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Welcome
to our site!
The
Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra (WPAO) is a classical
symphonic orchestra. The WPAO is made up of 10 members from the area
who perform serious classical and contemporary music. The primary
conductor for the orchestra is Mr. Stanley Darrow. Various
guest conductors are featured who have been from all around the
world. The Orchestra features virtuoso artists as guest performers.
Its concerts have been heard in Philadelphia, Chicago, New York,
Europe and throughout New Jersey.
Members
are arranged into four separate sections, a bass accordion and
percussion. The harmonies, the thoughtful insights of the
conductors, and the musical expertise of the members combine to
create a sound not unlike that of a chamber ensemble. Often, other
orchestral instruments such as violins, clarinets, horns, trumpets,
and bells can be heard. A touch of amplification and the sound from
a specially designed instrument, called the Electronium add
interesting qualities. An Electronium operates like an accordion but
is an electronic instrument, developed and refined over the last 100
years.
The
Orchestra's repertoire is diverse. Performances include
classical, contemporary, ethnic, original, and popular compositions.
Classical works include music by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart,
Wagner, and other great composers. Ethnic works include Balkan,
French, German, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian themes. Original
accordion works are performed often to accentuate the broad musical
power of the instrument. Popular composers represented in our
performances include the Bee Gees, Bernstein, and Stevie
Wonder. Our best loved popular music is from the Big Band
Era with composers such as Count Basie.
The
WPAO is affiliated with the Westmont Accordion Club and the Pitman
Accordion Club. All of these organizations are dedicated to the
advancement of the accordion.
Please get in touch to offer comments and join
our mailing list.
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Westmont Philharmonia Accordion Orchestra, May
2005 |