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CORONA, Calif., Aug 11, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Internationally renowned accordion player Anthony Galla-Rini has died in Corona, Calif., after suffering a heart seizure. He was 102.
Galla-Rini's son, Ron, said the musician died July 30 at Corona Regional Medical Center, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
The self-taught musician, born Jan. 18, 1904, in Manchester, Conn., was renowned as a composer and arranger of popular and classical music for the accordion.
"It was his entire life's work, to elevate the accordion to a concert instrument," Ron Galla-Rini said.
In addition to his concert work, Galla-Rini played the accordion on many film scores, including such well-known films as "Laura" (1944) and "High Noon" (1952).
Galla-Rini is survived by his son, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday at Olive Branch Community Church in Corona, where an ensemble of accordionists will play music arranged by Galla-Rini as a tribute.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
