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11-Feb-2022

Leo Aquino Passes Away - Canada

Leo AquinoVideo: Leo Aquino performing "Gitanerias" by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecouna. Transcription by Galla Rini.

Accordions Worldwide is sad to report that Leo Aquino passed away at the age of 91 in February 2022.

Excerpts from BC Entertainment Hall of Fame:
“Leo has been hailed by music critics and accordion enthusiasts as one of the finest concert accordion artists in the world. His talent was so enduring that recordings made on his Scandinavian tour in 1959 are still aired in radio broadcasts in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden! In 1978, Leo received rave reviews for his performances in a solo concert tour in the Soviet Union. He has appeared on radio and TV in the U.S., Canada, England, and Scandinavia. With his feather-light touch & perfect but powerful technique, he offered his audience an uplifting and inspiring musical experience whenever & wherever he performed.”

“His concert tours included transcriptions of piano, violin, and orchestra works of Bach, Handel, Wagner, Debussy, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and others. His concerts were always greeted with standing ovations from the audiences. In 1991, Leo toured the United States, giving performances for accordion clubs and festivals in several major cities.”

“In 1995, Leo sat in the Opera Orchestra for Pavarotti’s Concert at GM Place, in Vancouver, and played the Introduction to the last piece in the program…18,000 people attended the concert. Leo lived in Vancouver, BC, playing occasional gigs and continuing to impress listeners with his outstanding musical skills. Leo performed at the Las Vegas International Accordion Convention in 2007.”

“Leo Aquino was one of a select few accordionists chosen to study with the great musical educator, Alf Carlson as a student in 1940. The instruction was very intense...5 days a week for 6 months & included rigorous written exams. The others in this exceptional group were Joe Morelli, Horace Lazzari, Len Holland, Ernie Rilling, & Irvin Lang.”

Leo Aquino will be sadly missed.
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