Video 2: Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble – KAWAI Hall – Plano, Texas

Video 1: Maria Telesheva, Elena Fainshtein, Sergei Teleshev perform “Finish Polka”

Video 3: Maria and Sergei perform “Libertango”

Innovative Accordion Music Productions, a TX-based non-profit, presented the Winter Accordion Wonderland Concert in Plano, TX at the beautiful Kawai Piano Gallery on Saturday, January 27, 2024. There were many accolades for the master accordion performers Sergei and Maria Teleshev, Elena Fainshtein, the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble, and guest accordionist Martina Li. A full house of nearly 130 attended the concert from across Texas which included many young attendees. The program began with the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble conducted by Elena Fainshtein with students from Elena’s accordion school, Musical Expressions in Plano, TX. Members of the ensemble include: Martina Li (guest accordionist), Elayne Doggett, Grant Shepard, Timur Didych, Sonya Bandouil, Charles Dwight, Emily Nguyen, Peter Gresser, Logan Sharpe, Elijah Clements, and Mick Fridman. Their performance pieces included: Accordionist Playing Jazz by Y. Derbenko, Musical Moment by F. Schubert, Radetsky March by J. Strauss and The Yankee Doodle Boy by G. Cohan. There were 10 young accordionists plus a bass guitar player. Elena has been a superb mentor for these young musicians and their flawless performance was rewarded with resounding applause from the audience. Congratulations to Elena Fainshtein and to all the members of the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble for their outstanding, inspirational performance.

The second portion the program was presented by Maria and Sergei Teleshev who took the stage to perform a variety of music which included: “Firedance” by Bill Whelan, “Berceuse” by Armas Jarnefelt, “Prelude in C Minor” by J.S. Bach, “Tango”: “La Cumparsita” & “Por Una Cabeza”, “Libertango”, “Ukranian Song” “Nese Galya” “Vodu” and other pieces. Maria Telesheva played duets on the bayan with her father, Sergei, and also provided vocals & percussion for many pieces throughout the two hour performance. Her artistry is masterful, unique and modern. The father/daughter duo were dynamic in their musical style and presented a variety of musical genres that appealedl to a wide audience. Maria and Sergei showcased the versatility of the accordion by presenting music that touched the hearts of all who attended.

Part III of the program was presented by accordion duo Elena Fainshtein and Martina Li playing: “Waltz #2” by Shostakovich and “Indiference” by J. Colombo & T. Murena. Both pieces were arranged by Elena’s husband, Gregory Fainshtein.

This was followed by additional repertoire from Maria and Segei Teleshev including: “Gogol Suite” by Alfred Schnittke in 3 parts “Tchtichikov’s Childhood”, “Overcoat”, Bereaucrats”, “Thunderstruck by AC/DC”, “Karlekswaltz (Love Waltz)” by Ulrik Neumann, “Besame Mucho” by Consuelo Velazquez, “Movie Suite” by Sergei Teleshev in 3 parts: “Trip to Vegas”, “Vegas Strip”, “Ruby’s Song”, “Black Orpheus” by Luiz Bonfa, and “Lullaby of Birdland” by George Shearing. The variety of music in the program was eclectic and modern, and featured the Teleshev’s mastery of improvisational jazz styles. Maria showcased her versatility as both an accordionist and vocalist, with an uplifting ending performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Standing ovation from the audience followed the performance, which was followed by a final surprise, an accordion trio performance of “Finnish Polka” played by Sergei Teleshev, Maria Telesheva and Elena Fainshtein. Bravo to all!

Many thanks to Maria and Sergei Teleshev, Elena Fainshtein, Martina Li and the members of the Fainshtein Accordion Ensemble for a delightful afternoon of wonderful accordion music.

Stay tuned for more “accordion music entertains, educates and inspires every audience”. Innovative Accordion Music Productions (IAMP), is a Texas-based 501(c)3 non-profit. www.InnovativeAccordion.org

Photo at top of page: Timur Didych, Grant Shepard, Elena Fainshtein, Emily Nguyen, Charlie Dwight, Sergei Teleshev, Maria Telesheva, Elayne Doggett, Logan Sharpe, Peter Gresser, Martina Li, Sonya Bandouil, Elijah Clements, Mick Fridman
Below Photo up: Maria Teleshev, Elijah Clements, Elayne Dogged, Elena Fainshtein, Emily Nguyen, Sergei Teleshev
Below Photo down: Grant Shepard, Timur Didych, Elayne Doggett, Elijah Clements, Martina Li, Charlie Dwight, Peter Gresser, Elena Fainshtein, Emily Nguyen, Logan Sharpe, Sonya Bandouil, Mick Fridman

For further information: elena.fainshtein@gmail.com