Cowboy hats, chinooks and…accordions
Instrumental Stories hosted the world-renowned artist, Sir N. Antonio Peruch.
Cowboy hats, chinooks and…accordions
Calgary might be known for its sunny days, its cleanliness, and the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, but if it were up to Antonio Peruch, Calgary would also be known as an accordion centre in the world. He envisions Calgary as the world's accordion epicentre, and he's making it happen.
The renowned classical concert accordionist took centre stage at the latest Instrumental Stories event in November 2023, unleashing the accordion's magic and unveiling a hidden gem in Calgary's culture scene.
Knighted in his home country of Italy for his contribution to the arts and especially the development of accordion knowledge, Juno Award-nominated Sir N. Antonio Peruch has mesmerized audiences across Canada, the USA, Italy, Mexico, and Cuba.
This November, lucky participants of Instrumental Stories delved into the world of classical accordion, guided by the maestro himself.
Forget the ordinary. At the concert, attendees were captivated by the history and artistry of the chromatic button accordion. Peruch brought the classical accordion to life, narrating its rich history and treating audiences to performances from his acclaimed CDs.
Each note was an homage to the instrument's storied past, connecting the accordion to early organs and free-reed aerophone family of instruments.
With each piece, Peruch transported the audience through history, culminating in a modern composition by Violet Archer, former friend, Edmontonian and compatriot of the maestro. The concert wasn't just a performance; it was a vivid history lesson, showcasing the accordion's evolution.
Sir N. Antonio Peruch shared his own journey to Calgary. His ever-increasing admiration for Calgary's accordion history highlighted the city's legacy in accordion teaching and playing. Calgary boasts active accordion orchestras, with the Accordion Association of Calgary, thriving for over three decades since its establishment in 1989.
Peruch's connection with Calgary began as an evaluator for music festivals, buzzing with excitement about the city's vibrant accordion community.
This enthusiasm prompted his move to Calgary, where he established a growing accordion student base for master's and bachelor's degrees at the University of Calgary. Every semester, he expands his student base, solidifying Calgary's position as a hub for accordion excellence at the university and in the city.
The audience at the Instrumental Stories event was not just witnessing a living knight; they were immersed in the passion, talent, and musicianship of Sir N. Antonio Peruch at the Memorial Park library event.
So, step aside chinook arches, tip your cowboy hats, and welcome people to our pristine city – the future global accordion center.
Instrumental Stories is your gateway to cultural musical experiences in Calgary. Back for a second season, this small, intimate monthly program is held in partnership with the Calgary Public Library and is offered for free at the Central Memorial Calgary Public Library. It showcases instruments with deep cultural significance. Don't miss the next performance on Thursday, January 25, 2024, featuring flutist and composer Jessica McMann – an extraordinary musical journey awaits.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
