The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra (WHSO), under the direction of conductor Richard Chiarappa, completed its ninth season “Pops Concert” to a thunderous standing ovation (and cries for an encore) last Saturday evening at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium. “I was thrilled by the audience’s response,” said Richard afterwards. “They are always so enthusiastic and supportive. They truly enjoyed tonight’s performance.”

The evening’s featured soloist was baritone Christopher Stone, who has appeared with the WHSO several times already, both as a soloist and a member of the UnCommon Time quartet. Christopher brought many in the audience to tears with his soaring vocal range and spellbinding selections from Phantom of the Opera, including “Music of the Night,” along with “Bring Him Home,” “Stars” and “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from Les Miserables. “I have to hand it to Richard,” said Christopher. “The Orchestra just keeps getting better and better. And the range of music they play is so broad — there’s something for everyone.”

Indeed, the evening’s performance spanned the poignant (Les Miserables), the solemn (“America the Beautiful,” dedicated to veterans of World War II, who, as Richard noted, are now passing away at the rate of one thousand per day) and the rousing and bombastic “The Stars & Stripes Forever.”

Making its world-premiere was “Uncle Sal’s Cello,” an original composition by Richard Chiarappa, inspired by the true story of his beloved uncle Salvatore Silipigni who was himself a cellist with the Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra for over twenty-five years. Featured performers were narrator Michael Dunne (his sixth appearance with the WHSO) and principal cellist Michele Prizio. “This was a wonderful tribute to Richard’s uncle,” said Michele. “We all have those bigger-than-life people in our lives, and it was interesting to see how Richard evolved as a musician as a result of that relationship.” Michael agrees. “I loved it! It was fun to do. Sweet, simple, yet powerfully emotional.” Listen to the complete recording of “Uncle Sal’s Cello” on the WHSO’s web site at http://whso.org/season/media/childrensconcert/

Another highlight of the night was guest conductor Josh Starr, who placed the winning bid for this privilege at the WHSO’s spring fund-raiser “Dancing with the Symphony.” (Save the date: “Dancing with the Symphony” returns September 24, 2011.) Josh led the Orchestra in playing the “Washington Post March” by John Philip Sousa “I’m very excited to be conducting the WHSO,” said Josh. “We rehearsed the March six times, and Richard was a very good coach.”

Next fall the Orchestra begins its tenth season, a fact noted with pride by WHSO Board President Ron Reisner. “This is an astounding milestone for a community-based non-profit like the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra,” said Ron, “especially in difficult economic times like we are in now. It would not have been possible without the deep commitment and support by the West Hartford community, our sponsors, program advertisers, and our volunteer staff.”

Stop by the WHSO’s booth at Celebrate!West Hartford June 11 and 12, 2011 and meet the maestro and other members of the Orchestra.