The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra concludes its 65th season on April 28, 2012, at the Garde Arts Center in New London conducted by Toshiyuki (Toshi) Shimada. The theme for the 2011-2012 season is “Silver Screen & Golden Tones” and to that end, this particular concert entitled “Behold the Sea” includes music from the classis swashbuckler film “:Sea Hawk”. Also on the program is Benjamin Britten’s glorious “Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes” and Vaughan Williams “Sea Symphony” featuring the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus, 90 voices strong, joined by member of the United States Coast Guard Glee Club and guest soloists, soprano, Amanda Hall and baritone, David Pershall. The“Sea Symphony” uses words from Walt Whitman poetry including “Leaves of Grass.” Tickets to this concert sponsored by Olde Mistick Village are $30-$54, with discounts for seniors, military personnel and students in selected seating areas. Student rush tickets at $12 are available day of the performance. There will be a pre-concert lecture at 7 PM by Mark Singleton, Choral Director, and free post-concert champagne reception for the audience. For tickets call, the ECSO office at 860-443-2876 or purchase them on line at www.gardearts.org.

The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra concert series continues on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 8 PM, at the GardeArtsCenterin New London.  The 65^th anniversary season entitled, “Silver Screen & Golden Tones” features a short piece of classic movie music included in each program during the 2011-2012 series.  Barry’s lush music from Out of Africa will start out the evening’s performance.  The program named “All in the Family” features the international piano soloist, Eva Virsik, who will be conducted by ECSO Music Director, Toshiyuki (Toshi) Shimada, her husband, and sponsored by Dominion-Millstone Power Station and The Friends of the Symphony.  Eva Virsik will play Chopin’s incomparable Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor followed by Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony in the final part of the concert.  A pre-concert lecture by pianist, Gary Chapman, is set for 7 p.m.  A free champagne reception, to which the whole audience is invited, will follow the performance.  Tickets to this concert priced at $27-$54 are available through the ECSO office at 860-443-2876 or on line at: http://www.gardearts.org/.  Student rush tickets at $12 will be available the night of the concert at the box office.