Donna Amato

Donna Amato is an Artist Lecturer in Piano and Staff Pianist at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music, where she also serves as an Assisting Artist. She concurrently teaches piano at the University of Pittsburgh. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Amato studied under renowned pianists such as Ozan Marsh, Louis Kentner, and Guido Agosti. She holds an Honors degree in music and has performed internationally, including in Europe, North America, and Russia, with notable concerto performances and radio broadcasts on BBC and Classic FM.

Her research focuses on revitalizing underperformed works, particularly those of Kaikhosru Sorabji, for whom she created performing editions and gave world premieres. Amato has premiered Sorabji’s 5th Piano Concerto (with Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra) and his 5th Piano Symphony in New York. She has also collaborated with composers like Michael Daugherty and Nancy Galbraith, performing and recording their works.

Amato has received prestigious awards including the Diploma d'Onore from Siena’s masterclass and recognition from the National Federation of Music Clubs. Her discography includes recordings of Edward MacDowell’s concertos, Giacinto Scelsi’s early works, and contemporary composers such as Carson Cooman and Arnold Rosner. She maintains an active concert schedule in solo and chamber music performances.