Each season, the LSI team hosts more than 100 events, serving more than 15,000 people across schools, health care facilities, and community spaces. Through innovative programming and meaningful connections, the HSO continues to inspire, educate, and uplift, ensuring that orchestral music remains a vibrant and accessible force in our community.

LSI Programs

The HSO’s Learning & Social Impact Department works to provide high-quality music learning experiences and foster strong relationships within the community. Our diverse array of musical activities engages, educates, and enriches the audience, offering the profound and transformative experience of live music.

Our school programming offers a range of engaging musical experiences led by our talented HSO musicians. Our ensembles showcase a variety of instruments and partner with many schools to inspire lifelong music appreciation through school coaching partnerships, masterclasses, and in-school performances.

Discovery Concerts introduce students to the magic of a live symphony orchestra through storytelling and interactive experiences. Follow the link below to learn more about this year’s programming and ticket information.

The HSO’s Young Artists Competition is a concerto competition open to all Connecticut high school students or residents in grades 9–12. Contestants compete for cash awards and a chance to perform as a soloist with the HSO.

Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence

The Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence program deepens community engagement through meaningful artistic experiences. Supported by the Roberts Foundation for the Arts, this program celebrates both performance and outreach, honoring Joyce’s lasting commitment to the arts and equity. This year’s artist, Clayton Stephenson, inspired over 2,200 students across 29 events with school visits and community concerts that were both culturally relevant and personally impactful, helping students connect deeply with the music and see reflections of themselves in excellence.

Upcoming HSO Extended Events

HSO Extended takes music beyond the boundaries of the traditional concert hall and embraces the diversity of our community by featuring performances that span a wide range of musical genres and traditions. Concerts are held in unique, alternative and casual locations, bringing the magic of live music to new and unexpected spaces throughout our community.

Learning & Social Impact Team