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Accordion soloists: Kevin Friedrich, Stephanie Poole, Bernadette Conlon, Mary Tokarski.
A Musical
Party was commisisioned by the New Zealand Accordion Association
(NZAA) to commemorate their 30th anniversary in June 2001. The
weekend and Musical Party was dedicated to Silvio De Pra, honouring
him for his outstanding contribution to the accordion in New Zealand.
He has chaired the Accordion Examination Board of NZ Inc. since
its inception n 1972 and been orchestra and conducted by the composer,
Gary Daverne. Musical Party was later revised and arranged for
solo accordion and symphony orchestra. Accordion soloist Mary Tokarski - Moravian Philharmonic – Conducted by Petr Sumnik.
Concert Waltz - This music was originally composed, as
a commissioned work. Kevin Friedrich, one of the New Zealand's
leading accordionists. It was premiered by him, in Auckland, June
1993, with String Silhouette, an all female string ensemble.
Accordion Soloist Bernadette Conlon - Moravian Philharmonic – Conducted by Petr Pololanik.
The String orchestral backing was recorded in the Czech Republic
and the solo accordion was recorded over the backing track by
Bernadette at a later date, in Melbourne, Australia. It was then
mastered and edited in Auckland.
Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra - This work was commissioned
by Auckland accordionist, Harley Jones, for performance in New
York, August 1988, and was premiered in Auckland in 1987 by Harley
with The Auckland Symphony Orchestra.
In the first two years it received 36 performances worldwide and
was recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with Harley
as soloist. Performed frequently internationally, several other
recordings have been made of this work. Rhapsody combines the
sensitivity, expressive and distinct tone colours of the accordion
with the full power of a symphony orchestra.
This performance
with Mary Tokarski as solist, was recorded live in concert, 13 October 2005, in Olomouc,
Czech Republic, with the composer conducting the Moravian Philharmonic
Orchestra.
The Gem of the Kaipara - This work is another commissioned
work, this time by the Kaipara District Council, in honour of
long time accordion and arts supporter and lifetime member of
the New Zealand Accordion Association, the late Mrs Jenny Cocurullo.
A espected and loved citizen of Dargaville, the main town in the
Kaipara region in the north of New Zealand, Jenny always promoted
the Kaipara as the 'Gem of the North'. She in turn was considered
'The Gem of the Kaipara'.
Written for solo accordion with string orchestra and percussion,
the Gem of the Kaipara was premiered in Dargaville on 11 May 2002,
where it was performed by the Auckland Symphony with New Zealand
accordion soloist Kevin Friedrich, and conducted by the composer.
Written in simple sonata form, the introduction of the piece is
quite mysterious in nature, with the lower strings providing a
subtle bagpipe-like drone. The airy melody and soft percussive
effects are reminiscent of the awakening of the lush majestic
Kauri tree forests and countryside of the Kaipara Flats with its
blanketing dawn fog.
The main themes are written aroun Jenny's name and the name of
the region 'Kaipara'. The lyrical re-occurring melody is first
heard by the accordion with string accompaniment and then switches
to the strings accompanied by the accordion.
After working through an animated and rhythmical jig-like section
portraying Jenny's boundless energy, various interests and Scottish
heritage, teh strings restate the soaring melody expressing the
vast expansiveness and sweeping landscapes of the Kaipara region.
Accordion soloist is Kevin Friedrich with the Moravian Philharmonic, conducted by Petr Pololanik.
Fireside Fantasies (Three Songs Without Words) - These three short pieces were
originally written for choir and orchestra.
They have been rewritten and recorded, featuring the solo accordion
playing the melody and using only the right hand playing single
notes.
They have been renamed to avoid confusion with the choral works.
1. Fireside Fantasies
2. The Awakening
3. The Journey
Accordion soloist Mary Tokarski with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Young.
Waltz for Stephanie - was originally composed for Stephanie
Grey, while she was New Zealand Accordion Champion and principal
accordionist with the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra. She
premiered this work in Auckland in 1989. It was the title track
for an album of accordion compositions by the composer, released
that year. This was always one of the composer's favourite compositions.
Studio strings have been added to the original recording.
Accordion soloist Stephanie Poole with the Studio Strings directed by Gary Daverne.
Shopping Centre Suite - These five character pieces were
written for younger players. They are frequently used in competitions
as individual pieces.
1. Come Shopping
2. In The Bookstore
3. Supermarket
4. Coffee Shop
5. Play Station
Accordion soloist Mary Tokarski
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