Laurence Bitensky, composer and pianist, is currently an associate professor of music and chair of the music program at Centre College where he teaches composition, music theory, musicianship, and world music. A native of New York, he received a B.M. in piano performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, an M.M. in composition from Ithaca College, and a D.M.A. in composition from Cornell University. He studied composition with Karel Husa, Roberto Sierra, Steven Stucky, and Dana Wilson.

Bitensky's music, described as "extraordinarily sensitive and beautiful" and "speaking directly to the heart," has been recognized by numerous foundations and institutions. These include the Fromm Foundation, the Omaha Symphony, the New England Philharmonic, the Saint Mary's University Kaplan Commissioning Project, the Big Ten Band Commission, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, the Columbia Orchestra, Jabez Press, the ASCAP Foundation Rudolf Nissim Award, the Kentucky Arts Council, the Music Teachers National Association, the Kentucky Music Teachers Association, the American Music Center, the Joyce Dutka Arts Foundation, the Friends and Enemies of New Music, the International Trumpet Guild, the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Modern Chamber Players, the Harrid Conservatory, the Society of Composers, Inc., Duqesne University New Music Ensemble, Ensemble X, and the ASCAP Foundation Young Composers Competition.

Recorded on Mark Records and Sea Breeze Vista records, Bitensky's music has been performed by numerous ensembles and at various festivals around the US and the world, including the UK, Bulgaria, and Sweden.