Young People’s Concert: Mo Willems’ Because

Date
Sunday • March 15 • 1:00 pm
Venue
Lyman Center for the Performing Arts 501 Crescent Street
New Haven, Connecticut (CT) 06515
Purchase Tickets
Box Office    Season Tickets

 

The children's book "BECAUSE" sits on top of a pile of sheet music.

Meet the orchestra at the Young People’s Concert! This FREE, interactive program designed for kids will show off all the cool sounds that an orchestra can make.

Experience the story of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl’s journey to center stage with illustrations by Mo Willems (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus) and music by Jessie Montgomery.

This concert is the perfect introduction to classical music for young audiences.

What to Expect:

— A 50-minute concert with no intermission. “Because” will be on the program, as well as other pieces that show off the orchestra!
— There will be a screen over the orchestra with fun visuals.
— After the concert, kids can meet NHSO musicians in the lobby and try real orchestra instruments at the instrument “petting zoo.”
— There is assigned seating. You can select tickets closer to the stage where you can see the players up close or further away where you will have a better view of all of the action happening in the entire orchestra.
— There is a free parking lot directly in front of the Lyman Center.

Don’t miss this unforgettable family-friendly event!

This event is free and open to the public. You must register for tickets in advance.

This program is also available as a field trip opportunity on Tuesday, March 17. Email Education@NewHavenSymphony.org to learn more about bringing your student group to the Young People’s Concerts!

The Young People’s Concerts are sponsored by Bartels Trust for Public Education, the George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, and Southern CT State University.

  • How to Get Your Free Tickets

    Please note the ticket procedure for this very popular, free event:

    Sign up today to pre-register for this free concert and get early access to tickets when they become available.

    People on the pre-registration list will be emailed a link to register for their actual concert tickets on Monday, February 16, 2026. People on the pre-registration list will have the best chance to obtain tickets!

    Any remaining tickets will open to the general public on Monday, February 23, 2026.

    Pre-Register for Tickets

  • Accessibility

    Ramp & Door Access

    The Lyman Center is equipped with push-button access, outside as well as inside the main vestibule. There is a wheelchair ramp to the right of the stairs leading up to the doors nearest to the theater.

    Seating Options

    There are accessible seating options along the back row of the front sections. These seats have swing arms and space considerations for wheelchairs or service animals. There is also companion seating available. Please refer to the seating chart to find these seats or inquire about these options when contacting the box office or email access@newhavensymphony.org.

    Parking

    Parking at the Lyman Center is complimentary for NHSO concerts. The parking lot is accessed from Crescent Street. There are ADA-reserved spaces near the entrance to the Lyman Center. Patrons are also encouraged to drop off and pick-up directly in front of the venue entrance.

    For additional convenience, valet parking is also available to purchase in advance. More information coming soon.

    Public Transportation

    There are stops on the 243 at Wintergreen Ave and Farnham Ave, at Fitch Street and Wintergreen Ave, and at Fitch Street and Crescent Street. Each stop is equidistant to the Lyman Center (about 0.3 miles). Guests may access the Lyman Center from Crescent Street or by using pedestrian walking paths opposite of Wintergreen Ave on Fitch Street. Both paths are wheelchair accessible.

    There is a pedestrian overpass that goes over Fitch Street near the Wintergreen Ave intersection. Please note that the Fitch Street entrance to the overpass has steps, but wheelchair users may access it on Wintergreen Ave. There is also a street-level crosswalk with curb cuts for those who get dropped off on Fitch Street.

    Click here for a comprehensive map of the 243 bus route.

    Restrooms

    There are ground-level, gendered, multi-stall bathrooms on either side of the auditorium at the Lyman Center. The restrooms are labeled according to gender. We invite patrons to use whichever restroom best corresponds with their gender identity.

    Sensory Related Accommodations

    Sensory kits and earplugs are available at all of our concerts. Patrons can also request to borrow ear defenders for the duration of the concert. To obtain a pair, see a staff member.

    Large Print Programs

    Large print programs are available at all of our concerts and can be acquired from a staff member or usher.

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