“American Renaissance” with the Namaste Ensemble at the Southold Free Library

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The Long Island Composers Alliance and the Namaste Clarinet Quintet of Perugia, Italy, have joined forces in early January 2023 for a concert series titled “American Renaissance” that will showcase innovative new works by contemporary composers living and working on Long Island, including two Concerts on Long Island’s North Fork.

The North Fork concerts are on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Floyd Memorial Library, 539 First Street in Greenport and on Sunday, January 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Southold Free Library, 53705 Main Road, Southold.

A third concert on Friday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 228 South Ocean Ave. in Freeport, includes a 6:00 p.m. Christmas party sponsored by the Long Island Composers Alliance. All three concerts are free and open to the public.

The Namaste Quintet is organized by renowned clarinetist Guido Arbonelli, a longtime promoter of contemporary clarinet repertoire. The quintet consists of many of his accomplished students and graduates from Italian conservatories. This touring group includes Natalia Benedetti, Mattia Rellini, Letizia Rossi and Valentina Betti Sorbelli, all accomplished artists playing different types of clarinets.

“Contemporary music is the meeting of two minds: one of the composer and one of the performer,” says Mr. Arbonelli. “Through this encounter. both embark on a journey of research and curiosity about new things Sounds. The Namaste Clarinet Quintet wishes to present these new compositions written and dedicated especially for them.”

Since 1972, the Long Island Composers Alliance has worked to promote composers living and working on Long Island and bring their works to new audiences. In recent years they have worked with Mr. Arbonelli to bring the works of composers from New York to Italy. Now, Mr. Arbonelli is bringing her work back to audiences closer to home.

Long Island composers whose works will be heard in these concerts include Marga Richter, Dana Richardson, Jay Anthony Gach, Catherine Neville, George Cork Maul and Edward Smaldone.

“As the world opens up again, new music trends are emerging,” said LICA concert manager George Cork Maul, a composer working at the North Fork. “We hope this collaboration is the beginning of something new.”