Accordion Festival in Lavaur

Review by Roman Jbanov

The 7th Perles de nacre accordion festival was held in Lavaur, in the south of France from September 22 through September 24.

Organized by Serge Salvan, the festival’s intention is to discover the accordion under all its facets. The accordion is an instrument that has adapted to the music of various countries and times. a wind instrument, with its polyphonic possibilities, allows even with the interpretation for the organ, piano, harpsichord etc… or the symphony orchestra.

This festival was supported by the municipality of Lavaur and by many business sponsors. The choice of the artists as each year was meticulous and varied. Their great professionalism and their talent charmed the room during these 3 days.

For the opening of festival, the two best regional pupils of Nicolas Massoutié were invited: Marina Busquet and Elsa Merle who performed each one a piece of Claude Tomain and Victor Vlasov. Then a young artist, who gained several international competition, Guy Giuliano. He interpreted several of his jazz arrangements jazz on the waltz, swing and even on the pieces of the repertory of Chick Corea.

During the second part, the public discovered the classical accordion with Roman Jbanov, prize winner of many international competition in Spain, Italy, Germany, Russia and Andorra. He showed the different tones of the chromatic accordion low with parts for organ, harpsichord, the orchestra for opera, and some pieces of the Russian compositor Viacheslav Semionov. He also accompanied a lyrical singer, soprano Laurence Cavagnolo (the wife of the plant manager of accordion manufacturer Cavagnolo). They interpreted works of Haendel, Bellini, Schumann, Verdi, Piazzolla and others…

The second day, the accordion – guitar duet: Ludovic Beier & Angelo Debarre shared their emotions in the style Jazz-Manouche with a brilliant virtuosity and a perfect interpretation. Thierry Capdeville & Friends also performed that day, with the participation of Patricia Lafon.

To close the festival, the third day, there was a popular bal (French folk dance) with musette. Andre Alibert and his orchestra, Jacques Demeurs, Sandrine Tarayre and Bénédicte Grimal animated this bal.

The festival very was successful, and the authorities approved an 8th edition for the next year.