On July 16th, 2010 the Springfield Accordion and Guitar Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Falcetti, embarked from Boston, MA aboard the Norwegian Spirit Cruise Ship for a week long concert tour of Bermuda. By invitation, the Orchestra performed for several hundred people at the “Destination Dockyard” Summer Festival in Bermuda at Kings Wharf.

They also performed to a large enthusiastic crowd aboard the Norwegian Spirit in the “Galaxy of the Stars” lounge. This was the Orchestra’s third trip to Bermuda aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines. When not performing, the group spent some well deserved time touring Bermuda and enjoying the sun-filled days aboard the ship.

The Orchestra consists of approximately 20 members on accordion, guitar, keyboard, trumpet, vocal and percussion. The members range in age from 11 – 18 and are from Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Orchestra was founded by Sam Falcetti in 1969 and the conductor’s baton was turned over to his son Michael in 1994.

During the last 40 years, this internationally famous Orchestra has traveled throughout the world performing concert tours. In 1970, by invitation, the Orchestra performed a concert at the World’s Fair in Osaka as part of a concert tour of Japan. In 1971 they performed on National TV on the David Frost Show with Roberta Flack. 1973 found them performing throughout Italy with a grand performance for over 4000 people in Castelfidardo, the accordion capital of the world. In 1980, by invitation of the New Zealand Government, they traveled to New Zealand and toured the country with a final concert at the Coupe Mondiale in Auckland. Many other concerts were performed over the years in Canada, Hawaii, Bermuda, Walt Disney World in Florida, Philadelphia in front of the Liberty Bell, and many other places throughout the United States.

Throughout the years the Orchestra has performed at the annual New England Music Festival, sponsored by the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts, in Newton, MA. and has competed in many local and national competitions and festivals where they have been consistent winners of top awards.

The crowning jewel of this internationally famous Orchestra was in 2007 when a 50 piece orchestra, comprised of present and alumni members, performed at the annual ATAM Festival in April and in May at the 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration Dinner of Falcetti Music. The Orchestra was conducted by both Sam and Michael Falcetti.

The Falcetti Music Company was originally founded in 1957 by Sam Falcetti as a company centered around music education. They take pride in remaining a high quality educationally-focused organization today. One of the hallmarks of their success is the flexibility offered to the students. Because the students range in age from 4 years old to over 100, Falcetti Music specializes in adapting teaching methods to suit the individual interests, experience level, and goals of each and every student. Whether the instrument is new to you and you want to just casually explore your level of interest or you’re already a “serious” musician, they have a program and a teacher for you. The mission is to provide a fun learning environment where you will feel comfortable, while being supported in working toward your potential. Their teachers will inspire you and become your personal music coach, giving you new techniques, tools, guidance, and feedback to nurture your talent and fuel your love of music!

For more information: mfalcetti@falcettimusic.com