Hartford Symphony

Letter from Italy, 1944 with music by Sarah Meneely-Kyder and libretto by Nancy Meneely

Letter from Italy, 1944, a soldier’s story told to music, is a collaboration between Hartford Chorale and Greater Middletown Chorale, accompanied by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

A new oratorio, it is based on the experiences of Dr. John Meneely, a highly decorated regimental surgeon with the 10th Mountain Division, engaged in bloody battles in the Aleutian Islands and on the mountains of Italy. Major Meneely’s return to his family and medical practice was marked by growing internal strife and anguish, recognized today as PTSD, eventually leading to his taking his own life.

The composer and the librettist, Sarah Meneely-Kyder and Nancy Meneely, are Dr. Meneely’s daughters.

Joseph D’Eugenio, Artistic Director of the GMChorale, will conduct the performance. Alan Mann, Artistic Director of Opera Theater of Connecticut, will direct and design the production.

Archival and interpretive video projections will enhance the unfolding drama, complementing the brilliantly varied and lush score. Lighting and other theatrical features will enhance the stunning presentation.  Rachel will be covering the roles of Sarah and Dorothea Meneely.  She is thrilled to be part of this poignant work.