This Veterans Day, WHRO-FM 90.3 pays tribute to our veterans with an evening of deeply moving classical music specially curated by Raymond Jones to honor all who have served. Join us Monday, November 11, at 9 p.m. for an evening of powerful compositions that capture the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.
The program opens with “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a profound work that draws on poetry by Walt Whitman and biblical texts to express both sorrow and hope in times of war. We will feature the fourth movement, “Dirge for Two Veterans,” performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, under the direction of Robert Shaw.
Following this, we’ll hear “American Soldier” by James Kimo Williams, a composer and veteran himself, whose work reflects his own experiences in the U.S. Army. Conducted by James MacDonald with the St. Petersburg Philharmonia, this powerful piece honors the spirit of American soldiers, blending classical motifs with an intimate narration by actor Gary Sinise.
Our program then turns to “A Time for Remembrance” by John Duffy, a moving piece written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. This work, narrated by the legendary James Earl Jones and conducted by Zdenek Macal with the Milwaukee Symphony, is a journey through memory and resilience.
In tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we’ll feature “Memory Eternal to the Fallen Heroes” by Alexander Kastalsky, composed in 1917 amidst the turmoil of World War I. And we will also hear “Morning Heroes,” a powerful choral symphony by Sir Arthur Bliss, composed also to honor those who lost their lives during that first World War.
Finally, our program will feature “Heroes, Lost and Fallen” by American composer David R. Gillingham, a symphonic poem dedicated to those who perished in the Vietnam War.
Each selection in this program is a tribute to the courage and resilience of our veterans, offering listeners a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve. Tune in for an evening of remembrance and gratitude for our veterans this Monday, November 11, at 9 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 or online.
