More than 8 decades of
music in New Haven
IT STARTED IN
1939
30 MUSICIANS
One Orchestra beginning to take shape
Founding conductor Harry Berman gathered a group of 30 advanced amateur musicians for a first rehearsal
1941
FIRST CONCERT
Sprague Memorial Hall
The group performed their debut concert on April 7, 1941, under the name Philharmonic of New Haven, Connecticut. In its early years, the orchestra’s repertoire focused on light classical selections.
1960s
LONG TERM
DIRECTION
In the 1960s, Gordon Emerson became music director. Over his 40-year tenure, the orchestra expanded its repertoire to include local, state, and world premieres by composers such as Charles Ives and Leonard Bernstein. Under its new name, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven, it began featuring instrumental soloists and local school choruses.
2000s
A NEW ERA
Christopher James Hisey became music director in the 2000s, serving in the role until 2018. During his tenure, he broadened the orchestra’s repertoire and led memorable performances such as Carmina Burana in Norwalk.
2026
THE ORCHESTRA TODAY
More than 85 years after its founding, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven continues to build on its long history under the artistic leadership of Music Director Nadya Potemkina. Today, CONH brings musicians and audiences together through ambitious orchestral programming, creative collaborations, and a growing presence in the cultural life of the region.