The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is based in New London, CT, usually performing between October through May at the Garde Arts Center. In recent years, we’ve expanded to include large and small performances in Norwich, Willimantic, Mystic, and Essex. Part of our mission is to connect our communities through live orchestral music. Our goal is to continue to reach new audiences and performance venues.
Prices start from $45 to $70 each. If you are a senior citizen there are discounts for almost all seating areas. Are you Under 40 or an active duty military member or veteran? Just have your ID ready and you get $12 tickets!
Another way to save is to buy a subscription or get a group rate. This can be either in the form of season tickets, where we often have deals like our “Pick-4” option or in the form of group tickets, where you save 10% depending on the size of your group and can even come for free if your group is of a certain size.
We also have different discounts with many local businesses. Ask your employer if your company has a discount with the ECSO. If they don’t yet, give us a call! A group of 10 or more from your workplace would apply for our group discount of 10% off the total of your tickets.
The Garde Art Center has two accessible locations where patrons can remain in their wheelchair on the orchestra level. Some orchestra aisle seats are equipped with removable armrests to aid in seating from a wheelchair. The balcony and loge seating areas are not wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions on accessibility for our concerts, please contact the ECSO or Garde Box Offices.
Concerts vary in length depending on the pieces performed, but are usually two hours long including a 20-minute intermission.
There are several parking areas near the Garde Arts Center:
- FREE street parking on State, Huntington, Meridian, and Union Streets. There is no time limit for on-street parking after 5 pm and on weekends.
- FREE parking behind the Courthouse (Access via Cottage Street).
- FREE parking in the Municipal Parking Lot (Eugene O’Neill Drive).
- FREE parking at the New London Public Library when the library is closed.
After 7 pm on weekdays, after 5 pm on Saturdays, and after 4 pm on Sundays. - PAID Located just a block away behind the Garde Arts Center on Gov. Winthrop Blvd, the Cornish Parking Garage is fully automated and operational 24 hours a day. Rates vary.
- PAID parking at the Water Street Parking Garage.
Check the Getting Here section of our website for directions to the Garde.
There are many restaurants in the New London area where you can dine before our concerts. If you drive to the Garde Arts Center, dining near the hall is also a great way to find a parking spot before the regular concert rush. Many of these restaurants get crowded on concert nights, so it is wise to make reservations.
-Fat Boy’s Kitchen and Bar
-Tony D’s
-Jasmine Tai
-La Luna
-Mr. G’s
-The Social Bar and Kitchen
-Woodfellas
-Ocean Pizza
-Daddy Jacks
There are bars throughout the theatre where you can purchase a drink and bring it to your seat!
Following the concert, there is a post-concert reception where we provide free champagne and desserts.
There are local bars in New London that you can go to after this if you’d like.
Where’s a good seat at the Garde?
While we love all the seats at the Garde equally – really there is no bad seat – there are different sections you may prefer:
- Loge: A preferred favorite with its all-encompassing stunning views and sound, ample leg room, and larger seats.
- Balcony B & C: Central views and outstanding acoustics for a superb value.
- Orchestra A: Fabulous sound in the heart of the main floor, excellent views of soloists.
- Orchestra B: A great value on the main floor, offers a broader view of the orchestra.
- Orchestra C: Close-up views, offering an affordable and exciting experience.
Lastly, if there is a piano soloist performing, you may want to sit more towards the left side of the house so that you can see the pianist’s hands as they perform. Just let the Box Office know your preference and they’ll gladly help you find your seats.
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