NAO Thames Area Festival & Competition - UKby Alison Worthington |
The National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO) Thames Area Festival and competition was held on February 23rd at St Andrews Church Centre, Ealing, London. Festival organiser was Alison Worthington. The competition included solo, duet and group categories. The London Intermediate Accordion Orchestra scored top marks in the Intermediate Orchestra section (picture below), and won the Bridget Cumiskey Memorial Cup for the highest mark. The James Mullally Cup for Outstanding Performance was award to Cairan Gilligan. This cup was donated by members of the London Accordion Orchestra in his memory. In recognition for an Outstanding Performance it is hoped that it will continue not just James’ love of music but also his wish to encourage people to play the accordion. This Area Festival is a qualifying stage for the 70th Anniversary Celebration NAO UK Championships 2019, which will again take place at The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, from April 26th to 28th. |