|
| |
 |
|
Successful ATG Festival in Chicago -
USA
 Contributed by Kevin
Friedrich
The Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International
celebrated their 63rd Anniversary with a weekend of music,
competitions, performances and workshops at their annual convention
in Chicago from June 25th to 29th.
Four outstanding concerts featured former ATG
Champion Jeff Lisenby, Jazz legend Frank Marocco, Chicago Jazz
accordionist John Simkus, the UMKC
Community Accordion Orchestra (directed by Joan C.
Sommers) who performed with vocalist Whitney Nashville, Italian
concert accordionist and director of the Scandalli
Accordion Factory Mirco Patarini, Trio Bez Ime ensemble featuring Dee
Langley, and The "K" Trio.
 Other performers included Joanna and
Stan Darrow, Tony Lovello, Igor Zavadsky (Kiev), Star-Sera duo (John
Simkus and Stas Venglevski) and The KC Seven.
A highlight of the annual convention is the
Festival Orchestra, conducted this year by Joan Sommers, Janet
Millard and Gary Daverne (New Zealand). The orchestra
performed several times during the festival including a cameo
appearance at the Arlington Race Track which opened the days racing.
Several competitions were held including some
which qualify the contestants to enter the CIA Coupe
Mondiale World Accordion Championships in Slovakia and Hungary in
October. The ATG held two categories on behalf of their sister
organization The New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA). As New
Zealand citizens residing in the United States competed, this
competition was held on behalf of the NZAA to serve as a
qualification round to represent New Zealand in the Coupe
Mondiale.
Winners:
Christine Jarqueo - Junior Virtuoso Competition
Andrea Caruso - Junior Coupe Mondiale
Shanxi Upsdell -
Junior Virtuoso Competition (New Zealand)
Shanxi Upsdell -
International Competition for Piano Accordion (New
Zealand)
For further festival information see the Accordion USA
National News.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World Premiere by Peter Soave at
Pigini Festival in Senigalia - Italy
 Contributed by Holda
Paoletti-Kampl
The Pigini Sirius festival organized by the Pigini
Factory in Castelfidardo took place on June 20th and 21st in
Senigallia. The event was a celebration for all owners of the
"Sirius" model as they celebrated the manufacture of the 1,000th
instrument in the "Sirius" series.
During the festival Peter Soave (USA) performed
the world premiere of "Tango Furioso" especially written for string
quartet and bandoneon by Venezuelan composer Aldemaro
Romero.
Guests from many parts of the world took part in
the "Special Draw Pigini Sirius" where all owners of a Sirius
qualified for entry. The "Pigini Sirius No 1001", an accordion made
especially for this event was won by Anna Uccelli from the Hans
Brehme Quartet (Italy).
International artists such as Lelo Nika, Friedrich
Lips, Claudio Jacomucci (performing with dancer Kathleen
Delaney), Elisabeth Moser, Aude Giuliano, Viacheslav
Semionov, Peter Soave (with the Rucner String Quartet) and Owen
Murray presented not only excellent music, but some of them also
joined together in a Jam Session to the delight of the audience.
Workshops were held by specialized Pigini
craftsmen regarding tuning, building of the right and left hand of
the SBS, the Alexander Technique (Claudio Jacomucci) and sessions
with famous teachers and musicians. Benjamino Bugiolacchi conducted the Gala Concert
at the Fenice Theater and Paolo
Picchio supervised the workshops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2nd International Competition
d'Escaldes-Engordany - Andorra
The 2nd International Competition
d'Escaldes-Engordany will take place from July 13th to 16th in
Andorra, directed by Roser Palomero Vendrell. The competition will
include three categories: Senior, Junior and Variete, where
competitors will play works written prior to 1900, a sonata by
Scarlatti and own choice works. Prize money totaling 6,500 € will be
presented.
The international jury includes Vladimir
Zubitsky, Pedrag Kostovich, Jean Marc Fabiano, Roman Jbanov,
Dominique
Emorine, Carlos Iturralde and Miroslav Kosnar.
During the competition the Paris-Moscou
Duo will give a concert on July 15th. For further information
phone: +33 6 10 56 31 81
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 American Accordionists Association
65th Anniversary Competition & Festival - USA
The American Accordionists Association 65th
Anniversary Competition & Festival will be held at the Marriott
Hotel, Philadelphia International Airport from July 9th to 13th. The
festival includes competitions for all ages with cash prizes and
awards, a sight seeing tour and massed band performance, Festival
Orchestra performance, workshops, exhibits, Luncheon Concerts, World
of Accordions Traveling Museum, Endless Performance Ballroom, Polka
Fest, 65th Anniversary Gala Banquet Celebration and many featured
guests.
Workshops include "The Music of Astor Piazzolla"
presented by Manny Bobenrieth, "Physical Aspects of Accordion
Performance" presented by Linda Griffith, "Build It, They Shall
Come" (starting a Club) presented by Karen Adam (President Florida
Accordion Association), "Unique Accordions of A World of
Accordions Museum" presented by Dr. Helmi Harrington, "It's Never
Too Early - The Accordion in Pre-School Music Classes" presented by
Mary Tokarski,
"The Dim7-V7 Progression - Establishing Tonality" presented by Eddie
Monteiro and a "Sibelius Computer Program Clinic".
In addition a Gala concert will be held
featuring a fabulous array of accordion artists including Eddie
Monteiro, Tony Dannon & Joe Cerrito, The "K" Trio, Alexander
Poeluev and The Busso Trio. A "Competition Awards Concert" will
also be held featuring the Accordion Pops Orchestra (conducted by
Dan Desiderio) and popular soloist Tony Lovello.
For further festival information email: ameracc@aol.com
|
|
|
|
|
Successful Moscow Concerts -
Russia
Accordionist 
Contributed by 
During his recent tour of the USA,
accordionist 
