World War II, Music and Poetry, PTSD

The Greater Middletown Chorale presents
Connecticut Community Conversations:
Letter from Italy, 1944 – A Generational Legacy

The Greater Middletown Chorale invites the public to a series of events in February through April that will precede the April 28th premiere of a new musical drama, Letter from Italy, 1944. The series, Connecticut Community Conversations, Letter from Italy, 1944 – A Generational Legacy, will focus on the background of the new work about soldiers and PTSD in preparation for its unveiling by the 80-voice community choral group.

This newly composed music relates the story of a World War II, 10th Mountain Division soldier, Dr. John K. Meneely, Jr., who served as a medic in the Aleutians and Italy. At the end of the war, suffering from PTSD, he returned home to his young family. For the next 18 years he and his family struggled with his internal battles. Now their collective story is being told and their triumphs are being sung.

VIDEO: Middletown Caroling Flash Mob

For the past three years,  members of the Greater Middletown Chorale along with local community friends have gotten together to share some holiday cheer.

The informal group of carolers lead by GMC member Michael O'Herron sang Christmas, Chanukah and other seasonal tunes to the residents of South Green Apartments and Water's Edge in Middletown. Seasoned singers along with amateurs sang their hearts out.

I joined along with my group of friends to carry a tune and sing along to favorites like "Jingle Bells" and "Deck the Halls". It was great to see all the smiling faces lighting up at the recognition of the classic holiday songs. We even sang a variation of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" that included Chanukah and Kwanza references. It was a whole bunch of fun.

 Watch this video and share in the join of the holiday season.

 ~Topher