New Haven Symphony Orchestra

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra began in 1894 when a German immigrant named Morris Steinert gathered a group of people together to form an orchestra. Steinert played organ, piano, flute, cello and violin. The men who approached Steinert about forming the orchestra were other German immigrants with a love of classical music. Their first performance occurred in 1895 at a theater that was located on Chapel Street. They performed pieces by Schubert, Bach, Beethoven and Mendelssohn. During these early years, the orchestra was affiliated with Yale University. They performed at venues including the Alumni Hall, the Hyperion Theater and the College Street Hall. In 1901, the school constructed Woolsey Hall, a large auditorium that would become the new home to the orchestra. Over the years performances continued to evolve and the program eventually included Children's Concerts. They continued to educate and perform, offering school programs and tours throughout the entire state of Connecticut. Over the years, the orchestra has been given a variety of awards, including the invitation to participate in the League of American Orchestras, a competitive three year program. The orchestra released its first CD in more than three decades in 2010, featuring the music of William Walton on the Nimbus.