Letter From Italy, 1944: Filmed At MHS, On CPTV Sunday

From the Greater Middletown Chorale.
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“Letter from Italy, 1944: World Premiere Performance” Television Premiere Sunday, May 15, on CPTV4U and Sunday, May 22 on CPTV

Meryl Streep will narrate a short introduction to the “Letter from Italy, 1944: World Premiere Performance,”  on Sunday, May 22, at 12:30 P.M. on CPTV.

Written and directed by Emmy Award-winning Karyl Evans Productions and filmed live at the oratorio’s premiere in our city, the concert stars Connecticut soloists Patricia Schuman and Jack Anthony Pott, who created the roles of Delia Meneely and Dr. John K. Meneely. Other featured soloists are Patricia Barbano, Sheri Hammerstrom, Margaret Tyler, and Michael O’Herron.

With lyrics by Nancy Meneely of Essex and original music by Grammy-nominated Sarah
Meneely-Kyder of Old Lyme, this musical drama is based on the fabled 10th Mountain Division’s history and tells the true story of how one soldier’s PTSD affected generations.

Medical experts have praised the production, promoting it as a useful agent in the process of healing. Others have focused on the oratorio’s artistic and musical aspects, pronouncing it “Brilliant!”

Joseph D’Eugenio, Artistic Director of the GMChorale, produced the book and directed the
soloists, orchestra and the 80-voice GMChorale in the original production at the  Middletown Performing Arts Center. Based in Middletown, the GMChorale commissioned the music in 2012 and produced the oratorio.

“The GMChorale commissioned this concert video with the hope that Letter from Italy, 1944’s healing message could reach a wider audience,” said D’Eugenio. “We need to do what we can to work toward solving a major national problem - Post Traumatic Stress and its effect on our veterans and their families. One of the most effective ways to do this is through music.”

“Letter from Italy, 1944: World Premiere Performance” was created with the support of the Connecticut Department of Community Development, Office of the Arts; Tenth Mountain Division; Community Foundation of Middlesex County; City of Middletown, Mayor’s Office and Middletown Commission on the Arts; Choral Arts New England and many generous donors.