Before You’re Here

No Vaccine Requirements or Negative Tests Needed.

Face Masks are recommended but not required.

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

These guidelines are subject to change as the circumstances require and if government and venue recommendations evolve.

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 $35 to $65 each. If you are a senior citizen there are discounts for almost all seating areas. Under 40 or in the military? 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.

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.

Short answer: no. However, some patrons may appreciate the concert more if they listen to a recording of the piece prior to attending, so they can better anticipate their favorite parts. To enhance your enjoyment of the music, visit the concert page to listen to our curated playlist or read the concert program notes.

Anything you prefer. Although the orchestra and conductor may be in a tux, that doesn’t mean you have to be. We want you to be as comfortable as possible to experience the music. If you want to dress up for date night or prefer something more casual, that’s up to you. 

If you’re coming to a concert at the Garde Arts Center, there are several bars throughout the lobby area that offer wine, beer, coffee, and tea. Thanks to our partnership with the Garde, you are allowed to bring drinks to your seat! Pro-tip: bar staff allow you to pre-order your drink(s) for intermission. Before the concert begins, visit the lobby bars to place your order, and then when you come out for intermission your drink will be waiting for you.

Concerts vary in length depending on the pieces performed, but are usually two hours long including a 20-minute intermission. Check the program book for more information about the concert you’re attending. There you will find an approximate length of each piece.

There are several parking areas near the Garde Arts Center:

  • FREE street parking on State, Huntington, Meridian, and Union Streets (shaded in green).
  • FREE parking behind the Courthouse (Access via Cottage Street).
  • FREE parking in the Municipal Parking Lot (Eugene O’Neill Drive).
  • PAID parking at the Water Street Parking Garage and the Cornish Garage.

Check the Getting Here section of our website for directions to the Garde.

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