MARIO ABRIL

MARIO ABRIL
　　Mario Abril, brilliant young musician and concert artist was born in Havana, Cuba. He began the study of piano and violin, as well as music theory and literature at a very early age. Still in his teens, he took part in the ill-fated Cuban Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. He was captured, and during his 22 month imprisonment he met the well known Cuban guitarist Hector Garcia who was also a political prisoner. Garcia became Abril's teacher, and for the next several years after their release from prison, the two musicians worked together. Later, Abril studied guitar under the renowned English virtuoso Julian Bream. Abril's academic accreditation includes a degree in guitar from the University of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a Ph. D. degree in music theory from The Florida State University, School of Music.
　　Abril has performed extensively in the United States and abroad. Of his playing, The Toronto Globe And Mail said: "Sheer technical virtuosity!" The London Free Press remarked: "He brought to the stage a knowledge of communication with an audience . . . the unmistakeable air of the professional musician - public performer.1' The Sarosota Journal claimed: "Flawless, exquisite playing." He has also been featured on television and radio in North America and England.
　　After several years on the faculty of The Florida State University, School of Music, Dr. Abril has now joined the staff of Hansen Publications as Editor-in-Chief.　