Armed Forces Day will mark the end of the 22nd season of the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, which will include a tribute to veterans as part of its annual Pops concert.

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The WHSO will hold its annual Pops Concert at Northwest Catholic High School on Saturday evening, May 17, at 7 p.m.

The orchestra is honoring veterans by offering them two complimentary tickets each, which can be reserved by calling the number 860-521-4362.

The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Pops concert is not a military program by any means, but it does include some patriotic music. We have always opened all our concerts with the Star Spangled Banner, and this year’s Pops includes a wonderful arrangement of “America the Beautiful” as well as Richard Rodgers powerful “Victory at Sea,” along with the customary closure of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.”

Another unique aspect this year is that two pieces will be guest conducted by John “Rusty” Koenig, a DMA student at the Hartt School of Music who is graduating the day after our concert. Also, our featured performer will be returning mezzo-soprano Abby White, who will join the orchestra singing three Rodgers and Hammerstein songs along with one by Cole Porter.

Famous Broadway and concert pieces such as Leroy Anderson’s “The Typewriter” and Louis Prima’s “Sing, Sing, Sing,” both featuring our head percussionist Donald Bassette, are also on the program.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on May 17 with general tickets at $20 and senior/student tickets at $15. Children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased online at whso.org, reserved by calling 860-521-4362, or at the ticket table in the lobby before the performance.

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