Carmen Carrozza’s 90th birthday was celebrated when the American Accordionists’ Association (AAA) presented the 9th annual ‘Afternoon of Music, Food, and Fun’ at the Magnanini Farm Winery in Wallkill, NY on Sunday March 27th, to benefit the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund for the advancement of promising young accordionists. Click for a photo report: Carrozza2011

Over 175 attendees were treated to a wonderful afternoon of varied virtuoso accordion performances, wonderful camaraderie, and delicious foods. Carmen was surprised with a special SANO accordion cake created by Judy Sehnel. AAA Board member, Lenny Feldmann, was the master of ceremonies introducing the fabulous performances by: Bob and Anita Siarkowski: Mario Tacca who provided a moving tribute in memory of Dr Sal Febbraio: The Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca Show; Music for dancing presented by Frank Carozza, Frank Toscano and Ray Oreggia; Guest Artist: Beverly Roberts Curnow: 2010 Winner of the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship, Chris Gorton; Emilio Magnotta; Father and Son Duo, Fabio and Fabio; Duets by Emilio Magnotta and Mario Tacca; The Connecticut Accordion Orchestra conducted by AAA President Linda Soley Reed. Members included: Jeanine Cariri, Vince Cuminotto, Bob Czarnecki, Dorothy Gondek, Gerry Hertel, Mary Mascolo, Dennis Maxfield, Marilyn O”Neil, Art Peil, Zita Rossi, Judy Sehnal, Bob Vitale, and Hasmik Zamgochian. Concluding the event was the traditional group performance of “Jolly Caballero” conducted by Maestro Carmen Carrozza.

Carmen Carrozza, born in Calabria, Italy, on July 20th 1921, emigrated to the USA with his family when he was nine years old, settling in Chappaqua, Westchester, NY, where Carmen began studying music, becoming proficient on the violin, piano and accordion.

In 1937, Carmen Carrozza graduated from the Pietro Deiro Accordion Conservatory in Greenwich Village, NYC, where he was awarded the highest honors and a gold medal for his performance. He furthered his studies at the New York Academy of Music. Carrozza’s professional debut took place in 1947 at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, and he went on to appear at major concert halls throughout the USA, Canada and Europe.

Carrozza was the first accordionist to perform as featured soloist with major symphony orchestras, including The Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra, under Arthur Fiedler, premiering Paul Creston’s ‘Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra’, National Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Cincinnati Orchestra, Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Pops Orchestra, and the US Navy Band.

Carrozza considers solo concerts in Town Hall, New York City, as one of the high points in his career, premiering original accordion works – a milestone in the history of the accordion.

Throughout the years Carrozza has received numerous awards and honorees from many different organizations, associations and clubs. Carrozza is a Past President and an active governing board member of the AAA. He continues to promote the accordion through educational workshops at schools, universities and private music studios.

Carrozza currently resides in the town of Thornwood in Westchester, NY, with his wife Jean and has two grown children and two grandchildren.

Much has been written about the unique artistry of concert accordionist, composer, arranger and educator Carmen Carrozza, but one critic summed up he proclaimed, “the violin has its Pagannini, the piano its Chopin – the accordion its Carrozza” – So be it!

Click for a photo report: Carrozza2011

For further information about Carmen or the AAA Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fund, email: Drjciccone@aol.com