On October 3, 2021 Mary and Mario Tacca opened their home and gardens to sixty guests who came to listen to the beautiful melodious sounds of the Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble. Tents, tables and chairs were set up to give the guests a clear view of The Ensemble and the flower gardens. The afternoon began with a light lunch for everyone, followed by the Ensemble opening with the festive Cajun piece, “Jambalaya”. The music repertoire, with all music arrangements written by Mario, gave the audience a wide variety of music, including “Lara’s Theme”, “Polka du bas Berry”, “Besame Mucho” and others.

There was a short Intermission, with Mary and Mario entertaining the guests for the second half of the program. Mario wowed the audience with his version of “Second Waltz,” “Tico Tico,” and “Accordion Tzigane.” Mary chose a variety of pieces, including “Send in the Clowns,” “Angels Among Us,” Medley from Les Miserables, “Ave Maria,” and“O Sole Mio.” The Finale with Mary, Mario and the Ensemble had the guests on their feet singing “America the Beautiful!”

The guests were then invited to partake of the “Viennese” table.It was a memorable musical afternoon filled with friendship and the joy of music!

Mario will be performing at Magnanini Winery on Dec 12, 2021 at 1:PM Mario and the Ensemble will perform for “An Evening in Rome” at Assumption Church Father Wilson Hall at 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling Assumption Rectory at 914-737-2071. As music venues begin to open up slowly, go to manciniandtacca.com to find the schedule of performances.

The Hudson Valley Accordion Ensemble, founded by Mario Tacca and Mary Mancini, was founded in 2018. Presently, the group consists of nine accordionists, with Mario playing and conducting, drums and guitar. Since 2018, the Ensemble has performed in several venues in Westchester County, and prior to the COVID, once a month at Taormina Restaurant in Peekskill, NY.

Mario Tacca, on the Board of Directors of the AAA, was born in Italy. During his childhood, his family moved to the Alsace Lorraine region of France where he began his musical studies. This is where his love and intense desire to play the accordion began. He loved the sound! He would pick up the accordion and imitate some of the songs his mother used to sing. The desire and love never diminished, despite having to walk three miles weekly to his teacher with his instrument strapped to his back!

While in France, he was the winner of many regional and national accordion competitions. He went on to become a world champion, winning the World Cup of Italy, the Grand Prix of Paris, the US National Competition and the International Accordion competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Mario Tacca dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his outstanding virtuosity and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop. Mario has recently been seen on MTV in a commercial for a pilot Italian Food program. Also, he was seen on the Food Network in a commercial for “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” His latest recording, “Journey Through the Classics” features great melodies from the Classic Repertoire.

Internationally acclaimed vocal artist Mary Mancini has been featured in the New York Times, the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, and the Journal News and has performed in a variety of venues around the world. Able to sing in eight different languages, Mary draws from a deep repertory reservoir. She is adept at pop, show tunes, operatic arias, and sacred music and has received worldwide acclaim. Le Republicain Lorrain, in Alsace-Lorraine, France, writes that the “purity of her voice, the ease with which she interpreted the most difficult pieces showed that she is a great artist.” The Spring City Evening News in Kunming, China, writes that “audiences were greatly impressed by Mary Mancini’s singing ability…Through her music, we see her heart is smiling.”

For further information: marytmancini@msn.com