Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra

06/12/2026

Come check out all of the amazing things happening at the Garde Arts Center tomorrow for CT Open House Day!

And come visit us for an instrument petting zoo🎶😆
ECSO Petting Zoo 12:00-2:00pm
Location: Main Lobby
Ever wondered what it feels like to hold a violin, pluck a cello string, or press the keys of a clarinet? Now’s your chance! The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo gives curious minds of all ages the opportunity to get up close and personal with the instruments of the orchestra. Under the guidance of friendly ECSO musicians and staff, you can touch, explore, and even try playing a variety of instruments. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a lifelong music lover, this hands-on experience is the perfect way to discover the magic behind the music. Come meet the instruments that bring our stage to life!

https://gardearts.org/events/ct-open-house-day/

06/11/2026

Instrument Petting Zoo❤🎻🎺📚🎶

We've had a great time going into Norwich Public Schools for our instrument petting zoo program with Falcetti Music. These students are amazing and they can't wait to continue their musical journeys! Thank you to Thomas W. Mahan Elementary and John B. Stanton Elementary for supporting these kids' music education.

05/26/2026

The season may be over, but will we see you this Summer?!
The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra returns to Block Island on Thursday, August 13th — performing under the tent at Champlin's Marina & Resort overlooking the Great Salt Pond. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5pm, performance at 6pm.

🎟️ Tickets — https://www.blockislandchamber.com/summer-symphony-2026

The Summer Symphony is back! The Block Island Chamber of Commerce is cordially inviting you to join us for a delightful evening of music performed by the talented musicians of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, August 13th, 5 to 7 pm. A wonderful performance of the ECSO under th...

05/18/2026

We are so excited for our upcoming 80th Anniversary Season: From 80 to Infinity at the Garde Arts Center under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada!

Shadows & Spirits — October 24
Paris to Pathos — November 21
Holiday Spectacular — December 5
Infinite Seasons — January 23
Voyage Along the Silk Road — February 20
Boundless Beethoven — April 3

🎟 Season tickets are available NOW — Classic 6 or Pick 4 options!
Over 30% savings. Guaranteed preferred seating. Exclusive benefits. ✨

Explore the season:
https://ectsymphony.com/our-upcoming-2025-2026/

Season tickets:
https://ectsymphony.com/become-a-season-ticket-holder/

05/12/2026

Sounds of America at the Garde Arts Center was a breathtaking finale to our 2025-2026 Legacy of Light season — featuring music director & conductor Toshiyuki Shimada, our amazing musicians, the ECSO Chorus under the direction of Dr. Daniel McDavitt, and soloists Henry Cox & Sarah Callinan. Bravo to all!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported us this season. The best is yet to come — we cannot wait to make more music together! 🎻💙

Thank you to our generous finale sponsor: Interstate Navigation Block Island Ferry ⚓

Check out our exciting upcoming season celebrating our 80th: From 80 to Infinity!
https://ectsymphony.com/our-upcoming-2025-2026/

📸: Cass Meehan-Marinich

05/06/2026

After years of remarkable artistry, commitment, and passion, we bid a heartfelt farewell to the following members of the ECSO family who are retiring:

Jim Hunter — Bass
Joan Winters — Principal Second Violin
Rebecca Noreen — Bassoon & Contrabassoon
Jonathan Towne — Clarinet

Congratulations and thank you, Jim, Joan, Rebecca, and Jonathan. Your music lives on in this orchestra and in this community!❤

04/25/2026

Tonight! Tonight! It all begins tonight. 🎶 https://gardearts.org/series/ecso/
Limited tickets left.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of American music and season finale featuring Bernstein's beloved West Side Story selections, Copland's majestic Symphony No. 3, choral masterworks by Thompson, Runestad, and our very own Dr. Daniel McDavitt.

7:30PM tonight Garde Arts Center

Thank you to our sponsor Block Island Ferry for helping make live orchestral music possible in Eastern Connecticut! 🎶💙

04/24/2026

Fun rehearsal tonight with !
Tickets almost sold out for our finale tomorrow night!
🎟️ https://gardearts.org/series/ecso/

04/24/2026