The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) is proud to announce that it has received a $50,000 special designation in the State of Connecticut’s FY16-17 budget signed on June 30. As a result of this funding the NHSO will offer free admission for adults and children to its 2016 and 2017 Family Concert Series. In addition, through the NHSO KidTix program children under the age of 18 may attend all NHSO concerts free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
NHSO Executive Director Elaine C. Carroll said, “Performing arts organizations such as the New Haven Symphony Orchestra contribute tremendous public value to our communities, making them vital and engaging places to live and work. The NHSO enhances New Haven’s reputation around the world through ASCAP Awards for Innovative Programming, nationally recognized funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, and, most recently, rave reviews in Gramophone Magazine for our latest album. The NHSO reaches 80,000 audience members each year and 30,000 children will benefit from our 220 concerts and education programs which are offered in conjunction with 42 Connecticut school districts.”
Carroll continued, “We thank our local Representatives, Patricia Dillon and Toni Walker, for their tireless advocacy of our programs to the Connecticut legislature and are proud to offer free KidTix and Family Concert Series to local citizens.”
Rep. Patricia Dillon said, “I am excited to support NHSO and their community programming. NHSO’s commitment to providing access to the arts for all families regardless of income is a noble endeavor. The Davis School series was a well-attended success. I want to thank the Appropriation Committee chairs, Rep. Toni Walker and Sen. Beth Bye, for their support.”
The NHSO Family Concert Series provides a lively introduction to the orchestra through interactive concerts designed
“Babar the Elephant,” a Family Concert program performed at Davis Street School in New Haven on January 10, 2015
just for children. Each January – March the NHSO presents three Family Concerts at Davis Street School in New Haven and Shelton Intermediate School. This year, the series’ theme will be “Once Upon a Time”; NHSO ensembles will celebrate centuries of fairy tales through music and finish “happily ever after” with a beautiful lullaby sing along. Students are also encouraged to participate in an Instrument Discovery Zone in the lobby before the concerts where they can touch and play real orchestral instruments. To learn more, visit NewHavenSymphony.org/Family.
The NHSO offers free KidTix to all of its concerts for children ages 7-17 with the purchase of an adult ticket. KidTix must be purchased by phone by calling the NHSO box office at 203.865.0831 x20. The KidTix corporate sponsor is Frontier Communications.
In 2015 – 2016, its 122nd season in operation, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra continues to fulfill its mission of increasing the impact and value of orchestral music for its audiences through high quality, affordable performances and educational programming. The NHSO presents more than 55 concerts per season throughout the region and reaches more than 30,000 students through its award-winning educational and community programming. For more information, visit NewHavenSymphony.org.
