On Saturday, May 20, 2017, the Benvenuto Lodge of PA, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy, were treated to an interesting program of the year by accordion artist Joseph Soprani. He regaled those in attendance with his dexterity and musicianship in a variety of selections. “Dizzy Fingers’ was his opening selection and the title of his recent documentary program which was presented to a sell out and standing room only audience at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia last year. And in memory of his friend Dick Contino, who was a great influence on Joe’s early style, paid tribute to him with “Lady of Spain” and his transcription of “Beer Barrel Polka”. The audience reacted with applause during the “bellows shake”. In fact, as Joe stated that by using Dick Contino style he became a winner on the Arthur Godfrey show. He mentioned that he was close to meeting with Dick Contino while they were both in Korea in 1953…Dick was in the Army at the time and Joe, at age18, was touring in Korea and Japan with a USO Show. Joe had the pleasure of meeting him many years later.

Joe then went into a question and answer segment of his program and gave an explanation and examples of the intricacies and features of the accordion which led to excerpts from “Arcari Accordion Concerto” which he performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, the “Manhattan Concerto” by Ettore, the “Mendelssohn Concerto”, “Romeo & Juliet” by Tschaikovksky representing the US Air Force Band and became the alternate accordion champion of the world in 1956. He also demonstrated how the accordion can be used in jazz quite effectively in the style of Mat Mathews and others. The audience found his program to be informative and entertaining. He has been nicknamed “Dizzy Fingers”, and for good reason.

The President of the Lodge, Anna Forte, shared that the members were honored and privileged to have Joe, who has been an active member and trustee of the Benvenuto Lodge for many years share his talent and love for the accordion.

Soprani remains active with engagements throughout the year and on June 15,2017 Soprani will perform as guest soloist at the ACME Accordion School in Westment, NJ to honor those students who have made outstanding achievements on the accordion.

For further information: joesoprani@gmail.com

Photo of Joseph Soprani by his former student, Anthony Sinogoga, who is a nationally known photographer.

Photo 1955 – First performance as featured accordion soloist with the USAF Band(1955-59)