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New York based accordionist Kevin Friedrich returns to his home town of Dargaville, New Zealand annually to host and present a fundraising concert for the Dargaville Museum where there is a permanent historical accordion display titled 'Accordion Gems - A Master Collection of Accordions Through Time'.
This annual 'sold out' concert features a variety of artists performing an array of musical styles followed by a popular Jam Session and Sing Along. This popular community concert was initiated by the late Jenny Cocurullo in the late 1970's to feature both experienced local and visiting artists while also providing a forum for up and coming artists to gain performance experience.
After the opening of the Accordion Gems exhibition at the Dargaville Museum, the concert has become an annual event with funds being donated to the Dargaville Museum to continue their work in preserving the heritage of the community for future generations to enjoy. Over the course of the annual concerts, many of the historical instruments from the Museum have been featured highlighting the diverse variety of types of accordions found during its evolution.
The annual concert features a variety of music from classical to original works for accordion and popular favorites, and always features some New Zealand music.
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2014 Concert Program
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The annual 'sell out' concert audience in Dargaville, awaiting the start of the concert
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Above left: Host Kevin Friedrich welcoming everyone to the Concert
Above right: Dennise Brownlee - Musical Director of the Eccentric Ukes
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The Eccentric Ukes (Ukulele Band) Dennise Brownlee - Musical Director
Dennise Brownlee began the group because she felt it would be a happy and fun activity to offer people, and they have grown from there. Their members range in age from the 'over 80's' down to teenagers, and they enjoy playing at functions throughout the Kaipara as well as Busking at markets.
Members:
Sharon Duffy, Jim Duffy, Hugh Packard, Stew Stevenson, Helen Reynolds, Roger Seymour, Ted Trembath.
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Colin Jarvis (Harmonica) with Richard Tahu (Guitar) and Kevin Friedrich (Accordion)
Colin began playing Harmonica at the age of 14 and won 4th in the 17 and under solo category at the UK Championships and went on to win the all Britain Championships in 1962 as part of a Harmonica Quartet. He loves most styles of music including Blues, Standards, Country, Folk, Latin and Jazz and anything in between. He currently resides in Matakana, north of Auckland. Colin performed on several different harmonicas including the Blues Harp Harmonica, a Chromatic Harmonica, the world's smallest Harmonica and the Brendon Power Custom Chromatic Harmonica.
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Cindy Randall - Vocalist
Cindy is a singer, dancer and actress who recently completed her Diploma of Performing Arts (in Singing) and a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Musical Theatre) at the Whitireia Performance Centre in Wellington. She has worked with prominent NZ directors, choreographers and vocal coaches such as Grant Meese, Leigh Evans, Jane Keller and Michael Nicolas Williams and was part of the original New Zealand cast in Wellington Musical Theatre’s Production of The Phantom of the Opera in 2013. She has also held lead roles in The Sound of Music, Zombie Prom and Fiddler on the Roof.
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Pippa Howes (Flute) and Shaun Purkiss (Guitar)
Pippa is well know in the area for her musical skills and currently performs in the Northland Sinfonia as well as with other musicians in various concerts around the North including the 'Northern Wind Chamber Ensemble. Pippa was featured on one of the earlier concerts in this series back in 1993. Shaun Purkiss (Classical Guitar) is a talented musician form the United Kingdom, who enjoys performing at a variety events around the north and has appeared at chamber concerts, and as soloist with the Northland Sinfonia.
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The River Town Singers - Margaret Bell, Musical Director
The River Town singers are part of Dargaville Performing Arts. They began about July at the Lifestyler House and then moved to the lovely Commercial Hotel for practice sessions and Blackboard Concerts to which the general public is invited.
Their director Margaret Bell has been involved with the Theatre and music her entire life. Members: Peter Kelly, Allan Mortenson, Allen Lappin, Moses McQuarrie, Keith Bell & Ernie Southall.
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Above left: Nolene Osbaldiston (Pianist)
During her career, Nolene has taught music privately, in Schools as well as playing for shows and accompanying instrumentalists and singers such as Yulia when she was in Dargaville. She studied piano formally for 14 years and passed her Licentiate Diplomas from both the Trinity College of Music and Royal Schools of Music in the United Kingdom.
Above right: Starlight Duo: Lionel Reekie and Maurice Jones
A sought after entertainer and recording artist, Maurice Jones has performed and appeared on TV and National Radio in New Zealand and overseas in Germany and China. Lionel Reekie is a talented accordionist, vocalist, teacher and conductor, Lionel has performed extensively throughout the world, and this last year alone was featured in concert in the USA, Canada, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
Performing as the Starlight Duo, Lionel and Maurice are performing on their brand new custom designed accordions which only just arrived in the country a few weeks ago.
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Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (David Thorne, Conductor, Meg Fidler, Guest Conductor)
Initially known as Royale Accordion Orchestra the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra began in 1972 under the direction of well known accordionist Meg Fidler. The membership for this Orchestra has been a very faithful group of accordionist, who over the years have given concerts over the length and breadth of the South Island, competed in Auckland at many of the New Zealand Accordion Association Competitions, performed as guest artists at the World Accordion Championships (Coupe Mondiale) in Auckland in 1980 and again in 2009, competed in Sydney at the Australian Accordion Teachers Competitions in 2001. In 2005 they embarked on a three week concert tour to Reunion Island via Brisbane, Singapore and Mauritius.
Back home in Christchurch, they are regular performers for the Canterbury Accordion Association's Sunday afternoon Mini concerts, as well as in concert with visiting International orchestras and guests, performances for residents in Rest Homes, Christmas celebrations and carol services, the annual Santa Parade and the Scottish Society Ceilidhs. In 2005 the Orchestra recorded a CD. After the retirement of their founding conductor Meg Fidler in 2010, the orchestra has been under the Musical direction of David Thorne. Members: Kim Waddell, Merle Kershaw, Denise Hammersley, Mark Perry, Lynette Kelcher, Rosalie Taylor, Heather McCausland, Barbara Moffatt, Meg Fidler (Guest Conductor) |
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Founder of the Orchestra Meg Fidler joined the orchestra for the trip north to guest conduct one piece.
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Christchurch Accordion Orchestra (David Thorne, Conductor)
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 Presentation to Meg Fidler from Kevin Friedrich
We are honored to have you have a special guest here today, and I would like to take just a couple of moments to recognize that person.
The author of a book about the history of the accordion says "The accordion has attracted some very unique people" and Meg Fidler would be a good example of this generalization. The daughter of a tobacco farmer in Nelson, her first job was as a proof reader for the Nelson Evening Mail. This did not satisfy her vocational aspirations and in 1970 she became an apprentice fitter and turner and a tool making machinist. After completing her apprenticeship Meg worked as a fitter and turner until 1982 when she joined the staff of the University of Canterbury as technician for the Fine Arts Department, and Safety Procedures Officer for the University.
A very practical person, Meg has built her own house and is also a competent accordion repairer. Meg commenced her musical career on the bagpipes and the harmonica. Although she did have an uncle who played the accordion, it was not until much later that she was to be involved with the accordion. While on board a ship traveling to England she met Bill Fidler who had played accordion for many years. Upon their return to New Zealand in the early sixties, they married.
Meg took up the accordion, and within a year of its formation, she and Bill were both members of the Canterbury Accordion Association. In 1972 Meg, her husband Bill and a couple of others decided to form what was to be known for some years as the Christchurch Royale Accordion Orchestra. The name Royale was later removed with the group being renamed the Christchurch Accordion Orchestra . Meg has conducted this orchestra from its inception, a position she held until her recent retirement.
With her work as a teacher, conductor, organizer and administrator, the accordion world has been fortunate to have one our countries biggest ambassadors of the instrument devote her life to the promotion of the accordion. We are so honored that you have joined us here today Meg, and would like to give you a small souvenir of your trip north. We would like to present you with this lovely Kauri Souvenir. Kauri, our local iconic tree is a symbol of strength and endurance, as well as a national treasure... just like you!
The inscription on the Award:
The Kauri Award - presented to Meg Fidler
In recognition of your lifetime of achievements and dedication to
promoting the accordion in New Zealand.
23 March 2014 - Dargaville, New Zealand
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Kevin performing on a beautiful 1933 Excelsior Accordion manufactured in New York City
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Kevin repeated part of a beautiful Finnish Tango that showcased the fully extended bellows on this custom made Kauri accordion,
to invite the audience to capture a picture of the Silver Fern bellows.
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Above left: Colin Jarvis and Kevin Friedrich
Above right: Lionel Reekie and Kevin Friedrich finishing their Liebertango Duet
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Above left: Kevin Friedrich & Pippa Howes at the conclusion of the World Premiere of 'Margarita' by New Zealand Composer Gary Daverne
Above right: Kevin Friedrich and Nolene Osbaldiston |
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Above: The concert always features some New Zealand Music either original or transcribed for the accordion. The work Margarita, is a new work for accordion and flute by New Zealand composer Gary Daverne. Sunday's concert featured the World Premierre of this work.. |
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Above left: Kevin performing the New Zealand March
Above right: Lionel Reekie covered in Bubbles while performing Bubbles by Pietro Frosini
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As the concert comes to a close, Kevin and Lionel always partake in a little fun.
Here Kevin is pictured with Tenor 'Lunciano 'Pavareekie''
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Officer 'Alexandra Reekie' arrives to administer a 'breathalyser test' to Lionel at the conclusion of the musical skit to the Drinking Mussette by Stas Venglevski. Alina Reekie had assisted in holding one key note so that Kevin could finally join Lionel for a beverage during the piece. |
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The Concert always finishes with a Jam Session where members of the audience play and Sing Along to a variety of old favorites. |
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