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The Encounter
From the age of 4, my dear father Ion Popa, started to initiate me into the inner workings of the accordion.
My father, my uncles, and my cousins played music at weddings and special events. That was such a huge opportunity for me to be surrounded by musicians. The music tradition was present in our family for several generations. My grand-father also played the accordion and worked as a blacksmith.
Accordion Training
My first accordion teacher was no doubt my father. I have followed along with the Music School Valerii Poleakov in Moldova from 1989. The college St. Neaga brought me a diploma in musical performance (classic and folk music), teaching and director of orchestra at the end of the year 2000.
The Music Conservatory was the next chapter in my musical studies which I succesfully aquired in 2002.
The Spark
The festival in Badajoz was my first experience outside my home country. That was my first encounter with the West, and, I felt that it's time for me to explore new grounds.
I have seized the opportunity to play in Canada for a festival and I packed my luggage which was nothing other than an accordion.
Montreal felt like the place to be. This "Cultural Hub" where every style has his place, and every player has a style.
The playground for musiciens were at the Upstairs Jazz Bar and Cafe Sarajevo, to name a few.
The ideal place to learn and grow was unfolding in front of my eyes.