Canterbury Accordion Association 50th Anniversary, 5th and 6th July 2012, Christchurch New Zealand

On 5th and 6th July, the Canterbury Accordion Association (CAA) held a weekend celebration of their 50th Anniversary. The CAA is the oldest accordion association in New Zealand still operating.

An excerpt from the pages about the CAA in the History of the Accordion in New Zealand book by Wallace Liggett reads:

One of the earlier accordion associations in NZ was formed at a meeting in Gloucester Street,. Christchurch on the 10th June 1962. The Canterbury Accordion Association was established with the objectives of promoting the accordion, organising competitions and associating with any other body that would help further these objectives.

The inaugural committee was chaired by Roy Mills and members were Frederick Evans, Harold Mills, Barney Robinson, Robert Shackel, Jack and Joan Sinclair, and George Taylor. Malcolm Pepper accepted the responsibilities of both Secretary and Treasurer. Apologies were recorded from Miss Elaine Moody, a prominent music teacher and accordion personality in Christchurch.

Meg and Bill Fidler became associated with the committee shortly before the end of the first year of its operation. At first Meg was involved in the administrative side, and Bill the musical side of the associations activities, but at a later date Meg was to take a more active part in both aspects of the organisation.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday 5th July
5.00 – 5.30pm Music Makers Rehearsal.
5.30 – 6pm NZAA Youth Group Rehearsal.
5.30 – 6.30pm CAA rehearsal
6.30 – 7pm Mass Orchestra Rehearsal with our visitors.
7.00 pm “Meet and Greet” – collect registration packs

Saturday 6th July
10.00 am Registration
11.00 am Cake Cutting – CAA rehearsal
11.30 – 12.00 NZAA Youth Group Rehearsal
12.00 – 12.30pm Lunch
12.40 – 1.15 Massed Orchestra rehearsal at the venue.
12.30 – 1.00pm CAA final sound check at venue.
2.00 pm Concert
6.00 pm Drinks with Strolling Accordionists
7.00 pm Celebration Dinner & Dancing

Elizabeta Ilievska and Anica Karakutovska

CAA President Lynette Kelcher, New Zealand Accordion Secretary Heather Masefield and Len Kelcher.

Christine Johnstone (conductor of the North Shore Music Makers) and daughter Renee (assistant tutor of the orchestra), Heather Masefield, Lynette and Len Kelcher and renowed entertainer, teacher and conductor, Lionel Reekie.

Bob Grant from Australia. In the background are marvellous cartoons by Christchurch cartoonist Mr Patterson.

Celebration Concert Program

CAA President Lynette Kelcher and Lionel Reekie announcing.

International entertainer Maurice Jones chatting with former CAA President Meg Fidler. Maurice Jones has performed in many countries of the world to acclaim. Meg Fidler has recently retired after many years as the conductor of the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra which under her leadership travelled internationally and produced a very good quality CD.

Ljupco Kolevski, Gorge Kirik and Trajce Gogov with Prof. Zorica Karakutovska

Former NZAA Secretary for over 25 years Marie Jones, Bob Grant and father Pat, Phillip and Morag Craig, Fay Lawrence, and son (?)

Denise and daughter Stephanie (?)

Lynette Kelcher and Elena Reekie.

Highly respected Christchurch accordion entertainer and vocalist Heather Gladstone and Heather Masefield. Heather Gladstone has performed extensively internationally in many countries of the world.

The Hurley family. Malcolm Hurley was a member of the 1981 New Zealand Accordion Orchestra conducted by Fay Schaw which made a very successful tour to Europe and Singapore. Now living in Christchurch, his son Benjamin plays the accordion and achieved several 1st placings at the recent 2012 New Zealand Accordion Championships.

Craig Perry, Kim Kershaw, Mark Perry and Lionel Reekie.

The International Trio poster from 1990’s in the Memorabilia Display. Kiwi Kevin Friedrich went on to become the CIA President (IMC-UNESCO) and in his current position as CIA Cultural Ambassador. sent a message of goodwill to all those attending the event.

Ljupco Kolevski, Miodrag Stojkovic, Milos Stojanovic and Strahinja Djordjevic

CAA 50th Anniversary Cake

Craig Perry, Morag Craig and Kim Kershaw

Heather Gladstone and Jack Joslen. Jack Joslen was the Treasurer of the CAA for many years and a stalwart of the association.

Heather Gladstone and Jack Joslen cutting the cake.

Prof. Marija Gjosevska, Aleksandar Kotevski and Prof. Zorica Karakutovska

The current CAA Committee.

Aleksandar Kotevski, Prof. Marija Gjosevska, Prof. Zorica Karakutovska with composer of the composition 'Hope, Faith & Love' Elizabeta Ilievska

CAA Committee and helpers

NZAA Youth Group conducted by Christine Adams with First Accordion being 15 year old Patrick Lui, 2012 Open Solo (under 20 years) South Pacific Champion Patrick Lui.

CAA Massed Orchestra

Magdalena Popovska, Muhamed Selim and Jovan Jovanov

Christchurch Accordion Orchestra