Young accordion virtuoso continues string of success

In his 15 years of existence, Emmanuel Gasser has collected more hardware than the average person will do in a lifetime.

The young accordion virtuoso recently returned from the International Old Time Accordion Championships, where he won the intermediate, junior, light classical I, jazz and junior duets classes.

The five medals only add to his collection, which was already stocked with prizes from the Victoria Accordion Festival, Accordionist Teachers Guild and the Frank Marocco Competition, to name only some of his recent accomplishments.

The St. Charles resident picked up the instrument about six years ago, after he saw his mom play it.

“I wanted to keep up the tradition,” Gasser said.
He said he loves making people happy while performing, and challenging himself as well.

“There's so many things going on — you have to play with your left and right hand, and open the bellows on top of that, and read the music when you learn the song,” he said. “There's always lots to do.”

“(It takes) a fast brain, and multitasking.”

Gasser said a successful accordionist is someone capable of using advanced techniques without making too many errors.

Since learning his craft, Gasser has taken it all over the world. This September, he will travel to Italy to perform. Anyone interested in hearing his music can purchase any of his three CDs.

To hear Gasser in action, search emmanuelgasser on YouTube.