November News

MIDLAND AREA ACCORDION FESTIVAL 2016

The fourth Midland Area Accordion Festival took place at the Quality Hotel, Dudley from 4th./6th. of November 2016. It was exceedingly well organised by Barry Smith.

The Kennet Accordion Orchestra were invited to perform a concert on Saturday evening. The programme contained a varied repertoire with some new arrangements by Nigel. These included, Fields of Gold by Sting and China in your hand by Carol Decker. The Orchestra also played a commissioned arrangement of The Thunderbirds March which had been requested by fellow accordionist, Andy Lear, who was there to receive a copy of the score and to hear the arrangement for the first time. 

As a special tribute to the late Adrienne Griffiths, an extremely versatile accordionist  who supported many festivals and competitions, the orchestra was joined by other players from the audience. Together they played Intermezzo Sinfonico from the Opera Cavalleria Rusticana.

This was one of Adrienne's favourite pieces.

On Sunday Nigel and Helen performed several duets. Both these, and the Orchestra's performance on Saturday were very well supported and much appreciated by fellow accordionists,friends and guests.

The weekend gave us the opportunity to show off our new Polo Shirts one of which was presented to the famous accordionist, Harry Hussey, who wore it during the weekends events.

Dates for the 2017 Midland Area Festival are:

3rd. to 5th. November 2017.