Judy Starr performed Mozart’s “Concerto in C for Oboe” with the 50 members of the FMAE Orchestra directed by Stas Venglevski on February 19 in Mesa, Arizona. What is truly unique about Judy is the fact that not only does she have a Master’s Degree in Oboe Performance, but she is also an accordionist! About 400 people attended the FMAE concert and heard this special performance which also included orchestra selections by Frank Marocco and Amy Jo Sawyer.

California resident Judy Starr has played professionally with symphony orchestras and freelances on the West Coast. She arranged the Mozart “Oboe Concerto in C” specifically for the FMAE accordion orchestra. She also performed Ennio Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe” from the film “The Mission” in another concert that weekend with accordionist, Gail Campanella.

How did Judy, who also plays many other instruments, become interested in the accordion? She talked about a cruise she took with her husband that stopped in Corfu, Greece. As they walked off the ship, there were three men playing instruments. One of them was an accordion. It was then that Judy decided that she wanted to play the accordion!

Presently she is studying with Frank Marocco. Judy said,” Frank is the kindest, most patient and encouraging music teacher that I have ever had.”

For further information: Jstarr@ccci.org