Matthew Valenti, Director of Music Ministries at Center Congregational Church, is an educator, performer, composer, arranger, and conductor   He was a graduate of Hartt College with a double degree in violin and voice. Matt has taught all disciplines and all grades in the public schools of New Britain and Torrington, Litchfield, Colebrook and at Avon Old Farms Boys School.  He taught orchestra, marching and concert band, jazz and Dixieland bands, and advanced and general chorus for 47 years.  In addition, Matt has been director of music for churches for over 50 years. He was Music Director at The Warner Theatre for many main stage musicals, as well as St. Mary’s Theater for 15 musicals.  As a performer, he’s played 40 years at 20 different restaurants in the area, and is now playing at assisted living and convalescent homes.

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As you can see, Matt has committed his entire life to music, music education and music ministry.

Matt was a student of the esteemed Moshe Paranov, Renato Bonacini, Joseph Iadone, and Vytautas Marijosius.  He performed in concert and took master classes with violinist Isaac Stern and performed in concert with composer Aaron Copland and Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. Matt is married to the Co-Head Dea

con of our church Barbara Sargent-Valenti.

Matt conducts the Center Church Choir.  His email is musicdirectorccc@gmail.com.