2017-2018 Discovery Concert Series
Discovery Concerts are school-day performances at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts which illuminate orchestral music alongside historical and cultural themes and connect directly to Common Core State Standards and National Core Arts Standards.
To request tickets, submit a Program Registration form. Please book performances no later than 6 weeks in advance of the concert date. With questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or email the Education Coordinator, Miriam Engel, at mengel@hartfordsymphony.org.
The Marian Anderson Story: Dare To Take the Open-Hearted and Courageous Way
Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 10:30am
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
When Marian Anderson sang “My Country Tis’ of Thee” for 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, she proved that perseverance in the face of great adversity can bring you all the way from a humble church choir to the forefront of the world stage. Anderson’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, and later, as the first black soloist on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, Anderson showed the world again through her story and her song that the open-hearted and courageous way can overcome tremendous obstacles. Join us as we celebrate the life of one of the greatest opera singers and civil rights activists of her time.
Grade Level: 1-5
Curriculum Focus: English, Social Studies
Fee: $10/ticket
Teacher’s Guide- click here
Carnival of the Animals
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 10:30am
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
It’s the grand opening of the Hartford Symphony Zoo! Join your friends the Elephant, the Swan, the Lion, and more for a musical celebration of the animal kingdom with Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. Reserve your tickets by November 15 and receive 20% off of our own zoo, the HSO Instrument Petting Zoo!
Grade Level: 1-5
Curriculum Focus: English, Science
Fee: $10/ticket
Teacher’s Guide: Coming soon!
Link Up: The Orchestra Swings
Sponsored in part by 
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:30am
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Hartford Public Schools students in grade 3 are on a yearlong exploration to discover what makes music swing. “Swing” is many things. It’s a distinctive rhythmic feel; a musical era dominated by big band jazz; a style of dance that grew alongside the music; and that elusive but unmistakable feeling that results when musicians are deeply tuned into each other and playing in sync, or “in the pocket.” Though swing is characteristically associated with jazz, an orchestra can also swing. Developed by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, Link Up is a music education curriculum that brings great repertoire and hands-on music learning activities straight to students’ classrooms and ultimately, to the concert hall. The culminating performance on April 18 gives students the opportunity to sing and play recorders along with the HSO, performing the music they have practiced throughout the year. For Hartford Public Schools only.
Grade Level: 3
Curriculum Focus: English, Mathematics
Fee: $10/ticket
Teacher’s Guide: The Orchestra Swings Teacher’s Guide | The Orchestra Swings Student Guide
Time Capsule in the USA
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 10:30am
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
The year is 2018 and the day has come to open the Hartford Symphony Time Capsule! Music, art, history and culture from throughout American history will be on display. Don’t miss this exciting event because at midnight on May 22nd, it all goes back in the time capsule along with something very special from our present for kids of the future to enjoy!
Grade Level: 4-8
Curriculum Focus: English, Social Studies
Fee: $10/ticket
Teacher’s Guide: Coming soon!
To request tickets, submit a Program Registration form. Please book performances no later than 6 weeks in advance of the concert date. With questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or email the Education Coordinator, Miriam Engel, at mengel@hartfordsymphony.org.
