Apr. 23, 2025 By Colum Motherway
A free community concert spotlighting the vibrant voices of living American composers will be held in Forest Hills on Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m., presented by Quintet of the Americas, Queens’ acclaimed woodwind ensemble. The performance, titled “Living American Composers,” will take place at The Church-in-the-Gardens, located at 50 Ascan Ave.
The Church-in-the-Gardens in Forest Hills will host the Quintet of the Americas’ free community concert, “Living American Composers,” on Saturday, May 10.Via Google Maps
The program will feature two world premieres: Three American Folk Tunes (2024) by Allen Schulz and Satchmo in New Orleans (2025) by Sunny Knable, the latter commissioned by the Quintet with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Additional works include Woodwind Quintet Op. 87 (2023) by Joseph Jones and Red Clay & Mississippi Delta (2009) by Valerie Coleman, known for its bold rhythms and tribute to American roots music.
The ensemble includes Kim Bonacorsa (flute), Andres Ayola (oboe), David Valbuena (clarinet), Barbara Oldham (horn), and Alexander Davis (bassoon). They will be joined by guest soprano Jay St. Flono, adding a vocal dimension to the concert’s contemporary flair.
Founded in 1976 in Bogotá, Colombia, and based in New York City since 1979, Quintet of the Americas has performed on prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, and the Library of Congress, while also touring across Latin America and Eastern Europe.
This concert is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, as well as by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Music Performance Trust Fund of the A.F. of M., and private donors including the Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation.
Special thanks were extended to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and the Queens Delegation to the New York City Council for their continued support of the ensemble’s work in the borough.
The event is part of the Quintet’s ongoing mission to provide accessible cultural experiences. The venue is ADA-accessible and easily reachable by public transportation. Attendees are encouraged to use the MTA Trip Planner. For more information, call 718-230-5189 or visit the Quintet’s official website.