Conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Chelsea Tipton, II, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) will introduce more than 2,500 students to the orchestra in the month of March at their Young People’s Concerts.

• SUNDAY, MARCH 24 at 1:00 p.m.: A free and public performance will take place at the John C. Lyman Center for the Performing Arts at Southern CT State University. Families can register online or call (203) 693-1486 Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m.
• TUESDAY, MARCH 26 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.: These two performances also at the Lyman Center are designed for student groups to attend together on a field trip. Interested schools can learn more about the field trip, curriculum, and pricing by emailing Engagement@NewHavenSymphony.org.

With musical selections including as Montgomery’s Starburst and Bernstein’s “Mambo” from West Side Story, this program touches on a wide range of diverse American music. The concert will also feature videos and images projected above the orchestra as the pieces are played.

Conductor Chelsea Tipton, II, says “We’re thrilled to introduce the orchestra to our young listeners and showcase the amazing talents of our musicians. Education is a core value and mission of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and we’re excited to explore the four families of instruments with everyone through these performances. You’ll get to hear the unique sounds and characteristics of each instrument, and we’ll bring everything together with an exciting piece called The Thrill of the Orchestra. This piece will vividly illustrate the instruments and how they’re played. We’re eagerly looking forward to having you join us for these amazing concerts!”

Unique Opportunity: Instrument Petting Zoo

After the Sunday, March 24 performance, the orchestra’s musicians will lead an instrument “petting zoo.” This unique and interactive experience allows children to touch, feel, and play a variety of instruments under the guidance of trained professional musicians from the NHSO.

The Young People’s Concerts are sponsored by Bartels Trust for Public Education, the George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation, and Southern CT State University.