The ECSO gathers all of the artistic forces in our community for a joyous celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th anniversary with a concert performance of his Broadway work Candide. Bernstein himself was quoted as saying “there’s more of me in that piece than anything else I’ve done.” Technically a comic operetta, Candide depicts Voltaire’s satirical novel of the same name. Opposing philosophies and ideologies are sung and beautifully orchestrated through two acts of entertaining music. Soloists provided from Yale Opera will deliver the humorous libretto with energy and pluck. This fitting season finale will pay brilliant homage to one of Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada’s greatest mentors.

Tickets range from $28 - $62, with $12 tickets available for active/retired military members and anyone under 30, sponsored by General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Two magnificent pieces by Joseph Haydn and Gustav Mahler form a military-themed concert showcasing the orchestra’s talent in different contexts. Haydn’s Symphony No. 100 (Military) is one of his London symphonies, written during and after his exposure to the city. His military symphony derives its subtitle from the 2nd movement which features trumpet fanfares and “Turkish” percussion – triangle, cymbals, and bass drum. Jumping forward in time a century, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 is his first fully instrumental symphony and begins with a funeral march. A chorale of hope appears in the 2nd movement, and returns to symbolize glory and triumph in the final movement, leaving the audience spell-bound.

This event is general admission, and tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for children. Arrive at the venue at 1pm for pre-concert activities in the lobby, including a photobooth, musical petting zoo, and many other activities.

The Friends of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (ECSO) are once again sponsoring a Gala to benefit ECSO on April 9, 2016 at the Mystic Marriott. This is a major fundraising component of the ECSO’s continued success and community impact. The evening will feature a choice of three delicious meals prepared by the Octagon Steakhouse. New this year, Rock and Soul Revue will perform their classic blend of rock and roll and R&B, which has delighted audiences across this region for years.

Tickets are $150, and a tax-deduction receipt can be provided for your records. By attending our Gala, you become a vital partner in sustaining our mission in this community.

Your table purchase and attendance will help us to:

• Provide musical opportunities for thousands of area students through our Music in the Schools program, Young People’s Concerts at the Garde Arts Center, and our Strings Ensemble and Youth Orchestra. We also host an annual Instrumental Competition to spotlight young talented musicians and to give them a chance to perform with ECSO, a professional symphony orchestra.

• Supply low price tickets to our concerts for students, active military personnel and veterans, and senior members of our community.

• Bring world-class talent to the Garde Arts Center regularly to enrich the cultural offerings of southeastern Connecticut. We present six classical concerts at the Garde Arts Center each season in addition to our choral concerts in Norwich and New London.

Please call the office for more information or for a formal invitation - 860-443-2876