“Shoot for the Moon”: HSO’s Discovery Concert Captivates Students with Apollo 11 Tribute

Belding Hall was filled with excitement as nearly 600 students from over 10 different towns watched the Apollo 11 moon landing.  Led by conductor Adam Boyles, a captivated audience came to the Bushnell on May16 for our third discovery concert “Shoot for the Moon”.   A mix of archival video footage with historical context, blended seamlessly with the orchestra’s performance capturing the essence of Apollo’s 11 mission.  Students were at the edge of their seats watching what was taking place while the Hartford Symphony Orchestra elevated the experience with thrilling pieces such as Fanfare for Man, Mission Impossible and the Star Wars Theme.  Even our Artist-in-Residence, Melissa White, appeared to join the orchestra on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Summer.   

One music teacher summed up her students’ experience beautifully by saying, “Today’s “Shoot for the Moon” program was absolutely outstanding!  My students and their grade-level teachers LOVED it!  I had not attended a Discovery concert before, but we had a wonderful experience, and we will most certainly be returning next year!  The educational content with the film footage and talk was perfect for them, and of course the music was terrific.  The entire event was so well organized as well.  THANK YOU for everything!  We will see you again next spring!”

We are deeply appreciative of Adam Boyles’ and our musicians’ work to make this performance an incredible event.  We also want to thank our sponsors* for their support in extending the HSO’s offerings.  And we thank the Roberts Foundation for their underwriting of the Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence.

*Shoot for the Moon Sponsors:

Gawlicki Family Foundation

Lincoln Financial Foundation

Travelers

Geroge HC Ensworth Memorial Fund

The Pryor Foundation

Walton Bissell Foundation

Hartford Performs

Tawani Foundation