django in June, a Gypsy Jazz Camp – with Accordions!
Highlights |
Your Invitation to Play in the World Accordion Orchestra IIIby Joan C. Sommers |
 August 25 marks the opening of the 2009 Coupe Mondiale in Takapuna (Auckland), New Zealand. In addition to the important world competitions, congressional and committee meetings, concerts, and social events keeping accordionists busy, it also is the gathering of participants performing with the popular World Accordion Orchestra III. This orchestra had its beginning at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale held in Alexandria, VA, continued at the 2008 Coupe Mondiale held in Glasgow, Scotland and now will have its third appearance at the 2009 Coupe Mondiale being held in New Zealand. This year will give everyone the opportunity to work under the batons of three well-known conductors in the accordion field: Gary Daverne of New Zealand, Fritz Dobler of Germany, and Joan C. Sommers of the USA. Professor Dobler was also the CIA Coupe Mondiale Champion in 1954. The orchestra will perform three pieces, each of them especially prepared for the World Accordion Orchestra III by the three conductors. Without doubt, the Grand Finale Concert performance of these three new pieces in the accordion orchestra repertoire will be an exciting and auspicious musical milestone for both orchestra participants and concert attendees. You are invited to participate, too, whether as a player in the orchestra, or as a lover of accordion music who wishes to hear these many exciting accordion competitions, rehearsals, concerts, and to meet the hundreds of your fellow accordionists from all over the world who will be in attendance. There are optional additional opportunities for you, also, since there are two adventures planned to begin on the day immediately following the conclusion of the official Coupe Mondiale. On August 30, you may travel with your accordion friends to the city of Dargaville, the childhood home of CIA President, Kevin Friedrich. It will be a day of sightseeing on the ocean beaches and driving through the famed forests, taking part in the mayor’s special champagne reception, attending another outstanding accordion concert featuring the Akkordeonorchester Hof (Hof, Germany) along with performances by Coupe Mondiale winners, visiting the local museum with its established accordion section, and concluding with a gala dinner and social evening, followed by a return bus trip to Auckland. The next day may find you departing on a seven-day tour of several favorite tourist sites on the North Island of NZ and, if you are one of the World Accordion Orchestra III members, more performances after dinner. Whether you play in the orchestra or not, you are invited to share the friendly atmosphere always present among so many accordionists from countries throughout the world. You will meet old friends, yes, but you will also make many new friends who share your enthusiasm and love for the accordion! Make your plans now to take part in this great musical adventure. Full details re Additional Sightseeing and tours following the official 2009 Coupe Mondiale is online. Remember these tours are for everyone; they are not solely for performers. If you are interested in playing in the World Accordion Orchestra III and would like more information regarding its music or other orchestra information, you may contact Joan Sommers, who is serving as CIA administrator of the orchestra at: sommersj@umkc.edu You may also visit: www.coupemondiale.org Full details re Additional Sightseeing online. |
Breaking News: Joe Morelli Passes Away - Canadaby Rita Barnea |
 Joe Morelli, who was the first Canadian accordionist to play with a symphony orchestra passed away on March 4, 2009. Joe was a wonderful, warm person and an outstanding arranger, composer and player. Joe Morelli (b. 1929) wrote an important book, in which shared his many decades of performing and teaching accordion. "Target: Focus" not only deals with practical matters of accordion playing, such as wrist and hand position, balance of the instrument, leg position, backstraps, etc. but also less-measurable factors involved in playing an instrument such as consciousness, self-consciousness and un-consciousness. Joe Morelli was well versed in French and Italian music in addition to many other romantic European melodies. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. |
Mary Tokarski Introduces New CD in a Free Concertby Rita Barnea |
 On Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 2 p.m. everyone is invited for a free concert introducing the music from Mary Tokarski’s new CD, "Music with Mary . . . with my friends!"There will also be appearances by pianist Dessie Vaughan, guitarist Jim Baldoni, percussionist Vic Steffens and the Connecticut Accordion Ensemble. The concert will take place at the Blackstone Memorial Library 758 Main Street, Branford, CT The music included on this CD showcases the accordion in numerous settings: Accordion with symphony, string quartet, guitar, percussion, piano. In addition there will be solos in a variety of genres: classical, ethnic, accordion classic, novelty, tango and more. “Scherzo in B flat minor” will be performed in memory of Maddalena Belfiore and is included through the generosity of her husband, Mauro Greco. Included on the CD are: "Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra" (Gary Daverne) recorded “live” with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, "Tango for Five" (Paier) and "Concert Waltz" with String Quartet (Daverne), "En Bateau" (Debussy) and "Chippy, Cheppy, Chu" (Gerov) with pianist Dessie Vaughan, "Reflections of Italy" (Mucedola).(Oliviero & Ortolani) with guitarist Jim Baldoni, "Calambre" (Piazzolla) and Chiquilin de Bachin (Piazzolla) with percussionist Vic Steffens. Solos on the CD are: " Spanish Holiday" (Ettore), "Scherzo in B flat minor" (Belfiore). "Ritual Fire Dance "(de Falla), "Magic Fingers, Revisited" (Neupauer), "Midnight Fantasy" and "Roller Skates"(Gerov). CDs are $15, plus shipping and handling ($3), and can be ordered by sending your check to: Mary Tokarski 15 Maplewood Lane Northford, CT 06472 USA. Or paypal on the Mary Tokarski website, or secure credit card at Mary Tokarski CD's. There will be a buffet dinner immediately following the concert at: Pompeo Restaurant, 485 W. Main St., Branford, CT, (203) 488-3384 $25.00 per person, Reservations a must on or before March 16th Contact: Linda Reed at 203-335-2045 or Lsoleyreed@aol.com |
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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Roland Accordion: Vision Becomes Realityby Ron Schwarz |
| This article is about how and why Roland dedicated millions of man-hours and dollars to the success of the “V” accordion. Written by Ron Schwartz, Editor of Sharps and Flats, the monthly newsletter of the Accordion Club of Los Angeles. Vision Becomes Reality. Another article about Roland manufacture is online too. A Roland is Born in Acquaviva Picena. |
Texas Folklife's 2009 "Big Squeeze" Accordion Contestby Rita Barnea |
 The third annual competition invites young Texas and Louisiana players to compete for cash, an all-expenses-paid trip to perform in Germany with Hohner, Inc. and a day-long session at legendary SugarHill Recording StudiosThe contest was started in 2007 as a way to promote the growth and development of young accordionists in the region. Any genre of music, including Cajun, German, Czech, and Polish polka, Tejano, Western, and Zydeco, to name a few, that incorporates the use of the accordion, will be accepted and all are encouraged to apply. Finalists will perform at Texas Folklife’s highly acclaimed Accordion Kings & Queens concert at Houston’s Outdoor Miller Theatre on June 6, 2009, where the Big Squeeze winner will be announced. The 20th annual Accordion Kings and Queens concert, will feature accordion greats Sunny Sauceda, Santiago Jimenez Jr., Cedryl Ballou, Mark Halata, and Lady “D,” and will be emceed by popular Texas journalist Joe Nick Patoski. The contest is open to non-professional musicians and will be divided into two categories based upon age: one for those ages 18 and under and one for ages 19-25. Contestants will be judged on song interpretation, technical skill, originality, execution, and stage presence. The complete contest rules and entry forms are available by emailing: info@texasfolklife.org or by calling (512) 441-9255. The entry closing date is March 2, 2009. |
Juha Silfverberg Features at Charlemagne’s in Weston, MOby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
 Charlemagne's, the popular restaurant in the historical 1845 Saint George Hotel in Weston, Missouri (north of Kansas City), features accordionist Juha Silfverberg, a well known entertainer in the Kansas City area. Performing a variety of repertoire including Broadway favorites, classical, pop and folk music, management has included Juha’s live accordion music as an integral part of the dining experience, bringing back regular customers on a weekly basis.Themed after the historical leader of the empire comprising several countries including what is now known as France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the restaurant features cuisine and wine from each of these countries, making for a European dining experience while enjoying live entertainment. Juha was born into a musical family in Helsinki, Finland, and began his accordion studies at the age of seven with the late Lasse Pihlajamaa, a world renowned pioneer of the accordion field in Finland. Winning both the Finnish National and Scandinavian Accordion Championships, Juha earned the right to represent Finland in the CIA Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships that were held in Helsinki, Finland. Juha has performed in many countries around the world as a soloist and in various ensembles such as a Klezmer Band, and as leader of The International Trio with other trio members including his wife Julie Silfverberg and Kevin Friedrich. Juha was the first European foreign student to study accordion performance with Joan C. Sommers at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. After completing his studies he returned to Finland with his wife Julie, where they resumed teaching and performing on the accordion. Currently Juha makes his living in the music industry performing regularly in the greater Kansas City area, as well as his work repairing and tuning accordions and as a sought after piano technician. In addition to his solo work, Juha performs with several groups in various musical genres, including the popular Cajun-Zydeco group Hogfish Gumbo. Opened in 1845 the Saint George welcomed Steamboat Captains, tradesmen, and travelers alike. Today, The Saint George offers an escape from the rigors of everyday life with its comfortable accommodations, Audrey's Café, The National Silk Art Museum, Charlemagne’s Restaurant featuring Juha Silfverberg twice weekly and Valentino’s Champagne and Wine Bar. Juha is pictured above with fellow accordionists Kevin Friedrich, wife Julie Silfverberg and Joyce Davis. For more information about Charlemagne’s Restaurant, please visit www.thesaintgeorgehotel.com, phone: (816) 640-9902 or e-mail: info@thesaintgeorgehotel.com Link to purchase International Trio CD's online. |
Joe Soprani In-House Accordionist on the Don Giovanni Radio Showby Kevin Friedrich, CIA Ambassador |
  The Don Giovanni Show, which is a ‘big old fashion Italian house party’ is back on the radio in Philadelphia via the world wide web. Although it originates live from Binghamton, NY, it can be heard at www.680WINR.com/main.html every Saturday from 9.00 am to 12 noon throughout the world.Don Giovanni, a great fan of the accordion, has featured some of the top accordionists in the country including Dick Contino, Angelo Di Pippo, Vito DiSalvo, Charles Magnante and others. Joe Soprani, who recently performed with the harmonica virtuoso Sgro Brothers, will be his in-house accordionist. All of Soprani’s solos have been specially recorded for the Don Giovanni Show. A noted accordionist, educator, arranger-composer whose reputation among professionals places him in the first ranks of contemporary accordionist, Joe Soprani has dominated the accordion scene in Philadelphia for over forty years playing in major concert halls, theatres, TV Shows and Hotels. He holds the distinction of being the only accordionist in the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra to appear as a featured soloist under Eugene Ormandy. While accordion soloist with the USAF Band in Washington, DC under Col. George S. Howard, he won the "The Air Force Roger", the most prestigious entertainment award in the US Air Force. He also was the first accordion soloist with the PA Army National Guard Band "The Adjutant General's Own" for over eight years. On five occasions, Joe Soprani appeared with opera singer Luciano Pavarotti at the Spectrum in Philadelphia and performed for President Eisenhower at the White House. To add to his impressive list of credentials, Soprani was invited to arrange the opening selection for Rock star Jon Bon Jovi's 1996 world tour and has also written the official song for the International Rotary Club. In addition to performing in Broadway shows such as "Fiddler on the Roof", "Zorba", "Cabaret" and "Erma la Duce", he has performed in world premieres of "Frida", a musical that called for a virtuoso accordionist and "Another Kind of Hero", a musical which featured Soprani on stage for an entire scene. Joe Soprani, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and won the Arthur Godfrey Show, appeared with TV Star Nell Carter in a "Colors of Freedom" Production at the Convention Center in Philadelphia in 1995. He also appeared with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops playing a special arrangement by Nero with Soprano Evelyn de LaRosa. In November of 1997, Soprani became the first accordionist to perform in "La Traviata" by Verdi presented by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Klaus Arp, the opera conductor from Germany, decided to use the accordion in the small ensemble on stage during "La Banda" sections. Joe Soprani, who recently performed with Russell Watson on Good Morning America, continues to promote the accordion as a serious instrument at various clubs and organizations. His workshops at schools and colleges where he demonstrates his skills as performer and arranger to young composers and arrangers have been well received. Programs are being planned by his newly formed Concert Trio (Accordion, Piano and String Bass) and Italian Folk Trio (Accordion, Mandolin and Guitar.) Call in or write to Don Giovanni, as he loves to hear from his listeners. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
AAA Presents 7th Annual Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund Eventby Rita Barnea |
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| The American Accordionists' Association presents the 7th Annual Afternoon of Music, Food, and Fun at the Magnanini Farm Winery in Wallkill, NY on Sunday, May 3, 2009 to benefit the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund for the advancement of promising young accordionists. Traditional "Valtaro" music will be featured at the Carrozza Scholarship Dinner along with guest artists: Mario Tacca, Frank Toscano, Dominic Karcic, Frank Carrozza, Ray Oreggia, Beverly Roberts Curnow, Lenny Feldmann, Dr. Lou Persic, The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra, Mary Mancini (international vocal artist) and others to be announced. The event begins at 12 Noon with wine tasting, 1:PM Dinner followed by entertainment. It will be a fun and entertaining afternoon with great food, dancing, and accordion friends! Reserve early! In the past, the event has sold out! For more information, visit the AAA web site: www.ameraccord.com or email: drjciccone@aol.com. Phone: (914) 238 - 0041 |
Grammy Award Winners, Los Angeles - USAby Rob Howard |
 The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards) or Grammys are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the USA for outstanding achievements in the music industry. The categories won by accordion playing acts for 2009 include: - Jimmy Sturr who gained his 18th Grammy for Best Polka Album, and his fourth consecutive win. - Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet who won a Grammy for Best Zydeco/Cajun Album. - Los Tigres del Norte who won once again for Best Norteño Album. - They Might Be Giants won their second Grammy, this time for ‘Here Come the 123s’, the Best Musical Album for Children. |
"The Big Squeeze" Documentary Premieres at South by Southwest Film Festival 2009by Rita Barnea |
 It was announced by the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival 2009 that Hector Galan’s latest documentary, "The Big Squeeze", produced for Texas Folklife, which documents the non-profit’s annual accordion contest for young players, will be premiered at the festival at 7:00 PM, Wednesday March 18th, in the Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas.The 26-minute film follows the 2007 and 2008 contestants and their families as they prepare for the contest, interviews seasoned performers and judges, and concludes with footage of the contest held at Texas Folklife’s Accordion Kings & Queens concert in Houston. Hector Galan is an award-winning filmmaker with over thirty years of experience. He has produced and directed eleven films for the PBS series Frontline, two films for The American Experience, and many critically acclaimed and award-winning independent films including A Migrant’s Masterpiece: The Life and Legacy of Patrick Flores (2008), Los Lonely Boys: Cottonfields and Crossroads (2006), Accordion Dreams (2001) and Songs of the Homeland (1995). Galan’s films and documentary series have won numerous awards such as Imagen, Cine Golden Eagle, Telly, the Golden Apple, and SXSW Best Documentary and Emmy nominations. Galán has received honors including the Cultural Arts Award by the Hispanic Caucus of the American Association of Higher Education, the Armando Marroquin Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tejano Roots Museum, and in 1997 and was named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in America by Hispanic Magazine. His independent film company, Galan Inc., is based in Austin. The film is slated to appear on PBS after its debut at the festival in March. Details will be announced soon. The SXSW Film Conference and Festival explores all aspects of the art and business of independent filmmaking hosting a five-day adventure in the latest filmmaking trends and new technology, featuring distinguished speakers and mentors. The internationally-acclaimed, nine-day Festival boasts some of the most wideranging programming of any US event of its kind, from provocative documentaries to subversive Hollywood comedies, with a special focus on emerging talents. For more information contact (512) 441-9255 or info@texasfolklife.org or visit www.texasfolklife.org. |
Frank J. Busso Jr. Performs on Inauguration Dayby Rita Barnea |
 American Accordionists' Association Board Member Frank Busso Jr. serves as the accordionist with the Air Force Strolling Strings in Washington, DC. Sergeant Busso attended Boston University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2001. He studied accordion with Frank Busso Sr. at the NY Staten Island Music School. Prior to joining the Air Force, Sergeant Busso was an instructor and arranger with the Boston University Athletic Bands and at the Staten Island Music School, where his students earned many regional and national titles in competition. On the day of President Obama's inauguration, Frank was one of six Air Force Band members selected to perform for 180 surviving members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and their families. Hosted by the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Forced, these military veterans enjoyed music of popular, jazz, ethnic, and patriotic styles performed by Frank's ensemble which included violins, viola, cello, and accordion. Additional information about the Air Force Band can be found at www.usafband.af.mil. Visit www.ameraccord.com to see photos of the Air Force Strolling Strings in performance at the 70th Anniversary AAA Competition and Festival in Arlington, VA. |
Online Radio Station Features Zydeco Music!!by Rita Barnea |
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 What is Zydeco Online? It is a website about Zydeco music.Zydeco Music is a unique form of musical expression that originated in rural southwest Louisiana. The music draws upon French, Creole, West African, Cajun, Caribbean, and R & B musical traditions. Zydeco music is characterized by the use of the accordion, spoons, scrubboard, fiddle and triangle. Lola Love is the host, producer and director of "The Zydeco Workout", a national online webcast dedicated to Southern Soul, Blues, and Zydeco Music & Creole Culture. You can hear Zydeco music every Friday from 7:30pm-9:00pm (pacific standard time) on http://kzsu.stanford.edu or 90.1FM in The San Francisco Bay Area! The station explores the contemporary and traditional music and culture of Southwest Louisiana and Texas with Lola Love, the Zydeco Lady. |
Future events |
2009 ATG "Accordion Renaissance" Competition and Festival in Augustby Rita Barnea |
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| The 2009 ATG Competition and Festival, "Accordion Renaissance", presented by the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International will be held from August 13-15, 2009 at the Hilton Minneapolis/St.Paul Airport Hotel. The Hilton, situated near the airport, is in a no-fly zone because it is adjacent to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge with Nature Center and walking trails. It is peaceful and secluded even though Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Mall of America, IKEA and both the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are only minutes away. "Accordion Renaissance" will have the atmosphere much like a private retreat with Hilton amenities, a perfect way to explore the legacy of "Up North" in Minnesota while enjoying one of the finest accordion and related free-reed instrument festivals in the country. This spectacular annual festival will feature displays, workshops, concerts, competitions, banquets, dances, forums and much more! The ATG community performance will take place at the Mall of America. Full details will be announced soon. For more information, please contact the ATG: Dee Langley, President The Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International (ATG) P.O. Box 68012 Minneapolis, MN 55418, USA Phone: 612-781-8192 E-mail: dlangley@airaccordion.com |
American Acccordionists’ Association: Open March Meetingby Rita Barnea |
 The American Accordionists' Association will hold an open meeting on Sunday, March 22 at the Holiday Inn, Hazlet, NJ. The 12:30 p.m. Luncheon and Social is followed by a 2 p.m. meeting where Joan Grauman, historian for American Accordionists' Association, will bring a fascinating display of archival materials dating from 1938 to the present. Joan will give a talk and presentation about many of the milestones in AAA’s distinguished history. Members and guests are encouraged to bring items for the archives of the American Accordionists' Association to the meeting. They can be scanned and returned to you or the original documents can be included. Pictures, programs, and articles of various AAA events are of particular interest. There will be committee reports and reports on upcoming events. American Accordionists' Association Board Member Eddie Monteiro will be the guest artist. He has performed at jazz festivals all over the world. Eddie is widely known for his jazz styles and his fingers that have their own PhD on the bass buttons. Eddie never needs a bassist--his left hand qualifies for its own union card. Eddie’s coordination and combination of accordion, keyboards (modules) and vocal work was a big success at the recent NAMM show in California where he was a featured soloist. He also uses the accordion when he teaches his music classes in New Jersey. Luncheon, Meeting and Program - $30 per person Meeting and Program only - $20 per person RSVP required: aaa1938@aol.com; 203-335-2045; Fax - 203-335-2048 |
Joanna Darrow in March Performances of “Wozzeck”by Rita Barnea |
 During the production of “Wozzeck” with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, Joanna Arnold Darrow will perform the extensive on stage accordion part. Joanna is executive secretary of the Accordion Teacher’s Guild. She is also the organizer of the 2009 Annual A.A.M.S. Festival in King of Prussia, PA.This presentation of "Wozzeck" is performed by the Curtis Opera Theatre in conjunction with the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Alban Berg's powerful, psychological thrill ride, "Wozzeck", is wrought with emotionally gripping music and drama that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tony Award® winner and Curtis Institute alumnus Shuler Hensley tackles the title role of Wozzeck, whose dark life is spiraling towards a seemingly inevitable conclusion. Maestro Corrado Rovaris leads the Curtis Symphony Orchestra in this exciting new production. Performances, held In Philadelphia’s premier Kimmel Concert Hall, are scheduled for March 13, 15, and 18, 2009. Tickets are available through the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, Pa. For more information email: Joanna Arnold Darrow: accordion1@comcast.net |
Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin in March Concertby Joan and Dan Grauman |
  Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin will present a concert on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 8:15 pm at the Masonic Temple, 410 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD. Admission is $15. Refreshments will be served.Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin are both musically stunning and have a wonderful stage presence and incredible rapport with the audience. Their music ranges from classical, to folk, to traditional. Stas plays the bayan, a Russian version of the accordion. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States. Additionally, Stas has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. Stas has recorded two CDs with Misha, as well as eight other CDs. He has also published six books of his own compositions for solo and duet accordion. He is the Assistant Musical Director of the Frank Marocco Accordion Event. Misha is a master mandolinist and domra player. He has soloed with chamber orchestras in Russia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the U.S. Misha is a professor of mandolin at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. He is originally from Minsk, Belarus and holds a masters degree in orchestra conducting and music education. The concert is being sponsored by Dan and Joan Grauman. For more information contact: joangrauman@comcast.net. |
Manny Bobenreith Performs with The U.S. Army Strings in Marchby Rita Barnea |
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 The U.S. Army Strings will perform on March 12 at 7:30 PM at Brucker Hall in Fort Myer, VA. The concert will include a variety of different musical offerings and formats (duos, trios, etc.) all from the U.S. Army Strings as well as the entire group.Sgt. Maj. Manuel Bobenrieth, a member of the American Accordionists' Association Governing Board, is the accordionist for the U.S. Army Strings. He was born in Concepcion, Chile and began studying the accordion at age five. He studied at Montgomery College and received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. In his off-duty hours, The Manny Bobenrieth Ensemble has been featured at Blues Alley Jazz Club, The Argentinean Embassy, The World Bank, The Kennedy Center, and others. His CD, “Tangata”, has been heard on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” In April 2004, he became the Group Leader of The U.S. Army Strings. The U.S. Army Strings is one of the premier elements of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, DC. The Army Strings provides a musical backdrop for many of the country’s most notable events. Its mission is to serve as a musical ambassador for high-level military and government events at home and abroad as well as in concert for public audiences. This versatile ensemble of 20 world-class musicians performs as the Strolling Strings, The U.S. Army Orchestra, and various mixed small chamber ensembles and combos. Completely unique to The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the Strolling Strings provides entertainment for the most notable military and governmental functions in Washington, DC. The accordionist and bass player stand and join the seated cellos, while the violinists and violists stand up and actually “stroll” around the room performing memorized repertoire. Events range from intimate dinner parties to ballrooms filled with hundreds of guests. For more information: http://www.usarmyband.com/strings |
Lorin Sklamberg and the Klezmatics in March Performancesby Rita Barnea |
  Klezmatics, world renowned music superstars, are the only klezmer band to win a Grammy award. The Klezmatics emerged out of the vibrant cultural scene of New York City’s East Village in 1986 with klezmer steeped in Eastern European Jewish tradition and spirituality, while incorporating contemporary themes such as human rights and anti-fundamentalism and eclectic musical influences including Arab, African, Latin and Balkan rhythms, jazz and punk. In the course of over twenty years and nine albums they have continued making music that is wild, mystical, provocative, reflective and ecstatically danceable. They have performed in over twenty countries at some of the most storied venues and festivals worldwide, including Central Park Summerstage, Carnegie Hall, Pirineos Sur (Spain), Colours of Ostrava (Czech Republic), Pohoda Festival (Slovokia), Jazzsomer Graz (Austria), Heimatklänge Festival (Germany), London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw. Accordionist and vocalist Lorin Sklamberg has been a member of the Klezmatics since the beginning. As a teenager in California, Sklamberg was involved with Jewish and Israeli folk-dancing, but it wasn't until the late '80s, upon moving to NYC and joining the Klezmatics (they copied and transcribed sound archives) that he became immersed in klezmer. Since the early '90s, Sklamberg has been co-Director (along with Kapelye's Henry Sapoznik) of Living Traditions, Inc., a Yiddish folk arts non-profit organization that sponsors the annual KlezKamp, and releases archival CDs of music including rescued recordings of Yiddish radio programs from the 1920s-1950s. He has performed under pianist Zalman Mlotek, and appears on a variety of releases such as the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's Remember the Children, Don Byron Plays the Music of Mickey Katz, and Moxy Fruvous' Wood. Their March concert dates are: 3/1/2009 Kirkland Performance Ctr, Kirkland, WA 3/3/2009 Yoshi's Jazz Club, San Francisco, C 3/5/2009 Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 3/6/2009 Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 3/7/2009 University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 3/8/2009 Jewish Community Center, Houston, 3/24/2009 Congregation B'nai Amoona, St Louis, MO For further information: folkloreproductions@klezmatics.com |
Dr. Schimmel's Tour Scheduleby Dr. William Schimmel |
 Dr. William Schimmel will be on tour with Ted Nash and Odeon. Dr. Schimmel has been a member of Odeon since its inception in 1999. They have produced two critically acclaimed CDs, "Sidewalk Meeting" and "La Espada del la Noche" and will appear as guests on a soon to be released CD, "A Portrait in Seven Shades" (music by Mr. Nash) with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Mr. Nash is associate conductor of the orchestra under the directorship of Wynton Marsalis. The tour schedule is as follows: March 26 – Theatre – Hector-Charland, L’assomption, Quebec, Canada March 27 – Espace Dell’Arte, Montreal, Canada March 29 – Albright – Knox Art Gallery – Buffalo, NY March 31 – April 2 – Jazz Standard, New York April 3 – Laird Hall – Chambersbourg, Pa April 4 – Savannah Music Festival – Georgia The members of Odeon include: Ted Nash, leader and reeds; Nathalie Bonin, violin; Clark Gayton, trombone and tuba; Tim Horner, drums and Dr. Schimmel on accordion. American Accordionists' Association Board Member Dr. Schimmel and pianist, Dr. Mark Birnbaum, will soon release a new CD, "Weatherwatch/Free Jazz" on the IPS/STUDIO – MUSE label. On February 6 and 9, Dr Schimmel was the featured accordionist in Georg Friedrich Haas’s "In Vain" for 24 performers. The first performance was a Miller Theatre at Columbia University and the second performance was at the Austrian Embassy in Washington DC. This 70 minute work was played mostly in complete darkness with strobe light punctuation. The New York Times declared it a masterpiece and gave special mention to the use of the accordion. On February 12, Dr. William Schimmel performed in Ken Ueno’s "That I May Transcend, Tha a Universe My heart Shall Unfold" for sho and accordion. The performance took place at The institute for Medieval Japanese Studies at Columbia University. On July 24, 25 and 26, Dr. Schimmel will host his annual Seminars at the Tenri Cultural Institute. This will be the fifteenth year and the event is sponsored by the American Accordionists’ Association. The title is: "WELCOME HOME SKINNY almost (not) (t)here". For more information: www.billschimmel.com and www.ameraccord.com Bill Schimmel CD's online |
Joseph Petric in March Concertsby Rita Barnea |
 Concert accordionist Joseph Petric, The JUNO and Prix Opus nominated, CBC National Radio Audition and BBC Radio 3 Audition, Société Radio Canada’s Carte Blanche laureate, has a distinguished international career, enjoying return engagements for presenters as diverse as Columbia Artists, Jeunesses Musicales, Debut Atlantic, and England’s John Lewis Partnership. He is a mainstay of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s programming.Joseph has received commissioning support from sources as diverse as the Koussevitsky Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Swedish Reikskonzerter, the CBC, and Toronto’s Laidlaw Foundation. He has given extended tours, live to air broadcasts and return concerto engagements with the BBC Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, l’Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec, the CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Nordica of Sweden, Boston Modern Orchestra, Montreal’s Nouvel Ensemble Moderne, and the Concertante di Chicago. His recordings of more than 30 titles include the Berio Sequenza (Naxos), the Koprowski Accordion Concerto with the Toronto Symphon (CBC5000Series), an acclaimed chamber version of Schubert’s Die Winterreise with tenor Christoph Prégardien for accordion and the Pentaedre quintet (ATMA), the Bach Trio Sonatas in adaptation for accordion and oboist Normand Forget (Odeofon), and adaptations of solo keyboard works by Antonio Soler, J.S. Bach and C.PE. Bach (Analekta). A prolific collaborator and a commissioner of more than 200 works, he was honoured and inducted by his peers in 2005 as a Friend of Canadian Music. In March, Joseph became the recipient, along with his colleagues, in the Pentaedre Quintet of Montreal, and Cologne tenor Kristoph Pregardien, of the Prix Opus recording prize given for the best Classical Recording in French Canada, for their recording of Schubert's Die Winterreise. Their competition was conductor Kent Nagano and the Montreal Symphony, the Baroque orchestra Les Violons du Roi and other larger organizations in this country. Joseph will perform the Schubert on this recording live in Vienna this Sept. 4th for the Viennese Schubertiade and the Bergen Festival in Norway 2010. 2009 will also see the inaugural activity of the exciting Duo Contempera formed by Joseph and cellist David Hetherington. With repertoire that includ Gubajdulina’s Seven Words for accordion and cello soloist and orchestra, the Berio Sequenzas, commissioned works by John Rea and Alice Ho and much more, its sure to provide exciting music making by two of Canada’s leading interpreters. Future performances include: Mar 12 - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Cohen Auditorium, World Premiere of Koussevitsky Foundation commission Accordion Concerto, composer Brian Current, Symphony Nova Scotia, cond. Bernhard Geuller with the support of CBC Halifax, Mar 13 - Accordion Concerto, with Symphony Nova Scotia in Sackville New Brunswick. Mar 16-18 Rehearsals with Quatuor St. Germain, Rimouski Quebec, Concert, Mar. 18, Conservatoire de Rimouski. For further info: jpetric@sympatico.ca |
Dr. Robert McMahan in March Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 Dr.Robert McMahan is the 2009 Honoree of the American Accordion Musicological Society. A student of Louis Coppola, he won many first place awards in the American Accordionists' Association national competitions in classical and contemporary original music divisions. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.Dr. McMahan holds a master's degree in the Great Books program at St. John's College and is on the music faculty of The College of New Jersey where he is Professor of Music and coordinator of theory and composition studies and classical accordion. He has tirelessly promoted the instrument in serious and contemporary music across his entire career. He has recorded on the CRS and Orion labels and was accordionist for the Baltimore Symphony. Presently, he is an officer of the Board of Governors of the American Accordionists' Association and is the chair of its Composers Commissioning Committee. He is also involved with the AAMS. On January 25, 2009, Dr.Robert McMahan performed in the USA premiere of “In Memoriam Bertolt Brecht” by Paul Dessau in Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Centre, by the American Symphony Orchestra with Leon Botstein as conductor. His March performances: March 5, 8PM: Mayo Concert Hall, Music Building. Free admission, The College of New Jersey annual Faculty Composers’ Concert, Composers: Teresa Nakra, Ralph Russell, William Trigg, Carlton Wilkinson, and Dr. Robert McMahon who composed three new songs for soprano and accordion on texts by Walt Whitman. The Whitman songs are set to his poems, “Beginning My Studies,” “Shut Not Your Doors,” and “No Labor-saving Machine.” Bob will play accordion and soprano Suzanne Hickman will sing. This will be a New Jersey premiere. The world premiere of the songs occurred at the AAA Master Class and Concert Series in July 2008. March 7: evening concert at the AAMS Festival at the Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, PA. This will be the PA premiere. For further information: mcmahan@tcnj.edu |
New England Music Festival in Aprilby Rita Barnea |
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| The 47th Annual New England Music Competition and Festival, sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts will be held on April 3, 4, 5 at the Newton Marriott Hotel, Newton, MA. Co-chairmen of this event are Peggy Falcetti and Roger Latulippe. All events are open to the public free of charge. Over 1,000 contestants take part in the weekend events. On Friday evening the Battle of the Bands will begin and the Accordion, Guitar and Piano Championships will be held. Winners will be announced and awarded trophies and cash awards. On Saturday morning, ensemble and accordion bands, accordion, drum, guitar, and piano solo competitions will be held. On Saturday afternoon, the ATAM Entertainment accordion solo competition will be held followed by the Guitar Entertainment Solo Competition. An Awards dinner is held on Saturday evening and tickets are pre-purchased. New England Cup and Accordion and Guitar winners are announced at this banquet. Trophies and cash awards are given. The winner of the ATAM $500.00 annual scholarship is awarded to a high school senior pursuing music on the college level. Music for entertainment is by the Leslie Alexander Quartet which features Don McMahon, a former ATAM contestant, on the Roland Accordion. On Sunday morning, guitar ensemble and band competitions will be held. Competitions for accordion, drums, guitar, piano and voice are scheduled. On Sunday afternoon the Festival Band, which includes a variety of instruments, songs and even dance are scheduled. For more info: roger@rositalee.com and peggyfalcetti@falcettimusic.com |
Lidia Kaminska in March Concertsby Rita Barnea |
 Accordionist Lidia Kaminska, the winner of Astral Artistic Services’ 2007 National Auditions, has performed extensively in both the U.S. and Europe. Her chamber music, concerto, and solo performances explore the complex and expressive range of the accordion as a classical instrument, and her repertoire includes a broad range of classical, contemporary, and avant-garde music. The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Ms. Kaminska received First Prize in the 2002 Accordion Teachers Guild International Competition in Orlando, Florida, the Special Prize in New York City’s International Tango Music Competition, with the Argentine tango ensemble Tango Lorca, and recently received Second Prize at the 2007 Coupe Mondiale International Competition for Ensemble Music. She has researched and performed the works of Astor Piazzolla extensively. Symphony in C recently featured accordionist Lidia Kaminska in a sold-out performance, as a soloist in Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires for bandoneon and string orchestra. Her March performances: March 3, 6:30 PM: Mobtown Modern's Sequenzathon, Baltimore, MD. Contemporary Museum, 100 W Centre St. “Sequenza XIII for accordion (Chanson)” by Luciano Berio March 21: Latin Fiesta's Third Annual Hispanic Music Festival, Philadelphia, PA. ”Hispanos. . . Many Roots . . . Many Faces. . .The Painted Bride, March 22: Solo Recital at the Eastern University, Mc Innis Auditorium, St. Davids, PA March 29: Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Ensemble ACJW, Zankel Hall, 1:00 PM, Tickets from $9 For more information: lkaminska@hotmail.com |
Alabama Accordionist’s Association Presents Frank Morocco in Aprilby Rita Barnea |
 The Alabama Accordionist’s Association presents internationally acclaimed Hollywood film and jazz recording star, Frank Morocco, in concert on April 18. The concert will take place at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church at 1:00 PM. Here is your chance to hear a top “Jazz Master” at work and get the “low-down” on sound track recording. In the world of accordion performance, Frank Marocco is a giant. Not only for his mastery of the instrument itself, but for his highly developed musicality. In any style, on the concert stage or in the recording studio, his playing is technically brilliant and musically superb. Frank Marocco is one of the most recorded accordionists in America (and, possibly, the world), having played on a vast number of movie soundtracks, television scores, commercial jingles and record albums, in the studios of Hollywood and beyond. He has recorded for and/or worked with artists ranging from Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd and Madonna to Luciano Pavarotti, conductor Maxim Shostakovich and composer John Williams. He was nominated eight years in a row for the Most Valuable Player Award by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (N.A.R.A.S) and received that award twice. Frank is also a consummate jazz artist and a gifted composer with several of his own albums to his credit. He has played his music for audiences all over the world Tickets will be only $15.00. For more information: Jim Wadowick: wadowick@troycable.net |
Django in June, a Gypsy Jazz Camp – with Accordions!by Rita Barnea |
 Django in June is New England's premier occasion to celebrate, study and just plain enjoy the musical tradition unwittingly launched en France some 75 years ago by Django Reinhardt, now known by many as "Gypsy jazz." The accordion has a long and interesting association with Gypsy jazz. Django's first gigs as a child-professional were as an accompanist for accordionists playing la musette in rough and tumble dance clubs of working-class Paris. In 2009, the event will be held between June 9 and 14 on the campus of Smith College in beautiful Northampton, MA (USA). The instruction is top-notch with an international staff. Evening concerts and jam sessions are fantastic. The Django in June website (www.Djangoinjune.com) provides leadsheets and MP3's of the tunes that form a basis of the curriculum for the course. This year Dutch accordionist, Gert Wantenaar, will teach accordion. Gert often works with Amsterdam's Gypsy Jazz band, Pigalle44. He first recorded with the group on their 2001 CD, "Bric A Brac" and again on their 2004 follow-up, "Swing for Bop". In addition to his work with Pigalle44, Gert has worked closely with singer Mathilde Santing and for TV, theatrical and film productions. He studied piano and accordion at Holland's Hilversum conservatory, including close study with Johnny Meijer whom Archie Shepp once called "the Art Tatum of the accordion". Equally comfortable on both button and piano accordion, Gert will work with players of both at Django Camp. For more info: Craig Hollingsworth at craig@gypsywranglers.com |