Foiano di Val Fortore hosts inaugural International James Vincent Monaco Music Prize

The municipality of Foiano di Val Fortore in Italy is preparing for the first International James Vincent Monaco Prize, a two‑day music event scheduled for Sunday 9 August and Monday 10 August. Organized by the town council under Mayor Giuseppe Antonio Ruggiero, together with the cultural association ArtiFrementi and the local ecomuseum, the prize honors native composer and Hollywood pianist James Vincent Monaco (1884‑1960).

A jury chaired by Maestro Umberto Aucone and including Gegè Telesforo, Maura Minicozzi and Antonietta Rosato selected three finalist works. On 9 August, the open‑air municipal theatre will host performances of the finalists, a concert by Gianluca Guidi titled “A man and his music” dedicated to Frank Sinatra, and the Caudium Jazz Orchestra. The following evening will feature the award ceremony, the presentation of a silver flute to the winner, and a concert by the “Big Band Orkestra” directed by Aucone, spanning repertoire from Monaco to Stevie Wonder.