LOS ANGELES (www.antoniomusic.com) - There has been a huge buzz surrounding the commercials that PAX TV has been airing this week. "What if
Jimi Hendrix played the violin"? Next you see Antonio Pontarelli ripping up the stage in a cloud of purple smoke electrifying the audience with his own rendition of "
Purple Haze". Moments later he drops to his knees leans back and plays behind his back as the crowd roars. Rocks newest star is not a guitarist, but a classically-trained violinist on a 6-string fretted "Viper" violin.
Prodigy rock violinist / singer / songwriter 13 year old Pontarelli was the winner of "America's Most Talented Kids". He auditioned against tens of thousands of kids nationwide. When casting heard his fiery licks and saw his passionate and engaging performance, he was immediately given a spot on the show.
Playing on the stage is not new for Pontarelli, who is Concert Master of the San
Diego Youth Symphony
Symphonic Orchestra and a first violinist for the Young Musician's Foundation Debut Orchestra. He has performed jazz and classical violin in concerts with many Grammy winners including Mark O'Connor, Richie Cole and Marshall Hawkins, and major orchestras such as the San
Diego Symphony. He has recorded his own original music and has played with award winning rock bands such as Tommy Castro. It also was just announced that he is a national 2004 winner of the ASTA (America String Teachers Association) Alternative
Styles Award
Pontarelli started playing violin when he was four and won his first violin competition when he was seven. When he was 9 years old his dad was diagnosed with a serious form of leukemia with grim prognoses.
Pontarelli, who has a deep belief in the power of music especially DNA Music, started writing a concerto for his healing. Every day when he went to see his Dad he brought his violin and played a piece of it. There was never a doubt in his mind that his Dad would have a complete and total recovery.
Friday night, we will see his Dad sitting in the audience beaming and totally healed while Antonio steals the heart of
America when he wins "America's Most Talented Kids"
Additional information about Antonio including a video clip of Fridays show is published on his website;
https://www.antoniomusic.com Airing on
National Television Friday Nov. 12
PAX TV: check local listings
