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Connection

As humans, we crave connection; it’s in our DNA In late March 2020, in the earliest stages of the pandemic, authors Michelle Langley and Leah Coutts wrote an article for the World Economic Forum “Why do we turn to music in times of crisis?” Their conclusion was that “Music creates a sense of belonging and participation It is an antidote to the growing sense of alienation and isolation in society in general – even more so now we are being asked to actively practice social distancing and isolation . Social distancing and geographical isolation do not have to result in social isolation In the face of uncertainty and panic, music is a social balm for soothing anxiety, enhancing community connections, and acting in defiance of a threat to community spirit” .

As Symphony NH approaches our 100th anniversary in April 2023, I have been thinking about 100 years of this connection through music; of the generations of New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts residents who have shared the experience of live orchestral music together And of the generations of audiences sitting in the dark concert hall and having that visceral feeling of the orchestra as the sound washes over and through you – it’s thrilling! No live concert can ever be repeated exactly as it was the night before as each time is unique . And those experiences are shared for that one performance with the musicians, conductor, and audience It creates a bond between the music makers and the audience that is special

And while we are excited to celebrate this momentous anniversary, we are also looking to the future of Symphony NH and the next 100 years of musical connections

Sincerely,

Deanna R . Hoying Executive Director

We’ve been patient; we’ve been missing live music, and missing hearing it together . I’m thrilled to experience it once again as Symphony NH begins its 100th year of musical gifts to our state.

In celebrating this extraordinary milestone, we are also celebrating the communities and people of New Hampshire with performances throughout the state – Nashua, Concord, Manchester, Berlin, Lebanon – in an auditorium, garden, opera house, theater, church, and college . From our opening “Tribute to New Hampshire” with the stunning Firebird Suite by Stravinsky, to “Momemtum” with Schubert’s elegant Unfinished Symphony, we invite all audiences to experience the power of music

I’m honored to serve as president of the board of directors of New Hampshire’s oldest professional orchestra . I’m proud of the trustees, patrons, donors, and sponsors who are committed to ensuring that we are around for the next 100 years! I’m proud of the musicians who have persevered through one of the most tumultuous times in our history, and I’m proud of our Music Director, Roger Kalia, who brings talent, energy, innovation, and inspiration to our orchestra

Music is the antidote to isolation and stress; it has the power to transcend walls and boundaries with its language . I’m pleased to join our executive director, Deanna Hoying, in our goal of connecting communities made up of diverse audiences Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,

Mary Jordan

Directors