International husband & wife team, Mark from the United States and Helena from the former Czechoslovakia. Each began performing their art at age five in their respective countries. Over the years Mark progressed on the accordion. Meanwhile from age seven throughout her childhood Helena sang on Czechoslovak National Radio and performed in musicals on both Czechoslovak National TV and live theater in Prague. In recent years Mark has composed many piano pieces, some of which were choreographed and published as dances. In addition, he is a songwriter, and some of his songs are on this CD. Mark and Helena have performed for many years, presenting a unique blend of Czech, Slovak and other European folk songs as well as modern classics, cabaret numbers and selections from musicals. Helena also performs as a singer, dancer and actor in local theaters in Portland, Oregon, as well as in independent films. Mark and Helena are the founders of GREATHOUSE of Music and live near Portland, Oregon. Their dance books, Dancing for Fun, Book 1 and Book 2, are distributed as eBooks by Amazon, Apple and Barnes & Noble. They also have a line of CDs available through their website: www.greathouseofmusic.com. "There is something about Mark and Helena's combination of music and theatrics that just make the entire audience grin from ear to ear. Its difficult not be both highly humored and charmed by their chemistry and style. Absolutely delightful!" Jerry Mouawad Co-artistic Director Imago Theater, Portland, Oregon "The Greathouse of Music always leaves the audience wanting more. Fantastic, unique interpretations of classics with originals thrown in as well. The music goes from bright and campy to dark and intense...songs sung in English and Czech... costume changes and dance. They are a rare duo that pulls off this variety with elan. They are one of my favorite acts, and my audience members always ask when they will be back in the Parlour!" Miz Kitty Artistic Director Miz Kitty's Parlour Vaudeville Novelty Show, Portland, Oregon