From Haiti to
the World Stage

Described by critics as a pianist who possesses a virtuoso technique with a large and focused tone. Haitian born pianist, Nerva Altino, began his piano studies under the tutelage of his father, Jean Lecome Altino, a former church musician in his homeland. As a pre-teen, Nerva continued his studies at the Davis Music Studio, where he studied piano and organ. While there, he completed the LTCL diploma in piano performance, at only 17 years old, from Trinity College, in London.

Growing up in Queens NY, Nerva's love for music was fostered both inside and outside the home. At a young age, Nerva watched piano greats, Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubenstein, Andre Watts, and others on Public Television, which affirmed his decision to become a pianist. The music scene in New York provided he and his brother, Robenson, with exposure to a variety of musical genres, including Classical, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, and R&B. While attending Church, Nerva was also inspired by Hymns and Spirituals.

At 18, Nerva continued his quest for excellence in music by attending Atlantic Union College, in South Lancaster Massachusetts, where he studied piano with Kaestner Robertson and Roy Imperio; along with pipe organ with renowned organist, William Ness. After completing his studies at AUC, Nerva was accepted in the Masters' program for Piano Performance, at the Manhattan School of Music. Following his graduation from MSM, in 2001, Nerva made his professional debut at Alice Tully Hall, in Lincoln Center, performing Tchaikovsky's piano concerto #1, with the Ensemble Du Monde orchestra. The NY Amsterdam newspaper stated that “Nerva's performance of the Tchaikovsky concerto brought something quite personal to the score”.

In 2005, Nerva returned to Lincoln Center, this time performing in the larger Avery Fisher Hall (now David Geffen Hall) where he was piano soloist for Beethoven's Choral Fantasy to a near sold out audience. Nerva has appeared on numerous television shows/programs, including: CBS NY Sunday Morning Show, NBC's Today Show “Positively Black”, TBN Hour of Power, and others. As a recitalist, he has toured and performed in prestigious concert venues and Megachurches throughout the US, Europe, China, and the Caribbean. He has also toured as piano soloist with the Puerto Rico National orchestra, and featured soloist with the Thayer Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Southern California Symphony, and more…

In October, 2015, Nerva made his Carnegie Hall debut, headlining a production where he premiered his own double piano concerto based on the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", which included himself and his brother as piano soloists (duo), featuring over 130 singers, and a 70 piece Orchestra. Nerva has been the first prize winner of numerous Music Competitions, including the Debose National Piano Competition in 1993 and 1995, Thayer Young Artists competition in 1995 and 1996, and the Luis Ferre International Piano Competition in 1996. Nerva is currently part of a piano duo alongside his younger brother, Robenson. Together, they are known as the Altino Brothers.

In addition to a career as a concert artist, Nerva believes that part of his calling is to serve as a church musician. He is also a gifted organist, composer, and choral leader. In 2002, he and Robenson founded the Altino Brothers Concert Chorale, a 100 voice chorus which they co-led for 16 years. In 2008, he wrote an original sacred Oratorio called the “Second Coming” based on the Biblical books of Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation, which debuted to a capacity crowd at The Riverside Church, in NYC — and received enthusiastic reviews from the NY music critics. Today, Nerva maintains a very busy schedule as a concert performer, and Music Director. He currently serves as Music Director and organist at the Linden Seventh Day Adventist Church, in Queens, NY; and The Congregational Church of New Canaan, in CT. Most recently, Nerva, along with his brother, have established the J&R Foundation For the Arts (in honor of their late parents); a non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate and expose young people to the Performing Arts, particularly in the area of Jazz and Classical Music.

Robenson Altino began learning the piano under tutelage of his father, Jean-Lecome, at the age of 8. Although his father wanted him to play the violin, Robenson protested and chose the piano, as he was influenced by the enthusiasm of his older brother, Nerva.

Robenson's love for music was also fostered both inside and outside of their home. As he listened daily to his father and brother practice, it was not long before he, too, dedicated himself to mastering the piano. After 3 years of study with his father, Robenson enrolled at the Davis Music Studio in Queens, NY.

Throughout his teens Robenson watched piano greats Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubenstein, and Andre Watts on public television which affirmed his decision to also become a concert pianist. Unlike his older brother, Robenson did not play for church during his formative years, he preferred to focus on the classics. But, while in High School, he began to realize the advantages of being a church musician, in addition to being an aspiring concert pianist. Therefore, he began to play for church, and eventually expanded his studies to conducting.

At 18 years of age, Robenson auditioned and was accepted at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music for his undergraduate studies where he studied piano with Solomon Mokowsky and Sheryl Canellakis. In 1999, he re-auditioned and was accepted in the Masters program at MSM. While there, Robenson also pursued training in choral conducting. In May of 2001, he, alongside his brother received his Masters Degrees in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music. This accomplishment was the culmination of discipline and dedication Robenson attained early during his formative years, as he practiced an average 5-7 hours daily, this eventually developed into an innovative style and virtuosic technique at the piano.

In May 2002, Robenson made his professional NY debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, performing Prokofiev's piano concerto #3, to rave reviews. The following quote is a description of that performance by a NY music critic: “Robenson's interpretation of the Prokofiev 3rd rivals any world class piano virtuoso of his generation”. In 2005, he returned to Lincoln Center to perform Ravel's piano concerto for the Left Hand to a near sold out crowd, at Avery Fisher Hall. His dynamic concerts with his brother have dazzled audiences all over the US, Europe, and the Caribbean — and have earned him rave reviews for his interpretations of the Classical masters. Robenson possesses a multi-genre repertoire that also combines Jazz idioms, Classical motifs, with Gospel and Caribbean rhythms, which make his performances memorable, inspirational, and very entertaining.

Robenson has appeared on numerous television shows/programs, including: CBS NY Sunday Morning Show, NBC's Today Show “Positively Black”, TBN Hour of Power, and others. He has also performed in Concert Halls, Colleges/Universities, and Churches throughout the US, including Lincoln Center, Yale University's Woolsey Hall, Mechanics Hall, The Congressional Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast, The Library of Congress, Christian Cultural Center, and countless others. Robenson made his Carnegie Hall debut, in October, 2015, performing the Liszt Eb piano concerto, and co-premiered his brother's newly written double piano concerto based on the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Along with his brother, Robenson recently co-founded the J&R Foundation For the Arts, in honor of his late parents.

In addition to his work as a concert musician, Robenson is currently active as a piano pedagogue, and church musician.