The Melbourne Accordion Orchestra, formed in 2002, consists of musicians who play not only accordions but also drums, bass guitar, xylophone, guitar, keyboard and percussion. The orchestra, conducted by Iryna Stepko, has a repertoire which includes classical, popular, ethnic and traditional music. Its musicians can play solo and have an extensive range of pieces including tangos, waltzes, polkas and marches. They also cater for different ethnic backgrounds: Italian, French, Scandinavian, German, Ukrainian, Brazilian, Argentinean and others.
The Melbourne Accordion Orchestra will be performing at three venues in the near future:
- The orchestra will be appearing at the City of Moonee Valley festival, and will be performing on Sunday 25th February at Queens Park on the community stage starting at 12:55.
- The second performance will be at the Knox festival on Sunday 4th March at 2:45. This is to be held at Wally Tew Recreation Reserve (Previously known as Ferntree Gully Recreation Reserve) Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully (Melway 74 B5).
- The third appearance will be at the kids Arty Farty festival at the city of Banyule. This is held at Warringal Park in Heidelberg on Sunday March 25, 2012.