It's “America The Beautiful”, A Free Community Concert from WSO Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary on Sunday May 24th 

LITCHFIELD, CT — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra proudly presents America The Beautiful, a unique and inspiring choral tribute concert on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM at The Forman School in Litchfield.

Conceived by WSO Music Director Leif Bjaland as a gift to the community, this free public performance reimagines one of America’s most beloved patriotic works through the voices of Connecticut composers, musicians, and students. Seven Connecticut composers have each been commissioned to create original new musical settings inspired by the stanzas of Katharine Lee Bates’ iconic 1895 poem America the Beautiful, creating a moving collaborative tribute that honors both America’s past and its future.

The performance will feature the CT State College Naugatuck Valley Choir under the direction of Gil Harel, alongside pianist Mark Focarile and student performers from throughout the region.

The seven Connecticut composers include:

Gilad Harel, Sharon Ruchman, Ethan Ledina, Farrah McQueen, David Lui, Devin Mallon, Kyle Scriven

The concert reflects the orchestra’s ongoing commitment to innovative programming, music education, and meaningful community engagement throughout Connecticut.

Waterbury Symphony would like to express thanks to the Battel-Stoeckel Music Trust whose generous support made this concert possible. 

Calendar Listing:

• "America The Beautiful"

• Sunday, May 24, 2026 — 4:00 PM

• The Forman School Auditorium

• 9 Forman Henderson Dr, Litchfield, CT

• Admission is free and open to the public. Registration is required via the Eventbrite link

• Tickets will also be available at the door as space permits.

• Accessible parking* is available.  

*Patrons requiring accessible accommodations are requested to contact WSO in advance at info@waterburysymphony.org to allow WSO to ensure sufficient spaces are set aside.  

For additional information:

WSO Office: (203) 574-4283

Online: Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

About the Contributors & Composers

Mark Focarile is an accomplished keyboardist and educator who performs in a wide range of genres as an accompanist, side musician and with his group, Mile Marker Zero. 

Gil Harel, PhD (Brandeis), is an award-winning musicologist and composer specializing in Western art music and contemporary musical theater. He is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley.

Sharon Ruchman is a composer, pianist, and violist whose cinematic, emotionally driven music blends classical, jazz, and contemporary influences through her ensemble, SONORO.

Devin Mallon is a Composer, Pianist, and Vocalist from Prospect Connecticut. His music is both personal and theatric, featuring ties to nature and personal discovery.

Farrah McQueen is a media and concert composer, currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Composition at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.

Kyle Scriven is a pianist, composer, and music educator whose work blends classical tradition, emotional expression, and a passion for meaningful musical connection.

David Lui is an American composer, conductor, and cellist from Connecticut. He will be studying composition at the New England Conservatory in the Fall.

About Waterbury Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1938, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra believes that music, music education, and shared cultural experiences are essential to humanity.

WSO’s programming includes its MasterWorks Classical Series, its popular Symphony & Cinema concerts, and innovative satellite performances through its Newtown Series and Litchfield Series, introduced in 2024. It also offers celebrated education initiatives , which serve libraries and schools throughout the region, with a special focus on reaching underserved communities.

Led by Music Director Leif Bjaland for more than thirty seasons, WSO draws more than one hundred professional musicians from across New England.

As orchestra-in-residence at the Fine Arts Center, Naugatuck Valley Community College, WSO gratefully acknowledges NVCC and honors the enduring legacy of generosity and vision of Ruth Ann Leever.