A Wind Symphony and Orchestra concert featuring two works by James Lentini, associate professor of music, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15, in the Community Arts Auditorium at Wayne State University.

The first half of the concert will present his Sinfonia di Festa (Overture of Celebration) following Mozart's Symphony No. 4. Kypros Markou, director of strings and orchestral studies, will conduct the WSU Orchestra.

For the second half Douglas Bianchi, director of band, will conduct the WSU Wind Symphony in three selections. Lentini's The Angel's Journey will follow Barber's Commando March and Hindemith's Symphony in B-flat.

Lentini's Sinfonia di Festa was commissioned by the Plymouth Symphony to commemorate its 1995-96 50th season and premiered May 16 and 17, 1996. The piece captures the spirit of a celebration, opening with full orchestra playing a fanfare theme.

His The Angel's Journey, written for the Wind Symphony, presents sections of contrasting moods and colors, ranging from atmospheric to rhythmic and driving.

Lentini says he wrote the piece in memory of his grandparents. He weaves melodic fragments from melodies his grandmother used to sing. The composition is intended to be a narrative that expresses the gentleness of his grandmother and strength of his grandfather.

The symphony premiered Lentini's Angels on Jan. 22, 1999 at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Regional Conference at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Conducted by Bianchi, it was the Friday showcase performance.

CDs of Wind Symphony's Jan. 22 performance, which feature The Angel's Journey, are available for $15. To order the CDs call Bianchi at (313) 577-2615.

For more information on the concert call (313) 577-1795.