Eastern Hosts Concert to 'Remember and Reflect' Sandy Hook

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WILLIMANTIC, CT (11/13/2018) On Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Instructional Center Concert Hall, the Music Program at Eastern Connecticut State University will host a concert titled "Remembrance and Reflection." The concert is dedicated to Victoria Soto's memory and the other victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in December 2012. Soto graduated from Eastern in 2008. All donations at the door will go to the Victoria Soto Scholarship fund.

The Eastern Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers, conducted by David Belles and accompanied by Eric Ouellette on the piano, will perform alongside the Eastern Wind Ensemble, which will be conducted by Kelly Watkins.

The concert will explore themes of birth, life and ultimate peace, showcased through pieces such as "In the Bleak Midwinter," a Christmas carol based on a poem by Christine Rossetti, a 17th century poet. "We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace" will also be featured as a reflection on the peace and resting place through the ultimate sacrifice of giving one's life.

"Into the Silent Land," composed by Steve Danyew, will also make its regional premiere at this concert. Danyew, who grew up less than a mile from Sandy Hook Elementary School, was moved to create a piece of remembrance for the victims and their families.

On this piece, Danyew writes, "Through the simple idea of remembering-not forgetting that this happened, not forgetting these children, not forgetting the grief that their families must feel-I realized this is when I wanted and needed to communicate through music."

Written by Raven Dillon

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 5,300 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 26 other states and 20 other countries. A residential campus offering 40 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in an array of applied learning opportunities. Ranked the 25th top public university in the North Region by U.S. News and World Report in its 2018 Best College ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review eight years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.