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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Apr-2017&lang=en&s=12957
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Apr-2017&lang=en&s=12957
14-Apr-2017
Osvaldo (AKA Ossie) Mazzei (1913 - 2017), Brisbane - Australiaby Heather Masefield |
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 Ossie Mazzei at 103 years of age passed away on 13th April 2017 in Brisbane. Picture above at 100 years. Picture left was signed to his friend, Australian composer/accordionist, Peter Piccini in 1959.Ossie Mazzei was born 10 June 1913 on the "Island of Elba", Tuscany, Italy. It was there that he had his first introduction to music with a chromatic button accordion. On his arrival to Australia in 1930 he switched to the piano accordion. In the absence of music for the accordion, Ossie had to rely on arranging piano music. He soon attained recognition as one of Australia's leading accordionists. Ossie was a guest performer with Jim Davidson A.B.C. Dance Band for several months in Sydney and was later with the Tivoli Circuit performing in all major Australian Cities. During World War II, Ossie served with the Australian Army entertainment unit. After discharge from the army he started teaching the accordion and soon had two other teachers helping out. In 1948 Ossie formed an orchestra from his more advanced pupils and toured North Queensland, playing at every major town and receiving standing ovations at most concerts. All members of this orchestra were taught by Ossie Mazzei at his successful accordion school in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. In 1962 Ossie gave a concert at the Brisbane City Hall which was filled to capacity. The Orchestra presented this time comprised of 80 players and the program included quite a large variety of music. Ossie's successful work in furthering the promotion of the accordion has won him citations from world wide organizations including the Confederation Mondiale De Accordion. In 1996 at the request of Gunther Zeilenger, conductor of the Hofer Akkordeon Symhoniker, Germany, Ossie toured with his accordion orchestra to Germany and Austria where they received standing ovations throughout their tour. His orchestra was formed of past pupils of his school. A total of nine concerts were performed, receiving fantastic receptions at every concert. Funeral service will be held at Little Flower Church, 80 Turner Road, Kedron, Queensland on Thursday, 20th April 2017 at 10:00am. |