DETROIT, MI - Wayne State University Department of Music is pleased to announce WSU Faculty Winners in three categories at the 2003 Detroit Music Awards. The annual award show was held on April 11, 2003 at the State Theater in downtown Detroit. This year's WSU winners include James Lentini (Outstanding Classical Composer), Matt Michaels Trio (Outstanding Traditional Jazz Artist/Group), and Peter Soave (Outstanding Classical Instrumentalist).

The Detroit Music Award Show is presented by the Motor City Music Foundation (MCMF) and MetroTimes. MCMF's mission is to honor Detroit area musicians of national, regional and local acclaim, as well as nurture "Detroit-made" music and create a sense of community that cuts across genres and styles. The first award show was held at Detroit's Music Hall in 1992. The awards are similar to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' Grammy Awards, in which peers and music industry professionals in a wide array of music genres determine winners.

James Lentini, a Detroit native, received the 2003 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Classical Composer. He is recognized for performances of his compositions worldwide. Dr. Lentini has been a member of the faculty at Wayne State University since 1988, currently holding the positions of Professor of Composition and Associate Chair of the Music Department. Lentini's works have been performed by ensembles such as the Sinfonica Universidadde Concepcion (Chile), Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra (Poland), Bohuslav Martinu Orchestra (Czech Republic), Xian String Quartet (China), Philadelphia Trio, St. Clair Trio, Dearborn Symphony, Plymouth Symphony, and Le Nouvel Ensemble Moderne.

In addition to many commissions, his honors include the 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," and several awards from ASCAP. In January2003 Dr. Lentini participated as a juror in the 2003 Segovia International Guitar Competition in La Herradura, Spain.

Peter Soave, recipient of the 2003 Award for Outstanding Classical Instrumentalist, began his musical studies at the age of five on a piano accordion. By the age of sixteen, Peter was winning international accordion competitions. He quickly turned his attention to the bayan, an instrument used by his competitors, and began pursuing a professional music career in classical music.

Peter performs extensively in both the United States and Europe. He has recently performed with the Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Phoenix and Detroit symphonies. He has recently completed a recording with the Klima String Quartet of Zagreb, as well as a recording with the Moscow Philharmonic. Peter is also a member of the WSU Department of Music's adjunct faculty.

Matt Michaels, recipient of the 2003 Outstanding Traditional Jazz Artist/Group Award, is the Director of Jazz Studies at WSU and a premier jazz performer in the Detroit-area. He is also successful as a composer and arranger.

Professor Michaels served as Musical Director for the Channel 7 Morning Show for seven years and the Detroit Playboy Club for eight years. Michaels also served for a short time as Musical Director for Channel 2.

Professor Michaels has written the scores for numerous commercial and industrial films, done arrangements for numerous Tonight Show guests (including Barbra Streisand) and received the International Film and TV Festival of New York Silver Award for the music score of The American Island. He has also coached Pop singers Barbra Streisand and Tony Tenille. Professor Michaels was also the recipient of the Jazz Musician of the Year Award at the 2001Michigan Jazz Festival at Schoolcraft College.

Professor Michaels has performed with an impressive list of celebrities including Peggy Lee, Al Hirt, Doc Severinsen, Vic Damone, Rosemary Clooney and more. As a member of the Jack Brokensha Quartet, Matt has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit String Quartet.

For a complete list of 2003 Detroit Music Award winners, visit Detroit Music Award Web site.