March 29th, 2009 - Sunday at 1.00 PM
Lighthouse Function Center, Harding Park, Dargaville - New Zealand
Kevin Friedrich (accordion) and Nolene Osbaldiston (piano)
(World Premiere of version for accordion and piano)

 

Gem of the Kaipara - Gem of the Kaipara is written in honor of long time accordion and arts supporter and lifetime member of the New Zealand Accordion Association, the late Mrs. Jenny Maioha Cocurullo. A respected and loved citizen of Dargaville, Jenny (13 September 1934 - 25 May 2001) always promoted the Kaipara region of New Zealand as the 'Gem of the North', however, she in turn was considered 'The Gem of the Kaipara' thus the title of this new work by Gary Daverne.

Kevin asked Gary to write this work for solo accordion with String Orchestra and Percussion to serve as a musical tribute to his long time friend and mentor Jenny Cocurullo with the title of 'Gem of the Kaipara.'

The project was funded by donations and grants from the Kaipara District Council, the local Kaipara community as well as national and international entities. The concert in the Dargaville Epi Center on May 11, 2002 marked the official "World Premiere" of this new work, which was performed by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra Strings and accordion soloist Kevin Friedrich, conducted by the composer Gary Daverne.

Written in simple sonata form, the introduction of the piece is quite mysterious in nature, with the lower strings providing a subtle bagpipe like drone and the airy melody and soft percussive effects reminiscent of the awakening of the lush Kauri forests and countryside of the Kaipara from its thick blanketing of dawn fog.

The main themes are written around Jenny's name and the name of the region the 'Kaipara'. The lyrical re-occurring melody is first heard by the accordion, with string accompaniment and then switches to the strings accompanied by the accordion.

After working through an animated and rhythmical jig like section depicting Jenny's boundless energy, many interests and Scottish heritage, the strings restate the soaring melody expressing the vast expansiveness and sweeping landscapes of the Kaipara region.

The CD with 'Gem of the Kaipara' is available on-line from Music For Accordion

The Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra was commissioned by Auckland accordionist (and former teacher of Kevin Friedrich) Harley Jones, for a performance in New York in August 1988.

It was premiered in Auckland in 1987 and in the first two years received 36 performances worldwide. It was recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with Harley as soloist and released on a CD: Orchestral Music by Gary Daverne.

This work combines the sensitivity, expressive and distinct tone colors of the accordion, with the full power of a symphony orchestra.

Performance of Rhapsody by Kevin Friedrich:

• Bruce Mason Center - Auckland, New Zealand
  with Auckland Symphony Orchestra - Gary Daverne, Conductor
  
  
• Epi Center - Dargaville, New Zealand
  with Auckland Symphony Orchestra - Gary Daverne, Conductor
  
  
• Aotea Center - Auckland, New Zealand
  with Auckland Symphony Orchestra - Gary Daverne, Conductor
  
  
• Texas Accordion Association Festival - Plano, Texas, USA
  with Texas Accordion Association Festival Orchestra - Gary Daverne, Conductor
  
  
• St. Johns Church - Whangarei, New Zealand
  with Whangarei Symphony Orchestra - John Yard, Conductor