Accordionist
SUSAN ATHENA
Susan Athena Kerek Seel was the first Canadian to hold the Canadian Accordion Championship title for youth, for 3 years in a row. Classically trained by one of Canada’s leading accordionists of the time - who was trained under the tutelage of Boris Borgstrom, son of Ernst Borgstrom, famous for performing before the kings and queens of European royalty during the 1800's, Susan Athena began her teaching career at the age of 14 at Antonelli Accordion Studio, under the direction of Nicholas Antonelli and teacher and mentor Wendy Ward Bauder, at Antonelli’s prominent accordion studio, an hour outside of Toronto, Ontario, before moving to B.C.
Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, who had been an accordionist in Budapest, Hungary, Susan Athena’s own love of the “Sounds of the European walkways” inspires her passionate style and deep expression – becoming her musical signature – and is pleased to bring the European Café genre to the beautiful Okanagan Valley.
Photo credit: Bonne Belle Photography
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Gallery
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Reviews
“I am a big fan of Susan's stellar accordion prowess.
I am an accordion player as well so I appreciate all that it takes to do what Susan does. When I hear her I can't help but realize what I am seeing and hearing is so unique and complex.....
The accordion players hands need to flow independent of one another with a completely blind left hand with over a hundred buttons. Plus the bellows that provide the air to form the sound through the reeds are being constantly manipulated to create the dynamics we all take for granted as listeners. All the while just carrying the instrument, which in Susan's case, because of the complexity of the instrument, is very, very heavy. She makes it all look so graceful... And then add, reading the musical charts on top of all that.....wow!
I have heard great accordion players in Italy, New Orleans and other places in the world and Susan is of that calibre for sure. Truly a thing of beauty.
I hold high recommendations to anyone looking to push their event to the next level.”
Tony Koenen
Recording Artist.
Singer/Songwriter and Multi-instrumentalist
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“Your performance was amazing.”
“It gave me chills and all these years later still brings me smiles.
I have heard accordians playing traditional music, but never have I witnessed anyone play the accordian so masterfully.”
Lorel G. Sternig,
Artist & Crossing Bridges Outreach Coordinator at Kamloops Arts Council
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“You deserve all of the attention you are getting and we are thrilled to have you playing for WAM!! Wine, Art & Music! at the Rotary Centre for the Arts”
“That was a magical time and I am honored to have heard you and your beautiful accordion in live performance. You don't only play the notes, you feel the music.
Congratulations on your upcoming recording of the music people will love to hear!”
Shelly Vida
Multi -year Artistic Director at Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts and Co-Producer of the
BC Interior Music Awards
Okanagan Arts Award Winner for “Supporter of the Arts”
Singer; Musician; and event producer at VIDA Promotions Inc.
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"That was just wonderful....your music makes me dream."
Anna Jacyszyn
Vocalist and award winning jazz singer; songwriter; actress; newspaper columnist; host and founder of the Jazz Café; and recipient of the Civic Honour of the Arts award, and the Okanagan Arts award in Music, with a proclamation from the mayor for raising the bar in Kelowna!
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“Your music transported us to a magical place - so lovely!”
Lynda Norman
Co-founder of Kelowna Arts Council / Musician; Artist; and Owner of Ban Draoi Studio
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“George surprised us with Susan, a beautiful accordian player who serenaded us.
Felt like a Felini movie.”
Kim Rhindress
Singer/Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist; Owner of Kelowna Voice Lab
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“Thank you so much for your incredible performance and music!”
Deb Green
Casting Director
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"The first time...
...the first time when someone sees or hears something extraordinary like a flowering cherry orchard, the Canadian Rockies, a hummingbird fly, a 100' waterfall, the Eiffel Tower, a full orchestra.... it sears into your very being and into your soul. That is how I felt the first time Athena shared her extraordinary talent with me. A private concert just for me. As she opened her accordion and started to play, electricity was in the air. Her interpretation of the melody and the way her body became one with her instrument gave me that first time feeling! Simply put, it was shear beauty.
Since that moment in time, Athena has performed and dazzled many an audience both large and small. Talent like hers is a rare find and must be seen and enjoyed in every setting.... like a vineyard or a theatre or a special occasion. I highly recommend to contact her and be amazed...
I am George Cwiklewski, past President of Viva Musica Production Co; proud recipient of Kelowna Civic Awards Man of the Year Finalist and Honour in the Arts Award recipient; Okanagan Angel Award for music; Judge for Kelowna Lady of the Lake competition; and Judge for Hospice Fundraiser "Swinging with the Stars" for five years - thus, a good judge of amazing talent!!"
George Cwiklewski
Singer; Songwriter, Musician; and above involvement in the arts; as well as
Past President of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board
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