This Experience Rochester lecture features Vincent Lenti ’60E, ’62E (MA), professor of piano and Eastman School historian

One hundred years ago, George Eastman and Rush Rhees, then the president of the University of Rochester, shared a dream: to bring more music to more people. Eastman and Rhees worked together tirelessly to realize this dream—they were the driving forces behind the creation of the Eastman School of Music and Eastman Theatre. Both were gifts from Eastman to the University and to all the people of Rochester.

Since they opened their doors in 1921 and 1922, both the school and the theatre have been cornerstones of cultural life and music education in our community. These words are even carved into the theatre’s façade, “For the Enrichment of Community Life.”

In this recorded Experience Rochester lecture, Vincent Lenti tells us more about George Eastman’s and Rush Rhees’ vision for the school and the theatre and he shares stories about Eastman’s passion for music.

Vincent Lenti is a professor of piano and Eastman School of Music’s historian. He is also the former director of Eastman’s Community Education Division, now known as the Eastman Community Music School, a position he held for 26 years.

In 2010, Lenti was awarded the University’s Charles Force Hutchison and Marjorie Smith Hutchison Medal, the highest honor given to an alumnus/a in recognition of outstanding achievements and service. In 2002, he was the recipient of Eastman’s Eisenhart Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Lenti is the author of For the Enrichment of Community Life (2004), Serving A Great and Noble Art: Howard Hanson and the Eastman School of Music (2009), and Nurturing the Love of Music (to be published later this year).