About Us
The Bentley Project is an innovative harp and guitar duo that seamlessly blends the sounds of new age, classical, and folk music. Formed in 2018 and based in Parkville, Missouri, the group features the combined talents of Theresa and Mark Bentley. Together, they compose, record, and perform throughout the Midwest, bringing a distinctive fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds to venues large and small.
A classically trained musician, Theresa Bentley performs on Celtic Lever Harp, Pedal Harp, Italian Baroque triple harp, synthesizers, piano, and voice. Holding a Bachelor of Music from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA in Finance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, her experience includes membership in The Kansas City Symphony Chorus, The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and The St. Joseph Symphony, as well as engagements with The Kansas City Symphony, Roger Daltrey, Ray Charles, and John Tesh’s Olympic Orchestra. She currently serves as a driving force behind The Bentley Project’s creative output.
Mark Bentley, owner of Bentley Guitar Studios, is accomplished on classical and acoustic guitars, mandolin, Baroque guitar, and ukulele. With a Bachelor of Music from the University of MissouriKansas City Conservatory of Music, he has served as a Professor of Guitar at Missouri Western State College and Park University. His professional history includes roles as the Kansas City Hyatt Regency’s staff guitarist and as a touring artist for the Missouri Arts Council, performing throughout the United States and Europe.
Produced by Bentley Guitar Studios, The Bentley Project offers listeners a refined yet adventurous musical experience that spans centuries and continents. Their performances invite audiences to “listen with intent,” capturing the essence of an ambient, soulful journey in sound.
Review
"Kind as the Shade by The Bentley Project is an outstanding collection of beautiful arrangements: the new age genre has just leaped forward 100% with the creation of a release like this, exquisitely produced and performed , handsomely charming and listenable , and I rarely say this, but I truly believe that I have just listened to one of the best New Age music albums this century has gifted us with ease."
One World Music
Review
" The Bentley Project music is magnificent! It is so hauntingly beautiful that it makes me unexplainably emotional. Their music gives me a soothing, ethereal backdrop to everything I am doing and makes me feel like everything is going to be ok. I love the group’s amazing talent and appreciate them sharing it with the world! "
Linessa, The Frazier Collaborative, Founder
Review
"Language Of The Hills" relates to nature and how it speaks to each of us in a way that we alone understand. The harp playing is exquisite and impactful. The sounds resonate through your body, mind, and spirit. It has such a gorgeous sound and is composed brilliantly.
The title track, "Kind As The Shade," features Theresa's singing voice. Her voice is angelic and inviting and soars when necessary. The harp provides the perfect background for her vocalizations.
"Dance Of The Rose" continues the flow of ambient textures with the harp beginning and the longing sound of the cello for the emotive aspect of the composition. The flute arrives to lead you down the path of enlightenment as it soothes your soul.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck