Giving a voice to young talent

Usually, for my reviews, I pick out cultural gems by renowned artists in the region. This time, I decided on something different, although I would also describe it as a gem.

On the Friday before Pentecost, 16-year-old accordionist Rosalie Wailzer invited guests to the parish hall of her home town of Velm to present her “Prima la musica” programme in a solo concert. With this programme, she became the Lower Austrian provincial winner in spring, earning her a spot in the national competition on Pentecost Monday. In addition to several pieces composed specifically for the accordion, such as “Botany Play” by Torbjörn Iwan Lundquist and “Romance No. 2” by Franck Angelis, there was a difficult-to-play Prelude and Fugue by Johann Sebastian Bach, which Wailzer performed with great feeling.

Her quality is not merely virtuosic dexterity, but the ability to combine it with empathy: from Scarlatti’s delicate sonata, composed for harpsichord and partly delivered by Wailzer like flute music, to Dave Grusin’s cool, jazzy “Memphis Stomp”.

The much-applauded finale was a captivating “Tango pour Claude” by Richard Galliano, in which Wailzer was accompanied by 15-year-old Patrick Unger on the cajon. Both are students at the Himberg Music School, and the latter is also a member of the local music association.

It was refreshing how the young musician moderated her performance herself (without written notes): how she started playing the accordion eleven years ago, how the instrument is constructed, that she has little to do with the Styrian accordion, and that she enjoys playing in front of an audience. Some presenters could learn a thing or two from her.

Location and Service

The Velm parish hall is not a concert hall. However, it is a bright, glass-walled and accessible multi-purpose room where the good hundred visitors found ample space. There is also a small kitchen with a bar, where snacks and drinks were offered for a voluntary donation. The adjoining garden was particularly pleasant, where the audience could refresh themselves at high tables and chat during the break.