Pyotr Dranga

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Piotr Dranga

Pyotr Dranga (Russian: Пётр Юрьевич Дранга).
Following in his father's footsteps (who brought the accordion to classical music performances), Pyotr Dranga introduced the accordion to the Russian stage. As the first person to do this, Dranga created a new genre which revived this forgotten instrument. After his first performance, this new pop style developed rapidly. Now he has many fans and imitators^[1]. Due to his contributions, accordion presentations have become an entertaining spectacular as he manages to dance with this heavy instrument on parquet and even on ice.

[edit] Biography

Poytr Dranga, a Russian accordionist, was born into a family of musicians. His father, Yuri Dranga, a People's Artist of Russia, is professor of the Gnesin Academy of music. Owing to the influence of his father Poytr Dranga began to practice the accordion.

In 1990 he was admitted to the Moscow Music School named after "Richter".

Pyotr was had his first success in 1996 when he became a winner of the sixth open music competition of accordionists in Moscow. Pyotr then won the first prize at the international accordion competition in Castelfidardo (Italy). This was followed by other music competitions, where he also found himself on the winners list.

In 2002 Pyotr went to work in the North Caucasus. After his return he created a recording studio and organised a vocal & instrumental band called Overdrive.

In 2004 Pyotr Dranga began to perform in recitals. His first concert in Moscow took place at the April 1 2004, where he interpreted Latin America rhythms and french chansons.

The release of his first album, named 23, was at the same time and includes 12 tracks (10 of which were composed by Dranga himself). According to a report in Newsmusic after the release of his album:

"In his compositions one can hear the reminiscences of works of Andrey Petrov, Alla Pugacheva and Astor Piazzolla. But Dranga can individualise even such repercussions. In the tune Gaucho dance (from the film Winter evening in Gagres) he approaches different Latino styles at the same time, and even easily passes to acid jazz."^[2]

He mainly gives performances on tours through out the country. Nowadays his original style is very recognizable and well known by the audience.