The Carmen Carrozza Scholarship Fundraiser
An Annual Event
By Mario Tacca
Picture a large, beautiful chalet adorned with flowers on a 32-acre estate, of which 13 acres are vineyards. That’s the setting for the Magnanini Farm Winery and Restaurant, located in the town of Wallkill in upstate New York. One would imagine you were at a picturesque sprawling country estate in Cortina, the Northern Italian hometown of the Magnanini family.
Galba Magnanini established the winery in 1983, and in 1985 the family- style restaurant was opened. Today, Ricky and Rachel Magnanini, along with their two sons, Robert and David, continue to keep the tradition alive.
Live accordion music has been featured at the winery restaurant from the very beginning. Gelso Pellegrini, accordion virtuoso, was the first accordionist to perform at Magnanini Winery. He popularized the ValTaro Musette style of music, which continues to attract people from many states. The accordionists who have been performing at the winery since Pellegrini’s death in 2002 carry on this tradition.
Every year in early spring the American Accordionists’ Association sponsors the “Carrozza Scholarship Fundraiser”. This year, it will take place on May 2nd, and will be the seventh year for this event. Here is some history on how this fundraiser came to be.
In 2002, the AAA honored Carmen Carrozza with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” recognizing his outstanding contributions in the Classical Accordion field, where he helped to elevate the Accordion to its highest artistic level. The award was presented to Carmen during a “Dinner Concert” held here in the New York area. I was the chairman of the affair where over 350 people attended. The performers were among the elite of the Accordion world: Peter Soave, Carmelo Pino, The “K” Trio, Tony Dannon, Joe Cerrito, Beverly Roberts Curnow, myself and my wife Mary Mancini, International Vocal Artist. It was a memorable afternoon!
As a result of this award, Carmen also received monetary contributions. He immediately had a vision of using these funds to help young accordionists in their studies. The AAA then added a new category to the Accordion Festival held every year, “The AAA United States Piano Accordion Competition.” A total of $3500 in prizes is given to the top three winners. The competitors are required to perform three selections: one from each of these three sections:
1. AAA commissioned works
2. Popular Accordion solos
3. Own choice of entertainment value
This type of program enables contestants to demonstrate well-rounded musicianship.
This year’s Carrozza Scholarship fundraiser takes place on May 2, 2010, and has a list of very prominent performers, including:
♪ The Busso Trio, NY and Wash, DC
♪ Beverly Roberts Curnow, PA.
♪ The CT Accordion Orchestra under the baton of Linda Soley Reed, who is also our current AAA president.
♪ Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia, NY.
♪ Emilio Magnotta, CT.
♪ Special appearances by Grayson Masefield – on tour in the USA – from New Zealand and the current world champion.
♪ Dr. Robert McMahan, NJ.
♪ Anita and Bob Siarkowski, CT.
♪ Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini, NY.
♪ Frank Toscano and Frank Carozza, NY.
Carmen and his wife Jean will be there as always, as well as many of his relatives and friends. Dr. Joseph Ciccone, Carmen’s nephew, is the chairman and does a great job with the reservations, seating and coordinating the event.
And so Carmen Carrozza’s vision lives on and will be continued for many years to come.
My wife Mary and I have the greatest respect and admiration for Carmen Carrozza, the musician, and the wonderful human being that he is. Both of us are very proud to be part of this ongoing recognition of his musical contribution to the Accordion world.
This year’s event is again sold out bringing in 245 people, with another 30 or more on a waiting list.
The Accordion music and Magnanini’s Wine will be flowing freely during this special afternoon. Add to that Ricky and Rachel Magnanini’s homemade pasta and many other delicacies and you have the perfect blend. “Buon Appetito” and “Buon Divertimento” See you there!
Be sure to visit the following websites:
§ AAA – www.ameraccord.com
§ Magnanini – www.magwine.com
§ Mario Tacca & Mary Mancini – www.gioiaproductions.com
§ Mario Tacca – www.mariotacca.com
§ Carmen Carrozza – www.carmencarrozza.com
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