WHSO to Perform Free Children’s Concert at Conard High School

The West Hartford Symphony Orchestra (WHSO), an all-volunteer community organization celebrating its 10th season, will perform a concert of classical and popular music on Thursday, April 26, 10:00 am, at Conard High School. The music on this program was selected to appeal not only to the interests of the West Hartford’s third-graders but to reinforce the music curriculum currently being taught throughout the West Hartford school district.

Music featured will include a medley of “Harry Potter” and “The Empire Strikes Back” themes; the March from “Raiders of the Lost Ark;”; “Morning Song” from Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg; and “Uncle Sal’s Cello,” an original composition for orchestra and narrator by Richard Chiarappa, the WHSO’s music director, featuring West Hartford resident Michael Dunne as the narrator, and principal cellist Michele Prizio.

To enhance this unique musical event about 75 students, chosen at random, will be given the opportunity to sit onstage amid the Orchestra at various times during the performance. “Community outreach is a cornerstone of the Orchestra’s mission,” said Richard Chiarappa. “We are very,
very lucky here in West Hartford to be able to give this kind of enriching experience to our children as they prepare for the formal study of a musical instrument.”

Adds WHSO board president Ron Reisner “Our first-ever children’s concert last spring was well-received by the teachers as well as the students. Speaking on behalf
of the WHSO musicians and board members, we are thrilled to be able to offer this kind of programming again.”

Members of the WHSO’s board of directors will be on hand to assist.