Musically Inclined in Montauk

Montauk is a great place for a lot of things at this time of year … and this summer, hearing world-class music is one of them.

From August 15 to 23, under the direction of soprano Lilah Gosman and pianist Miloš Repický, “Music For Montauk (M4M)” will present four concerts featuring an eclectic lineup of classical music, all performed to the stunning backdrop of Montauk sunsets at various outdoor venues.

The musical programming has been selected to celebrate the location in which it’s performed. We’re talking passionate and exotic romantic-era 19th century music combined with new 21st century pieces and arrangements by M4M performers.

The rolling hills and pasture views at Montauk County Park’s Third House will be the site of two, free M4M concerts. The first, on Thursday August 15, is “Brahms Gypsy Dances,” a program of fiery and passionate chamber music, followed on Saturday, August 17, by “Bach & Co.,” featuring the festive and vibrant Cantata #51 “Jauchzett Gott in allen Landen.” Audiences are invited to bring a picnic to both concerts, which are family-friendly hour-long programs. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. and is timed to end just before sunset puts on a natural show of its own.

Next, on Wednesday, August 21, the garden at Solé East will be the site of “Summer Salon” a benefit party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with new works and reimagined standards performed by M4M musicians. Tickets are $100 and include cocktails and light fare. Proceeds benefit M4M.

Finally, on Friday, August 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Montauk Point Lighthouse, M4M presents “Voice of the Whale,” a program featuring George Crumb's composition “Vox Balaenae” for electrified piano, cello, and flute, as well as Vivaldi and Piazolla’s string quartet “The Four Seasons.” Tickets for this final concert are $25 at musicformontauk.org and attendees are welcome to bring picnics.

Music for Montauk’s 2019 “Summer Series” musicians feature international operatic star Rachelle Durkin and Grammy winning trumpeter CJ Camerieri, a Juilliard graduate who is currently working in Paul Simon's band. Also performing will be Mimi Stillman (flute), Annaliesa Place (violin), John Marcus (violin), Jessica Meyer (viola), Ani Kalayjian and Diego Garcia (cellists), Ben Fingland (clarinet), Bradley Aikman, (double bass), Amanda Lynn Bottoms (mezzosoprano), Lilah Gosman (soprano) and Miloš Repicky (pianist).