The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) invites guests to a delightful brunch celebration filled with music, elegance, and community spirit at its annual gala fundraiser, “Melodies & Mimosas,” on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The event will take place at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CT, offering stunning seaside views and a vibrant atmosphere.

Guests will enjoy an indulgent brunch, bottomless mimosas, and captivating live music performed by the Educational Center for the Arts Jazz Collective, and NHSO violinists Gregory Tompkins and Patrick Doane playing side by side with Music Haven students in an inspiring showcase of artistry and mentorship. Proceeds from the gala will directly fuel NHSO’s artistic and educational initiatives — bringing world-class music to Connecticut’s stages, inspiring the next generation of young musicians, and ensuring that the transformative power of live orchestral music continues to enrich the community.

This year’s gala will honor extraordinary individuals and organizations whose contributions have uplifted both the arts and the greater New Haven community. The 2025 Wattles and Quartet Awards will be presented to:

• Wattles Award: Anne Tyler Calabresi, a distinguished leader in New Haven’s cultural, philanthropic, and civic life. As a life-long Symphony subscriber, and co-founder of LEAP, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, and Sunrise Café, Anne has tirelessly championed youth education, community-building, and the arts, making an indelible impact on the region.
• Quartet Award for Artistry: Music Haven, a nationally-recognized after-school music program providing free, high-quality chamber music education to nearly 100 students. Music Haven not only nurtures young musicians’ artistic skills but also instills teamwork, leadership, and a deep connection to their community through mentorship and performance opportunities.
• Quartet Award for Education: Horizons at Foote School, a transformative summer program dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for New Haven Public School students. Through a blend of literacy, STEM, and arts programming, Horizons at Foote fosters academic achievement, confidence, and long-term mentorship for its participants.
• Quartet Award for Historic Impact: Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, the oldest formally established African American Congregational Church in the world. With a legacy of faith, social justice, and community empowerment dating back to 1820, Dixwell Church continues to uplift and inspire through its advocacy, education, and cultural initiatives.
• Quartet Award for Innovation: ClimateHaven, a nonprofit organization propelling climate tech entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions. By fostering collaboration among scientists, innovators, and investors, ClimateHaven is driving technological advancements that tackle environmental challenges and create a greener future.

“Melodies & Mimosas celebrates not only the remarkable talents and generous hearts within our community but also the vital role that orchestral music plays in our shared cultural fabric,” says NHSO CEO Elaine C. Carroll. “The support we receive from this event fuels our mission to inspire and educate, ensuring that the Symphony continues to resonate with audiences today and for generations to come.”

Tickets to the Gala Brunch start at $150 and can be purchased online at NewHavenSymphony.org/Gala or by calling (203) 865-0831 ext. 118.

Melodies & Mimosas is sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation.