Genre-Blending Program Brings Diversity to Avery Fisher Hall

NEW YORK (Altino Brothers) - One virtuoso pianist in a family is rare; two are virtually unheard of. The Haitian-born, New York-bred Altino Brothers will make their Avery Fisher Hall debut on Sunday, April 3, 2005, at 5:00 p.m., with a mixed-bill program entitled "NO BOUNDARIES." Featuring works from both the classical repertoire and the gospel canon, the program draws on both the brothers' classical training and the musical genres they heard as children in Port-au-Prince.

The Altino Brothers will play accompanied by a full orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Stephen Tucker, and the 100-singer strong Altino Brothers Concert Chorale. True to its tagline, "Where Beethoven and Ravel meet Reggae, Blues and Gospel," the program includes Beethoven's Choral Fantasy; Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left-hand; "Yellow Bird," a Haitian folk song; and an original arrangement of "Amazing Grace" by the Altino Brothers. Tickets are $50, $40, $35, $30 at Avery Fisher Hall Box Office, at www.lincolncenter.org, and though Centercharge at 212-721-6500 (group rates are available for 15 or more; student discount 20%).

Nerva and Robenson Altino's goal is to preserve classical music while finding a bigger place for it in popular culture. "I think mixing classical with other genres is what will raise classical music's profile," says Nerva Altino, the elder of the brothers and the primary arranger. "That's what popularized the Three Tenors. I think we are going to see many more classical and non-classical music collaborations."

The Altino Brothers started their musical careers under the tutelage of their father, an amateur musician. With Jean Altino's active encouragement, they pursued their musical education relentlessly, eventually earning myriad honors and awards, as well as Masters of Piano Performance degrees from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. They have performed throughout the U.S. to great acclaim and have been featured on both radio and TV.

In addition to their upcoming concert, the Altino Brothers will release a full-length CD (their second), also entitled "No Boundaries." The CD will be released on April 4, 2005, on B.U.M.P. Records.