The Don Giovanni Show, which is a ‘big old fashion Italian house party’ is back on the radio in Philadelphia via the world wide web. Although it originates live from Binghamton, NY, it can be heard at www.680WINR.com/main.html every Saturday from 9.00 am to 12 noon throughout the world.

Don Giovanni, a great fan of the accordion, has featured some of the top accordionists in the country including Dick Contino, Angelo Di Pippo, Vito DiSalvo, Charles Magnante and others. Joe Soprani, who recently performed with the harmonica virtuoso Sgro Brothers, will be his in-house accordionist. All of Soprani’s solos have been specially recorded for the Don Giovanni Show.

A noted accordionist, educator, arranger-composer whose reputation among professionals places him in the first ranks of contemporary accordionist, Joe Soprani has dominated the accordion scene in Philadelphia for over forty years playing in major concert halls, theatres, TV Shows and Hotels. He holds the distinction of being the only accordionist in the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra to appear as a featured soloist under Eugene Ormandy.

While accordion soloist with the USAF Band in Washington, DC under Col. George S. Howard, he won the “The Air Force Roger”, the most prestigious entertainment award in the US Air Force. He also was the first accordion soloist with the PA Army National Guard Band “The Adjutant General’s Own” for over eight years.

On five occasions, Joe Soprani appeared with opera singer Luciano Pavarotti at the Spectrum in Philadelphia and performed for President Eisenhower at the White House. To add to his impressive list of credentials, Soprani was invited to arrange the opening selection for Rock star Jon Bon Jovi’s 1996 world tour and has also written the official song for the International Rotary Club.

In addition to performing in Broadway shows such as “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Zorba”, “Cabaret” and “Erma la Duce”, he has performed in world premieres of “Frida”, a musical that called for a virtuoso accordionist and “Another Kind of Hero”, a musical which featured Soprani on stage for an entire scene.

Joe Soprani, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and won the Arthur Godfrey Show, appeared with TV Star Nell Carter in a “Colors of Freedom” Production at the Convention Center in Philadelphia in 1995. He also appeared with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops playing a special arrangement by Nero with Soprano Evelyn de LaRosa.

In November of 1997, Soprani became the first accordionist to perform in “La Traviata” by Verdi presented by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Klaus Arp, the opera conductor from Germany, decided to use the accordion in the small ensemble on stage during “La Banda” sections.

Joe Soprani, who recently performed with Russell Watson on Good Morning America, continues to promote the accordion as a serious instrument at various clubs and organizations. His workshops at schools and colleges where he demonstrates his skills as performer and arranger to young composers and arrangers have been well received. Programs are being planned by his newly formed Concert Trio (Accordion, Piano and String Bass) and Italian Folk Trio (Accordion, Mandolin and Guitar.)

Call in or write to Don Giovanni, as he loves to hear from his listeners.