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http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=26-Jul-2019&lang=en&s=15663
http://accordions.com/news.aspx?d=26-Jul-2019&lang=en&s=15663
26-Jul-2019
Successful 2019 81st AAA Festival in Pennsylvania - USAby Rita Davidson Barnea |
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 The 81st AAA Festival and Competition was held July 17-21, 2019 in King of Prussia, PA. It was very well attended, an event filled with excitement, comraderie, great talent, collegial competition plus more! Attendees were enthused to meet old friends, make new friends, play together, hear young and upcoming accordionists and learn about both the acoustic and digital accordions. Additional pictures and video at: 2019FestivalAAA The first day, Wednesday, began with workshops by Joe Natoli and Dr. Robert Young Mcmahon, opening of Exhibits, Meet and Greet. The amazing “After Hours Club” hosted by Michael Bridge featured impromptu performances by Michael Bridge, Mario Tacca, Cody McSherry, Nathan Chapeton, “Papa Joe” DeClemente and more. Each night featured an After Hours Club filled with surprises and spontaneous performances! The Thursday Luncheon Concert MC’d by Manny Bobenreith included Nathan Chapeton (AAA USA Representative for the 2019 Coupe Mondiale), Saxophonist Mitch Guido, Stanislav Culcicovschi and an outstanding performance by Joe Soprani. Pasta Night featured more wonderful performances including Ray Oreggio, Cody McSherry, Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, followed by the Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra conducted by Joanna Arnold Darrow. On Friday, there were performances at the King of Prussia Mall with Major Sargent Frank Busso, Jr. coordinating the events. The Busso Orchestra performed as did Papa Joe DeClemente and others. The Friday Night Gala Concert with the Joseph Natoli Chamber Ensemble (with Dr. Robert Young McMahon, William Trigg and Cecylia Barczyk), presented Joe Natoli’s new compositions. Michael Soloway and Joe, Peter Maric and Featured Guest Artist, Michael Bridge showcased their talents. During the festival, there were competition and evaluation categories for all ages, AAA Junior Orchestra rehearsals, AAA Festival Orchestra rehearsals, Master classes/workshops presented by Michael Bridge, Sam Falcetti, Mario Tacca, Dr. Robert Young McMahon, Joe Natoli, Cody McSherry, Ray Oreggio, Don Gerundo. The Saturday Night Gala Banquet introduced by Ray Oreggio 2020 in featured the Junior Orchestra, Youth Involvement Jazz Ensemble, Competition Winners, and the 2019 AAA Festival Orchestra conducted by Vesna Mehinovic. Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Winner Gia Ciccone performed “Waltz Allegro” by Magnante. Will Comer performed his composition as an Elsie Bennett Competition Winner, AAA Coupe Mondiale Representative, Nathan Chapeton performed. It was inspiring to hear them perform. It is very encouraging to hear the Youth Involvment Jazz Ensemble which combines accordions and other jazz instruments. TV News Coverage and newspaper articles let everyone know about the AAA Festival. A detailed report of the 2019 AAA Festival will be included with photos and videos in the August USA news. Special thanks for their great efforts, hard work and commitment go to Dr. Joseph Ciccone, AAA President; Mary Tokarski, AAA Contest Chairman and Festival Coordinator, Linda Soley Reed, Festival Coordinator; Ray Oreggio, Treasurer, Don Gerundo Comptroller, Rachel Quirbach, Secretary; Frank Busso, Public Relations/ Hotel Liaison; Frank Busso, Jr. Festival Coordinator, Exhibits; Joan Grauman AAA Archivist, Media and Workshop Chair; Marilyn O’Neill, Youth Involvement Program Coordinator; Mitchell Guido, Youth Program Jazz Ensemble Coordinator. Be sure to make plans for next years AAA Festival in Alexandria, Virginia from July 8-12, 2020. Details in future publications. |