New Zealand Accordion Music

"Gem of the Kaipara" by Gary Daverne
...new work for accordion and String Orchestra commissioned by Kevin Friedrich
funded by the Kaipara District Council and local New Zealand and International Sponsors

The CD with 'Gem of the Kaipara' is available on-line from Marbecks, New Zealand

Performances of 'Gem of the Kaipara' by Gary Daverne
Kevin Friedrich - Soloist

  • December 3, 2006 - New Zealand
    2:00 PM - Dargaville Town Hall
    Gary Daverne, Guest Conductor




  • September 6, 2003 - Recording in Olomouc, Czech Republic
    with Moravian Philharmonic, Olomouc - Petr Pololáník, Conductor
    pictured: Kevin Friedrich, Petr Pololáník and Gary Daverne with members of the Moravian Philharmonic


  • June 28th, 2003 - Chicago, Illinois
    Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) Annual Festival
    with Concord Symphony Orchestra from Milwaukee, WI - Janet Millard, Conductor
    Gary Daverne, Guest Conductor


  • May 30, 2003 - Auckland, New Zealand
    New Zealand Accordion Association South Pacific International Accordion Festival
    with Musicale Orchestra - Gary Daverne, Conductor


  • Sunday May 12, 2002 - Auckland, New Zealand
    Bruce Mason Center
    with Auckland Symphony Orchestra Strings - Gary Daverne, Conductor


  • Saturday May 11, 2002 - Dargaville, New Zealand - World Premiere
    Dargaville Epi Center
    with Auckland Symphony Orchestra Strings - Gary Daverne, Conductor

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.


Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra by Gary Daverne
...Kevin Friedrich - Accordion Soloist

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.

Rhapsody Performances:

  • 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

Concert Waltz for Accordion & String Quartet by Gary Daverne
...work written for Kevin Friedrich by Gary Daverne

In 1993 New Zealand composer Gary Daverne composed a work for Accordion and String Quartet for Kevin which was performed at the New Zealand Accordion Association Annual Competition held in Auckland, New Zealand.

This June 5th, 1993 performance marked the World Premiere of this new work.

The World Premiere was presented by soloist Kevin Friedrich with the String Silhouette String Quartet which is pictured above during a rehearsal. Members of the String Quartet were Jane Wright (Violin I) Sandra Smith (Violin II) Olwyn Green (Viola) and Joanne Johnston (Cello.)

In addition to the original Accordion and String Quartet version, the work has since be scored to include accordion with String Orchestra and Accordion with Accordion with Accordion Orchestra.

A Jazz Burlesque for Accordion Trio by Gary Daverne
... work written for Kevin Friedrich and The International Trio by Gary Daverne

This work for accordion Trio (Accordion I, Accordion II and Bass Accordion) was composed for The International Trio (Juha Silfverberg, Julie Silfverberg and Kevin Friedrich) for their concert tour to New Zealand in 1992.

In addition to this original version for accordion Trio, this work has been since scored for Accordion Orchestra, String Quartet, String Orchestra and other mediums.

This work has been recorded by The International Trio on their CD "In Concert."
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