Musical Art Society of Branford Thimble Island Saxophone Quartet Concert

The Thimble Island Saxophone Quartet is comprised of Frank Vasi of Branford, Richard Barnes of Bethany, David Langlais of Guilford and Tim Moran of Hamden.  They perform music from Baroque to Contemporary, including music from the Jazz, Broadway, Rock and Popular idioms plus works from the chamber music, symphonic, choral and vocal traditions.  Their approach has a fresh and dynamic style while respecting the standards and traditions of serious concert music.

Frank Vasi, who is the Quartet’s founder and arranger, graduated from the Mannes College of Music in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Music, studying saxophone with Joseph Allard and Frank Socolow and composition with Fred Werle and David Loeb.  He has played with many groups in New York and Connecticut, including Benny Goodman, Doc Cheatum and Joe Jones. His compositions have been played at Alice Tully and Avery Fisher Hall, in London and Russia.  Frank Vasi’s compositions are published by Dorn Publications. 

Richard B. Barnes plays Saxophone and Clarinet. He is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, and studied with Ben Armato, Richard Lee, and Frank Barone.  In 1993, Richard founded the Cantilena Trio, which includes clarinet, cello and piano.  Mr. Barnes resides in Bethany and teaches clarinet and saxophone.

David Langlais graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance. He then received his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Bridgeport University.  David has played frequently in Connecticut.  He is currently an elementary music teacher at Tisko School in Branford, CT.  Mr. Langlais lives in Guilford.

Tim Moran is widely acclaimed as an innovative Jazz musician on saxophone, flute and clarinet.  He has performed in Europe, Japan and throughout the United States and Canada.  In collaboration with percussionist Tony Vacca, he has released 5 CDs. Tim works in pit orchestras for national touring companies of Broadway musicals.  He lives and teaches in Hamden.

Information about the Thimble Island Saxophone Quartet:  Martha Medford (203) 481-6952.