History

HISTORY of NUTMEG SYMPHONIC POPS ORCHESTRA

The Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra was founded in 1986 as the West Haven Civic Orchestra. During the first years of existence, it served as the official orchestra of the University of New Haven, and contributed music to several great causes, such as the Special Olympics and Italian Earthquake Relief; it also presented a live telethon to raise funds for the building of the West Haven Bandstand.

Thereafter, for 10 years the orchestra was fully sponsored by donations from individuals and local businesses. The orchestra continued  its regilar season schedule and in addition to a regular concert season , the group performed several concerts to raise funds for victims of 9-11, Katrina, St. Raphael’s Pediatric Dept. and other worthy causes. In addition to the Gateway auditorium, concerts were presented in different venues throughout Connecticut, including Yale’s Battell Chapel, the New Haven Green, Quinnipiac University, Milford Parsons Center, and several large churches.

In 2008 the Symphony members voted to form a non-profit orchestra. The work began by establishing a corporation which could eventually grow into the parent of several musical and performing arts programs aimed at helping the community, especially young people and the elderly. It was named the Four Havens Music Society, Inc. and became a 501 C(3) in 2009. The Symphony became known as Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra. It continues in its mission of free high quality musical performances and raises funds for needy causes, such a the concert in 2010 to help Haiti.

Anyone desiring information on Four Havens or Nutmeg Symphonic Pops should ccontact Dr. Ciaburri at by e-mail through our Contacts page on this web site.