 November 6, 2011
Concert Accordionist, Mary Tokarski will be the featured soloist with the Hamden Symphony Orchestra at 3:00 p.m. on November 6, 2011 at the Hamden Middle School Auditorium, 2623 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT – Vesna Mehinovic, Conducting.
Mary will perform “Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra” by Gary Daverne, O.N.Z.M. from Auckland, New Zealand. Mary has recorded and performed this magnificent, lyrical music score several times with the composer conducting both the Auckland Symphony and the Moravian Symphony in the Czech Republic. Gary is New Zealand’s most prolific and successful composer who has become a great supporter and arranger of music for the accordion, although he does not play the accordion. His arrangements and compositions for accordion orchestras and solo accordion are used extensively around the world. Also included on the concert will be music by Wolf-Ferrari’s Secret of Suzanne Overture, selected arias from Mozart’s Don Giovanni featuring Daniel Schlorff, bass, and Beethoven’s Wellington's Victory.
In October, Mary visited China to serve as a United States Delegate to the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes World Accordion Congress, and as a member of the International Jury Panel – an honor she has been selected to perform for the Coupe Mondiale (World Championship) events in Croatia (2010), New Zealand (2009) and Scotland (2008). Along with accordionists from around the world, Mary served as Principal of her section in the World Accordion Orchestra since its inception in the United States in 2007.
Among her many awards, she was recently presented with the prestigious “Artist in Residence” position by the American Accordionists’ Association at a Lifetime Achievement Ceremony in New Jersey.
Performing both nationally and internationally as a soloist, with Symphony Orchestras and string quartets, this year Mary has traveled extensively within the United States, and also to China for a 5 city tour with the Mantovani Orchestra. As a workshop presenter, Mary is sought-out by numerous associations for presentations on all aspects of music, performance, and Master Classes.
For 20 years Mary served as Director of Music Education at Tokarski Music Center in North Haven, Connecticut, where she taught piano and accordion, as well as conducted the choral & ensemble programs, and supervised the pre-school programs. Mary currently teaches piano and accordion at her home in Northford, Connecticut.
She also served for many years as a Music Educator in the North Haven Department of Education's Early Childhood Development Program at Green Acres Elementary School, is currently 2nd Vice President of the Accordionists and Teachers Guild, International (ATG) as well as on the Board of Directors with both The American Accordionists' Association (AAA) and the ATG which are the two national member organizations of the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes, (IMC-UNESCO). For more information visit the HSO website at www.hamdensymphony.org or email info@hamdensymphony.org
December 10, 2011
The CT Accordion Orchestra will present an "Afternoon of Music", including some holiday selections and light classical works. Mary will present a "premiere" performance of her new arrangement of Victor Herbert's "March of the Toys" . . . don't miss it!
December 11, 2011
The Schubert Club of Connecticut presents a Holiday Entertainment Concert at the New Canaan Inn, 73 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, Connecticut. The free concert begins at 3:00 p.m., donations graciously accepted.
January 22, 2012
The Connecticut Accordion Association Monthly Meeting will feature Mary "In Concert", with a brief presentation on recent travels and world-wide events. 1:00 p.m. at Spartan's Restaurant, Meriden-Waterbury Road, Plantsville, CT.
March 31, 2012
Mid-Atlantic Music Teachers' Guild in conjunction with the American Accordion Musicalogical Society honor Dan Desiderio. Mary will perform Dan's composition "Mexican Carnival" with the Accordion Pops Orchestra (now under the direction of Al Terzo) as well as a couple other solos at the event. Saturday evening, 6:00 p.m. at the Hanover Marriott, 1401 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ. Contact Al Terzo for reservations at mamtg@hotmail.com or on the MAMTG website www.mamtg.org . The Testimonial Dinner will be followed by the concert featuring Mary Tokarski, Beverly Curnow and Lenny Feldmann, along with the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra and the Accordion Pops Orchestra.
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2010 Concerts
January 18 through Feb. 9, 2011 - Mary tours Mainland China with the Mantovani Orchestra! A wonderful tour with 7 concerts, exciting music with lots of accordion spotlights!
Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 8:00 pm Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD
Charles Ellis and Shawn Burke-Storer, Conductors - Mary Tokarski, Accordion
Marquez....................Danzon No. 2 (Side-by-Side)
Piazzolla...................Aconcagua: Concerto for Bandoneon and Orchestra
Prokofiev..................Symphony No. 7 in C Sharp Minor, Op. 131
Venue: Prince George's Community College,
Hallam Theater, Queen Anne Fine Arts Building
Single Ticket General Admission: $20, Seniors: $18, Age 18 and under free (ticket required). Single Tickets go on sale the night of the concert beginning at 7 pm, cash or check only. Tickets can be purchased in advance, by check. Please click here for the Single Ticket mail-in order form. All seating is unreserved.
Free Parking.
Thursday, February 25, 2010 - I will appear as a soloist on the Hamden Symphony Benefit Concert for the Homeless. Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Augusta Lewis Troup School, 259 Edgewood Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - "A Night on the Left Bank" - Cabaret Show with Megan Owen Vocals, Mary Tokarski Accordion, Richard Danley Piano - Duplex Theater, 61 Christopher Street (at 7th Avenue), New York City, NY 10014. Phone 212-255-5438 or www.theduplex.com for tickets and information.
March 27, 2011 - The Connecticut Premier of Roger Davidson's "Tango Blues" with Alexandra Tucker Slap on flute, Gretchen Frazier on viola, and Jack Hsu on Cello. The premier was part of the Hamden Symphony Orchestra's benefit event for the Hamden Public School Youth Enrichment Programs. Dodds Hall Theater, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post road, West Haven, CT.
April 2, 2011 - Mid-Atlantic Music Teachers' Guild in conjunction with the American Accordion Musicalogical Society honor Mary Tokarski. Special appearances by the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by Linda Soley Reed, the Potomac Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joan Grauman, the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Stanley Darrow, Bruce Gassman, Silvia Eberly, Mike Legget, and Dr. Lou Persic, with Jim Vandelly acting as M.C. Many thanks to all who made the evening special for me! And a special "Thank you" to my CT friends (Julie Cardona, Marilyn O'Neil, Judy Sehnal, Linda Soley Reed, Sandy Zera and Bob Vitale), who surprised me with a performance of Joe Natoli's melodic and warm "Waltz for Ron" - loving renamed for the event to "Waltz for Mary". Hanover Marriott, Whippany, NJ.
May 2, 2011 - Special Guest at the American Guild of Music Great Lakes Regional Contest Awards presentation at the Westin Detroit Metro Airport Hotel. The audience of over 600 people went "wild" after Mary's rendition of Ernesto Lecuona's "Malaguena", John Gart's "On Thin Ice" and Frank Mucedola's "The Fox and The Hound". They never imagined what could come out of an accordion -- I truly felt like a Rock Star! Thanks, Detroit!
July 30, 2011 - The AAA sponsored Master Class and Concert Series at Tenri Cultural Institute in New York City was a smash. The workshops were entertaining, light hearted, and educational. The Saturday evening concert featured all styles of music, and concluded once again with Mary's contribution to the program. Dr. William Schimmel joined Mary in a selection he wrote entitled "Neo Rota" - for 2 accordions, in the style of Nino Rota, the famous film music writer. The music was awesome, and the audience was enthralled. In keeping with the "Majestic" theme of the event, Mary performed her medley entitled "The Royalty Suite", highlighting the music of Queen Maddalena Belfiore, and King Charles Magnante. (Music for the first movement included Maddalena's Scherzo in B flat minor, Pan Polka and Frosini's Jolly Caballero, and the second movement began with Dr. Schimmel's lament at the time of Magnante's death - Remembering a Legend: Charles Magnante, and went on to feature some of Magnante's most memorable performance works: Malaguena, Tantalizing, Flight of the Bumble Bee and Accordiana.
September 24, 2011 - "An Accordion! What Is That?" came alive with a narration by Buzz Treble (vocalist and voice-over artist Patti Zaretzky) and music performed by Mary Tokarski to an attentive crowd of youngsters at the CT Accordion Association's monthly meeting. Patti appeared as "Buzz" in her yellow and black attire, complete with wings, antennae and character. The children enjoyed the music and learning all about the accordion. Two of Mary's students - Tor Stumo (12) and Nathan Chapeton (10) - helped to entertain the guests as we celebrated Grandparent's Day at CAA.
October 1-6, 2011 - Mary served as a United States Delegate to the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes (CIA) World Accordion 165th International General Assembly of Delegates Congress for the American Accordionists' Association (AAA). Mary also served as a member of the International Jury Panel – an honor she has been selected to perform for the Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships events in Croatia (2010), New Zealand (2009) and Scotland (2008). Along with accordionists from around the world, Mary served as Principal of her section in the World Accordion Orchestra V, and has participated in this CIA Global Initiative since its inception in the United States in 2007.
2009 Concerts
January 21-25, 2009 – Guest Artist at the Frank Marocco Accordion Event at the Best Western Dobson Ranch Inn & Resort, Mesa, Arizona
April 9, 2009 – 1:00 p.m. -- East Hampton Library, 105 Main Street, East Hampton, CT 06424
2008 Concerts
January, 2008 - Workshop & Concert for National Accordion Day in Albany, New York
January, 2008 - “Buttons & Keys” performs for the Weston Senior Luncheon
February, 2008 - Guest Artist at the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association Concert, Whitney Center, Hamden, CT
February, 2008 - U.S. Premier of “Midnight Fantasy” by Todor Gerov
March, 2008 - A.A.A. Carrozza Scholarship Event at the Magnanini Winery – solo -- plus a duet with Mario Tacca, “Gentilezza” (composed by Mario)
March, 2008 - American Accordion Musicological Society, King of Prussia, PA – another duet performance of “Gentilezza” (and assorted others) with Mario Tacca!
April, 2008 - Mid-Atlantic Music Teachers Association – Spring Festival – “Buttons & Keys” Guests Artists
April, 2008 - Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, New Jersey – Accordion Pops Orchestra Concert
May, 2008 - Concert with the Michigan Accordion Pops Orchestra in Detroit, MI
June, 2008 - Youngstown University, Dana New Music Society and Sts. Peter & Paul Church present Accordion Energy – Mary Tokarski in Concert!
June, 2008 - Nashville, TN – Accordionists and Teachers Guild event – performed as Concert Mistress with the Board of Directors Ensemble and the Festival Orchestra, and as a soloist for the National Event
June, 2008 - “World Premiere” of Maddalena Belfiore’s “Scherzo in B Flat minor” at the A.A.A.’s 70th Anniversary Concert Extravaganza.
June, 2008 - Guest Soloist with the Accordion Pops Orchestra, performing the 1st Movement of Eugene Ettore’s “Manhattan Concerto” at the A.A.A.’s 70th Anniversary Concert Extravaganza.
July, 2008
July 9, 2008 – Noon to 1 p.m. – Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT – Tribute to America Luncheon
July 17, 2008 -- 1:15 p.m. – Goodwin Levine Jewish Home for the Aged, 169 Davenport Avenue, New Haven, CT
July 20, 2008 – 4:00 p.m. – Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT
July 26, 2008 – “The Last Frontier” Concert & Master Class Series hosted by Dr. William Schimmel at the Tenri Cultural Institute, Soho, New York. Workshop in the Afternoon, Concert at 7:00 p.m.
July 31st, Thursday - 7:30 p.m. - with the Bronxville Pops Orchestra, a concert on the green at Bronxville High School, 177 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville NY
August 2, 2008 – Accordions Now! Festival, sponsored by New Hampshire Accordion Association and Accordion Connection LLC – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Radisson Hotel Manchester, 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH. Mary will present a workshop “Making Performing Fun” for the adult performer (1:30 p.m.) – learn mental techniques to control your anxiety and what to do to PREVENT the anxiety right from the start!
August 13-17, 2008 – American Accordionists’ Association Festival -- Holiday Inn/Rosslyn, 1900 North Ft. Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209. Buttons & Keys” (Mary and Dessie Vaughan) will be featured as Guest Artists on the Friday Evening Concert, August 15th at the AAA Festival. See you there!
September 29 – October 2, 2008 – International Accordion Convention at the Gold Coast Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
2007 Concerts
February, 2007 - On tour with the Mantovani Orchestra in Mainland China.
8 Concerts in Shanghai, Wuhan (above), Beijing (below) and Quangzhou, (Story attached) Performed as a member of the orchestra, and was asked to be a soloist for 5 of our 7 concerts!
March, 2007 - Guest Artist at the American Accordion Musicological Society Festival in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
March, 2007 - Performed with Mario Tacca at the Magnanini Winery for the A.A.A. Carrozza Scholarship Event
March, 2007 - Presented a Workshop on my travels at the American Accordionists Association Festival in Hazlet, New Jersey
April, 2007 - Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts . . . with the Accordion Pops Orchestra, and as a soloist
April, 2007 - Workshop for Schubert Club Members in Stamford, CT
June 2, 2007 - 8:30 a.m. - with the Connecticut Accordion Orchestra, performing
for the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure at Hartford's Bushnell Park.
6:00 p.m. - Guest Artist appearance - Al Terzo Presents
- "A Spring Recital" . . . at the Polish Cultural Foundation,
177 Broadway, Clark NJ
June 5, 2007 - 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. - Sterling Glen of Stamford, 77 Third
Street, Stamford, Connecticut - Music "Around The World" - call
Sterling Glen for attendance info 203-327-4551, Linda
June 15, 2007 - 7:30 p.m. - Music with Mary . . . Solo Concert . . .
FREE . . . at the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford,
Connecticut 06405. Included in the concert will be works from Mary's FIRST
solo CD "Music with Mary . . . for my Friends!" . . . PLUS .
. . some other exciting accordion music . . . AND . . . a U.S. PREMIERE:
music by Bulgarian Composer Todor Gerov, Including a piano/accordion duet
-- pianist, Dessislava Vassileva (Todor's daughter) . . . and MUCH MORE!
Join me for the fun.
June 18-21, 2007 - Las Vegas Accordion Convention, Gold Coast Hotel.
Mary will present workshops on several of the days, and appear as soloist.
Will let you know the dates as soon as I KNOW THEM!
July 21, 2007 - 12 Noon - The Accordion Connection, 135 NH Rt 106, Unit
1, Gilmanton, NH 03237-4924 - a Concert and workshop
July 28, 2007 - Schimmel Workshop - Seminar in the Afternoon, Concert
at 7:00 p.m.
July, 2007 - Guest Artist, with duo partner, Dessie Vaughan (“Buttons & Keys”) at the CT Accordion Association
July, 2007 - Soloist with the Bronxville Pops Orchestra, Bronxville, New York
July, 2007 - Performed for Todor Gerov, composer – “Roller Skates”, “Midnight Fantasy” and “Chippy, Cheppy, Chu” (with Dessie)
August 13-19, 2007 - Alexandria, Virginia - Coupe Mondiale Festival/AAA-ATG
Festivals: performed as a soloist, in duo with Amy Jo Sawyer, and in the “first ever” World Accordion Orchestra (166 members from around the world). Performances included: U.S. Premier of Klaus Paier’s “Tango for Five” with Quartango, a string quartet from Washington, D.C., U.S. Premier of “Buttons & Keys”, “Chippy, Cheppy, Chu” by Todor Gerov, and the accordion/piano duo (Mary with Dessie Vaughan) and U.S. Premier of “Roller Skates” by Bulgarian composer Todor Gerov
September 7, 2007 - Montreal, Canada - The Year of the Women Accordionists!
Guest Artist Appearance - I'm getting the venue info
September 16, 2007 - WMAS Guest Artist, Virginia
October 21, 2007 - 3:00 p.m. - Southern Connecticut State University,
Charles Garner Recital Hall. Benefit Concert for the CT Academy of Arts
& Sciences
October, 2007 - Invited as a Guest Artist for Connecticut’s Own “Women in the Arts” at the Wilton Library
November 4, 2007 - 3:00 p.m. (Sunday) - Mary performs with the Daytona
Beach String Quartet at St. James Episcopal
Church in Ormond Beach, Florida. Music will include Gary Daverne's "Concert
Waltz", Klaus Paier's "Tango for Five" and Frank Mucedola's
"The Fox and The Hound".
November 8-11, 2007 - Florida SMASH Event, Orlando Florida
December, 2007 - Ronald McDonald House Trees of Hope Event at the Long Wharf Maritime Center
December, 2007 - Blackstone Library Christmas Concert with the CAA Orchestra
2006 Concerts
June 10, 2006 - "A Night on the Left Bank" with Soprano Megan
Owen and Pianist Richard Danley, Avrom Berel, Director . . . presented
by the Town Players of New Canaan, Connecticut at "The Powerhouse",
Waveny Park, New Canaan, Connecticut. An evening of cabaret style French
music and fun!
July 14, 2006 - Perform Gary Daverne's "Rhapsody for Accordion and
Orchestra" with the American Accordionists Association Festival Orchestra
in Buffalo, New York. Composer/Conductor Gary Daverne, Maestro
September 23, 2006 - Workshop on the Accordion with Linda Soley Reed
for the Waterbury Youth Symphony.
November 29, 2006 - Schubert Club Workshop, Greenwich Arts Council Arts
Center, Greenwich, Connecticut
December 2 & 10, 2006 - Ronald McDonald House Trees of Hope Event,
Long Wharf Maritime Center, New Haven, Connecticut
2005 Concerts
October 9, 2005 - Soloist with the Moravian Symphony in Olomouc, Czech
Republic
October 13, 2005 - Soloist with the Moravian Symphony in Olomouc, Czech
Republic
November 20, 2005 - Soloist with the Auckland Symphony, New Zealand
November 27, 2005 - Soloist with the Auckland Symphony, New Zealand
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CONNECTICUT MUSICIAN to Perform in New Zealand - November 2005
 On
the 20th and 27th of November, 2005, accordionist Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski
was the featured soloist in Auckland, New Zealand for a concert of works
from Prokofiev to Lord of the Rings, and original works by New Zealand
composer Gary Daverne. Performing with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra
in the Auckland Town Hall and the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, Mary
performed the "Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra" by Gary
Daverne and "The Fox and The Hound" by American composer Frank
Mucedola of Auburn, New York.
Picture: American solo accordionist Mary Tokarski, in rehearsal with the
Auckland Symphony Orchestra (ASO) at the Auckland Town Hall, Auckland,
New Zealand - 20 November 2005. Conductor - Gary Daverne.
Just returning from a trip to the Czech Republic, Mary performed two
concerts with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra at the Olomouc City
Concert Hall in Olomouc, Czech Republic. During her visit in Olomouc,
Mary also recorded a composition by Gary Daverne entitled "A Musical
Party" with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mary's early-life musical training with Michael Fernino of Ansonia, Connecticut,
developed into a lifelong love and study of music. When her sister Julie
began lessons, Mary was offered the opportunity to begin as well, however
decided against it. After Julie would repeatedly come home with an ice
cream cone for a good lesson, Mary reconsidered her position on musical
study and decided to begin the accordion as well.
Performances were numerous, and competitions were a regular part of growing
up. By the time she reached early adulthood, Mary stacked up over 175
trophies and awards for State, Regional and National competitions.
Mary went on to represent the United States in the Coupe Mondiale (World
Accordion Championship) sponsored by the Confederation Internationale
Des Accordeonistes in Belgium (1971) and in France (1973).
Today, Mary spends much time performing with her brother and sister in
The "K" Trio (Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski, Julie Kasprzyk Cardona
and Walter Kasprzyk) which perform around the world.
Gary Daverne was born in Takapuna, Auckland New Zealand. He has held
the position of Musical Director/Conductor of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra
since its foundation in 1975.
On the international scene, Gary has conducted some major orchestras including
London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra,
the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, symphony concerts in Jakarta, Indonesia
and concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra of Malaysia.
In 2002 he was engaged to conduct in Stuttgart, Germany and in April he
was the first New Zealander to be invited to conduct in Korea, where he
was guest conductor of the Incheon City Symphony Orchestra.
In May 2003, Gary conducted the Turkish State Symphony Orchestra of Bursa,
in Turkey, premiering his new commission, 'Gallipoli' - Rhapsody for Trumpet
and Orchestra. Gary is a frequent guest conductor of orchestras in the
USA. As a composer he has written and recorded many works for orchestra,
accordion, children's songs and musicals, with over 600 sound tracks for
radio and TV jingles.
The Auckland Symphony Orchestra is Auckland's most popular orchestra.
This full symphony orchestra of over eighty players, draws its players
from all parts of Auckland and from all walks of life and includes a number
of professional musicians as well as the talented amateurs, many from
other professions, who play, without payment, purely for the pleasure
of making good music together.
Today the Auckland Symphony Orchestra has developed an excellent following
and reputation, for its high quality performances of popular classics,
film and show music, performing 7 or 8 Free Sunday Afternoon Family Concerts
annually at Auckland's Aotea Centre, and Takapuna's Bruce Mason Centre,
to capacity and often turn-away family audiences in excess of 2000 people.
The main philosophy of the orchestra is that music should be fun and
enjoyed by players and audiences alike - hence the regular, free family
concerts that are offered in Auckland and 'out-of-town' areas where a
live performance by a Symphony Orchestra is a rare event.
For more information, please contact Mary at 203-484-5095 or by e-mail:
mary.tokarski@comcast.net
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 CONNECTICUT
MUSICIAN to Perform in Czech Republic - October 2005
On the 13th of October, 2005, accordionist Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski will
be the featured soloist in Olomouc, Czech Republic during an upcoming
concert of works by New Zealand composer Gary Daverne. Performing with
the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra in the Olomouc City Concert Hall,
Mary will perform the "Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra"
by Gary Daverne.
In addition to this concert, Mary will also give a special performance
on Sunday, October 9th, at a Children's concert also at the Olomouc City
Concert Hall with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert will
feature "The Fox and The Hound" by American composer Frank Mucedola
of Auburn, New York.
Mary's early-life musical training with Michael Fernino of Ansonia, Connecticut,
developed into a lifelong love and study of music. When her sister Julie
began lessons, Mary was offered the opportunity to begin as well, however
decided against it. After Julie would repeatedly come home with an ice
cream cone for a good lesson, Mary reconsidered her position on musical
study and decided to begin the accordion as well.
Performances were numerous, and competitions were a regular part of growing
up. By the time she reached early adulthood, Mary stacked up over 185
trophies and awards for State, Regional and National competitions.
Mary went on to represent the United States in the Coupe Mondiale (World
Accordion Championship) sponsored by the Confederation Internationale
Des Accordeonistes in Belgium (1971) and in France (1973).
Today, Mary spends much time performing with her brother and sister in
The "K" Trio (Mary Kasprzyk Tokarski, Julie Kasprzyk Cardona
and Walter Kasprzyk) which perform around the world.
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1945 and is amongst
the foremost and oldest symphonic orchestras in the Czech Republic. It
is based in the historic Moravian city of Olomouc. This ancient university
town is an important canter of education and culture of the whole of central
Moravia. After the creation of the independent Czech Republic Olomouc
became the canter of the administrative unit of the District of Olomouc.
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra has been lead by some important personalities
of the Czech music culture and it has been conducted by artists of international
renown such as Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Vaclav Neumann, Libor Pesek, Vladimir
Valek and others. Famous soloists have performed with the orchestra, for
example S. Richter, I. Oistrach, G. Kremer, S. Ishikawa, P. Fournier,
J. Suk, V. Hudeeek, E. Indjic, J. Carreras, A. Baltsa, J. Cura.
During its existence the orchestra has performed an outstandingly broad
and varied repertoire which, apart from Czech music, includes compositions
of the classics of 19th and 20th century European orchestral music.
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra intensively promotes contemporary
Czech and international music which is shown in the hundreds of premiered
works of contemporary composers. In recent years the orchestra has specialized
in recording contemporary international music, such as a CD of works by
New Zealand composer Gary Daverne.
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra has performed with great success
in most European countries and has taken part in important international
music festivals in the Czech Republic and abroad, for example The Prague
Spring Festival, Smetana's Litomysl, the Summer Music Festival in Reims,
France or the Thurn und Taxis Fest-spiele in Regensburg, Germany. The
orchestra has performed on important European stages such as Alte Oper
in Frankfurt, Saal der Munchner Philharmonie, Vereinsaal Wein, Saal Pleyel
Paris, Tonhalle Zurich or Palaois de Musica in the Spanish cities of Barcelone
and Valencia.
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra actively participates in the organizing
of the artistic and cultural life in Olomouc. It is also the organizer
of the international music festival of Dvorak's Olomouc, the International
Organ Music Festival and the International Festival of Contemporary Music.
For more information, please contact Mary at 203-484-5095 or by e-mail:
mary.tokarski@comcast.net
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MANTOVANI ORCHESTRA HIGHLIGHTS THE ACCORDION in CHINA!
Accordionist Mary Tokarski was chosen to accompany the Mantovani Orchestra
on its recent tour to mainland China. Musicians were selected from all
over the United States . . . from Disney Productions, Symphony Orchestras
from California, Florida, Nebraska, New York and Texas, Music Educators
from all over . . . and Symphony Conductor Charles Ellis from Baltimore,
Maryland.
After 2 rehearsals in Orlando, we arrived in Beijing, where we performed
2 concerts at the People's Hall Congress (where all the Chinese delegates
and dignitaries conduct the country's business), then we were off to Wuhan
to perform on the Grand Opera stage. A quick bus trip (2 hours) to Guangzhou
took us to the Zhongshan Cultural Center, followed by a quick flight to
Shenzhen and a concert at the Koncert House. Our travels brought us back
to Wuhan's Grand Opera for a New Year's Concert, and then off to Shanghai
to spend our last 5 days in China.
The Grand Stage in Shanghai was a joy to behold, and perform on. The
entire building was shaped like a lotus blossom, and housed 5 separate
concert halls. Even the seating sections in the concert halls were shaped
like the lotus blossom . . . the acoustics were marvelous, and the audiences
attentive.
The orchestra's program included light classical works such as The Light
Cavalry Overture, Malaguena, The Warsaw Concerto performed by Piano Soloist,
Constance Gottschalk from Chicago and Italy, marvelous trumpet and trombone
solos by Ken Moulton and Danny Kirkhum on Around The World and Londonderry
Air, and When I Fall in Love, all in the unmistakable "Mantovani"
style. The accordion was featured with exquisite solos in Embraceable
You, the Swedish Rhapsody, The Trolley Song and Love Is A Many Splendored
Thing.
The music was marvelously executed by the all-professional group to a
total of 16,000+ Chinese concert-goers!
Mary was honored to be chosen as a soloist for the 2nd encore, performing
Frank Mucedola's "The Fox and The Hound" to the mesmerized audiences
(and orchestra members, too). The piece was a tribute to Frank, since
he recommended Mary to join the orchestra for this tour! The orchestra's
General Manager, Ken Moulton repeatedly remarked "Leave it to the
accordionist to steal the show.", as the audience applause roared
through each of the venues.
The travels of the tour were hectic, harried and WITH its share of difficulties.
The accordion was not allowed on the plane for the first AirChina flight
. . . and when it did arrive (on a DIFFERENT flight, along with the 2
trombones and all the orchestra music!), it had a crack in the bellows
snap area. A good amount of electrical tape, both inside and out held
the air from leaking as much as possible, and I was able to play it for
the rest of the tour.
After that experience, they made sure the accordion flew ON the plane
with me . . . although, I had to hand carry it on . . . without the case!
A challenge, to say the least - and the phrase "Sleeping with your
instrument" has a whole new meaning for me now!
Unlike most of my other performing tours, there was plenty of time for
us to be "tourists" . . . and we took advantage of every one
of them. We got to visit The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, YuYuan Gardens,
the Ming Tombs, a Jade Factory, a Cloisonné Factory, the Pedestrian
Walk in Shanghai, the Bund, the Shanghai Museum, The Jade Buddha Temple,
and lots more. We even experienced Chinese New Years at the end of our
trip. The orchestra members made these experiences even more memorable
. . . they were very personable!
The concerts were wonderful, and the experience of performing with such
magnificent musicians is a life-long dream come true for me. I can only
hope that we'll do it again soon, and next time, I'll bring more duct
tape! And, I can honestly say, I won't have the desire for Chinese food
for quite some time to come.
Mary Tokarski,
February, 2007
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My new solo CD – ”Music with Mary...with my friends!” is now ready! The CD includes new cuts with guitar, percussion, piano, string quartet, and even a symphony – along with my solos, of course. The solos span lots of genres, too - classical, accordion classics, tango, novelty, ethnic and even a world premier of Maddalena Belfiore’s early-years manuscript, “Scherzo in B Flat minor”.
My mission since re-entering the solo concert arena has been to “specialize” in compositions written by my accordion “friends” and the composers who inspired me to pursue a music career. The repertoire has been vast and very entertaining (for me and I hope for my audiences!).