Peter Mennin studied at Oberlin College, followed by graduate work at Eastman School of Music. He was the winner of the first Gershwin Memorial Award in 1945 with his Symphony no. 2, which was later performed by Bernstein and awarded the Bearns Prize of Columbia University. He was the director of the Peabody Conservatory from 1958-62 and served as president of the Juilliard School in subsequent years. His compositions are conservative with romantic melodies and solid form. He belongs to the American symphonic tradition. ~ Lynn Vought, All Music Guide