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Yellow Pages Events
Highlights |
Coupe Mondiale 2009, Super Travel Prices - New Zealand
Additional Tour after 2009 Coupe Mondiale – New Zealand
Octoberfest Las Vegas International Accordion Festival Ready to Start - USA
CIA Announces May 6th as World Accordion Day: Sign Up Now!
Introducing the Accordion Brats: Example of Accordion Networking
Stas Venglevski in March Concerts at Artist Series of Sarasota
Dr.William Schimmel Releases New CD!
Guy Klucevsek Releases 20th Recording!
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Open Meeting, March 22
2009 NAA Convention, Texas - USA
Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin – Concert, March 13, in Maryland
Mikko Louma in NYC Concert
USAF Strolling Strings CD's Available
Future events |
Beverly Roberts Curnow Performs with The Allentown Band
Ron Lankford: Guest Artist at the Arizona Accordion Club
Dueling Accordions, Mario Tacca & Alex Meixner, in April Shows
Very Be Careful: Future Performances
Lenny Feldmann in April 19 Concert at WMAS
Daniel Desiderio Conducts The Accordion Pops Orchestra in April
Accordion Tribe Quartet Tour to 11 Cities - 4 Countries
Highlights |
Editor’s Note!by Rita Barnea |
| There are so many wonderful accordion festivals, conventions, and concerts coming up in the next few months. NOW is the time to make plans to attend them!! Plus………… World Accordion Day which occurs for the first time on May 6, 2009! Make sure you are part of this historical occasion. I encourage you all to register your accordion event! Please read the article in this issue about World Accordion Day. Starting next month we will have a new series of articles which, each month, will feature the bios, accomplishments, and concert schedules of upcoming, young accordion personalities. Some of you may have heard them perform. And……..for many of you, there will be a discovery of talent which you never could have imagined! Please remember to send me your accordion news! Ritabelll@aol.com My computer is always on! Stay tuned………….and enjoy reading www.accordionusa.com !!!!!!!!! |
Coupe Mondiale 2009, Super Travel Prices - New Zealandby Harley Jones |
  There are super good airfare prices from the USA to Auckland round trip on offer. From Los Angeles, are very attractive at around USD$850 and may well come lower. These are wonderful prices for teachers, competitors, friends, to come and attend the 2009 Coupe Mondiale from North America (25-29 August). The low value New Zealand dollar makes travel to New Zealand very price attractive and the Coupe Mondiale hotel great value. The Coupe Mondiale is broadening world participation by including accordion enthusiasts from around the world, medium level requirement only, to come to New Zealand and enjoy participating in the World Accordion Orchestra III. The CIA "World Accordion Orchestra III" will be conducted by three renowned international conductors: Joan Sommers (USA), Fritz Dobler (Germany) and Gary Daverne (New Zealand) and the 144 players will perform on the Finale Concert of the world class Bruce Mason Theatre venue. Kevin Friedrich, President of the CIA will serve as Concertmaster. So please check air ticket prices and book your air tickets now for a great event. All information is on the Coupe Mondiale website including the schedule and all the rules for the 2009. |
Additional Tour after 2009 Coupe Mondiale – New Zealandby Harley Jones |
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 Accordion enthusiasts attending the 2009 Coupe Mondiale in New Zealand (August 25th to 29th) now have the opportunity of additional sightseeing and concerts. This follows requests for more time in New Zealand for sightseeing and concerts by people travelling a long distance to New Zealand. There is a day trip North to Dargaville, including a concert, visit to a Maori Marae, Bayly’s Beach, Accordion Museum, champagne Mayoral reception and dinner. The Dargaville concert will include the three conductors of the "World Accordion Orchestra III", the Hof Akkordeonorchester (Germany) and invited Coupe Mondiale competitors. Starting the next day, there is a 6 day tour of the North Island of New Zealand including 3 concerts. The concerts will include an orchestra made up of players from the World Accordion Orchestra III conducted by Joan Sommers (USA). Accordion enthusiasts participating in the "World Accordion Orchestra III" can now also play in 4 extra concerts and enjoy travelling around the beautiful North Island of New Zealand. Price is very reasonable due to the low value of the NZ dollar. Expressions of interest are called for by 15th April 2009 that sufficient people are coming to ensure the tour proceeds. Full details re Additional Sightseeing online. |
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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CIA Announces May 6th as World Accordion Day: Sign Up Now!by Rita Barnea |
 The CIA is pleased to announce the official launching of World Accordion Day.At the recent 120th CIA General Assembly of Delegates in Glasgow, Scotland, members representing almost 30 nations, unanimously voted to declare World Accordion Day as May 6th (the day the accordion was patented in 1829). On this day, the CIA will coordinate an annual world wide celebration, in a unified global crusade to promote the diversity of the accordion and the outstanding artists that play it. Already existing on a national basis, on various days, in many countries around the world, World Accordion Day is a unique global opportunity to promote public awareness of the accordion, an instrument without boundaries, one that spans all cultures and musical genres. From a solo performance to a Concerto with a 100 piece Symphony Orchestra, from a Duet or Trio to a 40 piece Accordion Orchestra, from the majestic sounds of the handmade acoustic reeds to the latest in Digital Technology, from newly commissioned original works to dazzling transcriptions of the classics, from Classical to Jazz, from Ethnic to Pop, from the pit orchestra in a Broadway Show to the background music in a TV Commercial, from Tchaikovsky to Gubaidulina, from the tiny diatonic instruments to the multi octave concert models, from the shelves of a Museum to center stage at Carnegie Hall, from Private Music Studios to the most esteemed and respected Conservatories in the world, there is no limit to where one might find the accordion, or have the opportunity to enjoy the variety of ways in which it is utilized. The Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes first World Accordion Day will be held on 6th May 2009, the 180th birthday of the accordion. Accordionists from around the world are invited to join this inaugural celebration, while paying homage to the accordion. This International event will serve as an exciting means to bring everyone together in a unified effort to promote public awareness of the accordion and its many capabilities. For further information, visit the World Accordion Day website. We look forward celebrating this event with you! |
Introducing the Accordion Brats: Example of Accordion Networkingby Rita Barnea |
 Nationally known accordion artists and ATG members, Mary Tokarski, Dee Langley, and Michele Boddicker Scheffler have formed a performing trio and management team called the "Accordion Brats". Raised in different parts of the USA, but meeting annually at the ATG/AAA conventions, these three are long-time friends. Finally, they joined forces to promote the accordion. This happened at the 2009 National Accordion Association convention - Networking in Action! Best wishes to the new group and we all look forward to their first concert! For further info: squeezermn@yahoo.com |
Stas Venglevski in March Concerts at Artist Series of Sarasotaby Rita Barnea |
  On Sunday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 24, the Artist Series of Sarasota at the Historic Asolo Theater at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art featured Stas Venglevski on bayan and Samantha George on violin. The program included familiar classics such as "Winter" from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons", Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumble Bee" and Sarasate's "Gypsy Airs" along with popular favorites "Tico-Tico", "Jealousie" and much more. With a five-octave range the bayan is a delightful instrument of exceptional range and color – and when paired with violin, the performance and innovative arrangements of the two gifted musicians, resulted in a wonderful evening. Artistry, dazzling technical command and sensitivity have brought Stas Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the bayan. Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Master’s Degree in Music. Stas immigrated to the United States in 1992 and 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, Stas has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the US and has produced many recordings including a transcription of Tchaikovsky’s "Nutcracker Suite" for bayan. Samantha George was the Associate Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra from 1999-2001 and was the Acting Concertmaster of the MSO for the 2002-2003 Season. She holds BM, MM, and Performer’s Certificate degrees from the Eastman School of Music, and a DMA from the University of Connecticut. Active as a soloist and chamber musician, she also coaches young musicians in chamber music and audition preparation. Samantha worked closely with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago after being diagnosed with focal dystonia in April 2004. She did not perform publicly for six months while she made an extensive study of health issues affecting string players and retrained her left hand. She has successfully returned to a full-time performing schedule. For further info: stasvenglevski@sbcglobal.net |
Dr.William Schimmel Releases New CD!by Rita Barnea |
 “WEATHERWATCH - FREE JAZZ” is a new CD which features Dr. Mark Birnbaum on piano and Dr. William Schimmel on accordion.Among the selections is “WEATHERWATCH” which is a continuous collaborative improvisation with a relentless Hip Hop beat. Snippets of Liszt’s Hungarian Fantasy can be heard. “Scriabin at a Picnic with This Mistress and Biographer” is inspired by the photograph bearing the same title. It’s an acid pastoral in suspended time with occasional references to Scriabin’s "Poem of Ecstasy". Both pieces were created spontaneously in real time and in one take. There was no editing whatsoever. The CD was produced by Sydknee of IPS/Studio Muse Records. "WEATHERWATCH-FREE JAZZ" is the second in a series of Three CDS exploring long form improvisation and highly referential materials. The first is “Duality Wrecks”. The third, “Heaven’s War”, (Anonymous Bach and Lucifer Bach), is in preparation. Dr. William Schimmel is a virtuoso accordionist, author, philosopher, composer, and Board Member and Artist in Residence of the American Accordionists' Association. He is one of the principle architects in the tango revival in America, the resurgence of the accordion and the philosophy of Musical Reality (composition with pre-existing music). Dr. Schimmel received his diploma from the Neupauer Conservatory of Music and his BM, MS and DMA degrees from the Juilliard School. He has taught at the Juilliard School , Brooklyn College CUNY, Upsala College, New School University, Neupauer Conservatory (dean) and has lectured on accordion related subjects at Princeton , Columbia , Brandeis, University of Missouri , Duke University, Manhattan School of Music, the Graduate Center CUNY etc. He now heads the Neupauer Conservatory Order of the Shield program, a private studies program for gifted students on a graduate and post graduate level. He conducts a successful three day master class and concert series sponsored by the American Accordionists' Association (where he is distinguished lecturer in residence) moving into its thirteenth season. The Confederations International of Accordionists has awarded Dr. Schimmel the distinguished merit award for the AAA Master Class and Concert Series as well as his contribution to the international accordion scene. He received the American Accordionists' Association Distinguished Service Award for Fifty Years of Accordion activity and his work as Lecturer in Residence. He is listed in Who's Who in America and Great Minds of the 21st Century. Raised in Brooklyn, educated in New York City with a Doctorate in Music Composition from Columbia University, Mark Birnbaum composed and directed the successful off- Broadway show, "A Day Together," which was funded by the Helena Rubenstein Foundation and performed in New York City. Dr. Birnbaum was featured as the staff pianist of television's nationally syndicated "Joe Franklin Show" (WWOR-TV, Channel 9 NY), where he performed in over 500 appearances. At Manhattan's 13th Street Theater, Dr. Birnbaum starred in several one man shows that he wrote, "Ragtime '94" and "Ragtime '96," that salute the music of Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton and the glory of ragtime and jazz piano. Dr. Birnbaum has been touring regionally in the New York City Metropolitan area, where he performs regularly throughout the five boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. “WEATHERWATCH” is available now. For further info: www.billschimmel.com |
Guy Klucevsek Releases 20th Recording!by Rita Barnea |
  Guy Klucevsek's 20th recording, “Dancing on the Volcano”, was released in North America on March 25, on the Tzadik label. The recording features all original music performed with a group including Klucevsek on accordion and piano, Steve Elson on sax and clarinet, Pete Donovan, bass, John Hollenbeck, drums, and guest accordionist, Alex Meixner. European and Asian releases will follow later in the spring.Guy Klucevsek is a versatile composer/accordionist who has worked with many prominent musicians. His solo performances have included Spoleto Festival/USA, Ten Days on the Island Festival (Tasmania), Adelaide Festival, Berlin Jazz Festival, Vienna International Accordion Festival, Cotati Accordion Festival and many more. As a soloist, he has premiered pieces by Aaron Jay Kernis, John Zorn, Mary Ellen Childs, Jerome Kitzke, Lois V Vierk, Stephen Montague, Somei Satoh, William Duckworth, and accordion concerti by Henry Cowell (Concerto Brevis) and Julia Wolfe (True Love). He is a member of Accordion Tribe. For further info: gklucevsek@si.rr.com |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
American Accordionists’ Association Master Class and Concert Series – Our 15th Year!by Rita Barnea |
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 On July 24, 25 and 26, Dr. William Schimmel will be the Moderator/Curator of the 2009 Annual Seminars. 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". It takes place on July 24, 25 AND 26 2009 at the Tenri Cultural Institute of New York, 43A West 13th St. between 5th AND 6th Ave. Each afternoon master class will begin with an interactive segment: four or five accordionists from the audience who wish to perform will receive comments, advice and encouragement from the seminar participants, members of the audience and from William Schimmel. Reserve a place early! Performances will be in a staggering variety of styles, genres and angles. Many well known accordionists will be performing! Master classes are at 3:PM . Concerts are at 7:PM. The fee is $20 for each master class, $25 for each concert or $40 for each day. The entire weekend is $110. For further information, reservations or for reserving a place to perform at a master class, call William Schimmel at 212-876-0827 or Email: billschimmel@billschimmel.com |
American Accordionists' Association (AAA) Open Meeting, March 22by Rita Barnea |
 The AAA held an open meeting on Sunday, March 22 at the Holiday Inn in Hazlet, NJ. Joan Grauman, the historian for AAA, originally slated to appear, was ill and unable to attend. Former World Champion accordionist and governing board member of the AAA, Beverly Roberts Curnow, graciously filled in for Joan. Beverly shared her experiences as Accordion Queen at the 1964 World’s Fair, where she also performed. She brought photos and other interesting memorabilia with her. Beverly’s photos, etc. will go on the AAA website soon. Joan Grauman will be putting up stories, photos, etc. of the seven decades of AAA on the website, www.ameraccord.com, over the next few months. She is looking for more stories, photos, programs and articles of various AAA events and anything anyone wants to share related to the AAA. Originals are not necessary as good scans or color copies are acceptable. All originals will be returned to the sender upon request. All of the material should be related to AAA or its founders or active members (through the years). Please send materials to joangrauman@comcast.net or call Joan at (301) 279-8716 for other instructions. AAA Board Member, Eddie Monteiro, was the guest artist at the open meeting. He gave a fascinating demonstration of the Roland accordion, answering questions and performing requests. Eddie has performed at jazz festivals all over the world and is widely known for his jazz styles. He 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 another bulls-eye for 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. At the first Roland V-Accordion Festival in Los Angeles in September, Eddie was one of the distinguished judges who awarded top honors to Joseph Natoli who represented the USA in the second annual Roland International Accordion Competition. Many American Accordionists' Association board members attended, including President Linda Soley Reed, Carmen Carrozza, Dr. Joseph Ciccone, Rita Davidson, Sam and Peggy Falcetti, Dr. Sal Febbraio, Mauro Greco, Dr. Robert McMahan, Ray Oreggio, Al Terzo, Mary Tokarski, and Frank Toscano. Many other fans of the accordion were also present at this very enjoyable and informative afternoon event. |
2009 NAA Convention, Texas - USAby Rita Barnea |
| The 2009 National Accordion Association Convention, held in Richardson, Texas from March 11th to 15th, was an action-packed weekend featuring many hours of great accordion music. This Convention involved both MIDI technology and the acoustic accordion, amongst a myriad of accordion-related activities. 2009 NAA Report by Laura Niland and others |
Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin – Concert, March 13, in Marylandby Joan Grauman Morse, AAA Historian |
 On March 13, our local area (plus others who came from all over the US!) was treated to a delightful concert by two very gifted musicians: Stas Venglevski, on bayan, and Misha Litvin, on domra. To watch either of these performers is amazing as their fingers fly flawlessly over buttons and strings, but together they create magic as they add a little fun and great facial expressions to their always beautiful musical selections. Stas and Misha are as comfortable with Baroque music as they are with Tchaikovsky, Johann Strauss, Jr. and their beloved Russian folk songs. Their program also included several of Stas Venglevski’s beautiful and intricate compositions. I had wanted to bring these two musicians to Maryland for many years now, and the day finally came. Friday evenings are no fun in our area of almost nonstop rush-hour traffic, but we had a large audience with many notable guests. Linda Soley Reed, the president of the American Accordionists’ Association, and Marilyn O’Neil, president of the Connecticut Accordion Association, drove seven hours from Connecticut to attend this concert. Sharon and Gus Greyhosky, good friends and accordionists from San Francisco, flew in to be with all of us. Then we had the presidents of local accordion and balalaika societies and their musical groups. Jan Bohm, president of the Washington Balalaika Society (WBS), was there with their small ensemble, Russkie Musikanti. Karen Malan-Uribe, president of the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society (WMAS) and Joe Fertitta, president of the Maryland Accordion Club (MAC) were present along with the Potomac Ensemble, the small group of accordionists from WMAS directed by Joan Grauman. The entire Governing Board of WMAS was there: Karen Malan-Uribe, Joan Grauman, Mara Cherkasky, Lee Paulson and Peter DiGiovanni. Also in attendance were Manny Bobenrieth, accordionist with the US Army Strolling Strings, Lou Coppola, retired accordionist with the US Air Force Strolling Strings, and Frank Busso, Jr., the current accordionist with the US Air Force Strolling Strings. Several of those present are on the Governing Board of the Amercan Accordionists' Association: Manny Bobenrieth, Frank Busso, Jr., Joan Grauman, Marilyn O’Neil, and Linda Soley Reed. It was a magical evening and Stas and Misha received more than one well-deserved standing ovation! |
Mikko Louma in NYC Concertby Rita Barnea |
 On Thursday evening, March 26, accordionist Mikko Luoma, participated in a concert at Scandinavia House, co-sponsored by Scandinavia House and Bridge Records, celebrating the 60th birthday of Poul Ruders, Denmark’s leading composer. Scandinavia House is the headquarters of The American-Scandinavian Foundation, an American non-profit organization that works to build cultural and educational ties between the United States and Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The program ended with a 30-minute chamber work that revealed the full depth of Mr. Ruders’ originality,“Serenade on the Shores of the Cosmic Ocean”, inspired by Carl Sagan’s book “Cosmos,” by turns contemplative, restless and frenetic, scored for accordion and string quartet. Like string instruments, the accordion can produce tremolos, glissandos and swells, but of a strikingly different quality. The piece received a riveting performance by accordionist Mikko Luoma and the accomplished iO String Quartet, to conclude this concert on the eve of Mr. Ruders’s actual birthday. Mikko Luoma has given concerts in most European countries as well as in the USA. He has performed as a soloist with the New Juilliard Ensemble, AVANTI!, Zagros and the Tapiola Sinfonietta in venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York and the Kammermusiksaal der Berliner Philharmonie. He has worked with many conductors including Stefan Asbury, John Storgårds, Joel Sachs, Hannu Lintu. Mr. Luoma has given the world premieres of the accordion concertos by Jukka Tiensuu and Veli-Matti Puumala. His solo repertoire ranges from transcriptions of keyboard music from the baroque era up to the avant-garde of our own time. Mikko Luoma has given the Finnish premieres of solo pieces by Salvatore Sciarrino, Adriana Hölzky, Bent Sørensen, Younghi Pagh-Paan, Steve Montague, Alvin Lucier. He has played the New York premieres of solo pieces by Magnus Lindberg and Jukka Tiensuu. For further info: mikko@mikkoluoma.com |
USAF Strolling Strings CD's Availableby Rita Barnea |
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 Lou Coppola has made three of The United States Air Force Strolling String CD’s available. The Strolling Strings traces its roots to 1944 with the creation of the Army Air Forces Symphony Orchestra, the first of its kind in a glorious and storied history of American military music. First requested by the Eisenhower administration to perform at the White House, the Strolling Strings has been honored to appear before every subsequent president. Enjoyed both by members of our armed forces and the general public, the Strings are an essential part of troop morale, recruiting, and public relations, projecting a patriotic and positive image for the U.S. Air Force. The group has performed on six continents, in every state of the union, and at U.S. Air Force installations worldwide. When the USAF Force Strolling Strings produced their 50th Anniversary CD, Lou Coppola, former member and leader, was given the honor of collaborating and recording with the ensemble. Lou Coppola's outstanding leadership has provided uncompromising standards and a legacy of excellence for this superb group. His commitment to quality is reflected in their extraordinary skill. An accomplished classical accordionist, Lou Coppola won numerous titles on his instrument and was the first accordionist to win three consecutive national championships. He was also the first American to represent our country, at age eighteen, in the Coupe Mondiale world accordion competition in Brighton, England. Lou performed with the acclaimed United States Air Force Strolling Strings for over 28 years, ultimately becoming the leader of the organization. His Air Force career took him to the palace of Anwar Sadat, to the Far East & all over the globe. He played at the White House for hundreds of heads of state and performed for nine U.S. Presidents in the course of his years in the military. Mr. Coppola has managed his own company, Stereo Strings, for many years providing musical entertainment for the Washington, DC area as well as throughout the country. Lou and his ensemble had one of the longest consecutive engagements in the country, having performed dinner music every weekend at the Officers’ Club in Fort Myer, VA. for an astounding 44 years. American Accordionists' Association Board Member Frank Busso Jr. now serves as the accordionist with the Air Force Strolling Strings in Washington, DC. For further info about the CD's: Lou@Loucoppola.com |
Future events |
Stas Venglevski to Present World Premiere!!!by Rita Barnea |
 Stas Venglevski will perform in the world premiere of “Three Different Keyboards” for accordion, marimba and piano by William Susman. The concert will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2:00 PM at Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, Chicago, Illinois. For ticket info call: 773-869-1545. Tickets are $6.00.The fifth concert at the historic Green Mill will feature music for keyboard, button accordion, saxophone, electric guitar, percussion and electric bass. It is the mission of Accessible Contemporary Music to promote the music of living composers through concerts, outreach and innovative use of our website. They are dedicated to bringing contemporary music to new audiences and dream of a time when the Classical tradition again looks forward instead of backward. Composer William Susman studied composition at the University of Illinois with Herbert Brün, Ben Johnston, and Sal Martirano, and subsequently accepted a graduate fellowship at Stanford University at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) with John Chowning. Further studies in computer-generated sound led to an invitation by Pierre Boulez to work in Paris at the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM). His performance with various jazz groups inspired him to combine classical and Afro-Cuban elements in his music. Susman was discovered by seminal composer Earle Brown at the BMI awards in 1985. Brown later hand-picked him to receive Harvard's coveted Fromm Music Foundation Commission, which is awarded to America's maverick classical composers. A further distinction comes from the fact that at age 25, Susman was the youngest composer so honored. Susman's Fromm Commission, "Trailing Vortices" for chamber orchestra, has had festival performances in the US and Europe including the Aspen, Gaudeamus, and Alicante Music Festivals. The artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stas Venglevski 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 artist and tutor, Friedrich Lips. 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. He has performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United States. He performed the world premiere of" Concerto No. 2" by Anthony Galla-Rini and the world premiere of "Bayan and Beyond" which was composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts. Stas 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, and produced numerous recordings including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" for bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. For further info: stasvenglevski@sbcglobal.net |
Beverly Roberts Curnow Performs with The Allentown Bandby Rita Barnea |
 On Sunday, April 5, at 3: PM, Beverly Roberts Curnow will perform with The Allentown Band at Muhlenberg College in an "All Russian Easter Concert". The concert includes the accordion in six movements of Dimitri Shostakovich's “Jazz Suite No. 2”.Beverly Roberts Curnow, a student of Carmen Carrozza, was winner of the 1965 American Accordionists' Association national competition (U.S. Championship) and went on to win the Confederation of International Accordionists Competition (World Championship) in Valetta, Malta. She holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in music education from New York University and Columbia University and consequently taught choral, instrumental and general music in the Wilson Area School District in Easton, Pennsylvania for thirty-five years. Beverly is Board member of the American Accordionists' Association. Remaining an active accordionist throughout her teaching career, she has made many guest appearances for the American Accordionists' Association, played in pit orchestras for Broadway musicals and performs as soloist with The Allentown (Pennsylvania) Concert Band. She recently gave a world premiere of Samuel Adler's Canto XVIII at the American Accordionists' Associations 70th Anniversary Concert in Valhalla, N.Y. The Allentown Band (Pennsylvania), the oldest civilian concert band in the United States, has played a continuously active role in the musical life and cultural fabric of the community since its first documented performance on July 4, 1828. Over the years John Philip Sousa recruited no less than twenty members from The Allentown Band for his own professional band. The concert will take place at the Empie Theater, Muhlenberg College,2400 W Chew St, Allentown,PA.Admission is $10. For further information: call 610-439-3303 |
Ron Lankford: Guest Artist at the Arizona Accordion Clubby Rita Barnea |
 Bringing the latest Roland V-Accordion from the Roland Music Corporation, Ron Lankford will present both a workshop at 5:PM and a full show at 7:PM as the Arizona Accordion Club Guest Artist on April 20.Ron Schwartz, (ed. of Sharps and Flats,) the LA-based Accordionaires Club newsletter, says the V-accordion line is the backbone of “the return of the accordion.” He says “Roland has embraced the digital revolution and built an accordion that rivals any digital instrument in existence today.” Ron Lankford was born in L.A. Calif. and began learning to play the accordion at age 7. He studied with the Milton Mann Accordion Studios and has been playing the accordion ever since. He has played in various Rock, Country, Folk, and Irish venues and has recorded on a number of music projects from Christian Contemporary to Zydeco. Ron is currently working for Roland Music Corp as the Sales Consultant for their Accordion Division in America. For further info, contact Jack Dermody: AzAccordionClub@cox.net |
Dueling Accordions, Mario Tacca & Alex Meixner, in April Showsby Rita Barnea |
 Mario Tacca and Alex Meixner will appear at two spectacular new Ace in the Hole, New Jersey, venues. Vocalists Mary Mancini and Marilyn and Will Roy plus comedian Uncle Floyd Vivino{ with his trusty accordion} will also be featured. All with be backed by the Ace in the Hole All-Star Band.There will be two performances. The performances will be on April 21st 11:AM to 3:45PM at the Milan Banquets in Garfield, NJ. The April 23rd performance will be at the Rivoli Theatre at the Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ. 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, Mario 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. He dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his virtuosity on the accordion and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop. Mario is also an Executive Board member of the American Accordionist’s Association. Alex Meixner’s performing career began at age 6 with his two sisters and father in an ethnic folk ensemble. From these early experiences, through headline appearances at music festivals throughout the US, concert performances with the London Symphony Orchestra, Sandy Duncan and his own jazz and ethnic ensembles, as well as over 40 recordings, Meixner has developed a unique musical mix that appeals to a wide cross-section of audiences. Meixner’s formative musical studies were on piano and piano accordion, but he quickly branched out on drums, diatonic button accordion, bass and trumpet, This instrumental versatility is combined with a musical background that has included intense studies and performance of jazz, classical, pop, polkas and many ethnic folk music genres with some of the leading artists in the world. His talents in music and comedy were even featured on the Tonight Show on NBC in 2004. Most recently, his “Polka Freak Out” CD with Bubba Hernandez garnered a Grammy nomination in December, 2007. There will be a special senior and group rate which includes lunch. For further info: mariobtacca@hotmail.com or call 1-800-831-9801 |
Very Be Careful: Future Performancesby Rita Barnea |
 Very Be Careful is a homegrown L.A. band that plays Colombian vallenato music, a traditional cumbia sound that centers around the accordion, backed with percussion and bass. Members include: Ricardo Guzman on accordion and vocals, Arturo Guzman on bass, Craig Martin on guacharaca, Dante Ruiz on campana, and Richard Panta on caja vallenata. The music fuses urgent, danceable accordion rhythms with lyrics that speak of love, barroom brawls and salt-of-the-earth heroes.Their upcoming concerts include: Apr. 4 10:00PM Mal’s Bar, Los Angeles, California May 5 10:00PM The Mexican Village, Los Angeles May 16 10:00PM Grand Star, Los Angeles, California For further info: rich@verybecareful.com |
Lenny Feldmann in April 19 Concert at WMASby Rita Barnea |
 On April 19 at 4 pm, Lenny Feldmann will be featured as guest artist for the Washington Metropolitan Accordion Society. He will present a 45-minute hands-on workshop followed by a 45-minute concert. Lenny describes the workshop: “It will be the Basics of Playing Improvisations on the Accordion. Plus... I guarantee that (if you follow my musical formula) that you will be able to have hours and hours of enjoyment improvising and never ... I repeat ... NEVER... hit a wrong note. No Mistakes!!” Please bring your accordions! For the concert following the workshop, Lenny will choose from his repertoire of pieces by the following composers: Pietro Frosini, Frank Marocco, Claude Debussy, Jerome Kern, G. Rossini etc. In addition, Lenny will perform a composition by Dan Desiderio accompanied by Joan Grauman on piano, and two duets with Joan on accordion: one composed and arranged by Stas Venglevski and the other composed by Eric Maschwitz and arranged by Frank Marocco. Lenny Feldmann, also known as the Cordeenman, is a former accordion State Champion (both in New Jersey and Illinois) and has performed as solo accordionist with the world famous Manotvani Orchestra and worldwide including Italy, Germany and Japan at the YES 89 World Exposition. He currently performs concerts and workshops at accordion festivals across the United States, most recently at the Florida Accordion Association "Smash" (FAA) and the American Accordion Musicological Society (AAMS) festival in Valley Forge, PA. as well as at previous AAA Festivals and the Accordionists & Teachers Guild, International conventions. Lenny is a member of the Governing Board of the American Accordionists' Association and is the assistant conductor and bass accordion player for the Accordion Pops Orchestra (APO). Joan Grauman is the vice president of the WMAS and also their conductor. Joan is on the Governing Board of the American Accordionists’ Association and is their historian. Location of the concert: Sleepy Hollow United Methodist Church 3435 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, Va. 22044 For further info: joangrauman@comcast.net |
Daniel Desiderio Conducts The Accordion Pops Orchestra in Aprilby Rita Barnea |
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 The Bergenfield High School Renaissance Program is proud to present The Accordion Pops Orchestra conducted by Daniel Desiderio. This special event will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2009 in the Bergenfield High School Auditorium located at 80 South Prospect Avenue in Bergenfield, New Jersey. All proceeds will benefit the BHS Renaissance organization, an innovative program designed to help students achieve greater success in the classroom as well as in the community. The Accordion Pops Orchestra is a unique accordion orchestra performing in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The orchestra's roots can be traced to 1970, when it was organized by the Accordion Teachers' Association of New Jersey. In 1980, the orchestra members took a leave of absence, but four years later the membership was reorganized under the direction of the late Eugene Ettore of Livingston, New Jersey. In 1985, Daniel Desiderio was invited to act as a guest conductor of the orchestra and a few years later the A.T.A. of NJ appointed him as conductor in residence. The name of the orchestra was formally changed to the Accordion Pops Orchestra and its membership was expanded beyond the original members from New Jersey to include performers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Rhode Island. The only professional accordion orchestra of its kind on the East Coast, the group consists entirely of accordions plus percussion instruments. In addition, the orchestra often accompanies guest soloists such as pianists, tenors, etc. Most of the twenty-five plus members of the orchestra are professional musicians or teachers. Many are soloists in their own right. The orchestra performs a repertoire of light classical, Broadway, big band and popular music. It has entertained audiences at concert halls, county fairs, festivals, schools, and playhouses at many locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Daniel J. Desiderio is one of the country’s foremost accordion artists. Well known in the accordion field for his compositions and arrangements, Mr. Desiderio has recorded on the Ampco and Cormark labels and has performed in concerts throughout Europe and America, appearing at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Copenhagen’s Radio House, Munich’s Congress Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Town Hall, Philadelphia's Academy of Music, and the White House. During his four-year military service, he was featured soloist with the Air Force Band and Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the American Accordionists Association. Mr. Desiderio began his formal musical training at the age of 9 under the late Pietro Deiro, Sr. He also studied arranging and composition with Dr. William Hoppich. While attending the University of Pennsylvania, he began his concert career at age 17. In addition to serving as conductor of the Accordion Pops Orchestra, Mr. Desiderio continues to perform in concerts and private affairs in the Philadelphia area. He also operates a music studio in Media, Pennsylvania where he teaches accordion and piano students. Tickets are $5.00. For further info: jsuarez@bergenfield.org |
Accordion Tribe Quartet Tour to 11 Cities - 4 Countriesby Rita Barnea |
 The Accordion Tribe quartet will be on a two week tour of Europe beginning on April 1. They will play concerts in eleven cities in Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. The tour will be dedicated to the memory of the Tribe's late comrade, Lars Hollmer, who passed away on Christmas Day, 2008.Guy Klucevsek (USA), founded the international group, Accordion Tribe, whose members include those making up the Accordion Tribe Quartet: Maria Kalaniemi of Finland, Otto Lechner of Austria, and Bratko Bibic of Slovenia Accordion Tribe has released three recordings on the Intuition label. They are the subject of Stefan Schwietert's documentary film, "Accordion Tribe: Music Travels," which has had a theatrical release in Europe, and has played around the world on television and film festivals, winning several awards as best documentary. Accordion Tribe Quartet Tour dates are: April 1, Gütersloh, Stadthalle, Germany April 2, Orpheum, Graz, Austria April 4, Cankarjev Dom, Ljubljana, Slovenia April 5, Alter Schlachthof, Wels, Austria April 6, Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria April 7, Burghof, Lörrach, Germany April 8, Kulturzentrum Dieselstrasse, Esslingen, Germany April 9, Sudpol, Luzern, Switzerland April 10, Rote Fabrik, Zurich, Switzerland April 11, Spielboden, Dornbirn, Austria April 12, Dampfzentrale, Bern, Switzerland For further info: gklucevsek@si.rr.com |