William Boughton and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) are pleased to announce the Blue Star Tickets Program. In gratitude for their service to the United States the NHSO now offers free tickets for ALL performances to active duty military personnel and their families. This special offer includes symphonic, pops, and family concert performances when valid ID is presented.

In creating the program, Maestro Boughton seeks to “welcome returning serviceman back into our community and thank them for their duty to the nation. It must appear at times that we live in parallel universes for when they come home the vast majority of people are totally unaware of the sacrifices made for each and every one of us. To celebrate their safe return back to the warmth of their families and community is something we should all be grateful for.”

The offer is ongoing and launches Veteran’s Day Weekend with a concert Thursday, November 10 at Woolsey Hall. The performance features Maurice Ravel’s Le tombeau de Couperin, a stirring homage to the composer’s fallen comrades who died in World War I. The Blue Star Service Banner was designed during WWI and represents a family member serving in the armed forces. The Congressional Record of 1917 notes, “The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother—their children.”

The NHSO is humbled to offer its concerts as an escape for military families and a welcome home to returning service personnel. Our November program, Kavafian Plays Mozart includes Ravel’s tribute as well as Concertmistress Ani Kavafian performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto no. 1, Ives’ The Unanswered Question, and Haydn’s Symphony no. 104 “London.” Kavafian Plays Mozart is made possible in part by the generous support of People’s United Bank, WSHU Public Radio, and season media sponsor the New Haven Register.

Blue Star families may request free tickets by calling the NHSO Box Office at 203.865.0831, ext. 10 or emailing aisaacs@NewHavenSymphony.org.