New Haven, CT (October 25, 2013): The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) celebrates its 120th anniversary with a festive Biergarten Gala on Saturday, November 16 at 6:00pm in the Adanti Ballroom at Southern Connecticut State University. The Gala is generously supported by People’s Bank, Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University, Whitney Center and Newtown Savings Bank.
The Gala will honor two past Symphony Presidents: James T. Morley, an active member of the Newtown community and Board President of Sacred Heart University, and Robert Dannies, President of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven and member of the Peoples United Bank Foundation Board. Their support of the NHSO over the past 30 years has played a vital role in the NHSO’s current success. They have supported a wide array of arts and education organizations throughout Connecticut and we are honored to be recognizing their achievements. The Gala is co-chaired by NHSO Vice President Tracey Scheer and her husband David as well as NHSO Secretary Mario Zangari and his wife Patricia. The silent auction is chaired by Sally Glick.
Join us and raise a glass (or stein) to the Symphony in the Adanti Ballroom, transformed into a festive biergarten. Be entertained by the sounds of “Beethoven’s Village Band” as they delight with pieces by Jacques Ibert, Joseph Haydn, Johann Strauss, and Denes Agay. A strolling accordion player will offer the lighter side of biergarten music. Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner featuring German delicacies, delicious dessert, a raffle and silent auction.
The spirit of the Gala celebrates the Symphony’s founder, Morris Steinert. In 1894 Steinert, an immigrant from Germany, planned to launch a hoop skirt factory but realized that hoop skirts had gone out of fashion. He eventually made his fortune selling pianos. He was persuaded to form a symphony orchestra by a group of New Haven amateur musicians, many of whom were also German-Americans seeking to continue the traditions of their native country in their new land. Steinert’s first orchestra disbanded after a concert deteriorated into a drunken spree where the bass player collapsed on the floor. 20 years later he tried again and the NHSO first performed on March 14, 1895 with 40 musicians.
Forty-one “Guarantors” pledged their support of the NHSO in its infancy: among them were Mr. & Mrs. Eli Whitney, Henry F. English, and Yale professors E.P. Dana, Samuel Sanford, and Horatio Parker. The NHSO became the first American orchestra to be funded by the community it serves. This tradition continues with NHSO’s unique annual galas, which are “social events of the season” that support award-winning programs.
Tickets to this grand and lively benefit event start at $135. $250 Benefactor tickets include program listing, premium seating, and valet parking. For reservations, please contact Nikki Besitko, Director of Development, at 203.865.0831 x16 or visit us online at www.NewHavenSymphony.org.
