On Sunday June 28th, the North Shore Accordion Orchestras (NSAO) hosted a fundraising concert in Takapuna, Auckland for Soprano Alanah Jones, daughter of well known professional accordionists Maurice Jones and Lian Jones, to further her studies in London, England at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. The NSAO, conducted by Bryan Holden began the concert, with Palladio, Espana Cani, and Whiter Shade of Pale. Then they were joined by Alanah to sing Tritsch Tratsch Polka.

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Alanah then introduced pianist Jun Castelblanco-Zheng and performed a set of Arias, Songs and Musical Theatre, Contemporary works. Alanah Jones performed an extensive programme of music of different styles and periods that concluded with an enthusiastic standing ovation and very lengthy applause.

Three presentations were made, the first by Harley Jones and Anthony Davies-Jones of GBP1,000 pounds. The second was from the Gary Daverne Music Foundation presented by Trustees Gary Daverne ONZM and Harley Jones of NZD$1,600.

The Third was from the Curator of the Dargaville Museum “Accordion Gems” collection, Kevin Friedrich thanking Alanah for her accordion and vocal performances for nearly 20 years at the fundraising concerts for the Dargaville Museum and also wishing her well for her studies and future career in London.

Thanks go to Amber Masefield for providing the raffle prizes. All donations and raffle monies went directly to Alanah Jones for her studies.