Ensemble of Hope

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The Ensemble of Hope is an accordion ensemble based in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area. All of the members are current or former members of the Accordion Pops Orchestra.

The group was formed in 2019 to perform in a benefit concert for the ALS Hope Foundation, and its name was chosen to complement the group’s original purpose. The ensemble continues to support the ALS Hope Foundation and other charities, and so the name stuck. Some of the members are music educators, while others have pursued non-musical careers but simply love to play.

The ensemble is honored to be playing arrangements by renowned accordionist Daniel Desiderio made especially for them. The arrangements are divided into three or four main parts, plus special parts for bass accordion and string bass to interweave melody, harmony, and rhythm. Its repertoire includes show tunes, light classical compositions, Latin songs, waltzes, holiday favorites—and of course—polkas.

Current members:

John Modrowsky—First Accordion

Denise Szabo—First or Fourth Accordion

Robert Patterson—Second & Midi Accordion

Rosemarie Cavanaugh—Third Accordion

Erika Brito Perez—Bass Accordion

John Andrews—String Bass

Emeritus members:

Mike Beswick—Percussion

Paul Koslowski—Accordion

Josephine Sarica—Accordion

Michael Soloway—Accordion