New Haven Symphony Orchestra

In late 19th century America, the idea of a symphonic orchestra was reserved only for large municipal centers with considerable financial resources and an abundant population. A city the size of New Haven was considered too small to support such an endeavor. But Morris Steinert, a recent immigrant and music merchant, felt differently about the city's potential and teamed up with Horatio William Parker (then head of Yale's newly founded Department of Music) to form a symphonic orchestra made up of local musicians.