Altino Brothers

Virtuoso pianists Nerva and Robenson Altino are two unique Haitian born brothers who have dedicated their lives to excellence in music. Although they are dedicated to their craft, they make it possible to live as normal as they busy schedule permits. Nerva is very laid back and easy going (except in rehearsals), Robenson is quiet (when he wants to be) and plays the role of comedian at times. They are both very intense when working.

Both of the brothers grew up in Queens New York where they experienced prejudice simply for the fact that they're Haitian. They've encountered many fights in school because of this. One of those fights resulted with Nerva having broken his right hand from defending himself. Both admit that it was a blessing in disguise because those experiences made them very tough mentally and it made them more determined to succeed. "The idea of playing the piano was something that I was just obsessed with" states Nerva. Before coming to this country at 10 (Nerva) and 8 (Robenson) years old the brothers lived in a very poor condition in Haiti. Their story begins with their father Jean Lecome Altino.

In search for a better life for his family, Jean Lecome left Haiti in 1978 on a banana boat heading to where he hoped would be the United States. After spending two months at sea with little or no food, he was expected to die, like many around him who did'nt make it. His faith in God and the thought of leaving his wife and children to die from poverty drove him to survive the trip in which he arrived in the Bahamas. For 2 1/2 months Jean Lecome had no way of communicating with his family. His wife Ruth Altino and children did not know his whereabouts and he did not know of theirs. After getting himself settled in the Bahamas Jean Lecome was able to get non-contracted jobs as a construction worker. I remember my mother saying to us "I did not get a check from daddy, I don't know how we're going to eat today" states Nerva. Somehow we would have something to eat before the day ended.....Although it was often bread and sugar water, Nerva admits that it was like a gourmet meal to them at the time.

After 1 year of living in the Bahamas, Jean Lecome was able to come to the United States. After settling in New York City, he was able to send for his wife in 1981, and finally his two sons in 1983. Upon arriving in the United States, Nerva and Robenson began piano lessons with their father (who is also an amateur pianist) the very next day. It was a great joy for both of them. While other kids would fight not to practice, Nerva and Robenson did the exact opposite, they fought each other to get more practice time at the piano. Their father was their first musical influence, this was followed by their 1st professional teacher George Davis who was a great influence to them in their teens. The boys decided that they would be Concert Pianists after Mr. Davis showed them a tape of the African American virtuoso Andre Watts. "Andre made playing the piano look cool" says both the brothers. They were also influenced by such greats as Arthur Rubenstein, Vladimir Horowitz, and Jazz/blues greats as Art Tatum, and Ray Charles.

Growing up in New York City, the brothers learned to appreciate all different styles of music, R&B, Rap, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Gospel, Athems, and Hymns. Nerva has a great love for the Hymns of the Church. He admits that arranging Hymns is what he enjoys doing most aside from playing the piano. The brothers add a twist to their music because they both feel that people should be able to relate to what they play. After careful observations in attending concerts and requesting feedback from members of their own audiences, the brothers realized that playing Bach and Beethoven all the time does not appeal to the masses. Although they love to perform the great masters such as Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, among many others, it is the recognizable Hymn, spiritual, popular tunes that audiences enjoy most. Although the cartoon character "Bugs Bunny has been classical music's biggest advocate" states Robenson, it is a combination of all those genres that appeals most to our audiences. The brothers feel that classical musicians are not considerate enough to their listeners. I often go to Concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and notice that many of the audience members would fall asleep during the performances says Nerva. This happens every time we go to these Concerts. We don't want our concerts to be that way, we want everyone who attend our Concerts saying "WOW! I really had a good time" says Robenson. Aside from music both of the brothers enjoy sports, in particular Basketball and Soccer.


Although neither of them play these sports anymore, in their spare time they enjoy watching them. Nerva also plays the Organ, and Robenson conducts.