Robert Trent

Robert Trent (USA) has performed on the continents of North and South America and in Europe on modern guitar, Renaissance lute, and historic instruments of the Classical and Romantic periods in particular the 10-string Scherzer and authentic 19th century guitars. A first prize winner in numerous National and International competitions including; the Webb National Guitar Competition, the Masterworks Young Artist Competition (for all instruments) and the chamber music prize at the International Competition “Arturo Toscanini” in Italy in Period Instrumental performance. A recording artist for Dorian Records (with Duo Firenze) in “Italian Nocturnes: Music for Fortepiano and Early 19th century Guitar” he is also featured on the new CD “Traveler’s Tales” (TownHall Records) in works by American Composer Byron Petty and on third CD with flutist Leslie Marrs on the Oasis label, entitled “Robert Fruehwald: Flute and Guitar Music”. International performances have included appearances at various festival: Caroso and Festival Internazionale del Coros – Sardinia (Italy), Chartres International Festival of Music “Six Strings and the Spirit” and Concours International de Guitare Maurice Ohana (France), Zevener Gitarrenwoch (Germany), Rantucci International Guitar Festival, 3rd Annual Classical Guitar Festival & Competition (Salisbury University), St. Joseph International Guitar Festival, Bethlehem Guitar Festival – Moravian College (USA), VII Festival Internacional de Guitarra Ramon Noblé and IV Festival de Guitarra Clasica de Los Cabos (Mexico), II Festival Internacional Maracay en Guitarra and Festival Internacional de Guitarra de Angostura (Venezuela), BRAVIO Festival in Brasilia, Seminario Vital Medeiros in Sao Paolo, Arte SESC / Universidad de Porto Alegre (Brazil), Primavera de la Guitarra (Paraguay). Reviews: “His interpretations are dignified, formal, and carefully thought out, with a sense of structural integrity that informs every passing tone.” New York TImes; and “A seasoned artist strums the depths (headline) “(…) he seemed most intent on using his sweet, crystalline sound to plumb the emotional depths of each work.” - Philadelphia Inquirer. He is in demand as an interpreter and teacher especially on the topics of historical performance practice. Dr. Trent is currently chairing the national standards committee for the guitar division of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and is editor of “Soundboard-Scholar,” journal of the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA). He holds the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in guitar performance from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Julian Gray, Manuel Barrueco and lutenist Ronn McFarlane; a Master of Arts of degree from Trenton State College and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. Dr. Trent begins his 20th year as Full Professor of Guitar and Renaissance Lute studies at Radford University where he is in his 13th year as director of Radford University’s Annual International Guitar Festival. This year he was chosen to be the first conductor in the inaugural concert of the All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble, which is composed of guitar students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia selected by audition. For upcoming concerts and notice of the new CD of 10-string guitar music: www.facebook.com/RobertTrentguitar