Sabian - Because Sound Matters

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2008 - Lifetime Achievement Awards

Frankfurt, Germany Mar 15, 2008

Before an audience of guests in Frankfurt, Germany, SABIAN honored longtime SABIAN band and orchestral representative in Europe Anthony 'Tony' Wallis and director of drum set education Dom Famularo with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

"It is a great honor to highlight Tony Wallis and Dom Famularo," said SABIAN founder Robert Zildian. "They have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place for musicians. Tony has made a tremendous difference for drummers, percussionists and educators across Europe and the UK, and the tremendous results of his efforts should be noted and respected by all. Dom Famularo has also dedicated many years to helping others. He's a fantastic drummer who somehow manages to communicate with players around the world without any language barriers! It must be that New York accent," quipped Zildjian.

SABIAN Lifetime Achievement Awards honor those who make notable contributions to the world of percussion. Previous recipients include Jim Chapin, Joe Morello, Carmine Appice, Billy Cobham, Harvey Mason and Ed Thigpen, Dennis DeLucia, Ralph Hardimon, Arnie Lang and the late drumming great Larrie Londin.

More on information on the recipients:

ANTHONY 'TONY' WALLIS

Neither drummer nor percussionist, Anthony 'Tony' Wallis has made the world of difference for many of the world's leading musicians.

Originally from Somerset, southwest England, Tony served as an officer in the British Army, undertaking international tours of duty before entering into the world of European business and settling in Switzerland, where he remains to this day. Extremely astute and equally self-effacing, his acumen and attention to detail have seen him excel in numerous notable roles including that of consul for the British embassy in Switzerland, for which he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A longtime friend and confidant to Robert Zildjian, Tony has been central to the success of SABIAN in the UK and Europe, most notably through his diligent efforts with educators and classical percussionists including those with the Vienna Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, the Lyon Opera, Lucerne Festival Orchestra, and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. A well-read realist with great affection for the arts, his wit and wisdom have earned him the respect of all.

Often assisted by his talented and wonderful wife Angela, Tony Wallis epitomizes all that is honorable. He is, in two words, quietly outstanding.

DOM FAMULARO

If ever there was a drummer with a mission, it's Dom Famularo. A New Yorker with a passion for playing, Dom is a uniquely exciting musician with the power to communicate, entertain, inform, and inspire. A star of clinic, masterclass and festival events around the world, he brings to every performance an energy that articulates his passion and motivates his audience. Indeed, from Canada to China, across the UK and Europe, into South America, around the Pacific Rim and the countries of the Mediterranean and beyond, Dom - his drumming, his philosophical insight, and his humor add up to a star attraction for those who play ? and those who want to play ? drums. 

Dom's own drumming ? a blistering combination of wicked hands and furious feet ? enthralls with solos that veer through myriad styles and stretch the imagination. Highly creative, technically flawless, and exploding with energy, his performances have earned him the respect of such greats as Terry Bozzio, David Garibaldi and Chester Thompson.

Like his teachers, the greats Al Miller and Jim Chapin, Dom Famularo ? whether through his Cycle of Self-Empowerment book, his playing, or his sheer enthusiasm ? has made his mark by sharing his wisdom with the world.

Report: Wayne Blanchard
Photography: Jerome Marcus