Welcome from the Executive Director

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