The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) will join orchestras across Connecticut this March to celebrate Connecticut Orchestra Month, a statewide initiative highlighting the depth and accessibility of live orchestral music throughout the state.
Taking place throughout March 2026, Connecticut Orchestra Month showcases performances, education programs, and community events presented by 22 orchestras in 19 towns, offering 48 concerts and events across Connecticut. From professional symphonies to community, collegiate, youth, and chamber ensembles, participating organizations reflect Connecticut’s extraordinary concentration of orchestras—one of the highest per capita in the nation.
Connecticut Orchestra Month was launched in 2025 as a first-of-its-kind collaborative effort to raise awareness, break down barriers to attendance, and invite new audiences to experience live orchestral music close to home.
Connecticut’s orchestras collectively represent a major cultural and educational resource, engaging thousands of musicians and reaching audiences of all ages. Together, orchestras across the state annually contribute:
• 2,400 musicians performing in orchestras statewide
• 282 performances each year, reaching more than 186,000 audience members
• 350 community and educational events, serving 45,000 students at 230 schools
As part of the musical celebration, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra will present:
FREE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS: Mo Willems’ Because
Sunday, March 15 • 1PM • Lyman Center at SCSU
GOIN’ HOME
Sunday, March 22 • 3PM • Woolsey Hall
Perry So, Music Director • Heritage Chorale
Dvořák’s New World Symphony anchors this soulful celebration of cultural identity and belonging, with works by Courtney Bryan and William Grant Still.
Audiences of all backgrounds—first-time concertgoers and longtime classical music lovers alike—are encouraged to attend and experience the power of live orchestral music.
A complete calendar of Connecticut Orchestra Month events is available at CTOrchestraMonth.org.
About Connecticut Orchestra Month
Connecticut Orchestra Month is a statewide celebration of the vibrant orchestral scene across Connecticut. With 22 participating orchestras performing 48 concerts, new and returning audience members can experience and enjoy concerts all month long. Learn more and view the concert calendar at CTOrchestraMonth.org.
The Young People’s Concerts are sponsored by Dr. Rita A. Landino, Katharine Matthies Foundation, Henry E. and Nancy H. Bartels Fund for Education, George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, Southern CT State University, The Elizabeth Carse Foundation, and The Anna Fitch Ardenghi Trust. Goin’ Home is sponsored by Yale University Office of New Haven Affairs, NewAlliance Foundation, The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, and Frontier, A Verizon Company.
