Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) President Betty Jo Simon welcomes all to the 74th Annual ATG Festival and Competitions will be held in San Francisco at the Crowne Plaza International Airport Hotel from July 23-26, 2014.

Among the featured artists this year will be Stas Venglevski, Frank Petrilli Quartet, XiaGang (China), Antonio Spaccarotella (Italy), Jeff Lisenby, and Peter Di Bono Trio. There will be two Festival Orchestras directed by Joan C. Sommers and Beverley Fess.

International guest artists are from China and Italy. Xia Gang is a well known Chinese Bayanist who has many international titles. Antonio Spaccarotella is a young Italian Accordion artist who has won numerous international competitions. He teaches modern and classical accordion at the Nuove Armonie Musical Institute in Italy. More info in future USA News publications.

Some of the topics which workshop clinicians will present include: Bellows Techniques, Left Hand Bass Workshop, Balkan Styles, Evolution of the Modern Tango, a Jazz Workshop and Effective use of the Digital Accordion. Steve Mobia will show his video “Documentary on the Accordion”. More will be added so keep checking the website for updates.
 
ATG wants to encourage new composers for accordion and is featuring an original accordion composition concert on Friday afternoon.  Included will be several guest artists, ensembles and the winners of the original accordion composition category newly offered this year.  Competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to excel by preparing for a contest!  ATG is offering solo, duet, and ensemble categories and even some with cash prizes. There is something for everyone.  All competition rules, regulations and forms are listed under “Competition Information” tab on the ATG website.
 
For those of you who want to participate in the Festival Orchestra, there are two opportunities: Joan C. Sommers will conduct the advanced Festival Orchestra and Beverley Fess will conduct the Junior Festival Orchestra for those who have not had as much experience with playing in an accordion orchestra.
 
Register early and make your hotel registrations before the July 2nd deadline not only to secure the room discount but to be assured of a room.  Be sure to mention ATG when making reservations. Call: 650-342-9200

For more information on guest artists, workshop clinicians, registration and competition rules and forms, visit the website: ATG