This May, PROJECT MUSIC, a non-profit based in Stamford, will hold its first event in its “Overture to Italy” Concert Series, featuring internationally acclaimed cellist and composer Sujari Britt.
This May, PROJECT MUSIC, a non-profit based in Stamford, will hold its first event in its “Overture to Italy” Concert Series, featuring internationally acclaimed cellist and composer Sujari Britt.
The performance marks the beginning of a year‐long effort to expand global learning opportunities for PROJECT MUSIC student musicians in partnership with Sujari Britt and Accademia Filarmonica del Mediterraneo in Trani, Italy, of which she is co-founder.
The concert will be held on Sunday, May 31, at 4 p.m. at the Greenwich Historical Society in Greenwich at 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob.
General Admission tickets are $75, and VIP tickets, which include an artist Meet-and-Greet at 3:30 pm and reserved concert seating, are $100.
All tickets include a selection of light bites and refreshments, and can be purchased at projectmusic.org/overturetoitaly.
The First Bank of Greenwich is the Premiere Sponsor of the event, and Human Resources Manager Paulette Bannon said Bank President Frank J. Gaudio is a fervent sponsor of the arts in Greenwich and the surrounding area.
“PROJECT MUSIC is such a wonderful organization that is so in tune with its students and making a difference. And with this opportunity with this Italian artist and to be able to travel to Italy in 2027 is such an amazing opportunity for any young musician,” she said.
About the program
PROJECT MUSIC has been invited to partner with Accademia Filarmonica del Mediterraneo in Trani, Puglia, Italy, in 2027.
Students enrolled in the immersive musical instruction program offered through PROJECT MUSIC will be invited to apply for the opportunity to travel to Italy in Summer 2027 as part of the H. K. Miserocchi Summer Music Institute, a division of PROJECT MUSIC, to study, learn and grow their musical talents under the tutelage of Sujari Britt and the Accademia Filarmonica del Mediterraneo.
Managing Director Rachel Morrow said the opportunity came through the organization’s founder and board chair, Joyce DiCamillo, who knew Sujari Britt and the organization.
“A key component to the success of our summer programming is providing significant financial support for students to participate in life-changing opportunities that are established and highly regarded that they are otherwise not able to pay for,” Morrow said.
Community support
Raising awareness for what PROJECT MUSIC does is critical, Morrow said, as is for the upcoming concert.
“This event is crucial to kicking off this fundraising opportunity to support our students. The First Bank of Greenwich is very generous to give us this time and share awareness and support us in other ways, too,” Morrow said.
She added that Gaudio also attended PROJECT MUSIC’s gala and is “really a champion of the arts.”
“Arts funding is not always readily available, so any support and awareness is definitely a number one priority,” Morrow said.
In Italy, the PROJECT MUSIC students will experience individual music lessons, master classes, and instruction with a chamber music focus. Students will also experience the region and get the opportunity to visit places they’ve never been before.
Helping the cause
Development Director Noelle Debes said, in addition to attending the concert, those interested in supporting PROJECT MUSIC can support individual instrument purchases, and maintenance, as well as general donations.
“Ninety-six percent of the cost for our academic year for students as well as summer programs is paid through scholarships, grants, and foundations,” Debes said.
Bannon said The First Bank of Greenwich is happy to help support its local organizations.
“When you support something local like this, you’re supporting the community that you live in. You’re supporting those children and the families in a way that’s more homegrown. It’s right here in your backyard. That’s where you want to support,” Bannon said.
“It’s a wonderful thing to be able to participate in something like PROJECT MUSIC,” she said.
About PROJECT MUSIC
PROJECT MUSIC is a nonprofit organization committed to providing high- quality music education and performance opportunities to youth, regardless of financial means.
Through lessons, ensembles, and mentorship, PROJECT MUSIC empowers young people to discover their potential, build confidence, and create brighter futures through the power of music. For additional information, visit www.projectmusic.org.
About The First Bank of Greenwich
The First Bank of Greenwich is committed to celebrating the arts and culture of the area and recently committed to partnering with Stamford’s Avon Theatre’s extensive renovation and road tour.