Acclarion, Canada’s premier accordion and clarinet ensemble, is giving classical music a makeover! Since 2003, with virtuosic flare and entertaining banter, accordionist David Carovillano and clarinetist Becky Sajo-Carovillano have charmed audiences with their unique arrangements of classical masterpieces, sultry tangos, popular folk tunes, and original compositions in concerts that are fun for all ages.
In 2004, they recorded their debut self-titled album, featuring works by Handel, Faure, and Puccini, as well as original compositions by David, Charles Cozens, and Walter Buczynski. Regularly featured on CBC radio shows such as Disc Drive, the Vinyl Café, and Studio Sparks, the CD has sold in countries around the world, including Italy, Australia, and Puerto Rico and remains popular on iTunes. Acclarion’s distinctive sound is perfectly suited to film music and has been featured in the Canadian-produced documentary “Sing Me to Sleep.”
Individually, David and Becky both hold Masters degrees in music from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music, and have played with major ensembles including the Stratford Festival, ArrayMusic, members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Tapestry Music, and the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. Television appearances include City TV’s Breakfast Television, HGTV’s Design For Living, Global TV’s Ready Or Not as well as several Roger’s television programs.
In 2006, Becky and David tied the knot at Walter Hall, University of Toronto, where they first met, with a concert-wedding, featuring special guest performers, harpist, Erica Goodman, and pianist, Angela Park. Acclarion was also the featured classical ensemble for the annual Carrefour Mondiale, an internationally renowned accordion festival which draws thousands from around the world to Montmagny, Quebec.
Acclarion has dazzled audiences throughout Ontario including concert series in Barrie, Toronto, Elliot Lake, Huntsville and Oshawa and in 2007 enjoyed a tour of eleven states throughout the American Mid-West. Acclarion’s second album, “What if…?”, released in 2008, received rave reviews and enjoyed performances on new CBC Radio 2 programs including Farrago and In the Key of Charles as well as American Public Radio. It features new classical arrangements and compositions, stretching the duo to include a variety of instrument combinations.
Recently, Acclarion enjoyed a return tour of the United States, debuted in British Columbia, and completed a two week tour of communities in the Northwest Territories, alongside internationally renown bassoonist, and Order of Canada recipient, George Zukerman. Acclarion is currently in production on their third CD, and has released an iPad Interactive Children’s Book App through the Apple Store.
David Carovillano holds a Masters degree in performance from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. David has performed on numerous television and radio shows, including City TV’s Breakfast Television, Insight Productions’ Ready or Not, HGTV’s Design for Living, Global TV/MTV’s My Fabulous Gay Wedding and CBC’s Music Around Us. Having competed in various music festivals throughout North America, he has received over 140 awards for his playing. He has received several scholarships from the University of Toronto. David participated in master classes held in Venice Italy, studying under noted accordionist, Hugo Noth.
He was an accordionist with the Stratford Festival’s production of Fiddler on the Roof and the new Mozart musical, The Magic of Love for which he appears on the original cast recording. David has performed in various chamber capacities with members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Toronto Winds, and I Furiosi, as well as being featured in new music concert series presented by Collaborations and Array Music. As a composer and arranger, his music has been featured on radio, recordings, and live concert performances in North America and Europe.
Becky Sajo-Carovillano holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. She majored in multiple woodwind performance. Becky is proficient on all clarinets, bassoon, saxophone, and flute. She has studied with clarinetist Peter Stoll, saxophonist Alex Dean, and bassoonist Kathleen MacLean as well as playing in masterclasses for James Campbell and Sabine Meyer.
She was a finalist for two years in the Canadian Music Competitions, and received top honours from the Royal Conservatory in Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet. She has played with the National Youth Band, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Toronto Philharmonia. She has also been a musician in the pit for productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods, The Music Man, and West Side Story. She recently participated in the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles where she played with musicians such as Paul McCandless, Randy Newman and Arturo Sandorval. Becky’s musical versatility was displayed through performances of classical, jazz, pop and film music with some of LA’s finest musicians.
Acclarion’s future performances include:
Friday, May 9th, 2014: Extendicare Tecumseh
Acclarion Matinee Concerts – 2:30 PM
2475 St. Alphonse St. Tecumseh Ontario Canada [map]
Lighter program of classics by Mozart, Handel, and Puccini, as well as original compositions including Twilight of Shadows, Klezmerized, and the Kenortango.
Thursday, May 15th, 2014: University of Windsor, School of Dramatic Art
“Creating” Creativity…University Workshop on Nurturing the Creative Spirit – 5:30pm
Windsor Ontario Canada
Acclarion has been invited by Professor Barry Brodie to present a workshop to students in the Schoolof Dramatic Art, University of Windsor, focussing on how to nurture and sustain creativity in the performing arts.
Closed to the general public.
Saturday, June 7th, 2014: Art in the Park
Acclarion at Art in the Park – 3:PM
Willistead Manor Park Windsor Ontario
Join Acclarion by Ottawa Street at the North Gate, where we’ll perform some of our favourite concert repertoire, surrounded by some of Windsor’s finest visual artists and a unique gallery display.
Sunday, June 8th, 2014: Art in the Park
Acclarion at Art in the Park – 3 PM
Willistead Manor Windsor Ontario
Join Acclarion by Ottawa Street at the North Gate, where we’ll perform some of our favourite concert repertoire, surrounded by some of Windsor’s finest visual artists and a unique gallery display.
Sunday, June 29th, 2014: Sprucewood Shores
Sips, Sounds, and Bites – 1:PM
7258 Country Rd. 50 W. Amherstburg Ontario N0R 1G0 Canada (519) 738-9253
Price: Free
Acclarion is the featured group for this annual summer food and wine spectacular! Enjoy some of our “luscious” musical offerings while sipping on fine wine and culinary delights from the Essex region.
