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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=07-Aug-2020&lang=fr&s=16706
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=07-Aug-2020&lang=fr&s=16706
07-Aug-2020
by Jeanette Perry
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  On August 2nd, the Canterbury Accordion Association (CAA) held its first Variety Concert for 2020 in Christchurch, New Zealand after having earlier events cancelled due to the country being in Covid-19 lockdown.These very popular Variety Concerts, are usually held 3 times a year, and feature the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra with conductor David Thorne (President of CAA), with accordion players and guest artists from the community. Welcome music was provided by Raelene Turner who bravely played her accordion alone without her life-long friend Joffree Marshall (who passed away suddenly on July 15th) beside her. The Christchurch Accordion Orchestra started the concert with a tribute to Joffree by playing ‘Old Comrades March’ by C Tieke, a piece he had learned to play after being given the music by David. The Orchestra finished their first segment with ‘Camptown Twist’ and ‘Fine and Dandy Polka’. Soloists included young players Sven Balvan (picture above left) who played an own composition and a Greek piece, and Theodore Redepenning who played 2 solos – a Frosini Tango and ‘Czardas’ , then later in the programme Sven and Theodore joined together for duets – ‘Suomalinen Polka’ and ‘Primeli Waltz’. ‘The Rustic Reeds’ quartet (picture above right) played 3 pieces – ‘Vienna Forever’, ‘Der Harmonika’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. Next was Merle Kershaw and ‘The Southern Celtic Fiddle Orchestra’ (picture above) to add a different ethnic flavour to the afternoon’s entertainment. Some well-known songs from the ‘Christchurch Theatre Workshop Sing Group’ had the audience singing along, and a ukulele and guitar group “Rhythm Method” played and sang with beautiful harmonies to help add variety to the programme. The Christchurch Accordion Orchestra concluded the concert with ‘Tanzande Finger’, ‘Alexanders Ragtime Band’, and lastly another tribute to Joffree the ‘Colonel Bogey March’. It was a joy to see the happy smiles and hear the positive comments from the more than 60 strong audience as they left the hall, so pleased to once again be free to come along to enjoy the music! |
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