In 1939, founding conductor Harry Berman conceived the idea of an adult orchestra whose members played not for compensation but for enjoyment. He was able to put together a group of 30 advanced amateur musicians for a first rehearsal in his studio. They began preparations for their first concert, given on April 7, 1941 at Sprague Memorial Hall on the Yale University campus.

The orchestra was first known as the Philharmonic of New Haven, Connecticut. The name then became and remained the Business and Professional Men’s Orchestra until 1964, despite the addition of several women in 1943. From 1964 until the 1980’s the group was known as the New Haven Civic Orchestra, at which time the group adopted its current name of the Civic Orchestra of New Haven to avoid confusion with other New Haven-based groups.

In its early years, the orchestra’s repertoire consisted primarily of works by Gilbert and Sullivan, light classical pieces, and traditional compositions by Haydn, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Beethoven. In the 1960’s, when Harry Berman stepped down and Gordon Emerson began conducting the orchestra, the group began to include soloists and local choruses as part of its programs.

Under Emerson’s direction, the orchestra expanded its repertoire to include local, state and world premieres of works by composers such as Carlos Chavez, Charles Ives, Leonard Bernstein, Henry Cowell and others. In addition, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven began offering the opportunity for gifted local artists to perform solos in major works accompanied by the orchestra, and the group’s annual Holiday performance often includes local choruses.

In its fledgling years, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven consisted primarily of individuals working in the fields of medicine, law, and business. Today, the group’s membership, more than 60 strong, includes musicians whose backgrounds encompass a wide variety of fields. Spanning generations, the membership includes one charter member still actively performing with the group.

Under current Music Director Christopher James Hisey’s direction, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven continues its more than 60-year tradition of offering two annual performances in the heart of downtown New Haven. The programming is primarily in the classical arena, and Maestro Hisey’s creative direction with the group welcomes collaboration with local composers and soloists.

For more information about the Orchestra, to schedule an audition or to make a contribution, please contact us at P.O. Box 2015, New Haven, CT 06521-2015, or by e-mail at info@conh.net.