Georges Lentz

Georges Lentz is a contemporary composer and sound artist, born in Luxembourg in 1965, and is that country's internationally best known composer. Since 1990, he has been living in Sydney. Despite his relatively small output, he is also considered one of Australia's leading composers.

Life

Born in Luxembourg City on 22 October 1965, Georges Lentz grew up in the Luxembourg town of Echternach. He later studied at the Paris Conservatoire (1982–1986) and the Musikhochschule Hannover (1986–1990). In 1989, he began working on a cycle of compositions under the name "Caeli enarrant...". Georges Lentz's works express his fascination with astronomy as well as his love for the Australian Outback and Aboriginal art, and reflect his spiritual and existential beliefs, questions and doubts. His music is being recognised increasingly around the world, with performances at the Berlin Philharmonie, Konzerthaus Vienna, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall London, Carnegie Hall New York, Kennedy Center Washington, Suntory Hall Tokyo, Sydney Opera House. His orchestral work Guyuhmgan, from part VII of this cycle (Mysterium), was the foremost recommended work at UNESCO's 2002 International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. His latest compositions include a work for viola, orchestra and electronics called Monh written for German viola soloist Tabea Zimmermann, as well as Ingwe for solo electric guitar, written for the young Australian guitarist Zane Banks.