Country

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United States of America

Birth

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October 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, NY

 

Mat Maneri is a renowned American violist and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 4, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, Maneri grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Joe Maneri, was a jazz saxophonist and composer, while his mother, Lydia, was a pianist and singer. From a young age, Maneri was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, classical, and world music. Maneri began playing the violin at the age of five, and by the time he was a teenager, he had already developed a deep passion for music. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1990. During his time at the conservatory, Maneri studied with renowned musicians such as Joe Maneri, John Zorn, and Gunther Schuller. After completing his studies, Maneri began performing and recording with various jazz and classical ensembles. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative musician, known for his unique approach to the viola. Maneri's playing style is characterized by his use of microtonal intervals, which allow him to create a wide range of tonal colors and textures. Throughout his career, Maneri has collaborated with many notable musicians, including pianist Cecil Taylor, saxophonist Joe Morris, and guitarist Joe McPhee. He has also released several albums as a bandleader, including "Sustain" (1997), "Trinity" (2001), and "Pentagon" (2005). One of Maneri's most significant performances was his appearance at the 1997 Berlin Jazz Festival. He performed with his trio, which included bassist Ed Schuller and drummer Randy Peterson. The performance was well-received by both critics and audiences, and it helped to establish Maneri as a major force in the world of jazz and classical music. In addition to his work as a performer, Maneri is also a respected composer. He has written music for a variety of ensembles, including string quartets, jazz combos, and orchestras. His compositions are known for their complex harmonies and intricate rhythms, and they often incorporate elements of jazz, classical, and world music. Maneri has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1999, he was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which allowed him to continue his work as a composer and performer. He has also been recognized by the DownBeat Critics Poll, which named him "Rising Star Violist" in 2001 and "Violist of the Year" in 2003. Despite his many accomplishments, Maneri remains dedicated to his craft and continues to push the boundaries of classical music. He is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential violists of his generation, and his contributions to the world of music will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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