Get ready for a high note! WVU is kicking off its football season with an extraordinary performance. Opera sensation and proud Mountaineer alumnus, James Valenti, is returning to sing the national anthem. How does a world-renowned tenor prepare for such a unique homecoming? You won’t want to miss his incredible story!
Renowned tenor and proud West Virginia University alumnus, James Valenti, is set to captivate audiences with his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at today’s highly anticipated college football season-opener. Valenti, a distinguished 2000 WVU graduate, returns to Milan Puskar Stadium to lend his powerful voice to the national anthem, accompanied by the iconic Pride of West Virginia Marching Band, marking a deeply personal and thrilling performance for the acclaimed opera star.
Valenti’s illustrious career has seen him grace the stages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Despite his global acclaim, he expresses immense excitement for this unique opportunity, highlighting the special significance of performing for his alma mater and with such a celebrated marching band, a first in his extensive repertoire.
His journey to becoming an international opera sensation began modestly at West Virginia University, where he initially enrolled as a dual major in education and music performance. Hailing from Clinton, New Jersey, Valenti recalls his early college days, attending football games and developing a passion for the performing arts within the campus’s vibrant artistic community, even as he was still discovering his true calling.
Early influences played a pivotal role in shaping Valenti’s musical direction. He credits his Uncle Vito, who frequently sang Italian opera, with sparking his initial interest in the genre. These childhood experiences, coupled with his high school engagement in choir and musical theater, laid the foundational groundwork for what would become a remarkable career in the demanding world of opera.
A defining moment in Valenti’s artistic development occurred under the mentorship of his WVU voice professor, Augusto Paglialunga. Paglialunga, himself a professional opera singer, recognized Valenti’s extraordinary potential and encouraged him to fully commit to an opera career. This crucial guidance provided the young artist with the direction and confidence needed to pursue his dreams with unwavering dedication.
Beyond his global performances, Valenti remains deeply connected to West Virginia University, actively engaging with the community and supporting future generations of artists. He is a Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Creative Arts and holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever inductee into the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni. His commitment extends to singing at events like the WVU Cancer Institute’s Spring Gala, underscoring his enduring loyalty to the university.
Approaching the national anthem performance with reverence, Valenti emphasizes a straightforward, respectful rendition, devoid of excessive vocal flourishes or embellishments, believing such a classic piece demands purity. During recent interactions with WVU voice students, he shared insights into the life of an opera singer, from managing jet lag to the critical importance of breathing techniques, and even lightheartedly admitted to getting popular song earworms, currently “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.
