Young People’s Concert: Mo Willems’ Because (Field Trip)

Date
Tuesday • March 17, 2026 • 10:00 am
Venue
Lyman Center for the Performing Arts 501 Crescent Street
New Haven, Connecticut (CT) 06515
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.

Tickets:

Student tickets are $7 and chaperones are free. Schools, teachers, and homeschool families can book their group’s tickets by contacting Education@NewHavenSymphony.org.

This program is also available as a free concert for the general public on Sunday, March 15. Click here to learn more.

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.

  • 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.

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