Joseph Soprani and Bon Jovi

Joe with Jon Bon Jovi Soprani arranges Opener for Bon Jovi's 1996 Tour!

The selection used to open the show for rock star Jon Bon Jovi was arranged by Joe Soprani, Philadelphia's noted accordionist, arranger and educator.

Bon Jovi (pictured with Joe) who is currently on a 20 week tour of the Far East and Europe, asked Soprani to arrange an earlier hit of his "Lay Your Hands On Me," Marching Band.

The idea was to invite local high school and college bands from towns Bon Jovi visits to perform the opening selection of "Lay Your Hands On Me." A large stage was built at each site to accommodate the 100 or more members of the Marching Bands.

Soprani, who considers this one of his biggest arranging challenges, hopes to have the arrangement published in the near future. He is encouraged by the response he has been receiving from those who have played and heard it.

Mr. Soprani is scheduled to perform in "Fiddler On The Roof" at Long Wood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA) in July.

Busy with engagements throughout the year, he recently performed with the Phillie Phanatic at the Free Library of Philadelphia. (Main) to kickoff the summer reading program. (Joe is a member of Benvenuto Lodge # 2572.)

Joe with Gary Fagan Joe Soprani (left pictured with Gary Fagan on right) performed in a new musical called "Charlotte - Life or Theatre" at the Prince Theatre (home of new music) in Philadelphia running from February 24, to March 18, 2001.

"Charlotte", which is being developed in New York City and will be premiered in Philadelphia, is based on a true story about the life of a woman whose artistic vision and will to live are an inspiration. The show will take you to the South of France during World War II where a twenty year old Jewish painter Charlotte Solomon has been in hiding only to find the meaning of life filled with persecution and distress.

She creates over 800 original paintings to chronicle her journey. The song filled score devotes the music of the 30's. Soprani has been editing the treble lead sheets since January and is assisting composer Gary Fagan in developing viable accordions parts that compliment the essence and flavor of the show.

This show was written by Gary Fagan and Elise Thoron.

Joe Soprani was the featured accordion soloist with the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Irving Ludwig at the annual fund raising concert that was held on the grounds of the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia in Essington, PA. on Sunday September 22, 2002 at 4.00 PM

The concert was entitled "A Tale of Two Countries," commemorating the trials and tribulations of the United States and the Republic of Austria. In addition to selections by Johann Strauss and John Philip Sousa, Soprani premiered his arrangements of three Viennese Dances by Fritz Kreisler for accordion and orchestra and also performed the popular "Carnival of Venice" by Paganini, a number that for many years captured the hearts of millions of audiences who heard him play it.

Irving Ludwig, violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra for over 39 years under Eugene Ormandy and Riccardo Muti, began his 13th season as conductor and musical director of the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra of Lansdowne, PA, October 2002. This marked the 57th season of the orchestra.

Soprani, who appeared with Russell Watson on GOOD MORNING AMERICA in New York, composed, arranged and performed on the accordion in a full length movie called "Invisible Mountains" by writer Rich Hoffmann and Paul Leitner, producer. Pete Tramo composed the musical score. It was premiered in the fall of 2002 at the Prince Theatre in Philadelphia.