Once you hear modern rock artist Antonio Pontarelli, you will never forget the sound of this passionate singer/songwriter/ electric violinist. He puts a spin on everything he plays to make it his own creating a signature trademark.

Antonio picked up a violin at the age of three and started winning competitions by age seven. His parents shortly discovered that their child was gifted in music and it wasn't long before he was playing on national television. His electrifying performance and arrangement of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" won NBC's ITV's "America 's Most Talented Kids" in November 2004. In February 2005, he delivered the performance of the season in their "Tournament of Champions" episode when he ignited the audience with his very first note. Antonio held them captive until his theatrical finale and was crowned the "Grand Champion." Later that year he had the honor of being the "Young Artist Awards" winner for "Outstanding Young Rock Musician." The awards are helmed as the Oscars for talented young people in film, television and music.

Today Antonio is focused on performing with his band and recording his debut CD. He also has recently recorded with System of the Down leader Serj Tankian. In addition he has performed on stage with Jethro Tull. When he's not playing he spends time promoting the GRAMMY organization's educational programs and bringing music into the lives of those who are less fortunate. Antonio wants his music to inspire others and hopes it can one day make a difference!

AWARDS

NATIONAL TELEVISION

02/11/2007 - 5PM PST - The Grammy Awards, Staples Center, LA, CA, Special “Red Carpet” performance and interviews on CNN, E, Jimmy Kimball and the TV Guide Channel
02/08/2006 - 5PM PST - The Grammy Awards, Staples Center, LA, CA, Special “Red Carpet” performance and interviews on The Tonight Show, E and the TV Guide Channel
12/01/2005 - 6PM EST, NBC ITV, "America's Most Talented Kid's" "Tournament of Champions" - Grand Champion- Encore Performance
07/21/2005 - 8PM EST, NBC ITV "America's Most Talented Kid's" "Tournament of Champions" - Grand Champion     06/21-18/2005 - Swept Away TV, COX TV . Featured Rising Star
02/18/2005 - 8PM EST, NBC PAX, "America's Most Talented Kid's" "Tournament of Champions" - Grand Champion 02/13/2005 - 7PM EST, NBC PAX, "America's Most Talented Kid's" "Tournament of Champions" - Grand Champion
11/12/2004 - 8PM EST, NBC PAX, "America's Most Talented Kid's" - Winner
11/07/2004 - 7PM EST, NBC PAX, "America's Most Talented Kid's" - Winner
12/16/2002 - 10PM FOX TV News, Featured as a child prodigy soloist/composer
11/05/2002 - 4PM EST FOX TV, Rob Nelson Show, guest and featured soloist/composer

SHARED THE STAGE WITH

Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Jethro Tull, Seal, Billy Preston, Mark O'Connor, Richie Cole (Manhattan Transfer), Ray Charles, Marshall Hawkins (Miles Davis), Tommy Castro, Les Brown, Cybil Shephard, Paul Horn, David Benoit, Kenny G, Earth Wind and Fire, Rick Emmett (Triumph), Mark Wood , Southern California Chamber Soloists, YMF Debut Orchestra (Disney Orchestra), San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra, Inland Valley Symphony, San Diego Symphony.

POSITIONS

2005-2006 - Grammy Camp singer/songwriter scholarship recipient 
2003-present - Lead singer/ songwriter/ instrumentalist for modern rock band “Antonio Pontarelli”
2003-2005 - Concert Master, San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra
2001-2003 - Assistant Concert Master, San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra
2001-2002 - First Violin, San Diego Youth Symphony Symphonic Orchestra
2001-2004 - First Violin scholarship recipient Young Musicians' Foundation Debut Orchestra (Disney Orchestra)
2001-2004 - Violin Scholarship recipient, Idyllwild Arts Orchestra, Idyllwild, California
2000-2003 - Concert Master, California Youth Symphony Orchestra  

STUDY / MENTORS

Studied piano and music theory and composition since age six and violin since age four. Currently studies violin with Hernan Costantino assistant concert master for the San Diego Symphony and Jesus Florido. Studies voice with Billy Purnell and Eric Vetro and is self taught on guitar. Has had a mentor relationship with the late Isaac Stern and works each summer with Grammy winner Mark O’Connor and Emmy winner Mark Wood.