Joe Cerrito performed with the Venice Symphony Orchestra located in Venice, Florida, which is known for its sell-out concerts. On February 4 and 5, 2022 the orchestra presented the spectacular “A Night At the Oscars” concert. All three performances sold out! The conductor of the Venice Symphony, Troy Quinn, is known for his “energetic and riveting, yet sensitive conducting”, and also for his diversity. He is equally at home with pop, opera, Broadway and classical music.

For this concert, Maestro Quinn chose Oscar-winning scores and created a mesmerizing evening of great selections by John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini and others. For a few of these pieces, such as “Concerning Hobbits” from Howard Shore’s “Lord of the Ring: “The Fellowship of the Ring”, and “Love Theme” from “The Godfather” by Nino Rota, Quinn wanted to bring in an accordion. Lifelong accordionist Joe Cerrito, who winters in Florida, was chosen. Piano great Dick Hyman, who resides in Venice, expressed this choice well, “Of course they chose Joe. He’s the man!” The accordion, and Joe’s skillful playing, added just the right touch to the selections. The orchestra enjoyed sharing the stage with Joe and he with them.

Joe will be celebrating his 89th birthday next month and is still very active, playing in restaurants, at festivals and private parties in and around Sarasota, Florida and Providence, Rhode Island. Please visit my 2016 article on Joe on the AAA website. http://www.ameraccord.com/articles/CerritoJoe.htm