Benjamin DaSilva, Jr.  Principal Trumpet Chair Dedication Concert

Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 7:30 pm

Danbury High School

43 Clapboard Ridge Road

Danbury, CT  06811

featuring Joseph Alessi, conductor

The orchestra with musicians from the DSO, DCO, and throughout the area will be conducted by special guest conductor Joseph Alessi.  Mr. Alessi is a classical trombonist who is currently Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, a soloist, teacher, clinician and recording artist.

Free will donations will be accepted  to establish the Benjamin DaSilva Principal Trumpet Chair in both the Danbury Symphony Orchestra and Danbury Community Orchestra in Benjamin’s honor. Funds collected will be used to further the programs of the Danbury Music Centre.

Benjamin DaSilva Jr. lived his entire life in Danbury. He began his career as a teacher in Stamford then came to Danbury to teach at the new Hayestown Avenue School. Next, he became the assistant principal and then principal of King Street School. He later served as Director of Elementary Education and then Assistant Superintendent of Schools.

In addition to a thirty-five-year career as an educator, Ben devoted much of his life to supporting the arts. He was Chairman of the Danbury Cultural Commission for forty-three years and a long-dedicated supporter of the Danbury Music Centre as well as numerous arts activities. He was a co-author of the successful textbook: The Afro-American in United States History, which has been used as far away as New Zealand and Poland. It can be found in many libraries in the world. His other writings include several short stories, two novels, a play which had a successful run at the Sherman Playhouse and a musical which was produced in concert format at the Marian Anderson Recital Hall in Danbury. A dedicated and respected educator, he was a kind and gentle person who touched the lives of many people with whom he worked and lived.