Josip LONCARIC

MELBOURNE - Last week, talented young Melbourne Croatian accordion player Joseph Corio enjoyed the opportunity of a lifetime, when he showed the nation that he truly does possess some amazing musical talent.

The youngster provided the judging panel and audience of the popular Channel Seven television show, ''Australia's Got Talent'', with a moment to remember as the diminutive maestro played his accordion in scintillating fashion.

Corio appeared in the second heat of the reality show last Tuesday (April 29), which was originally recorded two months prior to the screening.

After being chauffer driven to the National Theatre in St. Kilda, Joseph, who was escorted by his mother, Emica Vukovic Corio, showed no nerves as he prepared for his moment in the spotlight.

Joseph performed admirably in front of a packed audience and of course the panel of judges, which included pop star Dannii Minogue, notorious talent judge and musician Red Symons and actor/singer Tom Burlinson.

Minogue was fascinated by the diminutive musicians ability on the squeezebox and asked a plethora of questions, whilst the ignorant Symons blatantly expressed his dislike of the accordion.

Corio was however prepared with a clever comeback, saying that he would use his Taekwondo skills on Symons, who ran away in response to the cheeky threat.

Despite a fabulous reception from the crowd and a fine performance, the youngster didn't manage to qualify for the semi-finals, but his exhibition of skill and humour will live long in the memories of the enchanted audience.