The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) will present Garden Concert at the Estate, a new outdoor event combining live orchestral performance, community celebration, and philanthropy on Friday, May 15, 2026 on the scenic grounds of The Estate in New Haven (709 Townsend Avenue).
Led by Music Director Perry So, the program features Spanish-inspired works for orchestra, guitar, voice, and dance, performed by a chamber ensemble of 30 NHSO musicians. The evening’s musical program includes:
- Manuel de Falla — El Amor Brujo, featuring mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala and dancer Eva Conti. This dramatic work draws on Andalusian folk traditions and culminates in the iconic “Ritual Fire Dance.”
- Joaquín Rodrigo — Fantasia para un Gentilhombre, featuring guitarist Andrea González Caballero. Rodrigo’s luminous concerto highlights the expressive elegance of the classical guitar.
Celebrating Community Leaders
As part of the evening, the NHSO will present its Wattles Award and Quartet Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the Symphony and the broader New Haven community. This year’s awardees include:
- Wattles Honoree: Dr. Rita A. Landino
- Quartet Award for Artistry: Shining Light on Truth Exhibitions
- Quartet Award for Education: LEAP (Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership)
- Quartet Award for Historic Impact: Jesse Hameen II
- Quartet Award for Innovation: AZA Lab
These awardees represent a wide spectrum of impact across education, the arts, history, and innovation, reflecting the cultural life of Greater New Haven.
A New Chapter for NHSO Outdoor Programming
“Garden Concert at the Estate represents an exciting new opportunity for your Symphony,” says NHSO CEO Elaine C. Carroll. “We are always looking for ways to bring music into new spaces, to meet people where they are, and to create meaningful experiences for our community. This event builds on the success of our outdoor performances at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas and our Family Concert Series, and we see it as an additional home where we can continue to grow in the years ahead.”
Tent & Lawn Tickets
The VIP Tent experience, a fundraiser which includes access to the Estate’s mansion, pre- and post-concert hospitality, and reserved seating under the tent, is sold out, reflecting strong support for the Symphony’s artistic and educational mission. Interested parties can join the VIP tent wait list here.
A limited number of lawn concert tickets remain available, offering audiences the opportunity to bring blankets or chairs and enjoy the performance in a relaxed outdoor setting. The grounds will open at 6:00 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Picnics are permitted. To purchase lawn tickets and learn more, visit NewHavenSymphony.org or call (203) 693-1486. Tickets are $20 and tickets for youth under 18 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
The Garden Concert at the Estate is sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Valley Community Foundation, Yale Schwarzman Center, Spice Catering, The Estate, and Docuprintnow.
