Renato Chicco – pianist, organist, composer, educator. Renato Chicco is a graduate of both the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria and Berklee College of Music in Boston. While living in New York City (1990 - 2000) he was a member of the legendary Lionel Hampton Orchestra (1990-1991) and was pianist and musical director for Jon Hendricks & Company (1991-1997). In addition, Renato has performed and recorded with Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Wynton Marsalis, Lou Donaldson, Junior Cook, Benny Golson, Milt Hinton, Joe Williams, Al Foster, Steve Grossman, Jerry Bergonzi, John Abercrombie and many others. As a leader, Renato has recorded five CDs, two of which include his arrangements of Slovenian folk songs. Renato is currently professor for jazz improvisation at the University of Music in Graz, Austria, and continues to perform all over the world. Renato Chicco has been called "pianist par excellence" by Jon Hendricks.
