Involvement with a Connecticut symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to CT symphony orchestras to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Connecticut symphonies generally fall into the following categories:

1. Connecticut symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Connecticut symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Connecticut. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: Join the Classical Music Lover's Exchange to support symphonies not only in Connecticut, but those around the country. Muscialchairs.info has many music-related resources, including a list of orchestras and opera houses by city.

Support a Connecticut youth orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. Connecticut youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state. Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra in Connecticut such as the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra in Bridgeport.

Buy tickets to a Connecticut orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Connecticut have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is one of the most respected regional symphony orchestras, with nearly 6,000 subscribers. The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra performs its subscription concerts at the Garde Arts Center in New London. The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra based in the Dickerman Hollister Auditorium.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Connecticut symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.
• •  Become a corporate sponsor for a Connecticut symphony orchestra because many frequently depend on donations. This can be a cost-effective means of promoting your company. You can also encourage your employees to volunteer to teach music classes and perform in free concerts. Many back-stage opportunities exist for volunteers, as well.