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James Lentini
Dean of the School of Art, Media, & Music
Detroit native James Lentini is recognized for performances of his compositions worldwide. In 2003, Dr. Lentini was appointed as the founding Dean of the School of Art , Media, and Music at The College of New Jersey. Previously, Dr. Lentini held the position of Professor of Composition at Wayne State University from 1988- 2003, where he also served as Acting Chair and Associate Chair of the Department of Music.
His works have been performed by ensembles such as:
- The Sinfónica Universidad de Concepción ( Chile )
- Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra ( Poland )
- Bohuslav Martinu Orchestra ( Czech Republic )
- Xian String Quartet ( China )
- Philadelphia Trio
- St. Clair Trio
- Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne
- Czech Chamber Philharmonic
- Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
In addition to many commissions, his honors include:
- Bluffton College Choral Composition Contest (first prize)
- 2002 Segovia International Composition Prize
- The Atwater-Kent Composition Award (first Prize)
- The McHugh Composition Prize
- A Michigan Creative Artist Grant
- A grant from "Meet the Composer"
- Several awards from ASCAP
In January, 2003 Dr. Lentini participated as a juror in the 2003 Segovia International Guitar Competition in La Herradura, Spain. Dr. Lentini 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, including Nuovi Spazi Musicali (Rome), June in Buffalo, Midwest Composers' Forum, Florida State University's Festival of New Music, and the Society of Composers, Inc. National Conference.
In 2000 and 2003, Dr. Lentini received a Detroit Music Award in the category of "Outstanding Classical Composer." His works are published by MMB Music, Editorial de Musica Española Contemporanea, Acoma Editions, and the Society of Composers, Inc., and recorded on the Capstone, MMC, and CRS recording labels.
In addition to composing, Dr. Lentini is a performing guitarist who has studied guitar with William Kanengiser, James Smith, Joe Fava, and Charles Postlewate. He received a doctorate from the University of Southern California , where he studied composition with Robert Linn and Morten Lauridsen.
Leo Brouwer & James Lentini
2003 Segovia International Guitar Competition
Lentini's participation in the 2003 Segovia International Guitar Competition was featured on the American Music Center and World Guitarist websites.
List of Compositions by James Lentini »
