The Free-Reed Journal
Articles and Essays Featuring Classical Free-Reed Instruments and Performers

Tony Lavelli solos with New Haven Symphony

This article was reprinted in its entirety from the September 1949 issue of Accordion World (New York).


This famous basketball star who just graduated as an honor music student from Yale this June, appeared as guest soloist with the New Haven Symphony under the baton of Harry Berman.

It was a most thrilling event for Ye Editor one entire end of the Yale Bowl was filled to overflowing with more than 12,500 music lovers (we'd say 90% were teenagers too).

He opened with William Tell Overture followed by the Turkish March of Mozart, both with full symphonic accompaniment. Then two solos a Gershwin Medley and Malaguena, concluding with Frosini's Jolly Caballero for which he had made orchestration most unique in that it gave the violins an unusual obligation.

The ovation given this popular and sincere musician was tremendous. We believe his new powerful Belltone accordion helped some too.

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The Classical Free-Reed, Inc. staff gratefully acknowledges volunteer Benjamin Lang who assisted in the production of this article, as well as Stanley Darrow and the comprehensive American Accordion Musicological Society library.

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