Torrington Middle School Orchestra outside Avery Fisher Hall, New York City to see a the New York Philharmonic in concert.
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Mr. Valenti's Profile:
Matthew Valenti is an educator, performer, composer, arranger, and conductor from New Hartford Connecticut. He was a graduate of Hartt College with a double degree in violin and voice. Mr. Valenti has taught all disciplines in the public schools of New Britain, Torrington, and now Region 6. He has conducted orchestra, marching and concert band, jazz and Dixieland bands, and advanced and general chorus.
Mr. Valenti composed and orchestrated the music for seven full-length musicals, which had World Premieres at the historic 1700 seat Warner Theatre. These musicals were in collaboration with his wife, Barbara Sargent-Valenti. Mrs. Valenti wrote the libretto and lyrics. These musicals received critical acclaim from the reviewers. One reviewer, Mr. James Ruocco, wrote: “Virtually every song in their brilliantly crafted score is melodically right” and concluded, “Don’t let something this wonderful slip away”. Mr. Valenti music directed 11 shows on the Warner Theatre main stage. He was the music director for 10 musicals in Waterbury and guest musical director at Hartford Children’s Theatre. Mr. Valenti committed his entire life to education. He has taught in the public schools for more than 43 years, and taught private lessons for 43 years. He was Director of the Chamber Ensemble at Avon Old Farm's Boy's School as well as a member of the music faculty teaching Music Appreciation 2013-2016. He has performed in restaurants in the greater Hartford and Litchfield County areas for 40 years. He has also performed as organist and music director in many churches for 44 years. Currently he is Director of Music Ministries at Center Congregational Church on Main Street In Torrington. Mr. Valenti was a student of the esteemed Moshe Paranov, Renato Bonacini, Joseph Iadone, and Vytautas Marijosius. He worked in master classes with Isaac Stern and performed in concert with Aaron Copland and Mstislav Rostropovich. He also performed with the Litchfield Chamber Orchestra, was concertmaster of the Torrington Civic Symphony, and concertmaster of the Warner Theatre Orchestra. For many years, he performed with the popular group Soundesign. Mr. Valenti was elected president of the Torrington Education Association by the 375 teacher members of the union in six elections. Mr. Valenti served with distinction as president for 12 years and fought for teacher’s rights both locally and state-wide, improving retirement for teachers state-wide. Mr. Valenti retired from full time public school teaching in Torrington in July of 2014 by riding off into the sunset on his horse Calypso. He lives in New Hartford with his lovely and talented wife, Barbara. They have two adult daughters and two beautiful grandchildren. Proudly, all are musicians. |