JUHA SILFVERBERG
JULIE SILFVERBERG
KEVIN FRIEDRICH
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I was born in Dargaville, New Zealand where I began
playing the accordion at the age of nine. While studying under Harley
Jones of Auckland, New Zealand, I was the New
Zealand National Champion for two years. After graduating from high
school, I had the incredible opportunity to move to the United States
to study accordion with Joan C. Sommers at the University of Missouri
- Kansas City, where I obtained my Bachelor of Music in Accordion Performance.
During my studies, I represented New Zealand three times at the
Coupe Mondiale World Accordion
Championships, the last time managing to attain fifth place.
In addition to the piano accordion, I also play the Bayan (C System
Chromatic Accordion.) I felt it was important to understand and appreciate
both instruments, which are found in equal numbers depending on which
area of the world you are in. It was using the Bayan that I furthered
my studies at the Conservatoire XII de Paris studying with former
World Accordion Champion, Max Bonnay.
During my career, I have performed on radio, television and in concert
in many countries as a soloist, as a member of The
International Trio, the Air
New Zealand Accordion Orchestra (formerly the North Shore Accordion
Orchestra) and as concert master of the UMKC Accordion Orchestra.
I was President of the Accordion Teachers' Guild International for
two terms and I am currently serving as a Vice President of the Confédération
Internationale des Accordéonistes. I have made New York City my home for the last eight years where
I enjoy devoting my time to various accordion activities. I commute
to Kansas City from New York to participate in such groups as the
UMKC Accordion Orchestra, and, of course The International Trio in
which I play the Bass accordion.
Most recently, I have accepted the
position as 'Manager' of Accordions Worldwide, North America. I am very
excited to become a part of the Accordions Worldwide team, and look forward
to meeting many of you as we cross paths at the various accordion activities
around the world.
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