Upcoming Events
SalonEra, Sounds from the Western Frontier | Webseries & Podcast
Music of the Regiment co-director Dominic Giardino joins historian Dr. Kim Gruenwald and SalonEra executive producer & host for a conversation considering the music and sounds that reverberated across the western frontier as French, English, new American settlers, and Native Americans pushed westward in the decades surrounding the Revolutionary War.
Featuring musical selections performed by:
Elise Bonhivert, classical clarinet
Dominic Giardino, classical clarinet
Christopher Caudill, natural horn
Rachel Niketopoulos, natural horn
Kelsey Schilling, classical bassoon
Chris Troiano, military serpent
From the Parade Ground to Paris, A Portrait of Bernhard Crusell - Concert | New York, NY
Join Music of the Regiment for the ensemble’s NYC debut as we explore the musical life of one of the most influential clarinetists you’ve probably never heard of!
Bernhard Crusell’s life (1775–1838) encapsulates the most important period in the popularization of the clarinet. From lowly beginnings as the son of bookbinder, his fortunes were dramatically changed by the opportunity to serve as a military bandsman. This program showcases the works of Crusell and the teachers who shaped him: Franz Tausch (1762–1817) and Jean-Xavier Lefèvre (1763–1829).
Equal to any Band in this Country - Concert | Piney Point, MD
In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].”
Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.”
With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.
Equal to any Band in this Country - Concert | Frederick, MD
In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].”
Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.”
With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.
Equal to any Band in this Country - Concert | Richmond, VA
In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].”
Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.”
With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.
Equal to any Band in this Country - Concert | Winchester, VA
In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].”
Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.”
With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.
Equal to any Band in this Country - Concert | Shepherdstown, WV
In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].”
Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.”
With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.
Equal to any Band in this Country - Concert | Charles Town, WV
In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].”
Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.”
With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.
Common Sense Commemorative Dinner | Richmond, VA
First published on January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense played a vital role convincing the American public of the necessity of independence. Appealing to average colonists, Common Sense became an overnight sensation, selling approx. 500,000 copies to a population under 3 million. Six months later, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
The VMHC will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the publication of Common Sense with a special evening program. Guests will enjoy a historically inspired meal and drinks, historic music performed by members of Music of the Regiment, and an intimate performance by Monticello’s veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker, portraying Thomas Jefferson and reflecting on the special relationship between Paine and Jefferson.
Dance on the Lunar Lawn
Music of the Regiment joins the New York Baroque Dance Company for a series of performances at Washington, D.C.’s historic Hillwood Estate featuring the music and dances of Francis Johnson (1792–1844). Learn more about these performances and purchase tickets at the link below.
Hollyn Slykhuis & Andrew Wood, cornopeans
Chris Troiano, ophicleide
This performance is a collaboration between the New York Baroque Dance Company, Opera Lafayette, and Music of the Regiment.
Dance on the Lunar Lawn
Music of the Regiment joins the New York Baroque Dance Company for a series of performances at Washington, D.C.’s historic Hillwood Estate featuring the music and dances of Francis Johnson (1792–1844). Learn more about these performances and purchase tickets at the link below.
Hollyn Slykhuis & Andrew Wood, cornopeans
Chris Troiano, ophicleide
This performance is a collaboration between the New York Baroque Dance Company, Opera Lafayette, and Music of the Regiment.
Dance on the Lunar Lawn
Music of the Regiment joins the New York Baroque Dance Company for a series of performances at Washington, D.C.’s historic Hillwood Estate featuring the music and dances of Francis Johnson (1792–1844). Learn more about these performances and purchase tickets at the link below.
Hollyn Slykhuis & Andrew Wood, cornopeans
Chris Troiano, ophicleide
This performance is a collaboration between the New York Baroque Dance Company, Opera Lafayette, and Music of the Regiment.
"For the Embellishment of the Noble Body..."
In 1798, an advertisement under the heading MARTIAL MUSIC petitioned the citizens of Alexandria to organize a wind band “for the accommodation and embellishment” of the city’s nine militia companies. The advertisement called for the establishment of a band of music to be funded by the militia and to be comprised of four clarinets, two horns, and two bassoons. This band, known as the Alexandria Band, was one of several “martial” ensembles that were active in Alexandria and, more broadly, Washington City during the early Federal Period (1790–1830). Featuring music and arrangements by J. C. Bach (1735–1782), C. F. Eley (1756–1832), and Samuel Holyoke (1762–1820), this concert presentation explores the early history of martial music in the Capital Region.
Elise Bonhivert & Dominic Giardino, historical clarinets
Christopher Caudill & Rachel Niketopoulos, natural horns
Kelsey Schilling, classical bassoon
Chris Troiano, serpent
This concert is generously sponsored by the Office of Historic Alexandria and supported by a grant from the Alexandria Historical Society.
“More Influence than the Oratory of a Cicero”
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the “Bee Line” march with a special free concert hosted by Shepherdstown’s Friends of Music. Featuring music and arrangements by J. C. Bach (1735–1782), William Shield (1748–1829), Samuel Holyoke (1762–1820), “More Influence than the Oratory of a Cicero” will introduce listeners to the origins of the modern military band tradition.
Elise Bonhivert & Dominic Giardino, historical clarinets
Christopher Caudill & Rachel Niketopoulos, natural horns
Kelsey Schilling, classical bassoon
Chris Troiano, serpent
This concert is generously cosponsored by Friends of Music as a special addition to 2025’s ongoing Bee Line March 250th Anniversary Celebration. Learn more about the Bee Line Anniversary Celebration here.
MotR at Gunston Hall’s “Declaration Day”
Join Music of the Regiment for a free outdoor concert a George Mason’s Gunston Hall. “Declaration Day” celebrates the 249th anniversary of the ratification of Virginia Declaration of Rights. Learn more about this daylong festival at the link below.
Dominic Giardino & Ed Matthew, historical clarinets
Ken Bell & Megan Hurley, natural horns
Aaron Goler classical bassoon
Lafayette Bicentennial Banquet | Suffolk, Virginia
Enjoy a festive evening at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront celebrating the return of General Lafayette to Suffolk. This event will echo the banquet at which Lafayette was entertained on February 25, 1825.
Lafayette Bicentennial Dinner | Richmond, VA
On January 25, 1825, the Virginia General Assembly and other dignitaries, including Chief Justice John Marshall, hosted Lafayette in Richmond with a dinner and ball. Exactly 200 years later to the day, the VMHC will commemorate the anniversary of this dinner with a special evening program at 6:30 pm. (doors open at 5:45 pm).
Hero of Two Worlds: A Musical Celebration of Lafayette, Lafayette 200 at Alexandria
In 1824, American Revolutionary War hero Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette visited the United States of America for a Grand Tour of all 24 states. For 13 months, Americans across the country celebrated Lafayette with ceremonies, balls, dignitary visits, parades, and concerts. The sounds of military wind bands greeted the Hero of Two Worlds nearly everywhere he went. On November 24, 2024, the period-instrument wind band Music of the Regiment will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Alexandria with a concert. The program, featuring works by Francis Johnson, anonymous women composing under the alias “A Lady…”, and others, will transport audiences to the sound world of Lafayette’s Grand Tour with grand marches, dance tunes, and America’s earliest patriotic airs performed on the instruments of Lafayette’s time.
Lafayette Ball, Lafayette 200 at Fredericksburg
The Fredericksburg Sister City Association (Fredericksburg and Frejus, France) hosts a ball honoring Gen. Lafayette. Members of the Regency Society of Virginia perform nineteenth century English country dances to period music. Music of the Regiment, a musical ensemble focusing on nineteenth century compositions, presents musical interludes. Ball attendees are welcome to come in period or modern formal attire and to join in the historic performance. Finger foods and libations are offered, and conversation with the General and his entourage is encouraged.
Market Square Reception, Lafayette 200 at Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg civic and military officials, cadets, and local veterans gather to greet Lafayette, who arrives in a horse drawn carriage along with his fellow travelers. The entourage forms on Caroline Street and advances up the alley, arriving at Market Square. The Mayor, City Council and others offer welcoming greetings. Period music and a festive atmosphere set the celebratory tone for the General’s stay. Later, in the Fredericksburg Area Museum (Town Hall in 1824), Gen. Lafayette greets visitors who queue up to shake his hand. The Museum also offers its keystone exhibit “Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.”
Lecture-Performance, “Ça ira: Lafayette, la Musique de la Garde Nationale Parisienne, and the Dissolution of the Ancien Régime”
The Age of Revolutions (1775–1848) was a period of social, political, and cultural turbulence in Europe and the Americas. There was perhaps no greater witness to this era of dramatic change than Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. This lecture-performance, with Lafayette’s leadership of the Garde Nationale Parisienne as the focal point, will transport listeners to the desperate but optimistic early days of the French Revolution when music left the aristocratic great rooms of Versailles and poured onto the streets of Paris.
Lecture-Performance, “Ça ira: Lafayette, la Musique de la Garde Nationale Parisienne, and the Dissolution of the Ancien Régime”
The Age of Revolutions (1775–1848) was a period of social, political, and cultural turbulence in Europe and the Americas. There was perhaps no greater witness to this era of dramatic change than Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. This lecture-performance, with Lafayette’s leadership of the Garde Nationale Parisienne as the focal point, will transport listeners to the desperate but optimistic early days of the French Revolution when music left the aristocratic great rooms of Versailles and poured onto the streets of Paris.