Middletown Chorale Sings 'Letter From Italy' at Sold Out Mayor's Ball

Guests of Saturday night's eighth annual Mayor's Ball were treated to an unexpected treat as members of the Greater Middletown Chorale — one of two benefactor's of the evening's proceeds — sang a magnificent song from the world-premiere oratorio, "Letter From Italy."

This dramatic oratorio — which had a single performance on April 28 — "a soldier's story told through music," is an original work commissioned by the Greater Middletown Chorale. Connecticut composer Sarah Meneely-Kyder and poet Nancy Meneely collaborated on the true story of their father, Dr. John Meneely.

The world premiere was performed with a full orchestra, staging, and multimedia projection at the Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School in April.

Artistic Director Joseph D'Eugenio has worked with the Meneely sisters for more than two years to bring the commissioned piece to the stage.

In the video, you'll hear tenor Jack A. Pott (who starred in the world premiere) singing "Oh, the Sweetie Man."

At the end of Saturday's ball, Mayor Dan Drew presented the Chorale with a check for $15,000 — a record number of people attended the gala affair and five-course dinner. "It was the biggest Mayor's Ball ever," Drew says, "both in terms of the number attendees (nearly 300) and in money raised."

Profits from the evening — 75 percent of each ticket — went to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown and the Chorale.

In reverie, an adult John Meneely and his wife Delia and three children Nancy, Sarah, and Dorthea imagine the birth of John Meneely Jr. The unexpected early delivery occurs during a blizzard as John’s marooned parents prepare for an unplanned home delivery. John’s father, Jake Meneely and his wife Sally nestle their baby once he is safely born.

Joyce Kirkpatrick of the Chorale and Arts Commission tells Patch the entire project was a three-year endeavor. Once the dvd is complete, Kirkpatrick says, not only will it be available for purchase but likely aired on CPTV and the History Channel.

"We believe this has nationwide appeal," she says. Listen to the video and tell us what you think in the comments below.

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