Friday, August 15th, 2025, 7pm
Saturday, August 16th, 2025, 4pm

Quiet Corner Music Studio: 211 Nott Highway, Ashford, CT, 06278
Receptions to Follow.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

What Music Is On The Program?
I’ve got about 40 minutes of music for you, so the recital will sit just under an hour with talking and breaks.
1. Erwin Schulhoff: Bass Nightingale (Mvt. 1, Meloncholia)
2. Nancy Galbraith: Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (Mvts. 1 and 2)
3. Robert W. Smith: Willson Suite (Mvt. 3, Hurricane)
4. Vinny LaMonica: Wayfaring Children – Variations on the American hymn tune Poor Wayfaring Stranger (Theme, Poor Wayfaring Stranger. Variation 1, Runaway. Variation 2, First. Variation 3, Conflict. Variation 4, Swimming. Variation 5, Discovery. Variation 6, Outbursts. Variation 7, Love Above All Else. Dedicated with love and hope to the LGBTQ+ youth who temporarily feel that they do not belong in this volatile world.)
5. Amber Ferenz: Love Medicine (Mvts. 1 and 3, Temple Bells and Love > Fear)

Complete program information and brief program notes can be found in this Google Drive folder.

Who Are The Performers?
I will be joined by two fabulous pianists for two pieces each. Local pianist, teacher, and food critic Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh will be performing during Robert W. Smith’s Willson Suite and Amber Ferenz’s Love Medicine. Boston-based, Spanish-born Esther García Moreno will be performing during Nancy Galbraith’s incredible Sonata and my recently-written set of variations, Wayfaring Children.
I am so fortunate to get to share the stage with these wonderful people, and I am immensely grateful for their musicianship.

What’s The Recital For?
Sean and I are looking forward to our big move to Eugene, Oregon, where I’ll be starting my doctoral studies at The University of Oregon under the guidance of bassoon faculty Dr. Steve Vacchi. After six wonderful years in the Quiet Corner Music Studio, I am closing up shop – and hosting these recitals to celebrate. We’ll be having a reception after each recital, with Saturday’s reception being catered by Country Catering & The Country Butcher from Tolland, and a smaller reception on Friday with sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

What’s The Cause?
This recital is also serving as a benefit for The Trevor Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides critical resources to keep LGBTQ+ youth alive. You may contribute with a credit/debit card via my Trevor Project fundraising page, through Venmo (Username is VincentLaMonica, confirm with -6719), a check (made out to Vinny LaMonica, in person or mailed by August 20th to ensure arrival before I move – email me for home mailing address), or cash (in person).

Where Do I Access A Live-Stream?
I will be live-streaming for those who cannot – information for donating & accessing the stream will be available right here around a week before the recital.