Name: Theo Walentiny

From: Maplewood, New Jersey

Education: The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music

I play and teach: Piano

Biography: Pianist, composer and improviser Theo Walentiny was born in 1996 and raised in New Jersey, growing up in an artistic home, his father an abstract painter and his mother an art therapist. He began studying classical music and improvisation from age 6. Eventually, Theo discovered McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea and Charles Mingus, among others, leading him to further study jazz and improvised music. He began to study privately under jazz pianist Oscar Perez and taught himself music technology skills that would guide him toward an interest in scoring films. Theo moved to New York City in 2014 to continue his studies at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, with his teachers including Reggie Workman, Jane Ira Bloom and Kirk Nurock. Walentiny’s world of influences broadened to include Andrew Hill, Cecil Taylor, Tyshawn Sorey, Corey Smythe, Toru Takemitsu and Henri Dutilleux.

Along with being a co-founder of the Aurelia Trio with bassist Nick Dunston and drummer Connor Parks, Theo has led a septet that showcases his compositions, with inspirations ranging from classical Impressionism and Romanticism to modern jazz and his collaborations with visual artists. Theo has performed with Metropolis Ensemble, Arta Jekabsone, Kalia Vandever, Lucas Kadish, Secret Mall among others. Along with playing top venues in the United States, Theo has performed in Israel, Switzerland and China. He released his debut album “Looking Glass” on April 2, 2021. This album is a collection of solo piano improvisations recorded in the fall of 2019.