After 600 Days, We’re Back!

After almost 600 days without performances, 1 year and 7 months without euphonious sounds, and 13,870 hours spent missing an indoor audience, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra returned to its most welcoming home, the Garde Arts Center in New London. Our 75th Anniversary Season could not have been better celebrated after having faced such a long period of time marked by a global pandemic. There is no denying the sense of gratitude and joy that filled the hearts of those in the hall to be gathered together in community for a live performance again. Check out the review by Rick Koster at The Day here.

In memory of the season we lost, we wanted to open up anew by celebrating Beethoven’s 251st birthday. Along with the performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the orchestra also premiered a revision of Polina Nazaykinskaya’s Fenix, a symphonic poem symbolic of resurrection. Music Director, Toshiyuki Shimada selected this work as it aligned with the evening’s theme of rebirth and is reflective of the idea that “we’re getting our lives back.” The concert’s first half then went out with a flourish: Franz Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, featuring U.S. Coast Guard Band member and ECSO Principal Trumpeter Thomas Brown. The audience was greatly impressed and enthused by the opening concert of the season.

We would be remiss if we did not say thank you to our attendees, donors, subscribers and corporate sponsors. This concert and all others of our 75th season would not be possible without their significant contributions.

If you missed our concert, check out our program book below and stay tuned for more in the coming months!