Along with its fall concert, the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra will host a screening of the documentary ‘For the Left Hand’ followed by a Q&A. 

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Symphony’s opening concert of its 20th season will be more than just a concert.

“Completing the Circle” will feature the WHSO’s performance of Borodin’s Allegro from Symphony No. 2 and In the Steppes of Central Asia, but will also feature a screening of the documentary film “For the Left Hand.” The powerful documentary chronicles the life of disabled Chicago pianist Norman Malone, who was permanently disabled and lost the use of his right hand following a tragic and violent attack when he was a child.

Malone had already developed a love for the piano, and never lost his love for music. Through intense pain and trauma, he learned to master the instrument with just his left hand, playing and mastering compositions specifically written for the left hand.

Malone went on to study music – but kept his piano-playing ability private. He graduated from DePaul University’s School of Music, and went on to teach choral music in Chicago public schools for 30 years, retiring in 2001.

Decades later, Malone’s ability as a left-handed pianist was discovered, and he has since astounded audiences. His uplifting story has been told on the CBS Evening News (see YouTube clip above of his interview with Steve Hartman) and by several national newspapers.

Malone has performed several times with the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, which has had a relationship with him for the past six years.

“The WHSO is the first and only orchestra that Norman has ever performed with, doing so at 79 years old playing Maurice Ravel’s famous piano concerto for the left hand,” Music Director and Conductor Richard Chiarappa said. The relationship with the WHSO is included in the documentary.

The screening, along with the WHSO’s “Completing the Circle” fall concert, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m.

There will be a question and answer session with the pianist, a Chicago Tribune music critic, and Chiarappa.

The concert will be held at the Roberts Theater at Kingswood Oxford School 170 Kingswood Road in West Hartford. General admission tickets are $20 and $15 for seniors and students. Doors open at 2:15 p.m.

Visit www.whso.org for tickets and COVID-19 protocols. More information is also available by calling 860-521-4362.

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