Composer JIM LAHTI received his musical training at Sonoma State University near San Francisco, where he studied composition with Will Johnson, at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City where he studied piano and composition with Robert Helps, and at the New School where he studied composition with Leonard Rosenmann. He has performed in solo and chamber music recitals on both coasts, and has occasionally found himself doing nightclub work as well. He has also worked extensively in the theatre, from vocal coaching for the New York production of Sugar Babies, music direction for several productions at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, to conducting musicals and operas.
A 1982 recipient of a New York Council On The Arts/Meet The Composer grant for his Variations for Flute and Piano, Jim has written for a wide range of instrumental and vocal combinations, from a musical to art songs, two concerti, other orchestral works, a requiem mass, and a great deal of chamber music. In the summer of 2000 Jim composed the score for Right - a short independent film - and also performed on the soundtrack with Nadya Tichman, concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony. His music has been heard in concerts in both San Francisco and New York, as well as on the Columbia University radio station and WNYC-FM in New York. Jim lives in New York City with his wife Mary, an artist and actress.
The OMNI Ensemble is doing a real service to music, especially new music. They are an ensemble of virtuosi.
--Lukas Foss
The performance by the OMNI Ensemble was the concert\'s high point.
--New York Newsday
The diamond-bright brilliance of the OMNI Ensemble dazzled the audience ... Immaculate timing, elegant transitions and a lush full sound are trademarks of OMNI.
--Arkansas Gazette
Founded in 1983 by flutist David Wechsler, the OMNI Ensemble is a chamber music group created to perform a uniquely flexible repertoire - from the Baroque to the contemporary Avant-Garde. Prestigious guest artists who have appeared with the group include David Amram, Roy Nathanson and Jin-Hi Kim. OMNI has commissioned and premiered works by David Lang, Lee Hyla, Allen Shearer and Jim Lahti among others. Their performances have been aired on WQXR\'s The Listening Room, the ITT Salute to the Arts, WNYC\'s New Sounds with John Schaefer, Around New York, Voice of America radio, and National Public Radio.
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