James Lentini

James Lentini (born February 7, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American composer, guitarist, and academic administrator.

James Lentini
Born (1958-02-07) February 7, 1958
Detroit, Michigan
NationalityAmerican
EducationWayne State University, Michigan State University, University of Southern California
Occupations
  • American composer
  • guitarist
  • academic administrator
Musical career
Instrument(s)Guitar
Websitejameslentini.net

After completing undergraduate studies at Wayne State University in guitar performance and composition, he pursued a master‘s degree in composition at Michigan State University and a doctorate from the University of Southern California, where he studied composition with Robert Linn and Morten Lauridsen. In addition to composing, Lentini is a guitarist who has studied with William Kanengiser, Joe Fava, and Charles Postlewate.

Compositions

His music has been performed by solo artists such as guitarist William Kanengiser and by international ensembles including the Krakow Philharmonic (Poland) and the Bohuslav Martinů Orchestra (Czech Republic). In addition to many commissions, his honors include first prize in the 2004 Choral Composition Contest at Bluffton University for his composition "Peace I Leave With You,"[1] the 2002 Andrés Segovia International Composition Prize for his solo guitar piece "Westward Voyage,"[2][3] the Atwater-Kent Composition Award (first Prize), the McHugh Composition Prize, a grant from "Meet the Composer," and several awards from ASCAP. In 2003, Lentini participated as a juror in the Segovia International Guitar Competition in La Herradura, Spain.[4] He has been a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome, and his work has been featured in new music festivals throughout Europe and the United States. In reviewing the recording "James Lentini, Chamber Music," released on the American Classics series by Naxos Records, critic Laurence Vittes, writing in Gramophone Magazine, called Lentini a "...typical classical music success story," and went on to describe Lentini's composition "Scenes from Sedona" by stating that "...the pièce de résistance of the disc may be 'Scenes from Sedona,' perhaps the best piece for viola and cello since Beethoven’s 'Eyeglasses' duet.[5] In 2009, Lentini's suite for solo guitar entitled "The Four Seasons" was published by Mel Bay.[6]

Academic career

From 2003 to 2007, Lentini served as the founding Dean of the School of Art, Media, and Music at The College of New Jersey. Previously, Lentini held the position of Professor of Composition at Wayne State University from 1988 to 2003, where he also served as Acting Chair and Associate Chair of the Department of Music. In 2007, Lentini accepted the appointment of Dean of the School of Creative Arts at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio,[7][8] overseeing the Departments of Music, Art, Theatre, and Architecture/Interior Design, in addition to the Performing Arts Series and the University Museum.[9] He is recognized as an arts advocate and fundraiser through his efforts to promote the importance of the arts in education.[7][10][11] In 2012, his new musical arrangement of Miami University's Alma Mater was performed in Carnegie Hall.[12][13]

In 2013, Lentini received a Career Achievement Award in the Field of Music from Wayne State University.[14][15] In May, 2013, he was named as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Oakland University in Rochester, MI.[16]

In 2020, he was named as president of Molloy College.[17][18]

Publications and recordings

His works are published by Mel Bay, Editorial de Musica Española Contemporanea, Acoma Editions, Doberman-Yppan, and the Society of Composers, Inc. Recordings appear on the Navona, Naxos, Capstone, and CRS recording labels.[19][20]

References
  1. Bluffton University Press Release, April 22, 2004.
  2. "James Lentini gana el premio de Composición del Certamen de Guitarra …". sevilla.abc.es. October 21, 2017. Archived from the original on October 21, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  3. "IGRC Conference 18th - 23rd March 2016" (PDF). Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  4. "An American Composer in Spain | New Music USA". November 13, 2021. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  5. Laurence Vittes, "Expressive and Atmospheric Music with a Hint of Populism." Rev. of James Lentini, Chamber Music (CD). Gramophone Magazine, October 2010. Accessed from Naxos Album Reviews, June 11, 2011.
  6. Charles Postlewate, "Contemporary Anthology of Solo Guitar Music." Mel Bay, 2009.
  7. "Miami celebrates 'Year of Arts' | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com". Cincinnati Enquirer. April 2, 2015. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  8. Miami University PR staff News Release, April 24, 2007.
  9. Miami University News Release, June 28, 2012. School of Fine Arts Announces Name Change to School of Creative Arts.
  10. Kathy Schwartz, "Art for Everyone's Sake." CityBeat Magazine, January 3, 2012
  11. Miami University Press Release, "Anonymous Gift Benefits Art Museum and School of Fine Arts". Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  12. Janelle Gelfand, "Miami soars in the Big Apple". Arts in Focus, Cincinnati.com, October 11, 2012.
  13. Miami University YouTube Site. Performance of the Alma Mater at Carnegie Hall arranged by James Lentini on YouTube. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  14. "James Lentini To be Honored By Wayne State University". Miami University. January 18, 2017. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  15. "Wayne State University honors top alumni, former students at 34th Arts Achievement Awards – March 22 - Wayne State University". April 2, 2015. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  16. "James Lentini featured". www.miamioh.edu. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  17. "Molloy College welcomes new president". Herald Community Newspapers. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  18. "Molloy College's New President Officially Installed". Rockville Centre, NY Patch. September 27, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  19. Reich, Howard. "The best classical recordings of 2020: CSO, Kevin Cole and James Lentini". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  20. "James Lentini". Navona Records. Retrieved February 15, 2022.

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