Video 1: Bernadette – “Play Violinist Tango (Graj Skrzypku Tango)” for accordion

Bernadette shares, “”Play Violinist Tango (Graj Skrzypku Tango)” was composed by W. Lidauer and S. Zdrojewski in 1936. The song was a big hit for the Polish Revelers ‘Juranda Choir’ in pre world war two Poland. The revelers’ choirs had become popular in Poland in the 1900s. These were harmony ensembles similar to the barbershop quartets. When the jazz age blossomed in the 1920s, it prompted a wave of vocal groups to form who included hot syncopated songs in their repertoires. ‘Juranda Choir’ was one of many such groups prior to world war two. This song was introduced to me by my husband. It was my mother-in-laws favorite tango and my husband grew up listening to her singing it often. I thought it was such a beautiful tango that I wanted to play a duet with my husband. After posting more than 500 videos, I finally got my husband to play it with me. I hope you enjoy our interpretation.”

Video 2:  “Danny Boy”

Bernadette shares, “”Danny Boy” is an Irish ballad. The lyrics were written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly in 1910 and set to the traditional Irish melody of “Londonderry Air” in 1913. There are several controversial versions regarding the development of this song. What we do know is that Weatherly gave the song to the vocalist Elsie Griffin who made it one of the most popular songs of the new century. However it came about is of little consequence since it has become and remains one of the most popular and beloved Irish songs. I hope you enjoy my interpretation.”

Bernadette Conlon Zabawa celebrates World Accordion Day with over 500 videos online at this time. Bernadette shares, “I would love to be a part of World Accordion Day. I don’t have any special events or concert planned but I can certainly dedicate my videos in May to World Accordion Day. This is all new to me, so I’m not sure how else I can participate, but I do hope to promote the accordion through my videos, with a special emphasis on diversity of music, especially in genres where the accordion is not usually prominent. I also try to play a lot of main stream repertoire,”

Australian accordionist, Bernadette (nee Conlon) Zabawa, is now living in Rockford, Il. Married, with a daughter, Stasha, who is 7, she has taken to Youtube as an artistic outlet. The multi South Pacific and Australian Champion says “In the midst of turmoil, caused by the pandemic, I have found a way to hopefully bring joy to people and have fun, while growing musically. I aim to continue on my mission to promote the musical capabilities of the accordion.” She now has over 500 videos, which range in style from classical, light classical, folk and traditional accordion music, pop and even heavy metal. “I am inspired by the comments and encouragement I have received. I try to take the accordion to places and genre it has never been before. I love the challenge of trying new styles of music and I don’t like the idea that here in the US, we are stuck playing one style of music and expected only to play polkas. I love polkas, but there is so much more to the accordion and I love the challenge of working out suitable bass lines and arrangements.” 

During the lockdown, Bernadette studied bandoneon and has several duets with herself, accompanied by the accordion, a trio with her husband, Ed and daughter, Stasha and Stasha’s solo debut. “I aim to encourage her to play and feel the joy of music. I played at local concerts when I was her age.

By the time she was 15, Bernadette was the Australian National Champion and Open Age Champion of both the Australian Accordion Teachers’ Association and the Accordion Society of Australia – and has since gone on to win the National Championship at both organizations.

Bernadette was born with retro-lentil fibroplasia and is legally blind. This hasn’t prevented her from achieving some remarkable accomplishments. Having less than one per cent sight, Bernadette has had to memorize all of the thousands of pieces in her repertoire. She even memorized the entire score to Fiddler on the Roof, while studying for her top accordion exam.

“My goal has always been to bring the accordion to a wider audience and, for those who have already discovered the joys of accordion music, bring a fresh, new approach as we go forth into the future.”

Bernadette Conlon, who loves to perform and promote the accordion, is an inspiration to all, bringing positivity, joy and happiness with her accordion.