Southeastern music professor to judge international competition

by SOUTHEASTERN PUBLIC INFORMATION
September 23, 2008

DURANT, Okla. -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Dr. James Wintle, Professor of Music and Director of the Musical Arts series, will serve on the jury of the Rina Sala Gallo International Piano Competition, Sept. 27-Oct. 6 in Milan, Italy.

He will appear with judges from Italy, Russia, France, Poland and Canada. The panel will hear contestants from several countries in Europe, Asia and the United States competing in five stages for a first-place prize of 15,000 Euros and five concert dates in Europe.

Wintle said, "I have had the privilege of taking part in major competitions like this in the past. It is always an inspiring experience to hear performers with such talent and ambition. It is also an enjoyable opportunity to meet interesting musicians and judges from other countries. I have made many friends and established lasting relationships as a result of these endeavors. I only hope my Italian is good enough not to be embarrassing."

Wintle's activities have included performances in major universities such as Yale and UCLA, major concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and international performances in Europe and Asia. In 2008, he was the subject of a doctoral dissertation in the College of Music at the University of North Texas.

In 2007, he was a guest lecturer in composition at the Chopin Academy in Warsaw, and is recorded by major artists on the Crystal and Albany labels.

He joined the Southeastern faculty in 1972 and was the first co-recipient of the Burlington-Northern Award for Excellence in Teaching. His work was recognized by the state of Oklahoma with the Governor's Arts Award.