 Peter Piccini
was born in Sydney in 1936 and from the time of his birth, music has
been his natural background. He made his first solo appearance as
an accordionist at a school concert when he was only 7 years old.
Although he showed promise on this occasion he did not begin studying
seriously until he reached the age of 14.
Peter began earnestly to learn the secrets of the accordion from his
father Peter Piccini Senior (known as the Daddy of the accordion)
in Australia who was the first to introduce the piano keyboard on
the accordion in Australia.
Peter jnr began at the age of 15 years broadcasting for the national
and commercial radio stations and appeared in many stage performances
and recording sessions on accordion and the piano. In 1955 he went
to Europe and England broadcasting for the BBC. He appeared in television
shows and performed at the famous Club Pigalle as accompanist for
the French singer Line Renuld. While in Europe, Peter toured Italy
with the famous Italian singer Claudio Villa, together they appeared
on radio, television films, stage shows and recordings.
In 1963 Peter and his wife Fina launched on another tour overseas.
During this tour he began playing the piano as well as the accordion.
This led to engagements with leading orchestras and playing continuously
throughout Europe.
Returning again to Australia in 1965 he then became musical director
for Channel 9 Television Network and also broadcasting for the ABC
in Australia. In 1968, he toured the Far East and Vietnam with an
all Australian concert party entertaining the Australian and American
forces.
 In 1972 he did another tour of Europe and visited the USA. Back in
Australia in 1976 Peter became very busy broadcasting once again,
recording with his large orchestra. Peter still finds time to compose
music for the accordion. In 2002 Peter has been added to the AATA
(Australian Accordion Teachers Association) Roll of Honour in
appreciation of his contribution to the Accordion in Australia.
World-recognised accordion maestro and composer Peter Piccini, settled
for many years in his home town of Perth, Western Australia, has recently
made some rare appearances at a notable restaurant in the city suburbs.
Teaming
up with Australia’s top drummer Dennis Bird and his Trio, Peter
has been presiding over a cool change for lunchtime patrons at Griff’s
of Bentley. Primarily focussing on jazz and blues, the group featured
compositions by Peter, accompanying him alternating between accordion
and piano.
Popular accordion composer Peter Piccini and Sarah (Fina) Piccini enjoyed their 50th Wedding Anniversary on the 22nd April in Western Australia. The photo above just arrived at our office. Peter Piccini has some 84 accordion compositions available online as well as 5 accordion CD's.
Additionally,
Peter aired some his own work in swing as well as musette and acknowledging
the current rage, his tangos were greatly enjoyed by appreciative
diners. Peter’s outings are rare indeed, so all the more to be
valued.
Sadly Peter Piccini passed away on the 11th October 2011 in Perth and is survived by his wife Sarah. A full obituary was published at: http://www.accordions.com/news.aspx?d=14-Oct-2011&lang=en#art4857
He is sadly missed.
Contact:
peter.piccini@bigpond.com
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