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http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Jul-2017&lang=de&s=13319
http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Jul-2017&lang=de&s=13319
14-Jul-2017
by Harley Jones
|
 Cornelius White published a very nice memory of the famous Maddalena Belfiore ( - 2007), accordion performer, teacher and AAA President. Cornelius White also referred to a very excellent interview by Kevin Friedrich at: Maddalena BelfioreCornelius White, July 13. Remembering Maddalena Belfiore-Greco. A recent program on television brought back a very poignant memory for me, where at the age of twelve, I was coaxed by my accordion teacher, (Elsie M. Bennett of New York), to enter my first American Accordionists' Association (AAA) competition. It was the first time being challenged to play a piece from memory in front of a judge and Maddalena was that judge. Her reputation preceded her as a "barracuda who could shred you to pieces with a glare!" :) Needless to say, I was scared to death, but I continued on presenting a little ditty entitled "Mammy Roll". As I sat down to play, I started out fine when all of a sudden, my mind went blank! I started again...same thing happened. I told myself, "you know this piece, you can do this", but after the third time, I still couldn't jump that hurdle. I was devastated, for I thought I had surely lost, when all of a sudden, Maddalena got up, grabbed a music stand, and placed the music in front of me. It was only then that I played the piece, noticing the area I had forgotten, and playing the rest from memory. I learned something that day. Maddalena championed me. She wanted me to win, and her heart superseded those rumors. I came in second in my division, and took home what looked like to me my "little accordion man Oscar." This was over 43 years ago, but I never forgot what that moment did for me. 3 years later, I came in 1st in an Open division which I never dreamed possible! So, because of that triggered thought, I'd like to say.... Thank you Maddalena. God Bless you, and rest in paradise. Celebrity Interview at: Obituary at: Maddalena Belfiore http://www.accordions.com/memorials/mem/belfiore-greco_maddalena/index.shtml |