Vjeverica Productions presents the first performance of the Accordion Stars Concert Series, an accordion concert of popular, Chinese, and International favorite songs featuring accordionists Mario Pedone and Martina Mai Li, Gold Medalist of China’s 2002 National Competition for Young Art Talents.

The concert takes place on Sunday, August 4th at 4:PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4001 Speedway, Austin, Texas.Tickets are $20/adult, $15/ Seniors and students, $10/ Teens, Free for children under 12 years.

Mario Pedone was born near Bari, Italy, and grew up in Valencia, Venezuela, where he studied accordion under two distinguished masters, Professor Miguel Casas Auge and Professor Roberto Ruscitti. In 1976 he earned his Professor of Accordion degree. Soon after, he opened a highly successful accordion teaching school. As co-founder (with Spanish singer Estaban Abarca ) of the Orquesta Latina, he toured throughout Venezuela. Mr. Pedone also has won numerous championships as an accordionist and organist.

In 1981 Mario moved his wife and children to Sugar Land, TX and continues to reside there. He has performed throughout the USA, Canada, Colombia, Italy, Sweden, and Venezuela at Accordion Clubs, Festivals, and Conventions. He is the founder and President of the Houston Accordion Club and a member of the Accordion Teachers Guild (ATG).When not teaching or giving a concert, Mr. Pedone spends his time creating new compositions as well as recording in his own studio. Mario specializes in Classical, Latin, European, and American Standards.

Martina Mai Li was born on the western plateau in China and began her accordion career when she was 7 years old. She studied under Dingcheng Zhang and went on to win the Gold Medal for Solo Accordion at China’s 2002 National Competition for Young Art Talents.

In 2008 Martina moved to Austin, Texas to do her graduate studies at the University of Texas. Having earned her Masters of Public Affairs and Master of Music degrees, she continues her studies at UT for her PhD in Ethnomusicology, focusing on the preservation and promotion of traditional music.

Ms. Li was a member of the University Javanese Gamelan Ensemble. She traveled throughout Texas performing with the Daniela Ruiz Tango Trio. In July 2009, 2010, and 2011 Martina performed at the American Accordionist’s Association’s annual Master Class Concert Series in New York City as well as at the 2012 National Accordion Convention. She is a member of the San Antonio Accordion Association and the ATG. Since April, 2012 she has studied privately under Mario Pedone.

Martina spent the early part of this summer in Hong Kong as a Cultural Liason, organizing cultural activities for UT Business School students studying abroad.

For further information:
Concerts@Vjeverica.com
512-680-0422