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Munier Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra and Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra with Joseph Soprani Accordion
Venice Island Performing Arts Center
Philadelphia, PA
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The Multicultural Arts Exchange presents the Munier Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra and Smithsonian Folkways Artists the Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra with nationally acclaimed Accordion virtuoso Joseph Soprani, at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

For more than half a century, the Munier Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra has promoted classical mandolin music in the City of Brotherly Love. The Munier Orchestra was established in 1957, when two smaller ensembles - one from South Philly and one from Northeast Philly - united under the baton of Dr. Joseph Tiracchia. Tiracchia had a direct link with the Golden Age of the classical mandolin. His father was a student and personal acquaintance of the two foremost mandolin virtuoso and composers of that era: Raffaele Calace and Carlo Munier, for whom the orchestra is named.

For more than three decades, the Munier Orchestra flourished under the leadership of Tiracchia. The orchestra produced three LP recordings featuring a diverse musical selection, ranging from the virtuoso compositions of Munier and Calace to traditional Italian favorites, many of which were arranged for the orchestra by Tiracchia. As one of the foremost regional ambassadors of the Italian-American cultural tradition, the Munier Orchestra maintained a high profile. In 1976, Munier played a role in the nation's Bicentennial Celebration, performing in concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra to celebrate the city's musical heritage.

When Dr. Tiracchia passed away in 1990, Chris Ianni - a mandolin and mandola virtuoso and charter member of Munier - assumed the baton. Ianni led the group until his death in 2007. Robert Henry served as Munier's conductor from 2007 until 2011. Mark Linkins currently serves as Munier's musical director.

The Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra was formed in the early 1930s by the late Paul Kauriga a master composer, teacher and conductor. Mr. Kauriga was a talented violinist devoted to preserving the music of his forefathers, and specialized in Eastern European music.

The orchestra honored Mr. Kauriga in 1976 by changing the name of the group to the Russian version of his name, thus becoming the Kovriga Balalaika Orchestra. The orchestra grew to over 80 members. Mr Kauriga was later nominated for a Grammy Award for his balalaika compositions in 1982. His music has been used in movies, and even internationally broadcast Olympic figure skating competition.

Presently the orchestra's recordings archived in the Smithsonian Folkways Music Collection at the Smithsonian Institute to be preserved forever. Mr. Kauriga was inducted into the BDAA (Balalaika and Domra Association of America) Hall of Fame in 1994.

After Mr. Kauriga's passing in 2007, his three sons, Gregory, Dimitri and Paul have continued working with orchestra members, friends and family to keep their father's legacy alive through the KBO. The orchestra now has four generations of the original founding families among the membership.

Recognized as a world class accordionist, educator, and arranger-composer, Joseph Soprani has dominated the accordion scene nationally for more than 45 years. He holds the distinction of being the only accordionist in the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra to appear as featured soloist under Eugene Ormandy

During his career He has made numerous appearances throughout the country including personal appearances for President, President Nixon, and many world dignitaries including command performances for King Mohammed V of Morocco, King and Queen of Cambodia, President Syngman Rhea of Korea, President Chiang Kai-shek of China and the Royal Family of Japan. He performed with Luciano Pavarotti, appeared with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and performed in a production of "La Traviata" by the Opera Company Philadelphia.

Currently Mr. Soprani is In-house accordionist on the Don Giovanni Italian Oldies Radio Show heard via the Internet. In 2006 he was voted by the Philadelphia City Paper as "most versatile accordion player" and continues to promote the accordion as a serious instrument.
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Location

Venice Island Performing Arts Center (View)
1 Rector Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
United States
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Categories

Arts > Performance
Music > All Ages
Music > Folk
Music > Global
Music > World

Kid Friendly: Yes!
Dog Friendly: No
Non-Smoking: Yes!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes!

Contact

Attendees

Name Withheld
Merion Station, PA United States
Sep 18, 2015 7:36 PM
Name Withheld
Merion Station, PA United States
Sep 18, 2015 7:36 PM
Ellen C.
Media, PA United States
Sep 18, 2015 7:23 PM
Hollis D.
West Grove, PA United States
Sep 13, 2015 1:06 PM
Darla P.
West Grove, PA United States
Sep 13, 2015 1:06 PM

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