New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Cover of program for the orchestra's first concert in 1895

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra based in New Haven, Connecticut. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert in 1895 and is the fourth oldest orchestra in the United States.^[1]

History

The NHSO was founded by Morris Steinhert (a music merchant) and Horatio William Parker (the head of Yale University's Department of Music). Though most American symphony orchestras of the late 19th century were based in large cities, the NHSO flourished in New Haven. Steinhert and Parker had created a viable orchestra made up of local musicians, in a considerably smaller city than Boston or New York.

Today, the orchestra is made up of over 70 professionals — most of whom live and work in the Greater New Haven area.

Guest artists

The NHSO has enjoyed a long history of fruitful collaborations with visiting artists and soloists. Some of the most memorable names include Vladimir Ashkenazy, Joshua Bell, Van Cliburn, Renée Fleming, James Galway, Glenn Gould, Yo-Yo Ma, Jessye Norman, Itzhak Perlman, Mstislav Rostropovich, Artur Rubinstein, and Pinchas Zukerman.

The NHSO Pops Series has also brought some legends to the Elm City. Such notables as Dave Brubeck, Arthur Fiedler, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Wynton Marsalis, Buddy Rich, and Sarah Vaughan have delighted audiences onstage with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

Programs and venues

Program of music for orchestra's first concert, December 5, 1895

• Symphony Series at Woolsey Hall

The NHSO Symphony Series consists of seven concerts held at Woolsey Hall in New Haven and conducted by William Boughton, Music Director. These concerts feature classical works from a variety of artistic periods, and take place on selected Thursday nights. During the 2009-2010 season the NHSO will perform the complete Beethoven symphonies as well as works by composers in residence Jin Hi Kim and Augusta Reed Thomas.

The free Preludes at Slifka Center precede the concerts by one hour, and feature a guest speaker (often Boughton himself). The Showcase of Young Artists takes place in the rotunda of Woolsey Hall 45 minutes before each curtain, and features talented students from the region.

• Pops Series at the Shubert Theater

The NHSO Pops Series takes place on selected Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternnons at the East Haven High School in East Haven CT, the Hamden Intermediate School in Hamden CT, and at Shelton Intermediate School in Shelton CT. The well-attended shows highlight works not traditionally found in the classical repertoire — the 2007-'08 season, for example, consists of flamenco, vocal jazz, and big band music. The 2009-2010 season has programs based on the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Holiday favorites in December and a Valentines program of romantic Irish pieces. These shows are led by Gerald Steichen, Associate Conductor of the NHSO.

• NHSO to Go
• Summer Concerts
• Education Programs

Notes

1. ^ "New Haven Symphony Orchestra: About Us" (HTML). www.newhavensymphony.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20070916152050/http://www.newhavensymphony.com/about_us.htm. Retrieved 2007-10-17. 

External links

• Official site