As co-directors of the International Digital Electronic Accordion Society (IDEAS), Joseph Natoli and Michael Soloway can breathe a sigh of happy relief as their 2nd highly successful Symposium 2.0 (held in Warren, Ohio at the prestigious Avalon Inn & Resort Country Club, Nov 6-9, 2019) is now in their rearview mirror.
People from all over the globe attended and took part in this incredible digital accordion journey and learning experience that is like no other on earth. There were attendees, performers, and faculty from countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, all over the US, and more.
The Symposium hosted the novel idea of three 8:AM concerts (Thu, Fri, and Sat) and two 8:PM concerts (Fri & Sat). Some of the world’s best digital performers delighted audiences, including Eddie Monteiro (New Jersey), Matthias Matzke (Germany), Cory Pesaturo (Rhode Island), Joe Natoli (Ohio), Richard Noel (California), Al Battistelli (Ohio), Lenny Feldmann (New York), Kenn Baert (Illinois), and Julie Wisniewski (Australia).
Pictures right: Matthias Matzke, Richard Noel (California), Julie Wisniewski (Australia)
Additionally, there were 59 intense learning classes that ranged anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours, many of which were in repeated daily tracks on every possible digital accordion related topic, including:
* Detailed studies on how to expertly program and orchestrate on each variety of instrument
* Deep instruction on accordion sound engineering
* Beginner and advanced digital recording techniques (including video and green screen production)
* Detailed instruction on using tablets and music display software
* Up close and personal study of Richard Noel and his entire set of sound libraries
* Private classwork with the amazing Eddie Monteiro
* Individual private lessons with the amazing Cory Pesaturo
* Deep orchestration work with Matthias Matzke
* Performance anxiety workshops
* Detailed study of using digital peripherals like the Roland Bk-7M and Ketron SD-90 arranger modules
* ….and much much more
There was also the Ohio premier of the AAA commissioned work, “Child’s Play” by Joseph Natoli, written for 2 accordions, cello, and percussion. On accordions were Joe Natoli and Matthias Matzke, a wonderful cellist, Kivie Cahn-Lipman (local professor at the Dana School of Music), and Kenn Baert handling all the percussion parts on his Roland FR-8X, proving how versatile the instrument is in nearly any scenario, and a perfect application of the instrument for this Symposium.
Of course, Eddie Monteiro’s jazz stylings were phenomenal, and especially his heartfelt rendition of “Rainbow Connection.” Cory Pesaturo dazzled the audience in multiple genres. Eddie and Cory played duos both nights, but their version of “Here’s That Rainy Day” was especially memorable.
Matthias Matzke delighted the Fri and Sat night crowds with his unbelievable mastery and orchestration of some original music as well as expertly arranged cinematic and other interesting works. Richard Noel put his sounds to good use on his portion of the concert. The surprise performer was Julie Wisniewski on Sat night, where her stage presence, smile, and tireless energy on stage met with great applause.
Based on the feedback surveys returned to IDEAS, attendees had a wonderful and memorable time and can’t wait to come back to next year’s Symposium 3.0 Nov 4-7, 2020 again at the Avalon Inn & Resort. Mark your calendars if you are a digital player. It will be the experience of a lifetime.
Picture below: Eddie Monteiro’s well-attended classes on jazz harmonies and vocal accompaniment
