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The American pianist/composer, Steven Romano Mento, began his music studies at 5 years of age. At 16, he was offered a scholarship to study at the University of Delaware where he ultimately received his Bachelor of Music in 1981, studying with Michael Steinberg and Leon Bates. While at the University, Steven was invited to participate in an exchange program at the Amerika Institute in Vienna Austria, studying Viennese Culture in art, music and theatre. Upon his return to the USA, he continued his piano studies with Annie Petit at the Curtis Institute. In 1987, he received his Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Temple University, where he worked with Harvey Wedeen in piano pedagogy, and Maurice Wright in composition. Steven Mento completed doctoral studies in piano performance at the University of South Carolina where he worked with Dr. Charles Fugo and John Adams. While enrolled at the University of South Carolina, he was invited to participate in a master-class conducted by Karel Husa, performing one of his compositions.
During his years of study, Steven Mento has given many solo recitals. He has performed in various locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Carolina, Florida and in Vienna, Austria, and has recorded at the Lawrenceville School. In 2002, 'Duo Mento' was formed by Steven Mento and his sister Loretta Mento to perform four-hand literature.
Steven Mento has composed over 30 compositions. In 2001, his latest composition, Elegy was commissioned by the Bay-Atlantic Symphony which made its world premiere in 2003, with the composer at the piano. He has written music for many ensembles such as the Delos String Quartet with recitals of original compositions performed on radio stations and concert halls in the USA.
Steven Mento is on the piano faculty at Stockton State College in New Jersey. He is founder and president of the Clavis Chamber Players and serves as the music critic and reviewer for the Classical New Jersey Society Journal. He was recently appointed Composer-in- Residence of the Prestige Classical Productions Foundation. |
