“Clemente plays with brilliance and originality, and, best of all, he plays with depth of feeling.”
- David Leisner
A native of New England, award winning guitarist Peter Clemente is a frequent recitalist and committed music educator. An eclectic musician with influences from both classical and improvisatory traditions, his playing has been described as “sumptuous classical guitar” (Camden Herald), and “haunting expressiveness” (Worcester Telegram and Gazette).
Mr. Clemente’s performance career began with First Prize awards in the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Solo Competition in 1986 and the Ovation Classical Guitar Competition in 1981. In addition, he was chosen by maestro Andres Segovia as a finalist in the Segovia Fellowship Competition held at New York University in 1984, and was a Second Prize winner in the International Guitar Competition of Puerto Rico in 1985. He has since performed in solo and chamber music settings throughout New England and beyond. Some noteworthy performances include those for Bay Chamber Concerts, Boston and CT Classical Guitar Societies, Rochester Chamber Music Society, WCRB Copley Square Concert Series, and at venues such as Weill Hall (with soprano Katherine Emory), Mechanics Hall, Cornell University, Jordan Hall, University of Texas and many more. Hailed by Soundboard magazine for his “professionalism and musical aplomb,” Clemente is further recognized for his creative programming, often including original compositions and improvisations alongside traditional repertory. Viewing the voice of the guitar as transformative, he has also worked with composers such as the late Daniel Pinkham and film score writer John Kusiak in the preparation and performance of new and exciting works for the instrument.
Noted in Classical Guitar magazine for his “fine tone, creditable technique, and insightfulness into the music,” Clemente has collaborated with some of New England’s finest performers in both recordings and concerts. These include guitar duos with John Muratore, and with Mark Small with whom he recorded the album, Fast Falls the Eventide for Utah’s Joyspring Records in 2005. He was also featured on the 2011 album, Grace with international jazz saxophone and Berklee sensation, Grace Kelly. Additional collaborations have been with members of the Klezmer Conservatory Band, jazz violinist Mimi Rabson, soprano Maria Ferrante, tenor William Hite, and flautist Jill Dreeben with whom he recorded the album, Monhegan Suite and Other Musical Journeys in 2012. He has been a welcome guest soloist with many performing groups including the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Central Massachusetts Symphony, Symphony Pro Musica, and the Meliora String Quartet.
Mr. Clemente holds degrees from both The Hartt School and New England Conservatory where he studied the guitar with Richard Provost and David Leisner. He currently devotes considerable time to teaching as an Artist/Teacher at The Hartt School, and at Assumption College where, in addition to the guitar, he has designed courses in world music – an area of secondary emphasis inspired by the music of Astor Piazzolla. Mr. Clemente has held previous teaching positions at Boston University, Tufts University, and the Longy School.