The beautiful voice and
accordion of Silvio De Pra is backed by some of New Zealand's finest musicians
and arrangements by Gary Daverne. A listening pleasure for all lovers
of Italian song and beautiful music.
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Silvio De Pra has sadly passed away on 1st May 2012. Eulogy by Heather Masefield. Excerpt about Silvio De Pra from the book, The History of the Accordion in New Zealand (catalog: nzaa1081).
Born
in Belluno, Northern Italy, at the age of ten Silvio De Pra began to
play the accordion and at twelve joined his fathers dance band. They
performed at many Italian weddings, often lasting from the afternoon
to well into the hours of the next day. He still remembers playing his
accordion until so tired he could hardly continue to hold it.
At eighteen
years of age he formed his own band, playing all around the Belluno
province. When work became scarce in his own village Silvio moved away
to find employment and was lucky to be able to supplement his income
by playing the accordion. After some time he moved to Switzerland, where
the Basori Company (for whom he worked) had international operations
that took him to Belgium, Denmark, England and in 1955 to New Zealand
where he has lived since.
Silvio
fell in love with New Zealand and New Zealanders fell in love with him.
He was engaged to broadcast with IXR Radio station band as a guest in
the evenings and on weekends he would entertain the crowds at The Rivertea
Cabaret. After six months Silvio moved to Auckland and in 1958 he became
a full-time entertainer. In 1987, the Prime Minister of New Zealand,
Sir Robert Muldoon presented Silvio with the Benny Award from The Variety
Artist Club. During his years in Auckland he continued broadcasting
for Radio and Television and also performed at The Wintergarden Lounge.
The Sorrento, Fagels, Pinesong, Hi Diddle Griddle, The Dutch Kiwi, Poenamo,
The Intercontinental Hotel and many private functions. Today you will
find him still at private functions or at Santa Lucia or The Colosseo
Restaurants.
Silvio
would have to be one of the most popular cultural ambassadors Italy
has ever had in New Zealand, where he feels part of the scene. He became
naturalised as soon as he was able to in 1960. He and his New Zealand
wife Lesley have two daughters, Gianna and Chiara.
Silvio
now plays an accordion with MIDI attached which enables him to accompany
his singing with a full sound. This tremendous flexibility takes away
the need of a backing group, making Silvio one of the most versatile,
and self contained solo artists in New Zealand. He has an endless repertoire
of international music from romantic European to the melodic masterpieces
of Italy
Silvio
has made a large contribution to the accordion in New Zealand as Chairman
of the Accordion Examination
Board of New Zealand and has been an examiner for many years. He
is also a regular adjudicator at the New
Zealand Accordion Championships. He recorded "Souvenirs for You"
in 1981 and has now recorded "An Evening with Sivio de Pra" on both
CD and Cassette.
Others New Zealand Historical Recordings Series
Virtuoso Accordionists featuring Harley and Maurice Jones (1975)
New Zealand North Shore Accordion orchestra 1979
Timelapse featuring Maurice Jones, John Statham and Paul Marshall (vocals) 1980 and 1986
New Zealand North Shore Accordion orchestra
1984
Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra 1986
Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra (1992)
Coupe Mondiale 2009 Finale Concert
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| Silvio de Pra at the 2010 South Pacific Accordion Championships. |
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Kevin Friedrich, President of the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) IMC – UNESCO,
presents the 2008 CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award to Silvio de Pra in honor of his important contribution to the
accordion in New Zealand over many years. To the right is New Zealand Accordion Association Inc. President John Statham. |
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