The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert will premiere a new symphony in honor of Armed Forces Day, and will also feature a familiar program of Broadway, cinema, and patriotic music.

Submitte

The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of musical director Richard Chiarappa will perform “Pops and Patriotic Music” to commemorate Armed Forces Day. This concert, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at 8 p.m., is guaranteed to have the entire family toe-tapping and whistling well after the curtain goes down!

The concert soloist will be actress, singer, and teacher, Tracey Moore who has performed two National Broadway tours, at the Metropolitan Opera, and several other venues across the country. Throughout her career, Tracey has worked with the late Richard Harris and Rue McClanahan, and with Lainie Kazan, and many others.

In addition to music from Broadway and popular movies like Star Wars, WHSO musical director and composer has written a composition to honor the memory of the Americans who were killed in the September 11, 2012 attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi.

Chiarappa was so moved by the events in Benghazi that he was moved to write the symphony in honor of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, U.S. Foreign Services Information Officer Sean Smith, and CIA contractors Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty.

He said that the mere mention of Benghazi can lead to political quagmire. However, while aware that questions concerning the events leading up to, during, and in the aftermath of the event still surround that fateful night and will for years to come, Chiarappa believes the simple fact remains that there were four Americans killed who need to be remembered and honored.

This, and only this, is the purpose behind the composition. “Elegy for Benghazi” will be premiered at this concert honoring Armed Forces Day, which is May 21, 2016.

For tickets, please call: 860-521-4362 or order online from the website: www.whso.org. General Seating for this concert is $18 and will also be sold at the door, which open at 7:15PM.

Founded in 2002, the WHSO is composed entirely of volunteer musicians providing Classical, Holiday and Pops throughout the year. Conductor Richard Chiarappa is a co-founder of the orchestra. Additional information is available by contacting the Conductor, the Public Relations Director, or by visiting WHSO.org