Allen W. Menton

The music of Allen W. Menton reflects his wide-ranging cultural interests--including literature, history, religion, dance, theater, and the visual arts--as well as the musical influence of a diverse range of genres and styles, such as Early American Hymnody, Medieval Arts Nova, Renaissance polyphony, the music of India and the Middle East, and contemporary pop and film music.

His orchestra works are frequently performed by youth, school, and community ensembles, including Interlochen, Idylwild, the Colburn School, and the Irvine Classical Players, who toured France in 2008 with his latest work for string orchestra. His collaborations with professional chamber ensembles (including the Grammy-nominated Eaken Piano Trio) have resulted in numerous premieres, and several professional recordings are in the works. He also collaborates regularly on dance and theatre projects, most notably with the Nouveau Chamber Ballet.

A dedicated and innovative teacher, Menton is currently Lecturer of Music Theory and Composition at California State University, San Bernardino. He has also served on the faculties of UCLA, Pomona College and CSU Long Beach. He holds advanced degrees in Music Composition and Comparative Literature from Stanford, Cornell, USC, and most recently UCLA.