From the Top is a weekly radio show on NPR that showcases America’s top young classical musicians, aged 9 to 18. A couple weeks ago, the show featured 18-year-old U.S. National Accordion champion, Sammy Thomas. Classically trained since the age of ten, Sammy has played at many of the top accordion festivals (Cotati, Las Vegas) and is preparing to compete in this year’s Coupe Mondiale in Washington, DC.
You can listen to the ten-minute clip of Sammy’s appearance on the NPR website. It begins with a brief interview (his least favorite accordion genre: polka), followed by his excellent performance of “Chopin’s Nightmare”:
From the Top: Sammy Thomas (Real Audio)
11 Comments:
Hi,
We love your Let’s Polka website!
All the best from UK Accordions.com
Rgds,
Ron – UKAO
by Ron on June 19th, 2007
Thanks Ron! The world needs more accordion sites!
by Chris on June 19th, 2007
Terrific accordion site.
by Peter Di Bono on July 3rd, 2007
Thanks Peter!
by Chris on July 4th, 2007
Where can one purchase CD’s of Sammy Thomas’s music?
by John Weber on September 12th, 2007
John, I’m not sure he’s recorded any yet. (I haven’t seen any.) I’ll ask around and see what I can find.
by Chris on September 12th, 2007
I just want to put a plug in for an accordionist out of Greece which I stumbled upon recently. Though her music isn’t polka, her CD is excellent. Here is a link so you can see her play.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFfmDff78jE
Enjoy.
by russ on October 12th, 2007
I forgot to mention the accordionist’s name is Zoe Tiganouria.
Also, i saw it mentioned that Sammy has 3 CD’s but I don’t see how we can purchase them. Anyone find out yet?
by russ on October 13th, 2007
Thanks for the video, Russ! Sounds great — I’ll have to listen to more of her music.
Unfortunately, I haven’t learned any more about Sammy’s CDs. I’ll keep asking around.
by Chris on October 14th, 2007
I actually heard Sammy on NPR the day he played. He was the last performer and brought the house down. They loved him. Fantastic player. I can’t wait to get the CD’s.
Zoe’s CD was not easy to get. I had to go through a web site out of canada. If anyone needs the link just let me know.
by Russ on October 15th, 2007
You can find the Cds of ZOE TIGANOURIA on http://www.greece-on-tour.eu
All best
Alex
by Alex on April 27th, 2008