Melia Watras

MELIA WATRAS: 3 SONGS FOR BELLOWS, BUTTONS AND KEYS
for accordion (2021)

World Premiere: Jeanne Velonis, accordion; July 29, 2022; 2022 Accordion Seminars, presented by the Accordion Global Association, YouTube livestream

Duration: 6:00

Program Notes:
I first met Jeanne Velonis in the early 2000’s. At the time, I was the violist of the Corigliano Quartet, while Jeanne was (and still is) the longtime assistant for Grammy-winning producer Judith Sherman. We have since collaborated together on many solo and ensemble recordings over the years, allowing me the opportunity to get to know Jeanne’s warm personality, sharp ear and consummate musicianship.

After Judy and Jeanne worked on a recent album of my compositions, Jeanne asked me if I had ever written for her instrument — the accordion. What a joy to explore the intriguing sound profiles of this instrument with her!

3 Songs for Bellows, Buttons and Keys is dedicated to the all-around marvelous Jeanne Velonis. As a complete set, the pieces are performed in the order listed below. Each work may also stand alone, or in different combinations. 

From…
More or Leslie
Lawn Flamingos of Doom

My thanks to Jeanne for introducing me to the world of bellows, buttons and keys.

—Melia Watras