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2011 National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO) UK Championships, Blackpool – UKby Harley Jones |
Photo above: NAO Chairman Raymond Bodell, Simmone Sciammarella and NAO Executive Graham Laurie. What a great weekend! It was atmospheric, friendly, and full of wonderful music from our entrants who were competing in the 66th year of NAO UK national competitions! Outstanding competition successes included: - Simmone Sciammarella (Italy) 1st prize winner in the International Solo category; - Alexander Bodell, 4 times 1st prize solo winner in Recital, 15 & under, 15 & under Musette and 14 & under Polka categories; - Thom Hardaker (Senior) Roland V National category; - Nancy Langton (Junior) Roland V National category; as well as outstanding Orchestral performances from the Graham Laurie Paisley Accordion Orchestra (MD Graham Laurie). During the NAO Annual General Meeting – Elaine Beecham was appointed to the position of Honorary Vice President in recognition of all her years of service to the NAO and Anna Bodell (picture right) was appointed NAO Chairperson for 2011/12. Honoured during the festival with the NAO Associate Award was Mavis Parnell for her devoted service to the accordion spanning over 60 years! The 2012 NAO UK Championships will be held in a new venue – the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool from 27th -29th April 2012. Full results are available on the National Accordion Organisation of the United Kingdom (NAO) website. Photo below: Dean Lawrence - Roland UK presents accordion and certificate to Thom Hardaker, Senior Roland category winner. Lower photo: Alexander & Larysa Bodell festival duo. |