“A special designation of $50,000 in the recently signed 2016 state budget will allow the New Haven Symphony Orchestra to continue last season’s free admission to adults and children for its Family Concert Series held at schools,” writes Joe Amarante in Sunday’s (7/12) New Haven Register (CT). “The funding, announced by symphony officials last week, will also allow the NHSO to continue the NHSO KidTix program, in which children under the age of 18 may attend all NHSO concerts free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult…. A spokeswoman said the NHSO does three Family Concert programs [at schools] per season … This past season was the first time officials were able to do the concerts free of charge, thanks to previous state funding…. In a release, [NHSO Executive Director Elaine C.] Carroll said the symphony reaches 80,000 audience members each year and that 30,000 children will benefit from 220 concerts and education programs offered in conjunction with 42 Connecticut school districts…. [State Representative Patricia] Dillon said, ‘NHSO’s commitment to providing access to the arts for all families regardless of income is a noble endeavor.’ ”
Posted July 14, 2015
