Background
Mennin, Peter was born on May 17, 1923 in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States.
composer music conservatory administrator
Mennin, Peter was born on May 17, 1923 in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States.
Student, Oberlin Conservatory, 1940-1942. Studied with, Howard Hanson. Studied conducting with, Serge Koussevitsky at, Tanglewood, Mass.
In 1958, he was named Director of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, then in 1962 became President of the Juilliard School, a position he held until his death in 1983. Under his leadership, Juilliard moved from Claremont Avenue to its present location at Lincoln Center. Mennin is responsible for the addition of drama and dance departments at Juilliard.
He also started the Master Class Program, and brought many artists to teach including Maria Callas, Pierre Fournier and others. He began composing at an early age, and wrote nine symphonies, several concertos, and numerous works for wind band, chorus, and other ensembles. His style became more chromatic and astringent with time, but was always essentially tonal, relying heavily on polyphony.
Mennin's fifth symphony of 1950, which is tonal, energetic and suspenseful, was recorded by Howard Hanson and the Eastman Rochester Orchestra in the Mercury series of American classical works. His work received renewed attention in the CD era, and now all his symphonies have been recorded (except for the withdrawn #1 and #2). His notable students include Van Cliburn, Jacob Druckman, Richard Danielpour, Karl Korte, Charles L. Bestor, Jack Behrens, and Claire Polin.
Member advisory panel United States Information Agency, 1961. Member exec; Member League Composers (board dirs.
Children: Felica, Mark.