Greater Bridgeport Symphony

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Greater Bridgeport Symphony

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Presenting the finest in Classical Music since 1946.

The Greater Bridgeport Symphony has been a cornerstone of the cultural community in and around Bridgeport since its inception as a WPA Arts Program Project in 1934. After the war, it was formally organized and funded by the large industries and businesses that once dominated Bridgeport. Through its illustrious Music Directors — Daniel Saidenburg, Jonel Perlea, Jose Iturbi, Gustav Meier (for 42 seasons) and Eric Jacobsen (the past 9 seasons)

GBS has established a high standard for orchestral music in the region, and is a growing force for music education in Bridgeport’s schools. The GBS is a professional orchestra that typically presents five mainstage concerts each season, in addition to chamber music. The orchestra’s recent projects include “Blue as the Turquoise Night,” an album in collaboration with members of the Silkroad Ensemble, video projects with Colin Jacobsen and Simone Porter, and concert performances with world-class artists including Gil Shaham and Yuja Wang. GBS presents educational programming in the Bridgeport Public Schools and offers a variety of grant and donor-funded music education programs for students of all ages. During the pandemic, GBS presented live outdoor concerts, as well as a full-orchestra virtual season in 2020-21, returning to a full season of in-person, indoor concerts in late 2021. GBS is proud to announce that Eduardo Leandro will lead the orchestra in our five season concerts in 2023-24 as our Principal Guest Conductor. The season’s theme is BUILDING BRIDGES: bridges between the many cultures in our community, bridges between classical and new music, and a bridge from our nine amazing seasons with Eric Jacobson into our bright future. GBS looks to a future of even greater immersion in the diverse community we call home, presenting the best of the classics with new music, enhancing the Greater Bridgeport region as a flourishing cultural center in Connecticut.

10/25/2026

Come out and help our neighbors in need and support the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. Bring a non-perishable food item to our Nov 7 concert: "I Hear America Singing" at Mertens Theatre, University of Bridgeport. http://gbs.org

10/23/2026

TONIGHT- Oct. 23, 7:30 pm, from our friends at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University and Fairfield Arts and Minds: internationally renowned organist Cameron Carpenter comes to the Quick Center for a special performance accompanying Buster Keaton’s landmark silent film The General (1926) live.

This unusual meeting of music and film is a wonderful opportunity to experience Carpenter’s extraordinary musicianship and the power of live music to completely transform the cinematic experience. Don't miss it! For more info & tickets:

To call Cameron Carpenter a virtuoso seems wholly inadequate. He is the world’s most visible organist, the first ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album. Acclaimed for his flawless technique, Carpenter’s repertoire—from the complete works of J.S. Bach and César Franck to his ...

10/22/2026

A look inside rehearsal: The Wilton Singers and director Kevin Cotellese are getting ready for I Hear America Singing. On Saturday, November 7, they join Maestro Eduardo Leandro and a chamber ensemble of Greater Bridgeport Symphony musicians at Mertens Theatre, 84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport. 7:30 PM. Tickets $21–$72; kids under 19 are always free. https://www.gbs.org/tickets?eid=192428&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=s81_nov7&utm_content=post02

10/09/2026

Grammy-nominated Sophie B. Hawkins stopped by our intermission and told us what she thought. 🎻

Thank you Sarah for introducing her to GBS!

Next up: I Hear America Singing, Saturday, Nov 7 at Mertens Theater. Kids under 19 free, tickets from $21 at GBS.org.

Follow for a new Intermission With… every concert.

w/ Eduardo Leandro · soloist Jennifer Koh

10/05/2026

06/17/2026

Subscriptions on sale now! Don't miss this season!

05/31/2026

Meet some of the talented student musicians who performed last night side-by-side with GBS at Redding Celebrates America 250. What an honor for us to play with them! Their Music Director, Chris Breault with Joel Barlow High School, is such an inspiration for these students and the community of Redding. Bravo to them all as well as their families who support their musical journeys.

05/31/2026

What an amazing concert last evening at Redding Celebrates America 250! A full house with several standing ovations. A flawless, compelling narration by actress Diana Canova with Copland‘s Lincoln Portrait. A peak backstage right before curtain of our Maestro Leandro and Diana.

Address

2385 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT
06604

Telephone

(203) 576-0263

Website

http://www.gbs.org/

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